Integrated Process/plant for Storage of Co2 by Conversion to Synthetic Natural Gas

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an integrated method and plant that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted from industrial processes—such as cement production—and converts it into synthetic natural gas (SNG). The process involves separating CO2 from industrial flue gases, producing hydrogen through water electrolysis, and then reacting the CO2 and hydrogen in a methanation unit to create methane-rich gas. This SNG can then be stored, transported, or used as fuel, helping to reduce industrial CO2 emissions and utilize excess renewable energy.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reducing CO2 emissions in cement production and other heavy industries.
• Storing renewable electricity in the form of synthetic natural gas for later use.
• Producing grid-compatible natural gas substitute to be injected into existing gas networks.
• Supplying fuel for natural gas vehicles or power plants with low carbon footprint.
• Enabling more efficient and continuous industrial plant operations by integrating gas and heat streams.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces CO2 emissions from industrial sources by converting them into usable fuel.
• Enables large-scale, efficient storage of excess renewable energy by transforming it into storable methane.
• Improves overall energy efficiency by integrating heat and gas streams between process steps.
• Facilitates the transition to low-carbon fuels without requiring major changes to existing natural gas infrastructure.
• Provides operational flexibility and economic benefits through integrated energy and material flows.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

It is the goal of the present invention to provide a method and a plant for a most efficient operation of the industrial operation thereby storing the CO2 generated by this industrial operation in a way that further processes benefit from the energy stored into the CO2 separated from the industrial operation (wherein the CO2 can be subjected to a conversion into another product, such as SNG). This goal is achieved according to the present invention by a method and a plant for storing CO2 stemming from an industrial process as synthetic or substitute natural gas, comprising : a) an industrial operation plant generating CO2 comprised in a flue gas; said industrial operation plant performing an industrial combustion or calcination process or metallurgical process; b) a CO2 separating unit for separating a CO2 containing gas mixture from the flue gas; c) an electrolysis unit for splitting water by electrolysis to produce H2 and O2; d) a methanation unit for converting the CO2 containing gas mixture and the H2 by a methanation reaction to a methane rich gas which can be used as or upgraded to synthetic natural gas. Therefore, the present invention forms an integrated process to combine the four steps (combustion and/or calcination of cement; CO2 separation; electrolysis to produce H2 and O2; methanation) in a synergetic way to solve both problems described above with a significantly higher efficiency than possible in non-integrated plants.