CO₂ absorption intensification using three‐dimensional printed dynamic polarity packing in a bench‐scale integrated CO₂ capture system

Abstract

Postcombustion carbon capture using a chemical absorbent is a promising technology to reduce CO2 emission. However, the overall construction and operating costs remain a major challenge. In order to intensify the absorption process and to reduce these costs, a novel dynamic polarity structured packing (DP packing) with alternate patterns of surface polarity has been developed to enhance local macro‐scale turbulence within the advanced viscous solvent to reduce the mass transfer diffusion resistance. Three DP structured packings that incorporate multiple polymeric materials were fabricated using three‐dimensional printing technique and evaluated through parametric testing using a bench‐scale integrated CO2 capture unit with 76.2 mm ID absorber. At optimized operating conditions, the DP packing showed a relative 22.7% increase in absorption and 20.0% decrease in energy penalty.

Novelty in fossil fuel carbon abatement technologies in the 21st Century: post‐combustion carbon capture

“…Xiao et al 123 . presented a novel dynamic polarity structured packing (DP packing) which has the potential of intensifying CO 2 absorption.…”

“…Three dynamic polarity packings DP‐1, DP‐2 and DP‐3 developed have hydrophobic shells and a packing surface including dynamic hydrophilic‐hydrophobic segments. Comparing the performance of the dynamic polarity packing and Mellapak 250Y steel packing shows that the former showed a 22.7% increase in absorption efficiency and 20% decrease in energy penalty 123 …”

“…Other concerns that need to be addressed for effective application of DP packing in CO 2 capture include packing stability and its influence on solvent degradation, and whether the packing materials can endure high stripping temperatures and show both chemical and mechanical stability over a long period. This latter is because the packing can potentially enhance CO 2 stripping from solvent as a result of its better contact with steam and the turbulence effect 123 …”

“…Xiao et al 123 presented a novel dynamic polarity structured packing (DP packing) which has the potential of intensifying CO 2 absorption. The packing developed has an alternate pattern of surface polarity to enhance local macro-scale turbulence with very viscous solvent to increase mass transfer rate.…”

“…Comparing the performance of the dynamic polarity packing and Mellapak 250Y steel packing shows that the former showed a 22.7% increase in absorption efficiency and 20% decrease in energy penalty. 123 The benefits of using DP packing in intensifying mass transfer rate in CO 2 capture processes according to Xiao et al 123 are as follows: (i) column size reduction; (ii) decrease in solvent cost and pumping cost as a consequence of the increase in solvent cyclic capacity and decrease in solvent requirement; and (iii) the solvent can be operated at higher solvent loading and with lower water content, leading to a decrease in energy costs during solvent regeneration.…”