Mass Transfer Apparatus and Method for Separation of Gases

摘要

A process and apparatus for separating components of a source gas is provided in which more soluble components of the source gas are dissolved in an aqueous solvent at high pressure. The system can utilize hydrostatic pressure to increase solubility of the components of the source gas. The apparatus includes gas recycle throughout multiple mass transfer stages to improve mass transfer of the targeted components from the liquid to gas phase. Separated components can be recovered for use in a value added application or can be processed for long-term storage, for instance in an underwater reservoir.

主权项

1. A separation apparatus comprising a mass transfer stage that has an upper end and a lower end, the mass transfer stage including:
a gas injector module at the upper end of the mass transfer stage, the gas injector module including a first inlet for supplying a gaseous flow into the mass transfer stage, the gaseous flow being supplied into the gas injector module in the form of bubbles, the gas injector module including a second inlet at the upper end of the mass transfer stage for supplying an aqueous liquid flow into the gas injector module; a gas absorption module that is downstream of and adjacent to the gas injector module and proximal to the lower end of the mass transfer stage as compared to the gas injector module such that liquid flow out of the gas injector module flows into the gas absorption module; a gas separation module that is downstream of and adjacent to the gas absorption module and is at the lower end of the mass transfer stage such that liquid flow out of the gas absorption module flows into the gas separation module, the gas separation module including a gas trap, a first outlet in fluid communication with the gas trap, and a second outlet for aqueous liquid flow out of the mass transfer stage.