BT20CME058 MoTanzeem

BT20CME101 Rajhans

PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
PHASE-01 Q
Q1) How does the integration of process intensification techniques, such as membrane
contactors, enhance the efficiency of CO2 capture compared to traditional absorption
methods?

Ans1) The integration of process intensification techniques, such as membrane

contactors, significantly enhances the efficiency of CO2 capture compared
to traditional absorption methods.
Membrane contactors offer advantages such as higher surface area-to-
volume ratios and selective permeability, allowing for improved mass
transfer rates and higher CO2 absorption capacities. Unlike conventional
absorption methods that rely on large absorption towers and chemical
solvents, membrane contactors operate in compact configurations,
reducing the equipment footprint and capital costs.

Additionally, membrane contactors enable simultaneous gas separation

and reaction, leading to enhanced process flexibility and energy efficiency.
Overall, the integration of membrane contactors in CO2 capture systems
represents a more efficient and sustainable approach to mitigating CO2
emissions. 

1. Membrane contactors offer higher mass transfer rates and selective permeability,
allowing for efficient CO2 absorption. 
2. Their compact design reduces equipment footprint and capital costs. 
3. Integration enables simultaneous gas separation and reaction, improving energy
efficiency.

Q2) How can the integration of rotating packed bed (RPB) technology in CO2 capture
processes lead to cost savings and improved economic viability, considering factors
such as capital and operating expenses?
Ans2)
Reduced Capital Costs
● RPB technology offers a more compact design compared to conventional packed
bed columns, resulting in lower capital expenditures.
● The smaller footprint of RPB absorbers reduces material and construction costs
associated with the absorber system.
● Additionally, the modular nature of RPB technology allows for easier scalability,
enabling companies to start with smaller-scale installations and gradually expand
as needed, thereby reducing upfront investment requirements, lead to cost savings
and improved economic viability
Lower Operating Expenses:
● RPB absorbers typically require lower energy consumption for operation compared
to conventional absorber columns.
● The intense mass transfer facilitated by RPB technology allows for efficient CO2
capture at lower absorbent concentrations, reducing solvent usage and
replenishment costs.
● Moreover, the compact design of RPB absorbers reduces the need for auxiliary
equipment and infrastructure, such as pumps and piping, resulting in lower
maintenance and operational costs over the system's lifespan.
● Additionally, the integration of multiple functionalities within RPB units, such as
incorporating the reboiler within the desorber unit, further streamlines operations
and reduces energy consumption, leading to additional cost savings.
Improved Efficiency and Performance:
● RPB technology enhances the efficiency of CO2 capture processes through its
superior mass transfer capabilities, resulting in higher capture rates and overall
system performance.
● The enhanced efficiency translates to higher CO2 removal rates per unit of
equipment, allowing for smaller equipment sizes and reduced operating costs.
● Furthermore, the improved performance of RPB absorbers leads to reduced
emissions and compliance costs associated with regulatory requirements for CO2
capture and emissions reduction.
 PHASE-02 Q/A
Q1)How can flow parameters be dynamically adjusted within monolit photoreactors
to mitigate the trade-off between residence time and mass transfer limitations,
ensuring optimal CO2 capture efficiency?

Ans1) Balancing flow parameters within monolith photoreactors is critical for

achieving optimal CO2 capture efficiency. The residence time of reactants within the
reactor directly impacts the extent of CO2 conversion, with longer residence times
typically leading to higher conversion rates. However, excessively long residence
times can exacerbate mass transfer limitations, hindering the diffusion of reactants
and products within the catalyst bed

Optimizing Residence Time:

○ Adjusting flow parameters, such as flow rate, influences the residence time of
reactants within the monolith photoreactor.
○ Higher flow rates reduce residence time, which can help mitigate mass transfer
limitations by promoting faster transport of reactants and products within the
catalyst bed.
○ However, excessively high flow rates may lead to incomplete CO2 conversion or
reduced contact time with the catalyst, necessitating careful optimization to strike
the right balance.
Mitigating Mass Transfer Limitations:

○ Dynamic adjustment of flow parameters aims to mitigate mass transfer limitations,

which arise from inadequate transport of reactants and products within the
catalyst bed.
○ Optimizing reactor geometry, such as introducing baffles or optimizing channel
dimensions, promotes uniform flow distribution and minimizes stagnant zones,
enhancing mass transport efficiency.
○ Experimental validation and computational modeling play crucial roles in
identifying the optimal combination of flow parameters to achieve maximum CO2
capture efficiency while minimizing diffusion constraints.

Dynamic Adjustment for Efficiency:

○ By dynamically tuning flow parameters, researchers can achieve an optimal

balance between residence time and mass transfer limitations, ensuring efficient
CO2 capture while minimizing diffusion constraints.
○ This approach requires a combination of experimentation and computational
modeling to identify the most effective flow conditions for maximizing CO2 capture
efficiency in monolith photoreactors.
Q2)How can the design parameters of monolith photoreactors for CO2 capture be
optimized to achieve superior performance, considering the intricate interplay
between catalyst properties, flow dynamics, and reactor geometry?

Ans2) To achieve superior performance in monolith photoreactors for CO2

capture, optimization of various parameters is essential. Here's how each aspect can
be optimized:

Integration of Catalyst Properties:

○ Surface area, porosity, and chemical composition of the catalyst are crucial for CO2
adsorption and conversion.
○ Tailoring these properties ensures the availability of active sites for efficient CO2
capture and conversion.
○ Optimized catalyst properties enhance CO2 capture efficiency and promote
selectivity towards desired products.
Understanding Flow Dynamics:

○ Flow dynamics, including flow rate, residence time, and mixing characteristics, play
a critical role in mass transport and reaction kinetics.
○ Optimization of flow dynamics minimizes mass transfer limitations and ensures
uniform contact between reactants and catalyst surfaces.
○ This optimization maximizes CO2 capture efficiency by enhancing the interaction
between reactants and catalysts.
Optimization of Reactor Geometry:

○ Reactor geometry, such as channel dimensions, packing density, and bed

configuration, influences flow distribution and light penetration.
○ Optimized reactor geometry enhances the utilization of catalyst surface area and
improves light absorption.
○ Innovative designs, like structured or hierarchical monoliths, further optimize flow
distribution and pressure drop, enhancing overall efficiency.
Synergistic Optimization Approach:

○ Achieving superior performance requires a comprehensive optimization approach

 considering catalyst properties, flow dynamics, and reactor geometry.
○ Experimental validation, coupled with computational modeling techniques like CFD
simulations, helps explore complex interactions between these parameters.
○ Iterative refinement based on experimental insights and computational predictions
leads to the development of highly efficient monolith photoreactors, minimizing
energy consumption and environmental impact.