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Chris Harding — Chemical Engineer and Biological Scientist
a year ago
I just read about Oxy-fuel, which is a process of creating high purity oxygen(O2) streams via cryogenic separations, called an Air Separation Unit. Then, the O2 is feed into the power plant with little or no nitrogen(N2), and the coal or natural gas combusts more fully. sulfur oxides and oxides of nitrogen are produced in the combustion process with coal, but a stream of CO2 is produced in both cases which goes to the Gas Processing Unit that purifies the CO2 more so that it can be piped to and used for enhanced oil recovery.
There are newer technologies that heat the air stream to very high temperatures, greater than 700K, and produce O2- ions that diffuse through the membrane while excluding nitrogen. This can produce high purity oxygen for combustion by a cheaper process.
The CO2 is used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). That is where CO2 disrupts uncollected pockets of oil in the ground.
Overall, the process is energy intensive and why oil corporations are turning to Direct Air Capture, which is very energy intensive today, to capture CO2 for EOR. Also, they get tax brakes when using DAC.
References:
[1] Reiner, D., Bui, M., & Mac Dowell, N. (2019). Carbon Capture and Storage. The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Great insight on the evolving technology of Oxy-fuel and its applications in energy and oil recovery sectors! It's intriguing to see how this technology not only enhances combustion efficiency but also aids in CO2 management. Beyond its current usage, this technology holds potential in various other domains. For instance, in the steel industry, the use of high purity oxygen can significantly reduce the presence of unwanted gases in furnaces, thereby improving the quality of steel. Additionally, in waste management, Oxy-fuel technology could be employed to more efficiently and cleanly convert waste into energy. Another intriguing application could be in the field of space exploration, where this technology might be adapted for generating breathable oxygen in extraterrestrial habitats. Lastly, in the realm of healthcare, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and sterilization processes, the use of high purity oxygen can be crucial. It's exciting to consider these possibilities and how they can further contribute to sustainability and innovation.
Great insight on the evolving technology of Oxy-fuel and its applications in energy and oil recovery sectors! It's intriguing to see how this technology not only enhances combustion efficiency but also aids in CO2 management. Beyond its current usage, this technology holds potential in various other domains. For instance, in the steel industry, the use of high purity oxygen can significantly reduce the presence of unwanted gases in furnaces, thereby improving the quality of steel. Additionally, in waste management, Oxy-fuel technology could be employed to more efficiently and cleanly convert waste into energy. Another intriguing application could be in the field of space exploration, where this technology might be adapted for generating breathable oxygen in extraterrestrial habitats. Lastly, in the realm of healthcare, particularly in the production of pharmaceuticals and sterilization processes, the use of high purity oxygen can be crucial. It's exciting to consider these possibilities and how they can further contribute to sustainability and innovation.
Cryogenic processes have to be used on streams that are not dilute in the gas desired.