Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO2), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via exposing air containing carbon dioxide to a solution comprising a base—resulting in a basic solution which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces a carbonate solution. The solution is causticized and the temperature is increased to release carbon dioxide, followed by hydration of solid components to regenerate the base.

Abstract: An air/liquid exchanger comprising an open-cell foam 102 supporting a liquid sorbent. The exchanger may be used for removing trace gaseous components from the air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.

Abstract: A process for removing CO2 from the air, comprising the steps of (a) passing the air in contact with a first ion exchange resin to absorb CO2 from the air; (b) passing a CO2 sorbent in contact with the first ion exchange resin to transport CO2 to the sorbent; passing the sorbent from step (b) in contact with a weak base anion exchange resin to absorb CO2 from the sorbent; separating the CO2 from the ion exchange resin by heating the ion exchange resin from step (c) whereby to drive off the CO2 from the resin. Alternatively, the ion exchange resin may be washed with water prior to heating.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (C02), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via exposing air containing carbon dioxide to a solution comprising a base—resulting in a basic solution which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces a carbonate solution. The solution is causticized and the temperature is increased to release carbon dioxide, followed by hydration of solid components to regenerate the base.

Abstract: An air/liquid exchanger comprising an open-cell foam 102 supporting a liquid sorbent. The exchanger may be used for removing trace gaseous components from the air.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifying process streams are described. In some embodiments, a method for gasifying a process stream includes gasifying the process stream in a first chamber to generate one or more product gases, transporting at least a portion of the one or more product gases to a second chamber, combusting at least a portion of the one or more product gases in the presence of one or more catalysts in the second chamber to generate a heat energy, and indirectly providing the heat energy from the second chamber to the first chamber as a primary heat source to drive gasification of the process stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for carbon dioxide from air, which comprises exposing solvent covered surfaces to air streams where the airflow is kept laminar, or close to the laminar regime. The invention also provides for an apparatus, which is a laminar scrubber, comprising solvent covered surfaces situated such that they can be exposed to air streams such that the airflow is kept laminar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing CO2 from air, which comprises exposing sorbent covered surfaces to the air. The invention also provides for an apparatus for exposing air to a CO2 sorbent. In another aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) bound in a sorbent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from a fluid stream and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments for utilization by a secondary process. Various extraction and delivery methods are disclosed specific to certain secondary uses, included the attraction of CO2-sensitive insects, the ripening and preservation of produce, and the neutralization of brine.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating sulfuric acid (102) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes combusting a sulfur-containing material (114) with a gas including oxygen (116) to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide (118), mixing water with the first stream of sulfur dioxide to produce a mixed stream, using an energy, electrolytically converting (108) the mixed stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid (102) and hydrogen (122), generating a source of energy (126) from the hydrogen, and providing the source of energy as at least a portion of the energy for electrolytically converting the first stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the system includes a first chamber for combusting a sulfur-containing material to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide, an electrolytic cell (108) for converting the first stream into sulfuric acid and hydrogen, and a fuel cell (112) for generating an energy source from the hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a contaminant, such as carbon dioxide, from a gas stream, such as ambient air. The contaminant is removed from the gas stream by a sorbent which may be regenerated using a humidity swing, a thermal swing, or a combination thereof. The sorbent may comprise a substrate having embedded positive ions and individually mobile negative ions wherein the positive ions are sufficiently spaced to prevent interactions between the negative ions. Where a thermal swing is used, heat may be conserved by employing a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the regenerated sorbent to an amount of sorbent that is loaded with the contaminant prior to regeneration.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A reduced emission kiln is described. In some embodiments, the kiln includes a combustion zone for generating heat energy. The combustion zone includes an oxygen inlet and a fuel inlet. In some embodiments, the kiln also includes a calcination zone for converting limestone into lime and carbon dioxide in response to the heat energy from the combustion zone. The calcination zone includes an inlet for limestone, a conduit for directing the carbon dioxide to the combustion zone for use as a flood gas to control the heat energy, an outlet for directing the lime to a hydration chamber, and a carbon dioxide permeable membrane for separating the carbon dioxide in the calcination zone from other materials in the calcination zone and preventing the other materials from entering the conduit for directing the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO2), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via exposing air containing carbon dioxide to a solution comprising a base—resulting in a basic solution which absorbs carbon dioxide and produces a carbonate solution. The solution is causticized and the temperature is increased to release carbon dioxide, followed by hydration of solid components to regenerate the base.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from solid or liquid carbon-containing fuels in a two-step process. The fuel is gasified with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reaction to produce a methane-rich gaseous reaction product, which is then reacted with water and calcium oxide in a hydrogen production and carbonation reaction to produce hydrogen and calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate may be continuously removed from the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone and calcined to regenerate calcium oxide, which may be reintroduced into the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction zone. Hydrogen produced in the hydrogen production and carbonation reaction is more than sufficient both to provide the energy necessary for the calcination reaction and also to sustain the hydrogenation of the coal in the gasification reaction. The excess hydrogen is available for energy production or other purposes.