Abstract: A photobioreactor includes one or more annular chambers concentrically positioned about a central axis, and an algae slurry contained within the one or more annular chambers.

Abstract: Gas separation modules and methods for use including an integrated adsorbent and membrane. In certain refining applications, it is paramount to obtain high purity product gases. Adsorbent beds are effective at removing certain contaminants, such as CO2, from gas streams containing product and contaminant constituents to form a product-rich stream. The integrated membrane permits a further separation of products from any unadsorbed contaminant to produce a high purity product, such as hydrogen, stream. The gas separation modules described herein include stacked, radial, and spiral arrangements. Each modules includes a configuration of feed and cross-flow channels for the collection of contaminant gases and/or high purity product gases.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for separation of CO2 from dilute source streams. The systems and methods for the separation can include use of contactors that correspond radial flow adsorbent modules that can allow for efficient contact of CO2-containing gas with adsorbent beds while also facilitating use of heat transfer fluids in the vicinity of the adsorbent beds to reduce or minimize temperature variations. In particular, the radial flow adsorbent beds can be alternated with regions of axial flow heat transfer conduits to provide thermal management. The radial flow structure for the adsorbent beds combined with axial flow conduits for heat transfer fluids can allow for sufficient temperature control to either a) reduce or minimize temperature variations within the adsorbent beds or b) facilitate performing the separation using temperature as a swing variable for controlling the working capacity of the adsorbent.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: Systems and processes for use of concentric adsorbent beds with rotary valve assemblies are provided.

Abstract: An adsorption module and associated processes for conducting advanced separations processes such as sorption enhanced water-gas shift (SEWGS). The adsorption module contains at least one angled baffle to create at least two tapered adsorbent beds within the adsorption module. The taper is such that the adsorbent beds' cross-sections within the adsorption module decrease in the direction of feed flow, thereby taking advantage of increased product purity and process efficiency provided by tapered adsorption beds.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a molten carbonate fuel cell power generation reaction can be separated by using a swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing or minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. A high temperature adsorption reactor adsorbs the CO2 and recovers H2 from an exhaust gas of a first molten carbonate fuel cell at a high temperature and at a low pressure. The reactor passes along the adsorbed CO2 to a cathode and the recovered H2 to an anode of a second molten carbonate fuel cell for further power generation. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of CO2 and H2.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing multistage naphtha reforming with intermediate separation of aromatics using a swing adsorption process. Use of a swing adsorption process can allow aromatics to be selectively removed from the intermediate reforming effluent while reducing or minimizing the energy costs for cooling and subsequent reheating of the intermediate reforming effluent. The resulting aromatics-rich stream generated from swing adsorption can have a substantially higher aromatics content than an aromatics-rich stream generated by conventional separation methods during multi-stage naphtha reforming. In some aspects, selective thermal purging (either hot or cold) can be used to further facilitate adsorption or desorption of components by the adsorbent in the swing adsorption vessel.

Abstract: In various aspects, apparatuses and methods are provided for low pressure drop gas separations. In PSA processes, where there are large swings in pressure and corresponding swings in fluid velocity through the adsorbent, mechanical stresses during pressure cycling are of considerable concern. When that pressure is relieved in a lower pressure portion of the cycle, the high velocity of gas moving through the adsorbent bed can erode, strip away, or otherwise damage the channels within the adsorbent. Provided herein are methods which utilize flexible boundaries between adsorbent beds that are operated out of phase with one another. The flexible boundaries permit an increase in void space through the adsorbent during high pressure stages of the cycle and a decrease in void space through the adsorbent during low pressure stages of the cycle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide from an exhaust gas. Exhaust gas from combustion in a fuel rich (or reducing) atmosphere is primarily composed of CO2, CO, N2, H2O, and H2. CO may be converted to CO2 and H2 via the water gas shift reaction. Carbon dioxide may then be effectively separated from nitrogen and hydrogen to produce a carbon dioxide stream and a nitrogen/hydrogen stream. The nitrogen/hydrogen stream may then be effectively separated to produce a high purity nitrogen stream and a high purity hydrogen stream. The process may be done in any order, such as separating the nitrogen first or the carbon dioxide first.

Abstract: In various aspects, methods are provided for hydrogen production while reducing and/or mitigating emissions during various refinery processes that produce syngas, such as power generation. Syngas can be effectively separated to generate high purity carbon dioxide and hydrogen streams, while reducing and/or minimizing the energy required for the separation, and without needing to reduce the temperature of the flue gas. In various aspects, the operating conditions, such as high temperature, mixed metal oxide adsorbents, and cycle variations, for a pressure swing adsorption reactor can be selected to minimize energy penalties while still effectively capturing the CO2 present in syngas.

Abstract: A staged complementary pressure swing adsorption system and method for low energy fractionation of a mixed fluid. Two beds in a four-column PSA system are selective for component A, and another two columns are selective for component B. The cycle creates an intermittent A and B product, using the purge effluent from the complementary product fed at an intermediate pressure. This intermittent product is used as purge gas for low-pressure purged elsewhere in the cycle using appropriate storage tanks. The use of an intermediate pressure in this cycle enables continuous production of purified component A and B without the use of compressors. Columns may also be configured to enable pressure to equalize between complementary columns.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation and enhanced hydrocarbon production where emission gases during power generation are separated by adsorption and applied to facilitate extraction of hydrocarbons from a reservoir. A power generation plant passes exhaust gas to a first swing adsorption reactor. The first swing adsorption reactor adsorbs the CO2 from the exhaust gas. An adsorption cycle of the first swing adsorption reactor is variable. An injection well injects the CO2 adsorbed by the first swing adsorption reactor in a hydrocarbon reservoir. A production well that is in communication with the injection well produces a mixture of hydrocarbons and CO2. A second swing adsorption reactor purifies the produced hydrocarbons by adsorbing the produced CO2 from the production well.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for combined cycle power generation while reducing or mitigating emissions during power generation. Recycled exhaust gas from a power generation combustion reaction can be separated using a staged complementary swing adsorption process so as to generate a high purity CO2 stream while reducing/minimizing the energy required for the separation and without having to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas. This can allow for improved energy recovery while also generating high purity streams of carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using pressure swing adsorption to separate and/or capture resulting emissions are provided. A stream of recycled exhaust gas is passed into a first swing adsorption reactor comprising a first adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. An enriched N2 stream is recovered from a forward end of the first swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the first swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The first swing adsorption reactor is purged with a portion of the first N2 stream recovered from the first swing adsorption reactor. The first purge output is passed to a second swing adsorption reactor comprising a second adsorbent material which adsorbs CO2. A second N2 stream is recovered from the second swing adsorption reactor. The pressure in the second swing adsorption reactor is reduced. The second swing adsorption reactor is purged with a steam purge.

Abstract: Systems and processes for use of concentric adsorbent beds with rotary valve assemblies are provided.

Abstract: In various aspects, apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for performing two stage separation of CO2 from a gaseous stream. The first stage adsorbent can be comprised of a plurality of cylindrical or substantially cylindrical rings. The first stage adsorbent can be comprised of a metal organic framework. The second stage adsorbent can be subject to a displacement desorption process. The second stage adsorbent can be comprised of a support and a metal compound selected from the group consisting of alkali or alkaline earth. The first and second stage adsorbent can be arranged concentrically for space and efficiency considerations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a swing adsorption process, such as a temperature swing adsorption process. During portions of a swing cycle where one or more components are being desorbed, a vibration or other perturbation can be induced in the adsorbent and/or in the adsorbent structure to assist with desorption. Inducing a vibration or other perturbation in the adsorbent structure can provide a way to introduce additional energy into the adsorbent system without having to increase the temperature of the adsorbent structure.

Abstract: In various aspects, apparatuses and methods are provided for low pressure drop gas separations. In PSA processes, where there are large swings in pressure and corresponding swings in fluid velocity through the adsorbent, mechanical stresses during pressure cycling are of considerable concern. When that pressure is relieved in a lower pressure portion of the cycle, the high velocity of gas moving through the adsorbent bed can erode, strip away, or otherwise damage the channels within the adsorbent. Provided herein are methods which utilize flexible boundaries between adsorbent beds that are operated out of phase with one another. The flexible boundaries permit an increase in void space through the adsorbent during high pressure stages of the cycle and a decrease in void space through the adsorbent during low pressure stages of the cycle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide from an exhaust gas. Exhaust gas from combustion in a fuel rich (or reducing) atmosphere is primarily composed of CO2, CO, N2, H2O, and H2. CO may be converted to CO2 and H2 via the water gas shift reaction. Carbon dioxide may then be effectively separated from nitrogen and hydrogen to produce a carbon dioxide stream and a nitrogen/hydrogen stream. The nitrogen/hydrogen stream may then be effectively separated to produce a high purity nitrogen stream and a high purity hydrogen stream. The process may be done in any order, such as separating the nitrogen first or the carbon dioxide first.