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A comparative dynamic study of seawater pretreatment using experimental and pilot bubble tower
Yingying Zhao1, Hui Jin2, Jiale Li2
1School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China E-mail: 93867577@qq.com; Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center of Modern Marine Chemical Technology, Tianjin 300130, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Energy Conservation in Chemical Process Integration and Resources Utilization, Tianjin 300130, China and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, Tianjin 300130, China.
This study details a novel method for carbon sequestration using carbon dioxide (CO2) and magnesium oxide to remove calcium from seawater. The process achieved high calcium removal and carbon sequestration rates in both lab and pilot tests, yielding pure calcium carbonate.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Previous work demonstrated carbon dioxide (CO2) can carbonate calcium ions in seawater using magnesium oxide.
- Seawater decalcification and carbon capture remain critical environmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the reaction mechanism and simulate the gas-liquid-solid system for CO2 carbonation in seawater.
- To conduct continuous experiments and a pilot test for optimizing decalcification and carbon sequestration.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of the gas-liquid-solid system.
- Continuous experiments in a bubble column reactor.
- Pilot testing in an 8-meter bonnet tower.
Main Results:
- Laboratory experiments achieved 94% calcium removal and 63.6% carbon sequestration.
- Pilot tests demonstrated a 95% decalcification rate, consistent with lab results.
- Pure micron calcium carbonate was successfully produced as a byproduct.
Conclusions:
- The proposed reaction mechanism and simulation provide a foundation for efficient CO2 carbonation.
- The process is scalable and effective for seawater decalcification and carbon sequestration.
- This method offers a viable route for producing valuable calcium carbonate while mitigating CO2 emissions.
