Combined Sub-Micron Particle Separators for Carbon Removal System

Mainstream proposes to develop a high-efficiency carbon removal system to safely collect and dispose of sub-micron carbon particulates generated from oxygen recovery systems. A cyclone separator reduces the total particulate matter loading while collecting larger particles (i.e., 1ndash;10nbsp;micro;m, gt;10nbsp;micro;m). The remaining sub-micron particles (i.e. 0.1ndash;1nbsp;micro;m) are then removed using an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), which drives particles entrained in the gas stream onto a collection electrode. Mainstream will optimize the geometry, electrode material, and key operational parameters to achieve a very high efficiency (gt;99%) for particles down to 0.1nbsp;micro;m. Collection electrodes can be regenerated in place through gas reaction or removed and scraped for safe storage and reuse or disposal, retaining all carbon particles. In Phasenbsp;I, Mainstream will leverage our existing CFD and design toolsets to experimentally demonstrate sub-micron particulate separation with a combined cyclone and ESP system. Regeneration of electrodes would occur in-place or be used for safe disposal of carbon. Using process model designs and experimental data, Mainstream will design a carbon removal system and detail system size, weight, and power requirements. In Phasenbsp;II, we will fabricate and validate a full-scale prototype system and advance system development for rapid integration.