System for Capturing Carbon Dioxide and Other Gases

Abstract

Disclosed are devices and methods for capturing carbon dioxide and other gases. All gas-capturing systems employ chemical fluid/media for binding purposes. One system delivers chemicals in droplet form, while another system delivers feed gas in bubble form. All systems employ an admixing chamber for confining and uniting particles of matter, as well as streaming means for placing gas in confinement. The droplet-based delivery system packetizes chemicals using an atomizing device, while the bubble-based delivery system packetizes gaseous feedstock using metering means, rerouting means, perturbation means, and stream-dividing means. The droplet and bubble systems feature common or unique advantages relating to chemical flow, surface area, and/or progressive cycling. These advantages increase the efficiency of gas-capturing devices in general and decarbonizing devices in particular.

Claims

1. An apparatus for capturing gas using packetized droplets of chemical fluid, said apparatus comprising: an admixing chamber for confining and uniting select particles of matter; streaming means for placing gas in confinement; chemical fluid for binding confined gas; and droplet delivery means for creating chemical droplets within said admixing chamber and thereby exposing said chemical droplets to confined gas.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from natural wind current.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more canisters.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more flues.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more compressors.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more fans.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more vacuums.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises ambient air.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises flue exhaust.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises carbon dioxide.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chemical fluid is capable of binding carbon dioxide.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said droplet delivery means comprises one or more atomizers.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising an internal reservoir for chemical storage.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising an external reservoir for chemical storage.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising aerosol-blocking means for preventing chemical aerosols from escaping into the environment.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said aerosol-blocking means comprises one or more filters.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said aerosol-blocking means comprises one or more membranes.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said aerosol-blocking means comprises one or more condensers.

19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said aerosol-blocking means comprises one or more liquid barriers.

20. A method for capturing gas using packetized droplets of chemical fluid, said method comprising: confining gas within an admixing chamber; exposing confined gas to droplets of chemical fluid, said chemical fluid being capable of binding confined gas; collecting said chemical fluid; and processing said chemical fluid to remove gas bound thereto.

21. An apparatus for capturing gas using packetized bubbles of gaseous feedstock, said apparatus comprising: an admixing chamber for confining and uniting select particles of matter; streaming means for placing gas in confinement; chemical media for binding confined gas; and bubble delivery means for creating gas bubbles within said admixing chamber and thereby exposing said gas bubbles to confined chemical media.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more canisters.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more flues.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more compressors.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said streaming means comprises pressure from one or more fans.

26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises ambient air.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises flue exhaust.

28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the gas contained within the admixing chamber comprises carbon dioxide.

29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said chemical media is capable of binding carbon dioxide.

30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more electronically controlled valves for enabling periodic or intermittent gas injection.

31. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more mechanically controlled valves for enabling periodic or intermittent gas injection.

32. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more contoured or finned screens for rerouting and compartmentalizing traversing gas.

33. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more multi-output ducts for rerouting and compartmentalizing traversing gas.

34. The apparatus of claim 21, .wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more rotary paddles for creating perturbation waves within confined chemical media.

35. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more sound emitters for creating perturbation waves within confined chemical media.

36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises multiple intake ports for dividing feed gas into individual injection streams and thereby enabling parallel streaming of injected feed gas.

37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said bubble delivery means comprises one or more output-splitting devices for dividing feed gas into individual injection streams and thereby enabling parallel streaming of injected feed gas.

38. A method for capturing gas using packetized bubbles of gaseous feedstock, said method comprising: confining chemical media within an admixing chamber; exposing confined chemical media to bubbles of gas, said gas being capable of binding to confined chemical media; collecting said chemical media; and processing said chemical media to remove gas bound thereto.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Numerous drawings are supplied. Two of those drawings depict prior art, while the remaining drawings inclusively illustrate miscellaneous aspects of the invention.

[0025] For reference purposes, FIG. 1 (Prior Art) depicts, in side cross-sectional view, an ordinary decarbonizing device relying on chemicals suspended within porous material.

[0026] FIG. 2 depicts, in side cross-sectional view, one embodiment of the droplet-based delivery system, said embodiment featuring an individual atomizing device (pictorially represented as element 1) for chemical packetization.

[0027] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 depict, in side cross-sectional view, various embodiments of the droplet-based delivery system, said embodiments featuring an internal reservoir (FIG. 3) or external reservoir (FIG. 4) for chemical collection.

[0028] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9 depict, in side or terminus cross-sectional view, various embodiments of the droplet-based delivery system, said embodiments featuring multiple atomizers along the inner chamber walls.

[0029] FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 10C, FIG. 10D, and FIG. 10E depict, in table form, select data, including surface area, for spheres having volumes ranging from 1000 cubic centimeters (1 liter) to 0.001 cubic centimeter (0.000001 liter).

[0030] For reference purposes, FIG. 11 (Prior Art) depicts, in side cross-sectional view, an ordinary decarbonizing device relying on free-standing chemical media.

[0031] FIG. 12 depicts, in side cross-sectional view, one embodiment of the bubble-based delivery system, said embodiment employing metering means (not shown) for gas packetization.

[0032] FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 depict, in side cross-sectional view, various embodiments of the bubble-based delivery system, said embodiments featuring rerouting means (pictorially represented as elements 8 and 13) for gas packetization.

[0033] FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 depict, in side cross-sectional view, various embodiments of the bubble-based delivery system, said embodiments featuring perturbation means (pictorially represented as elements 9 and 10) for gas packetization.

[0034] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 depict, in side cross-sectional view, various embodiments of the bubble-based delivery system, said embodiments featuring stream-dividing means (pictorially represented as elements 1 and 12) for gas packetization.

[0035] Included within the foregoing drawings are various elements, namely, intake port 1, exhaust port 2, gas-stream trajectory 3, suspension lattice 4, chemical 5, atomizer 6, gas 7, screen 8, rotary paddle 9, sound emitter 10, perturbation wave 11, output-splitting device 12, and duct 13.

[0036] The foregoing drawings and elements are thoroughly and comprehensively discussed in the below disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] As indicated, the invention encompasses two discrete but related delivery systems. Both systems perform packetization functions. However, one system delivers chemical droplets, while the other system delivers gas bubbles.

[0038] A detailed description of the foregoing systems is provided below. The detailed description is divided into five subparts, designated Subparts A through E. As indicated by their headings, Subparts A and B discuss the embodiments and advantages of the droplet-based delivery system. Subparts C and D, in contrast, discuss the embodiments and advantages of the bubble-based delivery system. Finally, Subpart E provides concluding remarks concerning both delivery systems.

Subpart A

Embodiments of Droplet System

[0039] The droplet-based delivery system features numerous embodiments. All embodiments, however, comprise four common elements, namely, an admixing chamber (for confining and uniting matter); streaming means (for placing gas in confinement); chemical fluid (for binding confined gas); and an atomizing device (for creating and delivering chemical droplets within the admixing chamber). Such components serve as the foundation for all embodiments of the droplet-based delivery system.

[0040] To fully appreciate the invention, and to provide context for the disclosure, the droplet system must first be juxtaposed with conventional technology. FIG. 1 (Prior Art), as noted, depicts an ordinary decarbonizing device. The decarbonizing device employs an admixing chamber, said admixing chamber featuring intake port 1 and exhaust port 2. Located within the chamber is suspension lattice 4, which holds chemical 5. Feed gas follows trajectory 3. Thus, during operation, feed gas enters intake port 1, passes through suspension lattice 4, contacts chemical 5, and exits exhaust port 2.

[0041] FIG. 2 depicts the droplet-based delivery system as invented. Unlike the conventional system represented in FIG. 1 (Prior Art), the droplet system is capable of packetizing chemicals and delivering such packetized chemicals into the admixing chamber in droplet form. The chemical droplets then intermix with confined feed gas, causing confined gas to bind to the chemical droplets via absorption/adsorption.

[0042] These packetizing, intermixing, and binding functions are discussed below. Also discussed below are various modes for implementing the droplet system as invented.

[0043] First and foremost, the droplet system comprises not only an admixing chamber and chemical fluid but also streaming means. The streaming means (not depicted in the drawings) is employed to push or pull feed gas into the admixing chamber. The streaming means may comprise positive or negative pressure from wind, canisters, flues, compressors, fans, vacuums, or any other available gas source or gas-streaming device. In short, any natural or artificial mechanism may be used to push or pull feed gas into the admixing chamber.

[0044] The invention employs an atomizer to implement the packetization function. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, atomizer 6 is interfaced with the interior of the admixing chamber. Feed gas follows trajectory 3, entering the admixing chamber through intake port 1. In its operative mode, atomizer 6 ejects chemical 5, doing so in droplet form. The packetized projectile, chemical 5, interacts with surrounding feed gas, causing components of feed gas to bind to chemical 5.

[0045] FIG. 2 depicts chemical 5 in midflight. That suspended state, of course, is temporary. To mention the obvious, gravitational forces will eventually cause chemical 5 to settle to the bottom of the admixing chamber and to pool together in free-standing (nonpacketized) form. Settled chemicals, at that point, must be stored and managed.

[0046] One embodiment of the invention deals with settled chemicals by utilizing an internal reservoir, that is, by collecting and retaining chemicals on the chamber floor. That embodiment is depicted in FIG. 3. Another embodiment of the invention deals with settled chemicals by draining such chemicals into an external reservoir. That embodiment is depicted in FIG. 4. Under both embodiments, stored chemicals can be recycled through atomizer 6 until chemical 5 is saturated, at which point chemical 5 can be transferred to another vessel for stripping and regeneration.

[0047] The systems shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 feature one atomizer. Multiple atomizers, however, may be utilized (and are recommended) for purposes of chemical packetization and delivery. To illustrate that point, various multi-atomizer embodiments are depicted in FIGS. 5 through 9. All such drawings are cross-sectional depictions of an admixing chamber, said admixing chamber viewed through either its side walls (as in FIG. 5) or its end caps (as in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9).

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 5, one multi-atomizer embodiment features an arrangement of two opposing rows. Each row, in turn, contains five atomizers. One five-atomizer row is situated along the chamber floor, while the other five-atomizer row is situated along the chamber ceiling. It must be noted that FIG. 5 is inclusive in nature. For that reason, any number of rows or atomizers may be employed, with the rows and atomizers being arranged in any chosen fashion.

[0049] In that spirit, FIGS. 6 through 9 depict alternative multi-atomizer embodiments. As shown therein, atomizers may be situated along all inner walls of the admixing chamber. That peripheral arrangement has the benefit of allowing the atomizers to envelope the entire admixing chamber, promoting ubiquitous exposure of feed gas to packetized chemicals. Incidentally, the peripheral arrangement can be implemented regardless of whether the admixing chamber is cylindrical (as in FIG. 6); is shaped into octagonal, square, or triangular prisms (as in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, respectively); or takes the form of other geometrical configurations.

[0050] In addition to the multi-atomizer embodiments, it is preferred that the atomizers deliver the smallest droplets possible. The reason relates to increased surface area. In that regard, FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E depict, in table form, various characteristics of spherical objects, including volume and surface area. The drawings illustrate an important geometrical fact, namely, that smaller spheres have greater aggregate surface area per unit of volume. The atomizers should therefore be designed and configured to discharge the finest droplets in order to maximize aggregate surface area.

[0051] Whatever embodiment is utilized, it is recommended that precautions be taken to prevent chemical aerosols from escaping the admixing chamber. This is because many chemicals, especially chemicals employed in decarbonizing devices, are harmful to the environment. The venting of chemical aerosols is therefore discouraged and should be avoided if possible.

[0052] Various measures may be adopted to prevent escaping chemical aerosols. For example, filters or membranes can be positioned at the exhaust port. The filters or membranes would be capable of blocking micron-sized particles, including chemical aerosols. Additionally, condensing devices or liquid barriers may be incorporated into the admixing chamber. Exhaust gas would pass through such devices or barriers before being vented, thereby removing chemical aerosols. These embodiments are inclusive, as other aerosol-containment measures can certainly be taken within the scope of the invention.

Subpart B

Advantages of Droplet System

[0053] The droplet-based delivery system has numerous advantages over prior art. Those advantages primarily relate to chemical flow, surface area, and progressive cycling, all of which increase efficiency in one way or another.

[0054] Unlike carbon-capturing devices that rely on chemical-impregnated suspension lattices, the droplet system employs free-flowing chemicals. The chemicals are ejected by the atomizers but eventually settle to the bottom of the admixing chamber. Thus, unlike lattice-based devices, the droplet system allows chemicals to be drained and transferred to another vessel for stripping and regeneration.

[0055] The droplet system also features advantageous surface-area and progressive-cycling characteristics. Unlike all prior-art decarbonizing devices, the droplet system delivers packetized chemicals. Such packetized delivery is progressive in nature. The atomizers, in other words, continuously or periodically eject chemical droplets. Droplet surface area, as such, is constantly renewed with the passage of time.

[0056] The foregoing surface-area and progressive-cycling characteristics can be mathematically quantified. As noted, FIGS. 10A through 10E depict, in table form, miscellaneous sphere-related properties. Such properties can be applied to the droplets. It is acknowledged that the droplets ejected from the atomizers will not be uniform spheres, especially when the droplets undergo acceleration (upon ejection) or deceleration (after ejection). However, spheres represent the closest geometrical approximation of the droplets. All surface-area calculations are therefore based on spherical dimensions. It is understood, of course, that distortions in droplet shape will affect the spherical surface area as calculated.

[0057] For calculation purposes, it will be assumed that the atomizers collectively output 1 liter of fluid per discharge cycle. It will further be assumed that the atomizers eject droplets measuring 0.001 cm.sup.3 (0.000001 liter). Here, again, reference is made to the mathematical table, particularly the last row appearing in FIG. 10E. According to that row, droplets of the foregoing volume will feature individual surface area of 0.048359759 cm.sup.2 (0.000004836 m.sup.2). One million such droplets compose 1 liter of fluid. Thus, as indicated by the last row in FIG. 10E, the droplets at issue feature aggregate surface area of 48359.75862 cm.sup.2 (4.835975848 m.sup.2) per liter.

[0058] These surface-area calculations apply to each discharge cycle. Now, assuming that the atomizers engage in 10 discharge cycles per second, then per-second surface area will total 483597.5862 cm.sup.2 (48.35975862 m.sup.2). If that per-second figure is extended to one day (86400 seconds), then per-day surface area will total 41782831447.6800 cm.sup.2 (4178283.14476800 m.sup.2). Finally, if that per-day figure is extended to one year (365.25 days), then per-year surface area will total 15261179186265.120000 cm.sup.2 (1526117918.6265120000 m.sup.2).

[0059] These cumulative surface-area figures, to reiterate, apply to 1 liter of fluid. If per-cycle fluid output is increased to 10 liters, and if all other metrics remain the same, then progressive surface area (that is, total surface area over time) will increase by one decimal position.

[0060] Finally, it is emphasized that the foregoing surface-area calculations are conservative. All calculations were based on the assumption that the atomizers discharged droplets having volumes of 0.001 cm.sup.3 (0.000001 liter). Such microliter droplets are actually quite large, measuring 1 cubic millimeter. Existing atomizers, not surprisingly, are capable of ejecting less-voluminous droplets. Obviously, where nanoliter droplets are employed (that is, where droplets measure 0.000001 cm.sup.3), then all aggregate surface-area measurements, as quoted above, must be multiplied by 10—thereby increasing aggregate surface area by another decimal position.

Subpart C

Embodiments of Bubble System

[0061] Turning now to the bubble-based delivery system, that system similarly comprises an admixing chamber and streaming means. However, unlike the droplet system, the bubble system delivers packetized gas, not packetized chemicals.

[0062] For reference purposes, FIG. 11 (Prior Art) depicts an ordinary admixing chamber containing free-standing chemical media. Feed gas follows trajectory 3, entering intake port 1, passing through chemical 5, and exiting exhaust port 2. As shown, while passing through chemical 5, gas 7 forms into one continuous conical or cylindrical pocket. The geometry of that gas pocket limits the surface area of traversing feed gas, inhibiting interaction between gas 7 and chemical 5.

[0063] The bubble-based delivery system, as noted, is directed at packetizing feed gas. Through its packetization function, the invention overcomes prior-art limitations by increasing the surface area of feed gas and thereby enhancing the gas-binding efficiency of decarbonizing devices.

[0064] The bubble system, of course, relies on streaming means to inject feed gas into the admixing chamber. Any pressurizing device can be employed to effectuate feed-gas injection. Such devices include, but are not limited to, canisters, flues, compressors, fans, or other positive-pressure apparatuses. Those streaming devices will necessarily be connected to the intake port, forcing feed gas to enter the admixing chamber for intermixing with chemical media.

[0065] The invention employs various methods for packetizing gaseous feedstock. Some of those methods are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0066] FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of the bubble-based delivery system. That embodiment employs metering means (not shown) in order to deliver feed gas periodically or intermittently. The metering means may comprise any device capable of regulating gas delivery, including electronically or mechanically controlled valves. During operation, the valves or devices would open and close at designated intervals. Such opening/closing could be based on the elapse of time (as in time-regulated valves), on the volume of flowing gas (as in volume-regulated valves), on the buildup of gas pressure (as in pressure-regulated valves), or on other criteria. Whatever metering devices are used, feed gas is delivered periodically or intermittently into the admixing chamber. The result of that metering process is shown in FIG. 12. Specifically, as depicted therein, gas 7 traverses chemical 5 in bubble form.

[0067] FIGS. 13 through 18 illustrate additional embodiments of the bubble-based delivery system. All such embodiments have been shown in combination with the aforementioned metering embodiment. However, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 through 18 are capable of packetizing feed gas even if such feed gas is injected into the admixing chamber in continuous fashion (as happens with prior-art devices).

[0068] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 employ rerouting means for creating feed-gas bubbles. The rerouting means are directed at intercepting, diverting, and compartmentalizing traversing feed gas. Any device may be employed to accomplish such rerouting functions. To illustrate that point, the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 employs screen 8 (which can be contoured or finned to enhance rerouting effectiveness), while the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 employs duct 13. Both embodiments are effective at packetizing ascending feed gas. Such packetization is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. Those drawings depict gas 7 entering screen 8 or duct 13 and exiting those devices in reduced fragments.

[0069] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 employ perturbation means for creating feed-gas bubbles. The purpose for employing perturbation means is to create waves that are capable of disrupting congregating feed gas. Any wave-creating device may be employed. In that regard, the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 employs rotary paddle 9, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 employs sound emitter 10. Rotary paddle 9 and sound emitter 10 are positioned in chemical 5. Both devices generate wave 11. Wave 11, in turn, perturbs gas 7, causing gas 7 to divide into bubbles when passing through wave 11.

[0070] Lastly, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 employ stream-dividing means for packetizing feed gas. The stream-dividing means are directed at enabling parallel gas injection. Any device may be employed to accomplish concurrent streaming. To that end, the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 employs multiple intake ports, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 employs an output-splitting device. In the latter embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 18, splitter 12 is connected to the discharge side of intake port 1. Both embodiments accomplish packetization by allowing parallel feed-gas streaming.

[0071] Whatever embodiments are employed, it is recommended that the bubble system produce the smallest gas packets possible. This recommendation is premised on the fact that smaller spheres feature greater aggregate surface area per given volume of fluid. The mathematical relationship between sphere volume and aggregate sphere area is illustrated by the table shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 100, 10D, and 10E. Although packetized gas bubbles will not be uniform spheres, the sizing and aggregate-area relationships remain valid for other geometrical shapes. Efforts should therefore be made to reduce bubble size and thereby maximize aggregate surface area of traversing feed gas, regardless of bubble geometry.

Subpart D

Advantages of Bubble System

[0072] The bubble-based delivery system features numerous advantages over prior art. The main advantage of the bubble system relates to increased surface area of chemical-traversing feed gas. Whereas conventional decarbonizing devices advance feed gas through free-standing chemical media in conical or cylindrical form, such as the device shown in FIG. 11 (Prior Art), the bubble-based delivery system effectuates packetized feed-gas streaming. Such packetization has the effect of increasing the surface area of chemical-traversing feed gas.

[0073] It goes without saying that surface area is an important metric in decarbonizing systems. Irrespective of the type of decarbonizing device involved, the surface area of exposed feed gas serves as an interface for absorption or adsorption. A positive correlation therefore exists between surface area and carbon-capturing efficiency. This principle Underlies the main advantage of the bubble system. Because greater surface area translates into greater gas-to-chemical exposure, the bubble system, through its packetization function, increases the efficiency of decarbonizing systems.

[0074] Such increases in efficiency are advantageous, to say the least. For one thing, more carbon dioxide can be scrubbed from feed gas. It will therefore be unnecessary to recycle feed gas through the admixing chamber for additional scrubbing. And because feed gas is scrubbed more completely (that is, more carbon dioxide is removed), processed feed gas is cleaner and can be safely vented. The upshot is that the bubble-based delivery system is environmentally friendly, results in greater carbon-dioxide sequestration, and will reduce operating expenses by obviating feed-gas recycling.

[0075] The bubble-based delivery system features other advantages in addition to those specified. For present purposes, however, it suffices to say that the bubble system overcomes numerous limitations in prior art, giving the bubble system superiority in relation to conventional devices.

Subpart E

Comments Regarding Both Systems

[0076] Two discrete but related packetization systems have been disclosed. One system enables the delivery of chemical fluid in droplet form. The other system, in contrast, enables the delivery of feed gas in bubble form. Multiple embodiments of the droplet and bubble systems were disclosed. All such embodiments are capable of effectuating the packetization function, either in the form of droplets or bubbles.

[0077] By studying the present disclosure, skilled artisans can implement the droplet and bubble systems according to the preferred embodiments of the invention. There are, of course, other embodiments of the disclosed systems. Such additional embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the invention, as broadly defined by the below claims.

[0078] Although the invention has been discussed in connection with decarbonizing devices, the droplet and bubble systems go beyond carbon-capturing purposes. This is because the admixing chamber may employ any type of chemical, including any chemical capable of binding to gases other than carbon dioxide. Moreover, feed gas may comprise any gaseous element, molecule, mixture, or substance. The disclosed systems, in short, apply to all gas-to-chemical interactions, not just to carbon-dioxide streams and carbon-binding chemicals.

[0079] Finally, it is noted that the disclosure and claims repeatedly refer to chemicals in general and chemical fluid or media in particular. Those terms are intended to be interpreted in the broadest possible sense. Accordingly, all chemical references shall encompass any liquid substance, including water. Such an inclusive chemical definition stems from knowledge that water is capable of binding miscellaneous gases, including carbon dioxide. Seawater, in fact, dissolves hundreds of billions of tons of carbon dioxide every year. It is therefore anticipated that practitioners will employ water and other liquid substances as gas-binding chemicals, which can certainly be done within the scope of the invention.