| abstract |
A method and apparatus for producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide in a single operation. A permanganate/hydrogen peroxide solution (20) is contained in a tank (22), which includes a catalyst surface (24) containing a suitable catalyst for the redox reaction used to produce oxygen. Carbon dioxide is brought in direct contact with solution (20) by bubbling through a diffuser (30). The carbon dioxide then reacts with aqueous manganese (II) ions, produced during the redox reaction that generated oxygen, as well as calcium ions, and/or other ions that may be present to produce insoluble carbonate salts that precipitate from solution (20). The insoluble carbonate salts are allowed to accumulate in tank (22). Oxygen may accumulate in a head space (26), where it is ultimately transported via external oxygen line (4). The oxygen generator/carbon dioxide absorber (2) may also include a heat exchanger (29) as a means for preheating hydrocarbon fuel for a combustor. |