Steam recovery from flue gas by organosilica membranes for simultaneous harvesting of water and energy

Steam recovery from the spent gases from flues could be a key step in addressing the water shortage issue while additionally benefiting energy saving. Herein, we propose a system that uses organosilica membranes consisting of a developed layered structure to recover steam and latent heat from waste. Proof-of-concept testing is conducted in a running incinerator plant. The proposed system eliminates the need for a water supply while simultaneously recovering latent heat from the waste stream. First, the long-term stability of an organosilica membrane is confirmed over the course of six months on a laboratory-scale under a simulated waste stream. Second, steam recovery is demonstrated in a running waste incinerator plant (bench-scale), which confirms the steady operation of this steam recovery system with a steam recovery rate comparable to that recorded in the laboratory-scale test. Third, process simulation reveals that this system enables water-self-reliance with energy recovery that approximates 70% of waste combustion energy. Flue gas is a rich source of water and energy. Here, authors provide a state-of-the-art system anchored in organosilica membrane technology, attaining impressive steam recovery, delivering up to 70% energy recovery, and offering a promising remedy for global water shortages.

Automated summary

This study proposes a system using organosilica membranes to recover steam and latent heat from waste flue gases. Experimental tests in both laboratory and incinerator plant settings demonstrate the stability and high energy recovery efficiency of this system.