A methanol fuel gel and its preparation method and methanol extraction method

Abstract

This invention discloses a methanol fuel gel and its preparation method, as well as a methanol extraction method. The preparation method includes the following steps: mixing methanol, water, sodium stearate, and a gelling agent under normal temperature and pressure conditions; heating to 48–55°C and stirring to form a homogeneous mixed solution; wherein, by mass percentage, methanol is 85%–95%, water is 3%–12%, sodium stearate is 1.9%–3.0%, and the gelling agent is 0.05%–0.15%; the obtained homogeneous mixed solution is placed in an environment of -5–-10°C for cooling and crystallization to form a solid methanol fuel gel. The methanol fuel gel preparation method provided by this invention can effectively reduce the amount of sodium stearate gelling agent used, thereby reducing the production cost of methanol gel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fuel preparation and storage technology, and specifically relates to a methanol fuel gel and its preparation method and methanol extraction method. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol is the simplest monohydric alcohol and a relatively clean fuel. When used as a fuel, it has the advantages of simple combustion products and virtually no production of harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter. Methanol has a wide range of sources. In addition to synthesis using syngas from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, it can theoretically be produced by electrolysis of CO2, and with technological advancements, this method is gradually becoming a reality in the engineering field.

[0003] Currently, new energy sources such as hydropower, wind power, and solar power generate enormous amounts of electricity, significantly altering the energy structure and reducing carbon emissions. However, these new energy sources are low-quality energy sources, making it difficult to flexibly adjust power generation, which severely burdens the peak-valley load of the power system. Electrolyzing CO2 to produce methanol requires a large amount of energy; using surplus electricity to electrolyze CO2 to produce methanol, storing electrical energy as chemical energy, is an effective and clean peak-shaving method. However, methanol exists as a liquid at room temperature and pressure, exhibiting high volatility, a very low flash point, and significant swelling and corrosiveness to certain plastics and metals. Methanol vapor also has certain toxic effects on the human body. Therefore, achieving long-term safe storage of liquid methanol is a crucial step in realizing energy conversion.

[0004] Alcohol fuels can combine with sodium stearate, nitrocellulose, calcium acetate, etc., to exist in the form of a gel. Among these, nitrocellulose is more hazardous, and calcium acetate is prone to flowing during combustion, making sodium stearate more suitable as a solidifying agent for long-term safe storage of solid methanol. However, experiments have shown that a relatively large amount of sodium stearate (not less than 5%) is required to prepare a stable methanol solid gel, which means relatively high costs for large-scale solid methanol storage or use. Therefore, how to use as little sodium stearate as possible to form stable solid methanol, and how to further purify the methanol for use in other energy fields, are urgent problems to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a methanol fuel gel and its preparation method, as well as a methanol extraction method, to solve one or more of the aforementioned technical problems. The methanol fuel gel preparation method provided by this invention can effectively reduce the amount of sodium stearate gelling agent used, thereby reducing the production cost of methanol gel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The first aspect of this invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0008] Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer are mixed; the mixture is heated to 48–55°C and stirred to form a homogeneous mixed solution; wherein, by mass percentage, methanol is 85%–95%, water is 3%–12%, sodium stearate is 1.9%–3.0%, and gel enhancer is 0.05%–0.15%.

[0009] The obtained homogeneous mixed solution was placed in an environment of -5 to -10°C to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel.

[0010] A further improvement to the preparation method of the present invention is that, in the step of stirring to form a homogeneous mixed solution,

[0011] The stirring speed range is 300–500 r / min.

[0012] A further improvement to the preparation method of the present invention is that the step of placing the obtained homogeneous mixed solution in an environment of -5 to -10°C for cooling and crystallization to form a solid methanol fuel gel specifically includes:

[0013] The homogeneous mixed solution is placed in an environment of -5 to -10°C for 20 to 30 minutes to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel. In this process, the presence of water causes the liquid methanol to crystallize, which promotes the spontaneous bonding of sodium stearate as a gelling agent to form a three-dimensional mesh, which encapsulates the liquid methanol.

[0014] The second aspect of this invention provides a methanol fuel gel prepared by the preparation method described in any one of the first aspects of this invention.

[0015] A further improvement of the present invention is that the methanol fuel gel is used as a solid fuel.

[0016] A methanol extraction method provided by a third aspect of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0017] The methanol fuel gel described in the second aspect of the present invention is heated and stirred to form a homogeneous mixed solution;

[0018] The obtained homogeneous mixed solution was cooled in an environment of 25-30°C and stirred to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softening colloid; the mixture was filtered to separate the methanol aqueous solution and softening colloid.

[0019] A further improvement to the extraction method of the present invention lies in the step of stirring to form a homogeneous mixed solution, and the step of stirring to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid.

[0020] The stirring speed range is 1000–1500 r / min.

[0021] A further improvement of the extraction method of the present invention is that, in the step of filtration and separation, a filter screen pressure method is used for filtration and separation.

[0022] A further improvement of the extraction method of the present invention is that the obtained softened colloid is used as a gelling agent for preparing methanol fuel gel.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] The method for preparing methanol fuel gel provided by this invention specifically includes a cooling crystallization method at -5 to -10°C, which effectively reduces the amount of gelling agent used in the methanol gel and lowers the production cost. Furthermore, adding a trace amount of gel enhancer improves the stability of the methanol gel. To further explain, due to the presence of a small amount of water in the mixture, the liquid fuel rapidly forms fine crystals, which helps the gelling agent (sodium stearate) spontaneously combine to form a three-dimensional network. This network encapsulates the liquid methanol, forming a solid methanol gel. This cooling crystallization method effectively reduces the amount of gelling agent used.

[0025] The methanol fuel gel prepared by this invention uses a safe and low-content gelling agent, and the resulting gel is stable and reliable.

[0026] The extraction method provided by this invention specifically includes a technique of placing a homogeneous mixed solution in an environment of 25-30°C (far above the crystallization point) for cooling and stirring. The large binding force between methanol and water molecules prevents the gelling agent with a low content from effectively forming a dense three-dimensional network, ultimately presenting a methanol aqueous solution and a small amount of softened colloid, which can be separated by filtration to obtain the methanol aqueous solution. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art are briefly introduced below; obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for preparing methanol fuel gel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conductivity change curves during the methanol gelation process of different components in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that the process equipment or apparatus not specifically mentioned in the following embodiments are all conventional equipment or apparatus in the art.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be understood that the existence of other method steps before or after the combined steps, or the insertion of other method steps between these explicitly mentioned steps, does not preclude the existence of other method steps before or after the combined steps, or the insertion of other method steps between these explicitly mentioned steps, unless otherwise stated. It should also be understood that the combined connection relationship between one or more devices / apparatus mentioned in this invention does not preclude the existence of other devices / apparatus before or after the combined devices / apparatus, or the insertion of other devices / apparatus between these explicitly mentioned devices / apparatus, unless otherwise stated. Moreover, unless otherwise stated, the numbering of each method step is merely a convenient tool for identifying each method step, and not for limiting the order of the method steps or limiting the scope of the invention. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships, without substantially altering the technical content, should also be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0035] Step 1: Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer are mixed to obtain a mixture; the temperature is raised to 48–55°C, and the mixture is stirred (optionally, the stirring speed range is 300–500 r / min) to form a homogeneous mixed solution; wherein, by mass percentage, methanol is 85%–95%, water is 3%–12%, sodium stearate is 1.9%–3.0%, and gel enhancer is 0.05%–0.15%;

[0036] Step 2 involves placing the homogeneous mixed solution in an environment of -5 to -10°C to form a solid methanol gel. Explained, due to the presence of a small amount of water in the mixture, the liquid fuel rapidly forms fine crystals, which helps the gelling agent (sodium stearate) spontaneously combine to form a three-dimensional network. This three-dimensional network encapsulates the liquid methanol, forming a solid methanol gel. This cooling crystallization method effectively reduces the amount of gelling agent used. Further explained, the prepared methanol gel, when placed in a sealed container, can remain stable and solid for a long time at room temperature.

[0037] The preparation method provided in this embodiment of the invention specifically provides a cooling crystallization method in an environment of -5 to -10℃, which can effectively reduce the amount of gelling agent used in methanol gel and reduce the production cost of methanol gel; in addition, adding a trace amount of gel enhancer can improve the stability of methanol gel.

[0038] This invention provides a method for extracting methanol from the aforementioned methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0039] 1) Place the methanol fuel gel obtained above into a heating dish and heat until a homogeneous mixed solution is formed, stirring continuously during the process;

[0040] 2) The homogeneous mixed solution obtained in step 1) was placed in an environment of 25-30℃ (far above the crystallization point) for cooling. After stirring at 1000-1500r / min for 30 minutes, the large binding force between methanol and water molecules caused the low content of gelling agent to be unable to effectively form a dense three-dimensional network, and finally presented as methanol aqueous solution and a small amount of softened colloid.

[0041] 3) The majority of the methanol aqueous solution and the relatively dry milky white colloid can be easily separated by using a filter and pressure method. The methanol aqueous solution can be used as a liquid fuel; the remaining colloid can be used as a gelling agent for the subsequent production of methanol gel.

[0042] The extraction method provided in this invention can achieve rapid and simple purification of methanol-water solution. The purified methanol-water solution can be used to drive other energy equipment such as internal combustion engines, stoves, and fuel cells.

[0043] For illustrative purposes, the methanol fuel gel prepared in the embodiments of the present invention can also be used directly as a solid fuel.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] The present invention provides a method for preparing a methanol fuel gel for storage, which is prepared from the following raw materials in the indicated mass fractions: methanol 93.4%, water 4%, sodium stearate 2.5%, and gel enhancer 0.1%.

[0046] Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, the operating steps are as follows:

[0047] 1) Mix methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer, and heat to 55°C;

[0048] 2) Stir (stirring speed 500 r / min) until a homogeneous mixed solution is formed;

[0049] 3) Place the homogenized solution in an environment of -5 to -10℃ for 20 minutes to obtain a solid methanol gel; the change in sample conductivity during the gelation process is shown in the figure. Figure 2 The main parameters of the prepared samples are shown in Table 1; Figure 2 As can be seen, the conductivity changes of the prepared sample with a small amount of additives are consistent with those of the methanol gel with more than 4% sodium stearate; however, there are also differences. At low temperatures (below 30°C), the conductivity of the methanol gel with more than 4% sodium stearate is lower because the gel network formed by more sodium stearate is denser, which restricts the movement of ions. As the temperature rises, after the gel temperature exceeds 40°C, the conductivity of the methanol gel with more than 4% sodium stearate increases significantly. At this point, the gel network has gradually collapsed, and more sodium ions enter the methanol / water solution, enhancing the conductivity.

[0050] 4) Store the prepared methanol gel in a sealed container at room temperature.

[0051] Table 1. Main parameters of the prepared methanol fuel gel

[0052] <![CDATA[density (g / cm 3 )]]> 0.85376 Gel temperature (°C) 45～48 High calorific value (J / g) 17005 Sealed storage time (days) ＞30

[0053] Example 2

[0054] This invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0055] Methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer were mixed under normal temperature and pressure conditions; the mixture was heated to 48°C and stirred to form a homogeneous solution; the mass percentages of the mixture were: methanol 85%, water 12%, sodium stearate 2.85%, and gel enhancer 0.15%; the stirring speed was 300 r / min.

[0056] The homogeneous mixed solution was placed in a -5°C environment for 20 minutes to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel. The presence of water caused the liquid methanol to crystallize, which promoted the spontaneous bonding of sodium stearate as a gelling agent to form a three-dimensional mesh, which encapsulated the liquid methanol.

[0057] Example 3

[0058] This invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0059] Methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer were mixed under normal temperature and pressure conditions; the mixture was heated to 50°C and stirred to form a homogeneous solution; the mass percentages of the mixture were: methanol 95%, water 3%, sodium stearate 1.95%, and gel enhancer 0.05%; the stirring speed was 400 r / min.

[0060] The homogeneous mixed solution was placed in an environment of -8°C for 25 minutes to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel. The presence of water caused the liquid methanol to crystallize, which promoted the spontaneous bonding of sodium stearate as a gelling agent to form a three-dimensional mesh, which encapsulated the liquid methanol.

[0061] Example 4

[0062] This invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0063] Methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer were mixed under normal temperature and pressure conditions; the mixture was heated to 48–55°C and stirred to form a homogeneous solution; the mass percentages of the mixture were: methanol 88%, water 10%, sodium stearate 1.9%, and gel enhancer 0.10%; the stirring speed was 500 r / min.

[0064] The homogeneous mixed solution was placed in a -10°C environment for 30 minutes to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel. The presence of water caused the liquid methanol to crystallize, promoting the spontaneous bonding of sodium stearate, acting as a gelling agent, to form a three-dimensional mesh that encapsulated the liquid methanol.

[0065] Example 5

[0066] This invention provides a method for preparing methanol fuel gel, comprising the following steps:

[0067] Methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer were mixed under normal temperature and pressure conditions; the mixture was heated to 50°C and stirred to form a homogeneous solution; the mass percentages of the mixture were: methanol 88.9%, water 8.0%, sodium stearate 3.0%, and gel enhancer 0.10%; the stirring speed was 500 r / min.

[0068] The homogeneous mixed solution was placed in a -9°C environment for 23 minutes to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel. The presence of water caused the liquid methanol to crystallize, which promoted the spontaneous bonding of sodium stearate as a gelling agent to form a three-dimensional mesh, which encapsulated the liquid methanol.

[0069] Example 6

[0070] The present invention provides a methanol extraction method, comprising the following steps:

[0071] The methanol fuel gel prepared in the above embodiment of the present invention is heated and stirred to form a homogeneous mixed solution; wherein the stirring speed ranges from 1000 r / min;

[0072] The obtained homogeneous mixed solution was cooled at 25°C and stirred to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid. The mixture was filtered to separate the methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid, respectively. The stirring speed was in the range of 1500 r / min. The separation was carried out by filtration with pressure.

[0073] Example 7

[0074] The present invention provides a methanol extraction method, comprising the following steps:

[0075] The methanol fuel gel prepared according to the present invention is heated and stirred to form a homogeneous mixed solution; wherein the stirring speed range is 1200 r / min.

[0076] The obtained homogeneous mixed solution was cooled in an environment of 28°C and stirred to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid; the mixture was filtered to separate methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid, respectively; the stirring speed ranged from 1300 r / min; the separation was carried out by filtration with pressure.

[0077] Example 8

[0078] The present invention provides a methanol extraction method, comprising the following steps:

[0079] The methanol fuel gel prepared in this invention is placed in a heating dish and heated until a homogeneous mixed solution is formed, while stirring continuously at a speed of 1500 r / min.

[0080] The obtained homogeneous mixed solution was cooled in an environment of 30°C and stirred to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and flocculent softening colloid; the mixture was filtered to separate the methanol aqueous solution and the softening colloid; wherein the stirring speed ranged from 1500 r / min; the mixture was filtered under pressure using a 1000-mesh stainless steel filter screen; for example, after obtaining the methanol aqueous solution and the relatively dry milky white colloid (total weight about 15%), the colloid can be used as a gelling agent for the subsequent production of methanol gel.

[0081] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for preparing methanol gel for storage and a method for methanol extraction. The preparation method uses no more than 3% of a gelling agent to form a stable methanol gel solid. The extraction method can achieve rapid purification of methanol fuel through a simple method, which is beneficial for the large-scale storage and reuse of methanol.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A methanol extraction method characterized by, Includes the following steps: The prepared methanol fuel gel was heated and stirred to form a homogeneous mixed solution; the obtained homogeneous mixed solution was cooled in an environment of 25~30℃ and stirred to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softening colloid; the mixture was filtered and separated to obtain methanol aqueous solution and softening colloid, respectively. in, The preparation method of methanol fuel gel includes the following steps: Under normal temperature and pressure conditions, methanol, water, sodium stearate, and gel enhancer are mixed; the mixture is heated to 48-55℃ and stirred to form a homogeneous solution; the mass percentages are: methanol 85%-95%, water 3%-12%, sodium stearate 1.9%-3.0%, and gel enhancer 0.05%-0.15%; the stirring speed is 300-500 r / min. The homogeneous mixed solution is placed in an environment of -5~-10℃ for 20~30 min to cool and crystallize, forming a solid methanol fuel gel; wherein, the presence of water causes the liquid methanol to crystallize, promoting the spontaneous combination of sodium stearate as a gelling agent to form a three-dimensional mesh, and the three-dimensional mesh encapsulates the liquid methanol. In the steps of stirring to form a homogeneous mixed solution and stirring to form a mixture of methanol aqueous solution and softened colloid, the stirring speed is in the range of 1000~1500 r / min; the obtained softened colloid is used as a gelling agent for preparing methanol fuel gel.

2. The methanol extraction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the filtration and separation step, a filter screen pressure method is used for filtration and separation.

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