Efficient reactor for biomass hydrothermal carbonization and use method thereof
Through the high-efficiency reactor of biomass hydrothermal carbonization, the high CO2 emission problem of fossil energy in steel production was solved, clean and high-grade hydrothermal carbon was generated, and the goal of low-carbon iron smelting was achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510545512.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-12
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, fossil energy dominates the steel production process, resulting in high CO2 emissions. It is urgent to develop low-carbon ironmaking technology based on biomass to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality.
Design a high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. Through components such as agitator, steam inlet, water inlet, feed inlet, discharge outlet, etc., combined with temperature and pressure sensors, the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass under high temperature and high pressure is achieved to generate high carbon-containing products.
The hydrothermal carbon produced has clean and high-grade characteristics, and can partially replace blast furnace coal spraying, reduce blast furnace coal spraying, reduce fossil energy consumption, and achieve low-carbon production.
Smart Images
Figure CN120464422A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of producing coal gas, coke, tar or the like by dry distillation of carbonaceous materials, and in particular to a high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass and a method for using the reactor. Background Art
[0002] Over 95% of CO2 emissions from steel production come from fossil energy consumption. Reducing CO2 emissions lies in reducing fossil fuel use. In the blast furnace-converter process, fossil energy consumption in blast furnace ironmaking accounts for over 70% of the entire process. Therefore, reducing fossil energy consumption in blast furnace ironmaking is a key path to reducing CO2 emissions in China's steel industry.
[0003] As a renewable clean carbon resource, biomass has the characteristics of large output, wide distribution and low price. Compared with traditional fossil energy such as coal, biomass is a carbon neutral substance. When burned, it can be regarded as not increasing CO2 emissions to the earth (i.e., it is offset by the CO2 absorbed by plants during growth). In addition, biomass fuel also has the characteristics of low sulfur and low nitrogen, which can reduce SO2 at the source. x 、NO x emissions.
[0004] my country has abundant biomass reserves, but it produces a significant amount of agricultural and forestry waste annually, much of which is incinerated on-site, resulting in significant waste. Integrating this biomass into the ironmaking process would be an effective means of reducing fossil energy consumption and CO2 emissions, offering a key breakthrough in achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality in the steel industry.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop green and low-carbon ironmaking technology based on biomass energy to provide technical support for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality as soon as possible. Summary of the Invention
[0006] In order to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide a fuel manufacturing device that reduces coal consumption, the present invention discloses a high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass and a method for using the same.
[0007] The present invention achieves the purpose of the invention through the following technical solutions: A high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass comprises a cylinder, a top cover is provided on the top of the cylinder, and a bottom cover is provided on the bottom of the cylinder. The reactor is characterized in that it also comprises an agitator, a steam inlet, a water inlet, a feed inlet, a discharge port, a pressure relief port, a safety valve, a material level sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor. The agitator includes a drive motor, a rotating shaft and a paddle. The drive motor is fixed to the top cover through the housing. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft extends from the center of the top cover into the interior of the cylinder. The inner end of the paddle is fixed to the outer surface of the rotating shaft. The top cover is provided with a steam inlet, a water inlet, a feed inlet, a pressure relief port and a safety valve. The inner end of the steam inlet is connected to the steam pipe, which is arranged inside the cylinder and the steam outlet end of the steam pipe is close to the bottom of the cylinder. The top cover is also provided with a material level sensor, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, and the detection ends of the material level sensor, the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor are all arranged inside the cylinder; A discharge port is provided on the bottom cover.
[0008] The high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass is characterized in that: three layers of blades are arranged on the rotating shaft, the blades in the bottom layer have three blades and the blades are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft, the blades in the bottom layer are of the inclined blade disc turbine type, the blades in the middle layer and the top layer both have four blades and the blades in each layer are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft, and the blades in the middle layer and the top layer are both arc-shaped.
[0009] The method for using the high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass is characterized by being carried out in sequence according to the following steps: S1 feeding: close the discharge port, open the feed port, add the biomass material into the cylinder, then close the feed port, open the water inlet, add water, and close the water inlet when the water volume reaches the set ratio with the biomass material; S2. Stirring: Start the agitator, the agitator blades stir the biomass material, while the water cooling device in the agitator runs; S3. Steam Addition: Open the steam inlet and first introduce superheated steam into the cylinder through the steam pipe to heat the biomass inside the cylinder. When the temperature sensor measures the temperature inside the cylinder to 160°C-180°C, saturated steam is introduced into the cylinder through the steam pipe to rapidly heat the biomass inside the cylinder to 230°C-300°C and the pressure to 5MPa-8MPa. The steam inlet is then closed. S4. Maintaining Temperature and Pressure: When the pressure sensor measures the cylinder pressure below 5 MPa or the temperature sensor measures the cylinder temperature below 230°C, reopen the steam inlet to introduce saturated steam and maintain the cylinder temperature and pressure for 2 to 4 hours. S5. Discharge: After the reaction of the biomass material is completed, the pressure relief port is opened to release the pressure until the pressure sensor measures the pressure inside the cylinder to be no higher than 2MPa. Then, the discharge port is opened to discharge the biomass material after the reaction in the cylinder.
[0010] The functions of the components of the present invention are as follows: 1. Cylinder: The biochar production process primarily involves a hydrothermal carbonization reaction between water, steam, and biomass at temperatures between 230°C and 300°C and pressures between 5MPa and 8MPa. The reaction chamber is adaptable to various organic raw materials with a pH value of ≥3. The cylinder is constructed of high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel composite plates.
[0011] 2. Agitator: Biochar has a small particle size and a light specific gravity. Based on the material level inside the reactor, a three-layer spiral agitator is used. The lower layer is a pitch-blade disc turbine, while the middle and upper layers utilize four-blade arcs. This ensures full contact between water, biomass, and steam from the moment the materials are added, achieving uniform distribution of composition and temperature across the upper and lower sections. A water-cooled structure is incorporated into the agitator to prevent overheating. The agitator effectively disperses the mixture within the cylinder, ensuring a uniform hydrothermal carbonization reaction throughout the cylinder.
[0012] 3. Steam Inlet: Design a steam pipe that runs directly to the bottom of the cylinder. This allows the steam to first contact the water at the bottom and then react with the biomass above, achieving a more uniform temperature distribution inside the cylinder. The steam supply pressure is 2.6MPa to 4MPa.
[0013] 4. Water inlet: The inlet for inputting normal temperature water. The amount of water input can be controlled by a regulating valve.
[0014] 5. Feed port: The port for adding biomass materials. The particle size of biomass materials is generally between 1cm and 3cm.
[0015] 6. Discharge port: The carbon-water mixture in the cylinder can be discharged through the discharge port. After carbon-water separation, the carbonized product after the reaction is completed can be obtained. The opening can be accurately adjusted according to the pressure to regulate the flow rate of the material.
[0016] 7. Pressure relief port and safety valve: By controlling the valves at these two locations, the pressure in the cylinder can be adjusted and the reaction conditions can be precisely controlled.
[0017] 8. Material level sensor: real-time monitoring of the material filling situation in the cylinder.
[0018] 9. Safety auxiliary components: including safety valves, temperature sensors and pressure sensors.
[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: The present invention can realize a thermochemical process of converting organic matter into high-carbon-content products under low temperature conditions using different types of biochar, and form clean, high-grade solid fuel hydrothermal charcoal.
[0020] The hydrothermal charcoal produced by the present invention has a volatile matter content of about 50%, a fixed carbon content of about 45%, and a calorific value of 22.55-25.67 MJ / kg, which is relatively close to that of lignite; the alkali metal elements are effectively removed, reaching the level of low-alkalinity coal; and the hydrothermal charcoal has good grindability, fluidity, jettability and combustibility, and can meet the requirements of blast furnace coal injection, thereby achieving the purpose of partially replacing blast furnace coal injection and reducing the amount of blast furnace coal injection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Figure 1 It is the front view of the present invention, Figure 2 It is a top view of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention is further illustrated below by means of specific examples. Example
[0023] A high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass includes a cylinder 1, a top cover 11 is provided on the top of the cylinder 1, and a bottom cover 12 is provided on the bottom of the cylinder 1. The reactor is characterized by further comprising an agitator 2, a steam inlet 3, a water inlet 4, a feed port 5, a discharge port 6, a pressure relief port 7, a safety valve 8, a material level sensor 9, a temperature sensor 10, and a pressure sensor 11. The agitator 2 includes a drive motor 21, a rotating shaft 22, and a paddle 23. The drive motor 21 is fixed to the top cover 11 through a housing. The output shaft of the drive motor 21 is connected to the rotating shaft 22. The rotating shaft 22 extends from the center of the top cover 11 into the interior of the cylinder 1. The inner end of the paddle 23 is fixed to the outer surface of the rotating shaft 22. The top cover 11 is provided with a steam inlet 3, a water inlet 4, a feed inlet 5, a pressure relief port 7 and a safety valve 8. The inner end of the steam inlet 3 is connected to a steam pipe 31, which is arranged inside the cylinder 1 and the steam outlet end of the steam pipe 31 is close to the bottom of the cylinder 1. The top cover 11 is also provided with a material level sensor 9, a temperature sensor 10 and a pressure sensor 11. The detection ends of the material level sensor 9, the temperature sensor 10 and the pressure sensor 11 are all provided inside the cylinder 1. The bottom cover 12 is provided with a discharge port 6 .
[0024] In this embodiment, the blades 23 are provided in three layers on the rotating shaft 22. The blades 23 in the bottom layer have three blades and are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft 22. The blades 23 in the bottom layer are of the pitched-blade disc turbine type. The blades 23 in the middle layer and the top layer both have four blades and the blades 23 in each layer are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft 22. The blades in the middle layer and the top layer are both arc-shaped.
[0025] When using this embodiment, the following steps are implemented in sequence: S1 feeding: Close the discharge port 6, open the feed port 5, add the biomass material to the cylinder 1, then close the feed port 5, open the water inlet 4, add water, and close the water inlet 4 when the water volume reaches the set ratio of the biomass material; S2 stirring: start the stirrer 2, the stirrer blade 23 stirs the biomass material 2, while the water cooling device within the stirrer 2 is running; S3. Steam addition: Open steam inlet 3 and first introduce superheated steam into cylinder 1 through steam pipe 31 to heat the biomass material inside cylinder 1. When the temperature sensor 10 measures the temperature inside cylinder 1 at 160°C-180°C, saturated steam is introduced into cylinder 1 through steam pipe 31, rapidly heating the biomass material inside cylinder 1 to 230°C-300°C and increasing the pressure to 5MPa-8MPa. Steam inlet 3 is then closed. S4. Insulation and pressure: When the pressure sensor 11 measures the pressure inside the cylinder 1 to be lower than 5MPa or the temperature sensor 10 measures the temperature inside the cylinder 1 to be lower than 230°C, the steam inlet 3 is opened again to introduce saturated steam to maintain the temperature and pressure inside the cylinder 1 for 2hour~4hour; S5. Discharge: When the biomass material reaction is completed, the pressure relief port 7 is opened to release the pressure until the pressure sensor 11 measures the pressure inside the cylinder 1 to be no higher than 2 MPa. Then, the discharge port 6 is opened to discharge the biomass material after the reaction inside the cylinder 1.
[0026] The functions of the components in this embodiment are as follows: 1. Cylinder 1: The biochar production process primarily involves a hydrothermal carbonization reaction between water, steam, and biomass at temperatures between 230°C and 300°C and pressures between 5MPa and 8MPa. This reaction can accommodate a variety of organic feedstocks with a pH value of ≥3. Cylinder 1 is constructed of high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel composite plates.
[0027] 2. Agitator 2: Biochar has a small particle size and a light specific gravity. Based on the material level inside the reactor, a three-layer spiral agitator is employed. The lower layer is a pitch-blade disc turbine, while the middle and upper layers utilize four-blade arcs. This ensures full contact between water, biomass, and steam from the moment the materials are added, achieving uniform distribution of composition and temperature across the upper and lower sections. A water-cooled structure is incorporated into Agitator 2 to prevent overheating. Agitator 2 effectively disperses the mixture within cylinder 1, ensuring a uniform hydrothermal carbonization reaction throughout the cylinder.
[0028] 3. Steam Inlet 3: Design a steam pipe 31 that runs directly to the bottom of cylinder 1. This allows steam to first contact the water at the bottom and then react with the biomass material above, achieving a more uniform temperature distribution within cylinder 1. The steam supply pressure is 2.6MPa-4MPa.
[0029] 4. Water inlet 4: The inlet for inputting normal temperature water. The amount of water input can be controlled by a regulating valve.
[0030] 5. Feed port 5: The port for adding biomass materials. The particle size of biomass materials is generally between 1cm and 3cm.
[0031] 6. Discharge port 6: The carbon-water mixture in the cylinder 1 can be discharged through the discharge port 6. After carbon-water separation, the carbonized product after the reaction is completed can be obtained. The opening can be accurately adjusted according to the pressure to regulate the flow rate of the material.
[0032] 7. Pressure relief port 7 and safety valve 8: By controlling the valves at these two locations, the pressure inside the cylinder 1 can be adjusted and the reaction conditions can be precisely controlled.
[0033] 8. Material level sensor 8: monitors the material feeding status in the cylinder 1 in real time.
[0034] 9. Safety auxiliary components: including safety valve 8, temperature sensor 10 and pressure sensor 11.
Claims
1. A high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, comprising a cylinder (1), a top cover (11) provided on the top of the cylinder (1), and a bottom cover (12) provided on the bottom of the cylinder (1), characterized in that: It also includes an agitator (2), a steam inlet (3), a water inlet (4), a feed inlet (5), a discharge port (6), a pressure relief port (7), a safety valve (8), a material level sensor (9), a temperature sensor (10) and a pressure sensor (11). The agitator (2) includes a driving motor (21), a rotating shaft (22) and a paddle (23). The driving motor (21) is fixed to the top cover (11) through a housing. The output shaft of the driving motor (21) is connected to the rotating shaft (22). The rotating shaft (22) extends from the center of the top cover (11) into the interior of the cylinder (1). The inner end of the paddle (23) is fixed to the outer surface of the rotating shaft (22). The top cover (11) is provided with a steam inlet (3), a water inlet (4), a feed inlet (5), a pressure relief port (7) and a safety valve (8); the inner end of the steam inlet (3) is connected to a steam transmission pipe (31); the steam transmission pipe (31) is arranged inside the cylinder (1) and the steam outlet end of the steam transmission pipe (31) is close to the bottom of the cylinder (1); A material level sensor (9), a temperature sensor (10) and a pressure sensor (11) are also provided on the top cover (11), and detection ends of the material level sensor (9), the temperature sensor (10) and the pressure sensor (11) are all provided inside the cylinder (1); A discharge port (6) is provided on the bottom cover (12).
2. The high-efficiency reactor for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blades (23) are provided in three layers on the rotating shaft (22), the blades (23) in the bottom layer have three blades in total and the blades (23) are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft (22), the blades (23) in the bottom layer are of the inclined blade disc turbine type, the blades (23) in the middle layer and the upper layer both have four blades and the blades (23) in each layer are evenly distributed around the rotating shaft (22), and the blades in the middle layer and the upper layer are both arc-shaped.
3. The method for using the high-efficiency reactor for biomass hydrothermal carbonization according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Follow the steps below: S1 feeding: close the discharge port (6), open the feed port (5), add the biomass material into the cylinder (1), then close the feed port (5), open the water inlet (4), add water, and close the water inlet (4) when the water volume reaches the set ratio with the biomass material; S2 stirring: start the stirrer (2), the stirrer (2) of the blade (23) stirs the biomass material, while the stirrer (2) within the water cooling device operation; S3. Add steam: Open the steam inlet (3) and first input superheated steam into the cylinder (1) through the steam pipe (31) to heat the biomass material in the cylinder (1). When the temperature sensor (10) measures that the temperature in the cylinder (1) rises to 160°C~180°C, input saturated steam into the cylinder (1) through the steam pipe (31) to quickly heat the biomass material in the cylinder (1) to 230°C~300°C and the pressure to 5MPa~8MPa. Then close the steam inlet (3); S4. Maintaining temperature and pressure: When the pressure sensor (11) measures that the pressure inside the cylinder (1) is lower than 5 MPa or the temperature sensor (10) measures that the temperature inside the cylinder (1) is lower than 230°C, the steam inlet (3) is opened again to introduce saturated steam to maintain the temperature and pressure inside the cylinder (1) for 2 hours to 4 hours; S5. Discharge: When the reaction of the biomass material is completed, the pressure relief port (7) is opened to release the pressure until the pressure sensor (11) measures the pressure inside the cylinder (1) to be no higher than 2 MPa. Then, the discharge port (6) is opened to discharge the biomass material after the reaction inside the cylinder (1).