Systems and methods for adjusting syngas composition, in particular in a synthesis loop, and production systems and methods comprising the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of adjusting syngas composition in a production system (100) producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising: providing a first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) to a reactor of the production system (100), wherein the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are provided as a feed gas (220) and according to a predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component (110, 111); obtaining a density or molecular weight measurement or estimate of at least a portion of a first gas (240) of the reactor, thereby obtaining a density or molecular weight value or estimate of the first gas (240), wherein the density or molecular weight measurement or estimate is obtained according to a first timing; obtaining a composition measurement or estimate of a predetermined group of chemical components of at least a portion of the first gas (240), thereby obtaining a composition value or estimate, wherein the composition measurement or estimate is obtained according to a second timing, and the second timing is slower or substantially slower than the first timing; in response to the density or molecular weight value or estimate and the composition value or estimate of the first gas (240), adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component (110, 111), thereby adjusting the composition of the feed gas (220) and in turn the syngas composition of the first gas (240).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a system and method for adjusting the composition of syngas in a production system that produces a predetermined product or energy. More specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for adjusting the composition of syngas (e.g., in a synthesis loop) in an electronic fuel production system, electronic device, or renewable energy device or the like. Background Technology

[0002] Typical electronic fuel production units, electronic devices, or other renewable energy units, such as those producing electronic methanol and electronic ammonia, typically involve feedstocks (also known as feed gas or the like), usually involving or containing two (or more) feedstock components, which are compressed and mixed with unreacted syngas recycled in a synthesis loop, which typically includes a suitable reactor, catalyst, and / or the like that providing the resulting mixture. The reactor can be, for example, a methanol reactor for methanol production, an ammonia reactor for ammonia production, etc. In the reactor, methanol, ammonia, etc., are produced separately from the resulting mixture (mixed unreacted syngas and feedstock) through equilibrium reactions, typically occurring at high temperatures and pressures. Other types of production units (some or even many without a (recycled) loop), such as methanation units (which convert carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (COx) into methane (CH4) via hydrogenation), may also involve feedstocks involving or containing two (or more) feedstock components to be mixed.

[0003] For (electronic) methanol plants (and certain other CO2-based (electronic) fuel or (renewable) energy plants), the feedstock typically consists of a gaseous mixture from two different sources / feedstock components: hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). For (electronic) ammonia plants, the feedstock typically consists of a gaseous mixture from two different sources / feedstock components: hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen (N2). For methanation plants, the feedstock typically consists of a mixture from two different sources / feedstock components: hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

[0004] Green methanol is typically produced using biomass and / or captured CO2 and green H2, which is hydrogen produced using electricity from renewable energy sources. In the latter case, green methanol or green ammonia is usually referred to as electronic methanol or electronic ammonia, respectively.

[0005] Typically, the individual components of the feedstock (e.g., H2 and CO2 for methanol production, H2 and N2 for ammonia production, etc.) are controlled separately / individually to optimize efficiency, yield, etc., and / or based on other considerations or factors.

[0006] In electronic fuel production facilities that include a synthesis loop (i.e., with recycled syngas), the syngas is typically described or characterized according to its so-called syngas module M. The syngas module M is controlled (or at least attempted to be controlled) to optimal, optimized, or sufficiently efficient values.

[0007] For example, in the case of a methanol plant, the syngas module is given by M = (H2 - CO2) / (CO + CO2), which is theoretically best equal to 2. However, due to one or more various factors, such as byproduct formation, gas solubility, and other limitations and / or considerations, it is usually necessary to control the syngas feed (i.e., the syngas received and processed by the reactor or similar device) at different values.

[0008] Furthermore, since the production apparatus in this context includes a synthesis loop (with recirculated synthesis gas) in at least some embodiments, even small initial deviations or offsets can increase over time and eventually lead to relatively large offsets, which may reduce efficiency, yield, etc.

[0009] Therefore, continuous adjustment or (re)calibration of the various components of the syngas is usually required. The syngas module M is typically controlled, or can be (at least partially) controlled, by adjusting the proportions of the various components of the feedstock mixed with the recirculated syngas (e.g., adjusting the proportions of H2 and CO2, H2 and N2, etc., of the feedstock separately).

[0010] Typically, conditioning or (re)calibrating involves using gas chromatography (GC) or a similar method, which requires time for sampling and analysis, followed by appropriate calibration or conditioning. Depending on the context and specific circumstances (e.g., sample volume, heating rate (i.e., degrees / minute), GC can take up to approximately 15–30 minutes, or even up to approximately 1 hour, as flushing the tubing, obtaining measurements at different locations, etc., can take time. During this time, the process operates under less than ideal or even suboptimal conditions while sampling, analysis, and subsequent calibration are underway and implemented.

[0011] An alternative to gas chromatography is, for example, Raman spectroscopy, which is also relatively time-consuming.

[0012] In units without any loops, such as certain methanation units, it is often necessary to continuously adjust or (re)calibrate the corresponding feedstock components in order to optimize a particular process in one or more ways.

[0013] Furthermore, some devices are so-called dynamic devices, where the load on the device changes dynamically over time, for example, in a less predictable pattern. This makes the use of relatively time-consuming analytical methods, such as gas chromatography or other relatively time-consuming analytical methods, less suitable or even directly unsuitable / unavailable for relatively time-consuming analyses. Dynamic characteristics may, for example, stem from the need to comply with or support grid services; for instance, the device should be able or need to increase or decrease service within minutes.

[0014] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a rapid (relatively fast) and reliable sampling and analysis method / system that allows for rapid adjustment or (re)calibration to optimize the production process in question. It would also be advantageous to provide a sampling, analysis, and adjustment or (re)calibration method / system applicable to dynamic devices with varying loads. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a sufficiently fast sampling, analysis, and (re)calibration method / system capable of online sampling, analysis, and adjustment in processes such as (e)methanol and (e)ammonia production associated with methanation, and / or processes typically associated with gas “mixing” processes, where certain parameters change with variations in the mixing ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method and system that at least partially mitigates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0016] One aspect of the invention is defined in claim 1.

[0017] Therefore, in the first aspect, one or more of these objectives are achieved, at least in part, by a method of adjusting the composition of syngas in a production system that produces a predetermined product or energy, the method comprising: - A first feedstock component and a second feedstock component (at least in some embodiments, typically or preferably in gaseous form) are supplied to the reactor of the production system, wherein the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component are provided as feed gas and according to a predetermined (but adjustable) ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component. - Obtain a measured or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas within the reactor, thereby obtaining a numerical value or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas, wherein the measured or estimated value of the density or molecular weight is obtained based on a first timing. - Obtain composition measurements or estimates of at least a portion of a predetermined group of chemical components of a first gas, thereby obtaining composition values ​​or estimates, wherein the composition measurements or estimates are obtained based on a second timing, and the second timing is slower than or substantially slower than the first timing. - In response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas and the estimated value of its composition, a predetermined ratio between the first feed component and the second feed component is adjusted, thereby adjusting the composition of the feed gas and, consequently, the composition of the synthesis gas of the first gas.

[0018] This article discloses its various advantages.

[0019] The first and second feed components are supplied to the reactor of the production system, either in the case where the system does not include a loop (in which case they are supplied directly to the reactor) or in the case where the system includes a loop (in which case they are then supplied indirectly to the reactor via recycled syngas).

[0020] To produce (electronic) methanol as a predetermined product, the first raw material component is, for example, or preferably, carbon dioxide (CO2), and the second raw material component is, for example, or preferably, hydrogen (H2). To produce (electronic) ammonia as a predetermined product, the first raw material component 110 is, for example, or preferably, nitrogen (N2), and the second raw material component is, for example, or preferably, hydrogen (H2).

[0021] In some embodiments, the first timing is real-time, near real-time, per second or about per second, less than 5 seconds or less than about 5 seconds, or less than 10 seconds or less than about 10 seconds, and / or the second timing is greater than 5 minutes or about 5 minutes, greater than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes, greater than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes, greater than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or between 20 and 30 minutes or between about 20 and about 30 minutes. In at least some embodiments, the first timing and / or the second timing may each have different values ​​or ranges of values, for example, depending on the use / context.

[0022] In some (non-loop) implementations, - The reactor includes at least a portion of the syngas. - The synthesis gas that supplies the first and second feed components to the reactor. - The first gas is: Synthesis gas from reactor o feed air, or purge gas for the reactor.

[0023] In some (loop) implementations, - The reactor includes a synthesis loop. - The first and second feedstock components are supplied to the recycled synthesis gas in the synthesis loop. - The first gas is: oRecycled synthesis gas in the synthesis loop o Feed air, o Reactor feed gas (where the reactor feed gas is the recirculated synthesis gas and feed gas), or purge gas for the reactor.

[0024] In some implementations, the predetermined ratio is initially: - The module (M) value of the first gas or the synthesis gas module (M) value of the synthesis gas is set to be equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined first module value, or - The value of the synthesis gas module (M) of the feed gas is set to be equal to or substantially equal to the predetermined value of the second module.

[0025] In some implementations... - The controller or control system receives and / or controls the first raw material component and the second raw material component to provide a mixture of the first raw material component and the second raw material component as feed gas, wherein the mixture is provided according to a determined ratio.

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller or control system includes a first control element and a second control element, wherein the first control element is configured to control the flow rate of a first raw material component and the second control element is configured to control the flow rate of a second raw material component in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight and a compositional value or estimated value of the first gas.

[0027] In some implementations, the controller or control system is also configured to modify or calibrate density measurements or molecular weight values ​​using supported gas chromatography (GC) or Raman spectroscopy measurements to derive module M or loop syngas module M.

[0028] In some implementations... - The second raw material component is provided during power use, for example, or preferably during electricity use, and is provided only when excess power is available and / or when the power cost (e.g., per unit) is below a predetermined cost threshold.

[0029] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas and a numerical or estimated value of its composition includes: adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component by adjusting the feed rate of the first raw material component and / or the feed rate of the second raw material component.

[0030] In some implementations... - The step of obtaining a measurement or estimate of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas includes: determining the volumetric flow rate of the first gas (e.g., or preferably via an online sensor or similar device) and pressure change, and deriving the corresponding density value in response to the volumetric flow rate and pressure change.

[0031] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining a measurement or estimate of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas includes determining the molecular weight of the first gas in response to the obtained density value or estimate.

[0032] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component is performed in response to the following: - The obtained molecular weight measurement or estimate of the first gas. - The measured or estimated amount of the predetermined chemical component group of the first gas relative to the amounts of all components of the first gas, and - The composition or content ratio between the measured or estimated value of the amount of the first predetermined component (i.e., a component that is important to the production of the product, such as CO for methanol) in the first gas and the measured or estimated value of the amount of the second predetermined component (i.e., a component that is important to the production of the product, such as CO2 for methanol) in the first gas.

[0033] In some other implementations, - A measurement or estimate of the amount of a predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas relative to the amounts of all components of the first gas, and - The ratio between a measured or estimated value of the amount of a predetermined component (e.g., CO for methanol) from a predetermined group of chemical components in the first gas obtained, and a measured or estimated value of the amount of the first feedstock in the first gas obtained. All of these were obtained in response to gas chromatography or Raman spectroscopy of the first gas.

[0034] In some embodiments, the predetermined group of chemical components is the components in the first gas other than hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and / or components that do not affect the synthesis gas.

[0035] It is worth noting that obtaining publicly available measurements or estimates of the same (or similar) gas (i.e., the first gas) is generally more accurate, but at least in some embodiments, it is possible to obtain (rather than measuring or estimating) one (or more) measurements / estimates of a single gas (as disclosed herein, which have different measurements / estimates)) of the gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measurements / estimates of another gas (a second gas different from the first gas). This may be advantageous, for example, if the second gas (or its measurements / estimates) is more readily available, accessible, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurements / estimates should be converted or (re)calculated for use with the first gas. In some embodiments, density or molecular weight is measured or estimated for at least a portion of the first gas, while compositional measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of chemical components are performed on the second gas. In other embodiments, the opposite is true.

[0036] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component in response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas and the composition value or estimated value is performed according to a first timing using the composition measurement or estimated value of a recently obtained predetermined group of chemical components.

[0037] In some embodiments, in response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas and the composition or estimated value of the first gas at a time between second timing points, the composition or estimated value is used as a constant factor by adjusting a predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component.

[0038] Another aspect of the invention is defined in claim 18.

[0039] Therefore, in the second aspect, by means of producing predetermined products or energy, one or more of the above-mentioned objectives are achieved at least to some extent, and such means include: - To provide a first feedstock component and a second feedstock component to the reactor of the recirculated syngas and / or production system of the synthesis loop, wherein the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component are provided according to a predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component, and - Produce the intended product or energy in response to the following: The synthesis gas reacts in the synthesis loop, and / or The syngas or a representative gas of the reactor reacts in the reactor. The method further includes updating the predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component by performing the step of adjusting the composition of syngas in the production system according to the method of the first aspect (and any embodiment thereof).

[0040] In some implementations, the predetermined product is selected from the group consisting of: - Methanol, - Ammonia, - Electronic methanol, - Electronic ammonia, - Carbon dioxide-based electronic fuels, and - Methane (e.g., or preferably via methanation).

[0041] Another aspect of the invention is defined in claim 20.

[0042] Therefore, in the third aspect, one or more of these objectives are achieved at least to some extent by a production system configured to produce products or energy, the system being configured to receive a first raw material component and a second raw material component, and to supply the first and second raw material components to a reactor of the production system, wherein the first and second raw material components are provided as feed gas and in accordance with a predetermined ratio between the first and second raw material components, the system comprising: - A controller or control system, which includes control elements. - A density or molecular weight unit, configured to measure or estimate the density or molecular weight value of a first gas in the system based on a first timing measurement. - A composition estimator configured to derive or estimate composition measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of components of the first gas based on a second timing. The controller or control system is configured to adjust a predetermined ratio between the first feed component and the second feed component in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight and a composition value or estimated value of the first gas, thereby adjusting the composition of the feed gas to the reactor and, consequently, the composition of the synthesis gas of the first gas.

[0043] In some implementations, the system is configured to perform the methods according to the first aspect (and any implementation thereof) and / or the second aspect (and all implementations thereof).

[0044] definition All headings and subheadings used herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and, unless otherwise required, does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0045] This invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 A block diagram schematically illustrates a portion of a production apparatus including syngas composition adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of production using syngas according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically, which utilizes syngas composition estimation; Figure 3 An exemplary overall system for estimating syngas composition using the methods disclosed herein is schematically illustrated; and Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of a method for producing products using syngas is schematically shown, which utilizes syngas composition estimation according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Methods and systems for adjusting the composition of syngas in a production system for producing a predetermined product or energy, methods for producing a predetermined product or energy, and various aspects and implementation methods of a production system configured to produce a predetermined product or energy will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] When / if relative expressions such as “up” and “down,” “right” and “left,” “horizontal” and “vertical,” “clockwise” and “counterclockwise” or similar are used in the following terms, these generally refer to the accompanying drawings and not necessarily to actual use. The drawings shown are schematic, and therefore the configurations of different structures and their relative dimensions are intended for illustrative purposes.

[0049] Some components may be relevant only to a single embodiment of the invention, but may be included in other embodiments without further explanation.

[0050] Figure 1 A block diagram schematically illustrates a portion of a production apparatus including syngas composition adjustment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The illustration shows a portion of an exemplary production apparatus 100 (for example, an example of a more complete production apparatus can be found here). Figure 3Figure 100 shows a synthesis loop or similar loop 300 configured to produce, for example, methanol (especially electronic methanol), ammonia (especially electronic ammonia), or any other suitable product or output, including, for example or preferably, a suitable reactor or similar device, reacting with the synthesis gas or similar from the synthesis loop 300 to produce the "reactor" product or other output (e.g., energy) in question 150, typically or, for example, via an equilibrium reaction occurring at high temperature and high pressure. Unreacted synthesis gas (or a portion thereof) 240 is recycled in the synthesis loop 300 and returned by the "loop" to react with the reactor or similar device, and so on. As described above, feedstock 220 (also referred to as feed gas, feed gas, or the like) is typically or, for example, mixed in a compressed state with the recycled unreacted synthesis gas 240 of the synthesis loop 300, wherein the resulting mixture is provided to the reactor or similar device for the product or output production reaction. Synthesis loop 300 is fairly well known in these respects. Reactor product 150 may (by way of example and as shown in the figure) be provided to one or more subsequent storage elements and / or further processing stages or elements 400 (such as... Figure 3 (As shown in 405-407). Product or output 150 may be supplied as product 160, such as a further processed version of the reactor product or output 150 produced, for further distribution and / or use.

[0052] Further examples include controllers, control systems, etc. (200 in total; controllers only; see also...) Figure 2 The first raw material component 110 and the second raw material component 111 of the raw material 220 are received and / or controlled by the reactor. The first raw material component 110 and the second raw material component 111 are typically or preferably supplied in gaseous form to the synthesis loop 300 (or more generally to the reactor) in a predetermined (mixing) ratio between them.

[0053] For the production of (electronic) methanol as reactor product 150, the first feedstock component 110 is, for example or preferably, carbon dioxide (CO2), and the second feedstock component 111 is, for example or preferably, hydrogen (H2). For the production of (electronic) ammonia as product 150, the first feedstock component 110 is, for example or preferably, nitrogen (N2), and the second feedstock component is, for example or preferably, hydrogen (H2).

[0054] In at least some embodiments of methanol production, the first feedstock component 110 is carbon-captured CO2, such as biochar-captured CO2, and the second feedstock component is green H2. This will produce electronic methanol as product 150. The carbon-captured CO2 and green H2 can be captured or provided in any suitable manner. The carbon-captured CO2 can be provided, for example, by carbon capture in biogas production, carbon capture in flue gas, carbon capture in various process gases (e.g., pressurized syngas containing excess CO2), oxy-fuel combustion, etc. Other embodiments involve the direct production of methanol from biogas (reformed) that requires the addition of H2. For example, an electrolyzer or similar apparatus can be used (e.g., see...). Figure 3 The 404 in the middle provides green H2, and the device uses one or more renewable energy sources (e.g., Figure 3 Electricity (403) such as solar, wind, hydropower, and / or combinations thereof.

[0055] The controller 200 is configured to control the mixture or proportion of the first and second feed components 110, 111 as disclosed herein, thereby introducing feed gas or feedstock 220 into the synthesis loop 300.

[0056] As previously stated (in the case of (electronic) methanol production), the composition of the syngas should, for example or preferably, be controlled such that the syngas feed module M = (H2 - CO2) / (CO + CO2) equals 2 before being received and processed by the reactor. This is achieved, for example or preferably, by taking into account one or more various factors, such as byproduct formation, gas solubility, and other limitations, and / or factors that would result in controlling the syngas feed module M to be different from 2 but relatively close to 2 (e.g., from about 1.90 to about 2.20). For (electronic) ammonia production, the composition of the syngas before being received and processed by the reactor should, for example or preferably, be controlled such that the syngas feed module M equals 3 (or practically from about 2.5 to about 3.5).

[0057] As previously mentioned, especially due to the cyclic nature of the synthesis loop 300, even initial small deviations or offsets from the optimal or best value or state typically become increasingly large over time. Sampling and analysis using conventional methods (e.g., GC, Raman spectroscopy, etc.) (required for beneficial or necessary adjustments) are too time-consuming, or at least involve potential adverse effects. Therefore, faster analysis and adjustment of the syngas composition are needed or beneficial, while remaining reliable or at least sufficiently efficient.

[0058] According to aspects and embodiments of the invention, the controller 200 is also configured to receive and / or derive one or more corresponding control and / or data signals 230 from the synthesis loop 300 (and / or from elsewhere, such as from sensors in contact with the synthesis loop 300), and in response to these (i.e., in response to the control and / or data signals 230) control or regulate the synthesis gas composition (in particular by controlling or regulating the feed gas composition by controlling the ratio between the first feed component 110 and the second feed component 111 to regulate or change the synthesis gas composition)).

[0059] It should be understood that in some embodiments, controller 200 receives one or more control signals 230 only from the synthetic loop 300 (and / or elsewhere) as deduced herein, and is “only” required to determine and initiate one or more appropriate actions / regulations in response to such signals. That is, controller 200 performs the analysis as disclosed herein based on the received control signals 230 in order to interpret the control signals 230 and determine (and initiate) one or more appropriate actions / regulations, as given by the value (or its processed version) of the control signals 230.

[0060] In other embodiments, controller 200 simply receives a control signal 230 (or more, if appropriate) from synthesis loop 300 (and / or elsewhere), wherein signal 230 directly indicates or represents one or more appropriate actions / corrections and “simply” executes it / them or at least initiates it / them, i.e. controller 200 receives appropriate control signals 230 determined based on the results of analysis performed elsewhere, such as analysis performed in conjunction with or in the synthesis loop 300 and / or elsewhere.

[0061] In an alternative implementation, controller 200 receives one or more data signals 230 from a synthetic loop 300 (and / or elsewhere) as obtained or derived herein, and is configured to perform a more comprehensive or extensive analysis as disclosed herein in response to the signal to derive relevant control signals and / or one or more appropriate actions / corrections in response to the analysis. Controller 200 is also configured to perform the action / correction or at least initiate it.

[0062] In some preferred embodiments, the controller 200 receives one or more data signals 230, which include measured, derived, or estimated values ​​of the composition of the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop 300. In at least some further preferred embodiments, the received data signal 230 includes data representing a density measurement (or an estimate or approximation thereof) of the syngas obtained from the synthesis loop 300, i.e., a syngas density signal. The advantage of density measurements is that they are relatively simple and readily available, especially compared to relatively slow (and more expensive) measurements such as gas chromatography and Raman spectroscopy. Alternatively, instead of including data representing a density measurement (or an estimate or approximation thereof) of the syngas obtained from the synthesis loop 300, the received data signal 230 may include data representing a molecular weight (MW) measurement (or an estimate or approximation thereof) of the syngas obtained from the synthesis loop 300, i.e., a syngas MW signal.

[0063] Alternatively, the received data signal 230 may not contain measured, derived, or estimated values ​​representing the composition of the recycle syngas in the synthesis loop 300, but rather the received data 230 may include measured, derived, or estimated values ​​representing the composition of a suitable or representative gas (also referred to herein as a first gas) different from the recycle syngas. The suitable or representative gas may be, for example, the feed gas / syngas feed 220, the reactor feed gas (reactor feed gas = recycle syngas + feed gas), the reactor purge gas, etc.

[0064] In at least some embodiments, the syngas density signal is generated by a density or molecular weight (MW) unit or a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor (see respective documentation). Figure 2 The density of the syngas in synthesis loop 300 is obtained from 250 and 290 in the diagram, and can be measured according to a first timing, such as or preferably in real-time or near real-time (or at least fast enough), such as or preferably in the online synthesis loop 300 (or elsewhere described herein). In some further embodiments, the density or molecular weight (MW) unit or syngas / first gas estimator or sensor is configured to derive a syngas density signal by determining the volumetric flow rate (e.g., or preferably online) and pressure changes of the syngas, and derive a corresponding density value in response to that signal. Alternatively, the density or molecular weight (MW) unit or syngas / first gas estimator or sensor is configured to derive the syngas density signal in another suitable manner.

[0065] Alternatively, the estimator may not be an online estimator, but a standalone estimator, such as one that measures gas in a bypass line or similar line (adding the gas travel time to the measurement time, i.e., deviating from the real-time measurement).

[0066] This will provide a measured density signal that provides or estimates the total density of the recycle syngas (thus deriving the total molecular weight), and in at least some embodiments, the controller 200 is also configured to convert the density signal (value) into molecular weight. In at least some embodiments, the density is converted into molecular weight according to the ideal gas law (PV=nRT). The volume V of the relevant portion of the synthesis loop 300 is typically a predetermined (usually static) term or value (determined for a specific production unit / setup), while the pressure P and temperature T can be measured (e.g., or preferably online) by one or more suitable sensors in or connected to the synthesis loop 300.

[0067] To control the syngas module for methanol production, the following ("current") quantities of recirculated syngas should be derived or estimated separately: H2, CO, CO2 and their ratios (or more specifically, (loop) syngas module M = (H2 - CO2) / (CO + CO2)).

[0068] However, the measured total density (and the derived molecular weight value) cannot be readily used to determine the amount of H2, CO, and CO2 (for methanol production or other products besides methanol) and their ratios (according to the (loop) syngas module) that the recycle syngas also contains other components such as inert components (e.g., nitrogen, argon, methane, etc.), methanol (or other products), etc.

[0069] Therefore, controller 200 is also configured to modify or calibrate density measurements (or molecular weight values ​​obtained by measurement / estimation or derived from density values) using supported gas chromatography (GC) measurements to derive the parameters required for calculating the (loop) syngas module M. In some embodiments, this is achieved by controller 200, which is configured, for example, via a gas composition estimator or a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor (see respective...). Figure 2 (Ref. 260 and 290) derive or estimate the compositional measurements or estimates of the additional components (i.e., components that do not affect the syngas, such as inert components and additional components; for methanol production, these additional components are typically inert components, water, and methanol) of the recycle syngas (or at least the syngas receiving such a gas), which can be used to determine the desired values ​​of H2, CO, and CO2 (for methanol production or other applicable components, such as those applicable to products other than methanol) and their proportions in the recycle syngas (depending on the (loop) syngas module). These additional components are also referred to herein as a predetermined group of chemical components of the recycle syngas (or more broadly, the first gas). In at least some embodiments, the predetermined group of chemical components consists of components that do not affect the syngas and typically includes inert substances and water. For methanol production, the predetermined group of chemical components includes inert substances, water, and methanol.

[0070] Based on a second timing, supporting gas chromatographic measurements or derivations or estimates of the composition of additional components are obtained, wherein the second timing is slower than or substantially slower than the first timing.

[0071] In some implementations, the first timing is: real-time, near real-time, per second or about per second, less than 5 seconds or less than about 5 seconds, or less than 10 seconds or less than about 10 seconds, and / or the second timing is: greater than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes, greater than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes, greater than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or between 20 and 30 minutes or between about 20 and about 30 minutes.

[0072] In some further embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to derive or estimate the molecular weight of the additional components (i.e., components that do not affect the syngas, such as inert components and additional components; for methanol production, these additional components are typically inert components, water, and methanol) in response to a derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate of the additional components. This can be used to determine the molecular weight of the relevant components (i.e., H2, CO, and CO2 (for methanol production), and thus the ratio between them) by subtracting or removing the derived or estimated molecular weight of the additional components (components that do not affect the syngas, such as the aforementioned inert and additional components) from the total molecular weight of the measured or estimated total density value, thereby obtaining the molecular weight of the recycled syngas without additional components (i.e., components that do not belong to the syngas and are not affected by it, such as inert and additional components not mentioned above). The derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate of the additional components can also be used to determine the composition or content ratio between the amount of a first predetermined component and the amount of a second predetermined component (i.e., the first and second components that are important for the production of the product, such as CO and CO2 for methanol), which can advantageously be used as disclosed herein (e.g., in combination with...). Figure 2 and Figure 4 ). Finally, the controller 200 is configured to adjust the predetermined (mixing) ratio between the first feed component 110 and the second feed component 111 (110, 111) in response to the derived or estimated molecular weight value of the recirculated syngas and the derived or estimated composition measurement or estimate (or derived value) of the additional components (i.e., components that do not affect the syngas). Therefore, the composition of the feed gas 220 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the composition of the syngas.

[0073] In fact, by adjusting the corresponding amount of raw material components (thereby adjusting the corresponding amount of feed gas 220, and further adjusting the feed gas feed module (M(feed)=(H2-CO2) / (CO+CO2)) to achieve the target value or optimized value of the loop module, the loop module of the recirculated synthesis gas (M(loop)=(H2-CO2) / (CO+CO2)) is controlled.

[0074] Furthermore, this is achieved by obtaining rapid measurements or estimates (according to a first timing), such as in real-time or near real-time, and calibrating the values ​​(according to a second timing) less frequently (e.g., related to the composition or content ratio of the syngas without affecting the process under discussion and certain active / inactive components in the process under discussion), and using these as constants between calibrations. This is considered very efficient and effective.

[0075] Combination Figure 2 Further details, implementation methods, and variations are explained and described elsewhere.

[0076] In some further embodiments, the controller 200 is also configured to take into account other parameters and / or factors, such as dew point, equilibrium temperature, etc.

[0077] In an alternative implementation, the above-described calibration or measurement using gas chromatography (GC) is performed using Raman spectroscopy or other suitable alternatives.

[0078] Therefore, a rapid density measurement of the recirculated syngas is obtained and used to quickly calculate the syngas module M (using a calibration value with a lower update frequency), and based on this, one or more actions and / or corrections are determined to further configure the controller 200 to perform these actions and / or corrections. This reliably improves the efficiency and quality of production (because an excessively high (loop) module leads to inefficient use of the second feedstock 111, such as H2 in the case of methanol production, while an excessively low (loop) module leads to the formation of more byproducts, which can also affect the production rate in severe or extreme cases). The density measurement can be enhanced in one or more ways as described above and elsewhere to improve reliability and accuracy. The applicable value of the loop module (M(loop) = (H2 - CO2) / (CO + CO2)) will depend on the process discussed, but for the methanol (and ammonia) production disclosed herein, M(loop) can be, for example, a value between about 2 and about 10.

[0079] The produced product 150 may be, for example, (e.g., liquid) methanol, (e.g., liquid) electronic methanol, ammonia, electronic ammonia, other electronic fuels, such as products from e-SAT or methanation units, etc. This invention is generally advantageous in any production or energy plant, or more broadly relates to any gas mixing process involving syngas, where the amounts of various feedstock components are controlled, even in coal-based plants, natural gas plants, etc. Although methods using recycled syngas have been described above, it should be understood that this invention can be used for production without any loops (i.e., without any recycled syngas / “one-off”), such as methanation. For such (or at least such) embodiments, the term “recycled syngas” may be “replaced” by a suitable or representative gas of the production process (e.g., the reactor discussed).

[0080] In some embodiments, the synthesis loop 300 includes a (first) controllable valve (see...) Figure 2 285), used to regulate the flow rate or supply of the first component 110 (e.g., CO2 in methanol production, N2 in ammonia production, etc.) to add to and mix with recirculated syngas, wherein the controller 200 is configured to control the (first) controllable valve (i.e., control the amount of the first component 110 added to the recirculated syngas) to regulate the quantity / rate / flow rate. In some embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to control the (first) controllable valve to reduce the supply of the first component 110 (e.g., CO2) in the event of a determined shortage of the second component 111 (e.g., H2) in the recirculated syngas (e.g., in the event of an operational malfunction).

[0081] In some alternative or additional embodiments, the synthesis circuit 300 includes a (second) controllable valve (see...) Figure 2 286), used to regulate the flow rate or supply of a second component 111 (e.g., H2 in methanol or ammonia production) to add to and mix with recycle syngas, wherein controller 200 is configured to control a (second) controllable valve (i.e., control the amount of second component 111 added to the recycle syngas) to regulate the quantity / rate / flow rate. In some embodiments, controller 200 is configured to control the (second) controllable valve to reduce the supply of second component 111 (e.g., H2) in the case of a shortage of first component 110 (e.g., CO2) in the recycle syngas. In some embodiments, controller 200 is configured to control the (second) controllable valve to increase the supply of second feedstock component 111 when excess power is available and / or the power cost (e.g., per unit power) is below a predetermined cost threshold.

[0082] It should be noted that obtaining publicly available measurements or estimates of the same (or similar) gas (i.e., the first gas) is generally more accurate, but at least in some embodiments, it is possible to obtain (rather than measure or estimate) one (or more) measurements / estimates of a single gas (as disclosed herein, which have different measurements / estimates)) of the gas (the first gas) and obtain one or more other measurements / estimates of another gas (a second gas different from the first gas). For example, this may be advantageous if the second gas (or its measurement or estimate) is more readily available, accessible, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement / estimate should be converted or (re)calculated into a measurement / estimate of the first gas. In some embodiments, density or molecular weight is measured or estimated for at least a portion of the first gas, while compositional measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of chemical components are performed on the second gas. In other embodiments, the opposite is true.

[0083] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the controller 200 may be integrated into and / or more directly connected to the synthesis loop 300.

[0084] It should be noted that the controller 200 can be optionally configured to receive two or more components, such as three, four, etc.

[0085] according to Figure 1 The system can also be based on Figure 4 The method (and its implementation) is used to operate.

[0086] Figure 2 A more detailed block diagram of an embodiment of production using syngas according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically, which utilizes syngas composition estimation.

[0087] The diagram illustrates a synthesis loop 300 receiving feed gas 220, which comprises a first feed gas / first feed component 110 and a second feed gas / second feed component 111 according to a predetermined (but adjustable as disclosed herein) mixing ratio between them. The synthesis loop 300 produces a "reactor" product or output 150. These correspond respectively to the combination... Figure 1 And the content shown and explained elsewhere. Further illustrations show controllers, control systems 200, etc. (controllers only) corresponding to... Figure 1 The controller 200 is located elsewhere. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 200 includes a control element 270, a flow controller 280, a first controllable valve 285 that regulates the flow rate or supply of the first raw material component 110, and a second controllable valve 286 that regulates the flow rate or supply of the second raw material component 111.

[0088] A suitable or representative gas (also referred to herein as the first gas) 240 produced is further illustrated. As shown, the first gas 240 is the recycled syngas of the synthesis loop 300. Alternatively, the first gas 240 is the feed gas 220. Alternatively, the first gas 240 may be a purge gas, reactor feed gas (reactor feed gas = recycled syngas + feed gas), or a similar gas. As previously stated, although the synthesis loop 300 is shown, the following also applies to other processes involving gas mixing, such as methanation or other processes where 300 is not a synthesis loop with recycled syngas, but rather another (non-recycled) process producing the product 150 disclosed herein.

[0089] The flow controller 280 is connected to the control element 270 to receive appropriate control signals and is connected to the first and second controllable valves 285, 286 to control them (i.e., regulate the corresponding flow rate or speed).

[0090] The control element 270 is connected to the density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250, as disclosed herein (e.g., in combination). Figure 1 The control element 270 measures or estimates the density or MV value of the first gas 240. The control element 270 is also connected to a composition estimator 260 or the like, which is configured to derive or estimate composition measurements or estimates of additional components (i.e., predetermined component groups) of the first gas 240 disclosed herein (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 1 Specifically, the additional components are gases that do not affect the syngas, such as inert gases. (In the case of methanol production, the additional components can be inert substances, water, and methanol). The composition estimator 260 is, for example, a gas chromatograph, a Raman spectrometer, or a similar instrument.

[0091] As disclosed herein, density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250 measures or estimates the density or MW value of the first gas 240 according to a first timing, and provides the obtained values ​​to control element 270 for further use / processing after obtaining these values, and composition estimator 260 measures or estimates the composition of additional components in the first gas 240 according to a second timing, and provides the obtained values ​​to control element 270 for further use / processing after obtaining these values.

[0092] Control element 270 determines the molecular weight of the first gas 240, either directly from the (density or) molecular weight (MW) unit 250 or derived from a density value received from the density (or molecular weight (MW)) unit 250. Control element 270 may include values ​​or data from one or more additional sensors, such as sensors for the temperature, pressure, etc., of the first gas 240. Control element 270 also determines the fraction of additional components (gases that do not affect the synthesis gas, such as inert gases) in the first gas 240 (e.g., given or derived from the composition estimator 260) and calculates the MW of the gases that do not affect the synthesis gas based on this, which is subtracted from the total MW of the first gas 240 (e.g., given or derived from the density value of the density or MW unit 250) to give the MW of the active / non-inert / additional components (for subsequent calculations in the module). In at least some embodiments, control element 270 also derives the composition or content ratio between two corresponding components (CO and CO2 for methanol) based on the composition values ​​of the additional components in the first gas 240 (such as those provided by composition estimator 260). Furthermore, control element 270 considers the MW of the active / non-inert component / additional component and the composition or content ratio between the two corresponding components, and calculates the degree of adjustment of the first and / or second feedstock gases 110, 111 on this basis, thereby calculating the module (examples are given below). In at least some embodiments, the calculated module is compared with a target value. If they are equal (e.g., within certain predetermined boundaries), no adjustment is made. If the calculated module is higher, one or more adjustment actions are taken; if the calculated module is lower, another or another set of adjustment actions are taken.

[0093] The values ​​determined or derived from the output of the composition estimator 260 are used as constants between updates based on (more or less) the first timing calculation or update module and between updates based on the second timing. In at least some embodiments, the second timing is, or approximately is, the time required to obtain and analyze composition measurements or estimates for a predetermined group of chemical components.

[0094] The density or molecular weight (MW) unit 250 and the composition estimator 260 can be collectively regarded as a syngas / first gas estimator or sensor 290, or embodied therein.

[0095] As disclosed herein, in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas 240 and a numerical or estimated value of the composition of the first gas 240, or more specifically in response to a calculation module as disclosed herein, the control element 270 adjusts the ratio between the first raw material component 110 and the second raw material component 111 by correspondingly controlling the first controllable valve 285 and the second controllable valve 286.

[0096] As previously mentioned, obtaining publicly available measurements / estimates of the same (or similar) gas (i.e., the first gas) is generally more accurate, but in at least some embodiments, it is possible to obtain one (or more) measurements / estimates of the gas (the first gas) and one or more other measurements / estimates of another gas (a second gas different from the first gas). This may be advantageous, for example, if the second gas (or its measurements / estimates) is more readily available, accessible, etc. In such embodiments, the measurements / estimates of the second gas should be converted or (re)calculated to be measurements / estimates of the first gas. In some embodiments, density or molecular weight is measured or estimated for at least a portion of the first gas, while compositional measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of chemical components are performed on the second gas. In other embodiments, the opposite is true.

[0097] More detailed examples and implementations are given below. As an example, it is used for methanol production using density measurements and involving recycled syngas in synthesis loop 300, but as mentioned above, it can also be used for other processes—or without loops.

[0098] First, the pressure (P), temperature (T), and density (ρ) of the first gas / recycled syngas 240 are obtained (from density unit 250) (according to the first timing), and the (total) MW is derived according to the following formula:

[0099] Where 0.8314 is the universal gas constant, Z is the compressibility factor or parameter (e.g., at least initially it may be about 1.0114), and 1.013 is a constant related to atmospheric pressure (converting P (gauge pressure) to absolute pressure).

[0100] Then, the component content (inactive / inert components and / or components not included in the module's calculation; for methanol, components other than H2, CO, and CO2) is derived or obtained from the last value obtained by the composition estimator 260 (e.g., GC) and given:

[0101] Among them, X_N2, X_CH4, X_H2O and X_MeOH are the latest values ​​obtained from or based on the composition estimator / GC 260 (expressed as %).

[0102] These MW values ​​are obtained using the following formula:

[0103] This will be used as a constant between updates from / by the composition estimator / GC 260 (based on the second timing).

[0104] The modified MW (denoted as MW*) can be derived from MW–MV_lazy.

[0105] Based on these values, the (cycle) module of the first gas / recycled syngas 240 can be derived or calculated according to the following formula:

[0106] Wherein, the proportion of this formula R = (As well as X_laziness and MW_laziness) remain constant between updates of the constituent estimator / GC 260 (i.e., between updates according to the second timing), thus providing the values ​​of X_CO and X_CO2. Note that MW* has been factored out in the equations above.

[0107] The above equation is derived from the following four equations:

[0108] Using the derived module of the first gas / recycled syngas 240 (i.e., the derived loop module), the derived (loop) module value is compared with a target value. If they are equal, substantially equal, or within predetermined boundaries (+ / -), no changes or adjustments are made. If the derived (loop) module value is sufficiently large or small, the ratio between the first and second feed components is adjusted accordingly (adjusting the feed module, and consequently, the loop module). The extent of the adjustment may depend on the magnitude of the deviation relative to the target (loop) module value. In some embodiments (of methanol production), the target (loop) module value may, for example, be 5 (the feed module value is 3). If the calculated (loop) module value (as an example) is greater than 5, the ratio is adjusted to provide less H2 (less of the second feed component) in the feed gas, and if the calculated (loop) module value (as an example) is less than 5, the ratio is adjusted to provide more H2 (more of the second feed component) in the feed gas. For example (in methanol production), if the calculated (loop) module value is less than 5 (5 is an exemplary target value) and the feed module value is 3, the rate of H2 / second feed component in the feed gas can be increased, such that the feed module has values ​​of, for example, 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, and so on, until the calculated (loop) module value is 5 (or within its predetermined boundary). As mentioned above, the calculation of the (loop) module value is performed according to a timing based on a first timing, as are the adjustments (but R, X_inertia, and MW_inertia are only updated according to a second, slower timing, otherwise they are treated as corresponding constants in the calculation performed according to the first timing).

[0109] Therefore, compositional data, which is considered constant over a period of time, can be used for calculations (and thus adjustments) according to a first timing, where the compositional data is updated less frequently according to a second timing. This enables real-time calculations and adjustments (according to the first timing), where the calculations are calibrated relative to the acquired compositional data (according to the second timing), ensuring that the calculations (and adjustments) remain sufficiently accurate / usable.

[0110] Figure 3 An exemplary overall system is illustrated schematically, in which the syngas composition estimation disclosed herein can be used.

[0111] The illustration depicts a production facility 100 for producing product 150, which includes a synthesis loop or similar device 300 configured to produce product 150, wherein the synthesis loop or similar device 300 includes or is connected to a controller 200. The synthesis loop or similar device 300 and / or controller 200 can be advantageously combined as follows: Figure 1 , 2 As shown and explained, and as disclosed herein.

[0112] The synthesis loop or similar device 300 and controller 200 respectively receive a first component 110 and a second component 111 of raw materials for producing product 150. In the illustrated embodiment, as an example, the production facility 100 produces liquid electronic methanol 160. Therefore, the first raw material component 110 is carbon dioxide (CO2), and the second raw material component 111 is hydrogen (H2) supplied to the synthesis loop or similar device 300 in gaseous form. And since electronic methanol is produced, the CO2 source 401 shown is captured carbon, such as CO2 captured by biochar, and the second component 111 is green H2.

[0113] CO2 can be supplied to production facility 100 in various suitable forms, such as via pipelines (gas phase or liquid phase), typically in liquid form, by truck or ship, etc. The apparatus 100 includes a liquid CO2 storage tank 402 that receives the CO2 feedstock component 110 evaporated before being received by the synthesis loop or similar apparatus 300 / controller 200.

[0114] The apparatus 100 also includes an H2 electrolyzer 404 powered by electricity from one or more renewable energy sources 403, such as solar-based energy and / or wind-based energy and / or other suitable renewable energy sources. The electrolyzer 404 splits water into H2 and oxygen (O2), which is introduced into the synthesis loop or similar apparatus 300 along with gaseous CO2, preferably as disclosed herein and in combination. Figure 1 , 2 As explained in section 4.

[0115] A synthesis loop or similar device 300 produces electronic methanol 150, which is received by an intermediate storage 405 for producing electronic methanol 150. The intermediate storage 405 is connected to a distillation facility 406, such as a distillation column (water-methanol) or similar facility, for removing impurities, etc., in which clean / purified liquid electronic methanol is supplied to a liquid methanol storage 407, where it is stored until it is used or transported from facility 100 for use elsewhere.

[0116] The facility 100 shown is well-suited for large-scale production of electronic methanol and other products using a synthetic loop, and utilizes various embodiments of the present invention.

[0117] As described above, in alternative embodiments, production does not involve a synthesis loop or similar apparatus 300, but various embodiments of the invention can still be utilized, such as all (suitable) production methods for methanation or more generally involving gas mixing processes.

[0118] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart of a method for producing products using syngas is schematically shown, which utilizes syngas composition estimation according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0119] The method is initialized in step 401, which may include setup, trial run, etc., wherein the method is a production method, for example involving a synthesis loop (see 300 elsewhere) and synthesis gas.

[0120] In step 402, as disclosed herein, at least the (initial or first) ratio between the first and second feedstock components (see, for example, 110 and 111 elsewhere) is determined or set. As disclosed herein, this ratio can be determined or set such that the syngas (loop) module M has a predetermined value, for example, 2 or approximately 2 for methanol production, or 3 or approximately 3 for ammonia production, etc. The applicable value of the loop module M (loop) will depend on the process under discussion, but for the methanol (and ammonia) production disclosed herein, the value of M (loop) (M (loop) = (H2-CO2) / (CO+CO2) for methanol) can, for example, be between approximately 2 and approximately 10. By adjusting the corresponding amounts of the raw material components (thereby adjusting the corresponding amount of feed gas 220, and further adjusting the feed gas feed module (M(feed)=(H2-CO2) / (CO+CO2))) to control the recirculated synthesis gas loop module (M(loop))=(H2–CO2) / (CO+CO2)), the target or optimized value of the loop module disclosed herein can be achieved (e.g., combined with...). Figure 2 (and other places).

[0121] In step 403, the first and second feed components are introduced into the synthesis loop according to a determined or set ratio, and mixed with the recycled unreacted synthesis gas.

[0122] The respective rates or amounts of the introduction of the first and second raw material components can be controlled, for example, by a suitable controllable valve or similar device (see...). Figure 2 (285 and 286 in the middle).

[0123] In step 404, the product under discussion, such as (electronic) methanol disclosed herein, is produced by a suitable chemical reaction, involving, for example, a suitable reactor, catalyst, etc.

[0124] In step 405, it is determined whether the conditioning process should continue. If not, the method proceeds to step 406, where it is stopped or aborted. If it continues, the method proceeds to step 407, where, according to a first timing, such as or preferably real-time or near real-time, the density or molecular weight (MW) of the recycle syngas is measured / determined or estimated, as disclosed herein. As disclosed herein, density or molecular weight (MW) values ​​can be obtained from density or molecular weight (MW) units (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 (250 in the middle) or synthesis gas / first gas estimator or sensor (see 250) Figure 2 (290) or any other suitable means.

[0125] In step 408, according to a second timing, as disclosed herein, a compositional measurement or estimate of the additional components (i.e., a predetermined group of chemical components) of the recycled syngas is measured or estimated. As disclosed, the compositional measurement or estimate can be obtained by a composition estimator, such as a gas chromatograph (GC), Raman spectrometer, or similar instrument (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2 (260 in the middle).

[0126] Please note that steps 407 and 408 can be performed in parallel (but depending on the timing, i.e., the first and second timings, respectively). In step 409, estimates of the relevant components are provided based on the estimates from steps 407 and 408, as well as the additional information and data disclosed herein. For methanol production, this can be done according to... Figure 2 The module that describes the derivation or calculation of recycled syngas.

[0127] Step 409 may (optionally) further refine the derived estimate, for example, by taking into account dew point, equilibrium temperature, etc.

[0128] Step 408 may optionally take the form of checking whether a new or updated composition measurement or estimate is available. If it is not available (i.e., it is not a time instance according to the second timing), then in step 409, the latest composition measurement or estimate is used (i.e., the determined or estimated composition is treated as one or more constants for a given time instance). If a new or updated composition measurement or estimate is available, it is used at step 409. This new or updated composition measurement or estimate is then used in subsequent iterations / executions of step 408 until a new or updated composition measurement and estimate is available, and so on.

[0129] In step 410, based on the module derived from the recycled syngas determined in step 409, as disclosed herein, an update ratio between the first and second feedstock components is determined, wherein the method loops back to step 403 to provide the first and second feedstock components according to the updated ratio.

[0130] The method continues until the adjustment process stops or is terminated (i.e., the test result of step 405 is negative).

[0131] It is worth noting that the production method is a continuous chemical process; therefore, the first and second raw material components are typically supplied continuously (and continuously adjusted according to varying proportions) at least while the product is being produced (at least until the method is stopped). Essentially, step 403 is performed simultaneously (or possibly simultaneously) with steps 404 and steps 407-410.

[0132] As disclosed herein, various calculations and measurements can also be performed on the purge gas or feed gas instead of the recycled syngas. Furthermore, this method can also be applied to processes without any loops, such as methanation processes, as disclosed herein.

[0133] It is worth noting that publicly available measurements / estimates of the same (or similar) gas (i.e., the first gas) are generally more accurate, but at least in some embodiments, it is possible to obtain one (or more) measurements / estimates of the gas (the first gas) and one (or more) measurements / estimates of the gas (a second gas different from the first gas), rather than measuring or estimating a single gas (as disclosed herein, having different measurements / estimates). For example, this may be advantageous if the second gas (or its measurement / estimate) is more readily available, accessible, etc. In such embodiments, the second gas measurement / estimate should be converted to or (re)calculated as a value for the first gas. In some embodiments, density or molecular weight is measured or estimated for at least a portion of the first gas, while compositional measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of chemical components are performed on the second gas. In other embodiments, the opposite is true.

[0134] In a claim that enumerates several features, some or all of these features may be embodied by the same element, component, or item. The fact that certain measures are referenced in mutually different dependent claims or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0135] It should be emphasized that the term "comprising / including" as used in this specification is used to specify the presence of the said feature, element, step or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting the composition of syngas in a production system (100) producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising: - A first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) are provided to the reactor of the production system (100), wherein the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are provided as feed gas (220) and are provided according to a predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component (110, 111). - Obtain a measured or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas (240) in the reactor, thereby obtaining a numerical value or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240), wherein the measured or estimated value of the density or molecular weight is obtained based on a first timing. - Obtain composition measurements or estimates of at least a portion of a predetermined group of chemical components of the first gas (240), thereby obtaining composition values ​​or estimates, wherein the composition measurements or estimates are obtained based on a second timing that is slower than or substantially slower than the first timing. - In response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight and the composition or estimated value of the first gas (240), the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) is adjusted, thereby adjusting the composition of the feed gas (220), and further adjusting the synthesis gas composition of the first gas (240).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first timing is: - Real-time, - Near real-time, - per second or approximately per second, - Less than 5 seconds or less than about 5 seconds, or - Less than 10 seconds or less than approximately 10 seconds, And / or the second timing is: - More than 5 minutes or about 5 minutes, - More than 10 minutes or about 10 minutes, - More than 15 minutes or about 15 minutes, - More than 20 minutes or about 20 minutes, or - Between 20 and 30 minutes or between approximately 20 and approximately 30 minutes.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - The reactor includes at least a portion of the synthesis gas. - The synthesis gas supplied to the reactor contains the first and second feedstock components (110, 111). - The first gas (240) is: The synthesis gas from the reactor. o The feed gas (220), or o The purging gas of the reactor.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - The reactor includes a synthesis loop (300), - The first and second feedstock components (110, 111) are supplied to the recycled synthesis gas of the synthesis loop (300). - The first gas (240) is: The recycle synthesis gas of the synthesis circuit (300) mentioned above. o The feed gas (220), o Reactor feed gas, or o The purging gas of the reactor.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The predetermined ratio was initially: - The value of the module (M) of the first gas (240) or the synthesis gas module (M) of the synthesis gas is set to be equal to or substantially equal to a predetermined first module value, or - The value of the synthesis gas module (M) of the feed gas (220) is set to be equal to or substantially equal to a predetermined second module value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, - A controller or control system (200) receives and / or controls the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) to provide a mixture of the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) as the feed gas (220), wherein the mixture is provided in a determined proportion.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The controller or control system (200) includes a first control element (285) and a second control element (286). In response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) and the estimated value of its composition, the first control element is configured to control the flow rate of the first raw material component (110), and in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) and the estimated value of its composition, the second control element is configured to control the flow rate of the second raw material component (111).

8. The method according to claims 6 to 7, which are dependent on claim 5, wherein, The controller or control system (200) is also configured to modify or calibrate density measurements or molecular weight values ​​using supported gas chromatography (GC) or Raman spectroscopy to derive the module M or the loop syngas module M.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, - The second raw material component (111) is provided during power use, for example, or preferably during electricity use, and is provided only when excess power is available and / or when the power cost is below a predetermined cost threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) in response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimated value includes: adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) by adjusting the feed rate of the first raw material component (110) and / or the feed rate of the second raw material component (111).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, - The step of obtaining a measurement or estimate of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas (240) includes: determining the volumetric flow rate and pressure change of the first gas (240), and deriving the corresponding density value in response to the volumetric flow rate and pressure change.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The step of obtaining a measurement or estimate of the density or molecular weight of at least a portion of the first gas (240) includes determining the molecular weight of the first gas (240) in response to the obtained density value or estimate.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) is performed in response to the following: - The obtained molecular weight measurement or estimate of the first gas (240), - The measured or estimated value of the amount of the predetermined chemical component group of the first gas (240) relative to the amount of all components of the first gas (240), and - The composition or content ratio between the measured or estimated amount of the first predetermined component in the first gas (240) and the measured or estimated amount of the second predetermined component in the first gas (240).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, - The measured or estimated amount of the predetermined chemical component group of the first gas (240) relative to the amounts of all components of the first gas (240), and - The ratio between a measured or estimated value of the amount of a predetermined component of a predetermined group of predetermined chemical components in the first gas (240) and a measured or estimated value of the amount of the first raw material (110) in the first gas (240). All of these were obtained in response to gas chromatography or Raman spectroscopy of the first gas (240).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The predetermined group of chemical components is the first gas (240) that does not contain hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and / or components that do not affect the synthesis gas.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The step of adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) in response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimated value, is performed according to the first timing using the composition measurement or estimated value of the recently obtained predetermined chemical component group.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein, In response to the numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240), and based on the composition value or estimated value at each time point according to the second timing, the composition value or estimated value is used as a constant factor by adjusting the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111).

18. A method for producing a predetermined product or energy (150, 160), the method comprising: - A first feedstock component (110) and a second feedstock component (111) are supplied to the recycled synthesis gas of the synthesis loop (300) and / or to the reactor of the production system (100), wherein the first feedstock component (110) and the second feedstock component (111) are supplied according to a predetermined ratio between the first feedstock component and the second feedstock component (110, 111), and - To produce the predetermined product or energy (150, 160) in response to the following: The synthesis gas is reacted in the synthesis loop (300), and / or o The synthesis gas or a representative gas of the reactor reacts in the reactor; The method further includes the step of updating the predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) by performing the method for adjusting the composition of syngas in the production system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The pre-ordered products (150, 160) are selected from the group consisting of the following: - Methanol, - Ammonia, - Electronic methanol, - Electronic ammonia, - Carbon dioxide-based electronic fuels, and - Methane (e.g., or preferably by methanation).

20. A production system (100) configured to produce products or energy (150, 160), the system (100) being configured to receive a first raw material component (110) and a second raw material component (111), and to supply the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) to a reactor of the production system (100), wherein the first raw material component (110) and the second raw material component (111) are provided as feed gas (220) and in a predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111), the system (100) comprising: - A controller or control system (200) comprising a control element (270), - A density or molecular weight unit (250), configured to measure or estimate the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) of the system (100) according to a first timing. - Composition estimator (260), which is configured to derive or estimate composition measurements or estimates of a predetermined group of components of the first gas (240) based on a second timing. The controller or control system (200) is configured to adjust a predetermined ratio between the first raw material component and the second raw material component (110, 111) in response to a numerical or estimated value of the density or molecular weight of the first gas (240) and the composition value or estimated value, thereby adjusting the composition of the feed gas (220) to the reactor, and further adjusting the composition of the synthesis gas of the first gas (240).

21. The production system (100) according to claim 20, wherein, The system (100) is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 or the method according to any one of claims 18 to 19.

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