Apparatus and method for preparing biochar by means of ultrasonic vibration

Abstract

An apparatus and method for preparing biochar by means of ultrasonic vibration. The apparatus comprises: a base (1), a mold (2), a loading member (3), an ultrasonic assembly (4) and an energy transmission member (5). Under the action of a pressure wave generated from an ultrasonic wave under high-frequency driving and the action of a relatively large pressure load applied by the loading member (3), heat can be generated to carbonize biomass particles; in this process, the ultrasonic frequency is relatively high and the pressure load is relatively large, and therefore the carbonization efficiency is relatively high, and no conventional complex heating carbonization device is used; moreover, the energy transmission member (5) closes an opening of the mold (2) and tightly abuts against the biomass particles, and therefore it is also unnecessary to add a protective gas to achieve a protective atmosphere, thereby solving the problems of complex device structures, low efficiency and excess by-products in conventional carbonization techniques; and there is also no need for the protective atmosphere required by a microwave carbonization technique, such that a device can be further simplified and the efficiency can be further improved.

Description

Device and method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of biochar preparation, and in particular to a device and method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration. Background Art

[0002] my country is rich in biomass resources. The use of biomass to prepare solid carbon materials is currently the only "negative carbon emission" technology, which has attracted widespread attention from scientists at home and abroad. Among the existing technologies, the mainstream biomass carbonization methods are mainly pyrolysis carbonization and hydrothermal carbonization.

[0003] However, mainstream pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization methods have high requirements for carbonization equipment, such as high temperature conditions for pyrolysis and pressure-bearing equipment for hydrothermal carbonization. They also produce byproducts that are difficult to handle. Therefore, a new microwave carbonization method has been proposed in the prior art, which utilizes the thermal effect of microwaves to carbonize biomass particles, overcoming these technical issues.

[0004] However, due to its principle, microwave carbonization requires a protective atmosphere during the carbonization process, which places new demands on the sealing of the equipment and the cost of production materials. Therefore, a new carbonization method is needed to solve the problems of complex equipment structure and low efficiency of traditional carbonization technology, while eliminating the protective atmosphere required by microwave carbonization technology, thereby further simplifying the equipment and improving efficiency.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems in the prior art and provide a device and method for preparing biochar by rapid carbonization of biomass using ultrasonic vibration, which further simplifies the equipment and improves the efficiency while solving the problems of complex equipment structure and low efficiency of traditional carbonization technology and at the same time does not require the protective atmosphere required by microwave carbonization technology.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, comprising:

[0008] a base, wherein a vertical support is provided on the base;

[0009] The mold is arranged on the base, the upper portion of the mold is open, and the mold is used to hold biomass particles inside;

[0010] A loading member, the loading member is fixedly connected to the upper side of the bracket, the loading member has an output end, the output end can move in the vertical direction, and the loading member can cause the output end to generate a vertical downward pressure load;

[0011] The ultrasonic component includes an ultrasonic generator and a transducer. The transducer is located at the bottom of the output end. The loading member enables the output end to provide a vertical downward pressure load to the transducer. The ultrasonic generator is connected to the transducer and is used to emit ultrasonic waves. The transducer is used to convert the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator into pressure waves in the vertical direction.

[0012] An energy transfer component, the upper end of the energy transfer component is connected to the lower end of the transducer, and the energy transfer component is movably connected to the side of the bracket. The energy transfer component can move in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the energy transfer component can enter the mold and can press the biomass particles inside the mold. The energy transfer component is used to transfer the downward pressure load generated by the loader and the pressure wave generated by the transducer to the biomass particles.

[0013] Furthermore, the loading component includes: a cylinder and an air compressor, the cylinder is movably connected to the bracket, the output end is arranged at the bottom of the cylinder, and the air compressor is connected to the cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the loading component also includes: a regulating valve, which is arranged between the cylinder and the air compressor.

[0015] Furthermore, the energy transfer component includes: a probe and a probe seat, the upper end of the probe seat is connected to the transducer, the probe seat is slidably connected to the side of the bracket along the vertical direction, the upper end of the probe is connected to the bottom surface of the probe seat, the lower end of the probe can enter the mold and can press the biomass particles inside the mold, the lower end of the probe can close the upper opening of the mold, and the probe is made of ceramic.

[0016] Furthermore, a vertical slide rail is provided on the side of the bracket, and the side of the probe seat is slidably connected to the slide rail.

[0017] Furthermore, the mold includes a cylinder and a bottom gasket, the bottom gasket is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the base, the bottom of the cylinder is sleeved outside the bottom gasket, and there is an interference fit relationship between the cylinder and the bottom gasket.

[0018] Furthermore, the cylinder is made of ceramic, and the bottom gasket is made of metal material.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, which is applicable to any of the above-mentioned devices for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration. The method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration comprises:

[0020] S1, pre-treating the biomass particles, crushing, drying and sieving the biomass particles, taking the pre-treated biomass particles under a 60-mesh sieve, and placing 2 grams of the pre-treated biomass particles into a mold;

[0021] S2, setting the ultrasonic vibration frequency of the ultrasonic generator to 40 Hz, setting the downward pressure load of the loader to be greater than or equal to 40 Psi and less than or equal to 50 Psi, and operating the ultrasonic generator and the loader to process the biomass particles inside the mold.

[0022] Furthermore, the operation time of the ultrasonic generator and the loader is greater than or equal to 150 seconds and less than or equal to 450 seconds.

[0023] Furthermore, the ultrasonic generator and the loading element operate for at least 150 seconds.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of the present invention is that while the loading of the biomass particles by the loading part is maintained, the ultrasonic generator is started, so that the transducer begins to generate ultrasonic vibrations, converting the ultrasonic waves into pressure waves in the vertical direction, which will overlap with the pressure load generated by the loading part, thereby affecting the biomass particles pressed against the bottom of the energy transfer part. The pressure waves generated by the high-frequency drive of the ultrasonic wave and the large pressure load applied by the loading part can generate heat to achieve carbonization of the biomass particles. In this process, the ultrasonic frequency is high and the pressure load is large, so the carbonization efficiency is high, and the traditional complex heating carbonization equipment is not used. At the same time, since the energy transfer part closes the opening of the mold and is tightly against the biomass particles, there is no need to add protective gas to achieve a protective atmosphere, thereby solving the problems of complex equipment structure, low efficiency, and excessive by-products in traditional carbonization technology. At the same time, there is no need for the protective atmosphere required by microwave carbonization technology, which can further simplify the equipment and improve efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the overall functionality of the present invention;

[0026] FIG2 is a schematic front view of the main structure of the present invention;

[0027] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a front cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0028] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a front cross-sectional view of a detailed structure of the present invention.

[0029] Description of reference numerals:

[0030] 1. Base; 11. Bracket; 111. Slide rail; 2. Mold; 21. Cylinder; 22. Bottom gasket; 3. Loading part; 31. Output end; 32. Cylinder; 33. Air compressor; 34. Control valve; 4. Ultrasonic component; 41. Transducer; 42. Ultrasonic generator; 5. Energy transfer part; 51. Probe; 52. Probe seat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] On the one hand, the present invention provides a device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, comprising: a base 1, a mold 2, a loading member 3, an ultrasonic component 4, and an energy transmission member 5, wherein the base 1 is provided with a vertical bracket 11; the mold 2 is provided on the base 1, the upper part of the mold 2 is open, and the mold 2 is used to hold biomass particles inside; the loading member 3 is fixedly connected to the upper end side of the bracket 11, the loading member 3 has an output end 31, the output end 31 can move in the vertical direction, and the loading member 3 can make the output end 31 generate a vertical downward pressure load; the ultrasonic component 4 includes an ultrasonic generator 42 and a transducer 41, the transducer 41 is provided at the bottom of the output end 31, and the loading member 3 can make the output end 31 generate a vertical downward pressure load; The output end 31 provides a vertical downward pressure load to the transducer 41. The ultrasonic generator 42 is connected to the transducer 41. The ultrasonic generator 42 is used to emit ultrasonic waves. The transducer 41 is used to convert the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator 42 into pressure waves in the vertical direction. The upper end of the energy transmission component is connected to the lower end of the transducer 41, and the energy transmission component 5 is movably connected to the side of the bracket 11. The energy transmission component can move in the vertical direction. The lower end of the energy transmission component 5 can enter the mold 2 and can compress the biomass particles inside the mold 2. The energy transmission component 5 is used to transmit the downward pressure load generated by the loader 3 and the pressure wave generated by the transducer 41 to the biomass particles.

[0033] Specifically, please refer to Figures 1 to 4. When in use, the biomass particles to be carbonized are placed in the mold 2, and the energy transfer member 5 is moved in the vertical direction so that its lower end enters the mold 2 and presses the biomass particles inside the mold 2. At this time, the loader 3 is started so that the output end 31 provides a vertical downward pressure load to the transducer 41. The pressure load received by the transducer 41 will continue to be transmitted downward to the energy transfer member 5, and then transmitted to the biomass particles through the energy transfer member 5, so that the biomass particles are compressed by the pressure load and compacted. At the same time, the lower end of the energy transfer member 5 closes the upper opening of the mold 2. As shown in Figure 1, while maintaining the loading of the biomass particles, the ultrasonic generator 42 is started so that the transducer 41 begins to generate ultrasonic vibrations, converting ultrasonic waves into pressure waves in the vertical direction. The pressure wave is a pressure that alternates in the up and down directions. This pressure will overlap with the pressure load generated by the loader 3, thereby affecting the biomass particles pressed against the bottom of the energy transfer component 5. The pressure wave generated under the high-frequency drive of the ultrasonic wave and the large pressure load applied by the loader 3 can generate heat to achieve carbonization of the biomass particles. In this process, the ultrasonic frequency is high and the pressure load is large, so the carbonization efficiency is high, and traditional complex heating equipment is not used. At the same time, since the energy transfer component 5 closes the opening of the mold 2 and is tightly against the biomass particles, there is no need to add protective gas to achieve a protective atmosphere, thereby solving the problems of complex equipment structure and low efficiency of traditional carbonization technology. At the same time, there is no need for the protective atmosphere required for microwave carbonization technology, which can further simplify the equipment and improve efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, the loading element 3 includes: a cylinder 32 and an air compressor 33. The cylinder 32 is movably connected to the bracket 11, and the output end 31 is located at the bottom of the cylinder 32. The air compressor 33 is connected to the cylinder 32. The loading element 3 uses a pneumatic loading method including the cylinder 32 and the air compressor 33. This method not only provides an effective pressure load, but the compressed gas inside the cylinder 32 is also compressible, which can be used to buffer the upward pressure of the repeated pressure waves generated by the transducer 41. Thus, it has a special buffering capacity and increases the service life of the equipment.

[0035] Furthermore, the loader 3 also includes a regulating valve 34, which is disposed between the cylinder 32 and the air compressor 33. The regulating valve can adjust the air pressure inside the cylinder 32, thereby adjusting the magnitude of the pressure load generated by the loader 3. This is suitable for the laboratory environment in which this solution is used, and facilitates adjustment of the magnitude of the pressure load according to the experimental purpose.

[0036] Furthermore, the energy transfer component 5 includes: a probe 51 and a probe seat 52. The upper end of the probe seat 52 is connected to the transducer 41. The probe seat 52 is slidably connected to the side of the bracket 11 in the vertical direction. The upper end of the probe 51 is connected to the bottom surface of the probe seat 52. The lower end of the probe 51 can enter the mold 2 and can press the biomass particles inside the mold 2. The lower end of the probe 51 can close the upper opening of the mold 2. The probe 51 is made of ceramic. The probe seat 52 has the effect of being slidably connected to the bracket 11. It can only achieve vertical up and down movement, thereby ensuring the vertical movement of the vertical probe 51, ensuring that the probe 51 can extend into the mold 2 and close the upper opening of the mold 2. The use of ceramic material to make the probe 51 has a good thermal insulation effect, preventing heat from being conducted upward to the loader 3 and the transducer 41, thereby affecting the operation of the equipment.

[0037] Furthermore, a vertical slide rail 111 is provided on the side of the bracket 11 , and the side of the probe holder 52 is slidably connected to the slide rail 111 to ensure the vertical movement of the probe 51 .

[0038] Furthermore, after carbonization is completed, the carbonized biomass particles will be in a compact compressed cake state in the mold 2, which is difficult to remove from the mold 2. Therefore, the mold 2 includes a cylinder 21 and a bottom gasket 22. The bottom gasket 22 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the base 1, and the bottom of the cylinder 21 is sleeved on the outside of the bottom gasket 22. There is an interference fit relationship between the cylinder 21 and the bottom gasket 22. After carbonization is completed, the cylinder 21 is pulled up from the bottom gasket 22, and the compact cake formed by the carbonized biomass particles will remain inside the cylinder 21. At this time, you only need to poke the compact cake formed by the biomass particles out of the cylinder 21.

[0039] Furthermore, the cylinder 21 is made of ceramic, and the bottom gasket 22 is made of metal. Since high-frequency vibrations during the carbonization process generate heat, in order to prevent excessive heat from overflowing and affecting the carbonization efficiency, the mold 2 includes a ceramic component. However, since high-frequency pressure waves converted from ultrasound are used to load the biomass particles, under the vibration of the high-frequency pressure wave, the bottom gasket 22 located on the pressure wave propagation path will be subjected to a large vibration shock. If ceramic materials are also used, they will be very easy to break during the experiment. Therefore, in order to take into account the heat preservation and vibration and shock resistance of the mold 2, only the cylinder 21 surrounding the biomass particles is made of ceramic, and the bottom gasket 22 located on the pressure wave propagation path is made of a metal material with good toughness, such as steel or other alloy materials.

[0040] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, which is applicable to any of the above-mentioned devices for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration. The method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration comprises:

[0041] S1, pre-treating biomass particles, crushing, drying and sieving the biomass particles, taking the pre-treated biomass particles under a 60-mesh sieve, and placing 2 grams of the pre-treated biomass particles into mold 2;

[0042] S2, set the ultrasonic vibration frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator 42 to 40 Hz, set the downward pressure load of the loader 3 to be greater than or equal to 40 Psi and less than or equal to 50 Psi, and operate the ultrasonic generator 42 and the loader 3 to process the biomass particles inside the mold 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the operation time of the ultrasonic generator 42 and the loading member 3 is greater than or equal to 150 seconds and less than or equal to 450 seconds. This time setting can avoid the loss of volatile substances in the biomass particles.

[0044] Furthermore, in some cases, it is necessary to completely carbonize the biomass particles and remove the volatile substances therein, and it is necessary to operate the ultrasonic generator 42 and the loading member 3 for at least 150 seconds to completely eliminate these substances.

[0045] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, characterized in that: include: A base (1), wherein a vertical support (11) is provided on the base (1); A mold (2), the mold (2) being arranged on the base (1), the upper portion of the mold (2) being open, and the mold (2) being used to contain biomass particles inside; A loading member (3), the loading member (3) being fixedly connected to the upper side surface of the bracket (11), the loading member (3) having an output end (31), the output end (31) being able to move in a vertical direction, and the loading member (3) being able to cause the output end (31) to generate a vertical downward pressure load; An ultrasonic component (4), the ultrasonic component (4) comprising an ultrasonic generator (42) and a transducer (41), the transducer (41) being arranged at the bottom of the output end (31), the loading element (3) enabling the output end (31) to provide the transducer (41) with a vertically downward pressure load, the ultrasonic generator (42) being connected to the transducer (41), the ultrasonic generator (42) being used to emit ultrasonic waves, and the transducer (41) being used to convert the ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic generator (42) into pressure waves in the vertical direction; An energy transfer member (5), the upper end of which is connected to the lower end of the transducer (41), and the energy transfer member (5) is movably connected to the side of the bracket (11), the energy transfer member can move in the vertical direction, the lower end of the energy transfer member (5) can enter the mold (2) and can press the biomass particles inside the mold (2), and the energy transfer member (5) is used to transfer the downward pressure load generated by the loading member (3) and the pressure wave generated by the transducer (41) to the biomass particles.

2. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading component (3) comprises: a cylinder (32) and an air compressor (33); the cylinder (32) is movably connected to the bracket (11); the output end (31) is arranged at the bottom of the cylinder (32); and the air compressor (33) is connected to the cylinder (32).

3. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 2, characterized in that: The loading component (3) further comprises: a regulating valve (34), wherein the regulating valve (34) is arranged between the cylinder (32) and the air compressor (33).

4. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 3, characterized in that: The energy transfer component (5) comprises: a probe (51) and a probe seat (52); the upper end of the probe seat (52) is connected to the transducer (41); the probe seat (52) is slidably connected to the side of the bracket (11) in the vertical direction; the upper end of the probe (51) is connected to the bottom surface of the probe seat (52); the lower end of the probe (51) can enter the mold (2) and can press the biomass particles inside the mold (2); the lower end of the probe (51) can close the upper opening of the mold (2); and the probe (51) is made of ceramic.

5. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 4, characterized in that: A vertical slide rail (111) is provided on the side of the bracket (11), and a side of the probe seat (52) is slidably connected to the slide rail (111).

6. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mold (2) comprises a cylinder (21) and a bottom gasket (22); the bottom gasket (22) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the base (1); the bottom of the cylinder (21) is sleeved outside the bottom gasket (22); and the cylinder (21) and the bottom gasket (22) are in an interference fit relationship.

7. The device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cylinder (21) is made of ceramic, and the bottom gasket (22) is made of metal material.

8. A method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration, applicable to the device for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: include: S1, pre-treating biomass particles, crushing, drying and sieving the biomass particles, taking the pre-treated biomass particles under a 60-mesh sieve, and placing 2 grams of the pre-treated biomass particles into the mold (2); S2, setting the ultrasonic vibration frequency emitted by the ultrasonic generator (42) to 40 Hz, setting the downward pressure load of the loading member (3) to be greater than or equal to 40 Psi and less than or equal to 50 Psi, and operating the ultrasonic generator (42) and the loading member (3) to process the biomass particles inside the mold (2).

9. The method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 8, characterized in that: The operation time of the ultrasonic generator (42) and the loading component (3) is greater than or equal to 150 seconds and less than or equal to 450 seconds.

10. The method for preparing biochar by ultrasonic vibration according to claim 8, characterized in that: The operation time of the ultrasonic generator (42) and the loading member (3) is at least 150 seconds.

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