Algae Hydrothermal Liquefaction Effluent Wet Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for thermochemical conversion of algal biomass into bio-crude or gas through hydrothermal liquefaction or gasification generate aqueous effluents that are toxic and not optimally reused, limiting the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process integrating hydrothermal gasification or liquefaction with a separation step to recover bio-crude and aqueous effluents, followed by wet oxidation under supercritical conditions to transform the effluents, recycling the nutrients and CO2 for algae cultivation, and utilizing the oxidation heat to sustain the liquefaction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrothermal liquefaction or gasification is used to convert algal biomass into bio-crude or gas, then biofuel production is achieved, but toxic aqueous effluents are generated that cannot be effectively reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies wet oxidation to transform the harmful aqueous effluents containing organic compounds into useful products: CO2, water, and nutrients. The effluents are fed into a wet oxidation reactor where they are converted into gaseous phase products that can be recycled back to the algae cultivation stage, thus converting waste into valuable resources for continuous cultivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery system where aqueous effluents are separated from the hydrothermal liquefaction/gasification process and subjected to wet oxidation. The resulting CO2 and nutrients are recovered and reused in algae cultivation, while the water is recycled, minimizing waste discharge and maximizing resource utilization.
2Device complexity
If aqueous effluents are discharged without treatment, then processing complexity is reduced, but environmental harm and resource loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the waste treatment function with the resource recovery function by integrating wet oxidation directly into the production cycle. The effluent treatment reactor is positioned between the hydrothermal processing unit and the cultivation system, creating a closed-loop system where waste processing and resource recovery occur in a unified flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using the wet oxidation process to convert effluents into products (CO2, nutrients, water) that are immediately fed back into the cultivation process. The algae cultivation benefits from the treated effluents, and the hydrothermal processing receives continuous feedstock, creating a self-sustaining system.
3Loss of substance
If nutrients and CO2 are recycled from effluents, then resource efficiency is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous effluents through wet oxidation, transforming dissolved organic compounds into gaseous CO2 and inorganic nutrients. This parameter change enables the separation and recycling of valuable substances that would otherwise remain trapped in the effluent stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The wet oxidation reactor acts as an intermediary unit that bridges the hydrothermal processing and cultivation stages. It mediates the transformation of effluents into reusable forms, facilitating the connection between waste discharge and resource recovery without requiring multiple separate treatment units.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively converts harmful aqueous effluents into reusable resources, enhancing biofuel production efficiency by recycling nutrients and energy, reducing waste, and improving algae cultivation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a/ hydrothermal gasification or hydrothermal liquefaction of an algal biomass in at least a first reactor
Implementation Method 2
a/ hydrothermal gasification or hydrothermal liquefaction of an algal biomass in at least a first reactor
Implementation Method 3
d/ oxidation of the aqueous effluents in at least a second reactor, step d/ being wet oxidation or hydrothermal oxidation (OHT) under supercritical conditions
Implementation Method 4
the heat produced during oxidation step d/ in the second reactor being supplied to the first reactor for the implementation of step a/ hydrothermal liquefaction or gasification
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for converting algal biomass into a gas or into biocrude in order to produce a combustible material or a fuel, especially a liquid fuel, or another synthesis product, said method comprising the following steps: a) hydrothermal gasification or hydrothermal liquefaction of an algal biomass in at least one first reactor, b) separation of the gas or biocrude produced thereby from the aqueous effluents and the CO2 produced, at the outlet of the first reactor, c) recovery of the aqueous effluents, and d) oxidation of the aqueous effluents in at least one second reactor.