Algae Culture Tanks for Methane Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methane purification methods require large equipment and significant capital investment to separate carbon dioxide from methane produced during fermentation, which hinders climate change mitigation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A methane purification method involving a series of culture tanks filled with water where methane fermentation gas is supplied, allowing carbon dioxide to dissolve and be fixed by algae, with the gas being re-supplied through the tanks to further reduce CO2 levels, eliminating the need for an absorption tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an absorption tower is used to separate carbon dioxide from methane, then carbon dioxide removal efficiency is improved, but equipment size and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical absorption tower system with a biological system using algae culture tanks. The algae naturally absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation equipment while achieving effective carbon dioxide removal from methane fermentation gas
Solution Approach 2:
The algae in the culture tanks perform self-service by autonomously absorbing carbon dioxide through their natural photosynthesis process. The system utilizes the inherent biological capability of algae to consume carbon dioxide, requiring no additional energy input or complex control mechanisms for the separation process
2Measurement precision
If an absorption tower is used to separate carbon dioxide from methane, then carbon dioxide removal efficiency is improved, but capital investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive algae culture tanks instead of expensive absorption towers. The algae can be easily cultivated and replenished, making the system cost-effective. The culture medium and algae are relatively cheap materials compared to the capital cost of mechanical separation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
By substituting the mechanical absorption tower with a biological algae culture system, the patent dramatically reduces capital investment. The biological system requires simpler infrastructure and avoids the high costs associated with mechanical separation equipment manufacturing and installation
3Manufacturing precision
If mixed gas is re-supplied to culture tanks, then methane purity is improved, but process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous carbon dioxide removal by re-supplying the mixed gas back to the culture tanks. This creates a continuous cycle where algae continuously absorb carbon dioxide from the methane gas stream, progressively increasing methane purity over time through repeated passes
Solution Approach 2:
The culture tanks serve multiple functions: they provide a habitat for algae growth, act as carbon dioxide absorption chambers, and function as part of the methane purification system. This multi-functionality allows the same equipment to achieve both algae cultivation and gas purification objectives simultaneously
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 method increases methane purity, reduces equipment size, and lowers capital investment while effectively consuming carbon dioxide through algae photosynthesis, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
Carbon dioxide is consumed through the photosynthesis of algae
Implementation Method 2
The solubility of carbon dioxide in water is greater than that of methane in water. Therefore, carbon dioxide is absorbed by water while methane is discharged without being absorbed by water
Data Source
AI summary
A mixed gas generated in a methane fermentation tank is supplied to culture tanks. In the culture tanks, water as a culture solution is held and algae are cultured. Carbon dioxide contained in the mixed gas preferentially dissolves in water. That is, carbon dioxide is removed from the mixed gas. As a result, a concentration of methane, which is one component of the mixed gas, increases. The mixed gas is re-supplied to another culture tank or the same culture tank.