Atomizing High Solids Liquid for Ethanol Furnace Combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for ethanol production from biomass and grain-based feedstocks generate high solids liquids that are not efficiently combusted, leading to energy inefficiencies and increased emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system that atomizes high solids liquids, such as syrup, and co-combusts them with biomass fuel in a furnace, optimizing energy production and reducing emissions by distributing the atomized liquid fuel above biomass fuel in the furnace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high solids liquid is combusted in conventional systems, then energy production is limited, but combustion efficiency is poor and emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high solids liquid is atomized into fine droplets, segmenting the liquid fuel into smaller particles that can burn more efficiently. This segmentation increases the surface area for combustion and improves mixing with air, thereby enhancing combustion efficiency while maintaining high energy production.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the high solids liquid is changed from liquid to aerosol through atomization. This parameter change enables the fuel to be distributed more effectively in the combustion chamber, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions while maintaining energy production.
2Power
If high solids liquid is combusted in conventional systems, then energy content is low, but CO and NOx emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Atomization segments the liquid fuel into fine droplets, improving combustion completeness. More complete combustion reduces incomplete oxidation products like CO and reduces thermal NOx formation, thereby reducing harmful emissions while maintaining high energy content.
Solution Approach 2:
The high solids content, which normally causes combustion problems and emissions, is converted into an advantage through atomization. The fine droplet structure allows the high solids liquid to burn cleanly, converting what would be a harmful characteristic into a beneficial one for reducing emissions.
3Productivity
If high solids liquid is combusted in conventional systems, then combustion is inefficient, but the system complexity remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The atomization system utilizes the existing high solids liquid flow and combustion chamber infrastructure to achieve efficient combustion. By integrating atomization into the existing system rather than requiring separate complex fuel delivery mechanisms, the system maintains simplicity while improving combustion efficiency.
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 enhances energy production by increasing the energy content of the combustion process while minimizing CO and NOx emissions, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for utilizing high solids liquids as a fuel source.
Implementation Method 1
atomizing the stream of high solids liquid into the furnace
Implementation Method 2
The stream of high solids liquid is co-combusted with the biomass fuel in the furnace
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the combustion of high solids liquid to produce steam for the production of ethanol is disclosed. The system comprises a method for combusting high solids liquid. The method comprises supplying a stream of high solids liquid to a furnace; atomizing the stream of high solids liquid into the furnace; and distributing biomass fuel into the furnace. The stream of high solids liquid are combusted with the biomass fuel in the furnace.