Integrated Bio-Jet Fuel and Hydrogen Production Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroprocessing methods for producing renewable aviation kerosene and diesel from vegetable or animal oils result in high hydrogen consumption and significant CO2 emissions, as well as undesirable by-products that increase production costs and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A process integrating the production of renewable aviation kerosene (Bio-JET-A1) with the production of hydrogen using steam reforming of light hydrocarbons and water generated as by-products, where a low molecular weight oxygenated hydrocarbon such as ethanol or glycerin is fed into the hydrotreating section to adjust the yield of light hydrocarbons independently of Bio-JET-A1 production, allowing for the recycling of hydrogen and reducing the need for costly purification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydroprocessing methods are used to produce renewable aviation kerosene and diesel from vegetable or animal oils, then renewable fuels are produced, but high hydrogen consumption and significant CO2 emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate processes - hydroprocessing of vegetable/animal oils for renewable fuel production and steam reforming of light hydrocarbons for hydrogen generation - into an integrated system where the light hydrocarbon by-products from hydroprocessing become the feedstock for hydrogen production, and the generated hydrogen is recycled back to the hydroprocessing unit, creating a closed-loop system that reduces external hydrogen consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful by-products (light hydrocarbons and CO2) generated during hydroprocessing into valuable resources by feeding them into a steam reforming unit to produce hydrogen, which is then recycled to the hydroprocessing unit, thereby transforming waste streams into useful inputs and reducing the overall carbon footprint
2Productivity
If hydroprocessing methods are used to produce renewable aviation kerosene and diesel from vegetable or animal oils, then renewable fuels are produced, but significant CO2 emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures and utilizes the CO2 generated during hydroprocessing as a feedstock for the steam reforming process, converting this harmful emission into a useful component for hydrogen production, thereby reducing net CO2 emissions and creating a more sustainable process cycle
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding CO2 as a waste product, the patent recovers and utilizes it in the steam reforming unit to generate hydrogen, transforming a harmful emission into a valuable resource that supports the main fuel production process
3Productivity
If light hydrocarbons are produced as by-products during hydroprocessing, then fuel production occurs, but costly purification processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than treating light hydrocarbon by-products as unwanted impurities requiring expensive purification, the patent redirects them to the steam reforming unit where they serve as valuable feedstock for hydrogen production, eliminating the need for complex purification systems and reducing overall process costs
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 integrated process reduces CO2 emissions, decreases hydrogen consumption, and allows for the efficient production of renewable hydrogen, which can be used in petroleum refining, while also utilizing by-products like glycerin from biodiesel production, thereby enhancing the environmental sustainability of the fuel production process.
Implementation Method 1
production of hydrogen using steam reforming of light hydrocarbons and water generated as by-products
Implementation Method 2
hydroprocessing (or hydrotreating or hydroconversion) for the production of renewable fuels involves the chemical conversion of triglyceride by one or more steps of oxygen removal (hydrodeoxygenation)
Implementation Method 3
formation of branched paraffins (hydroisomerization)
Implementation Method 4
hydrocracking reactions, particularly of n-paraffins, at high temperature and pressure, in the presence of hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses to a process for the integrated production of H2 and aviation kerosene from renewable raw materials aiming at reducing CO2 emissions and consequently bringing benefits to reduce the impact of global warming on the planet. The process involves a hydrotreatment section to obtain n-paraffins followed by a hydroisomerization section to produce isoparaffins. The water and light hydrocarbons obtained in the isoparaffin production process are used for the production of H2 by the steam reforming process. An alcohol, such as ethanol or glycerin, with less than 6 carbon atoms, is fed into the hydrotreating section to make up the light hydrocarbon stream used in the production of renewable hydrogen.