Biochar Pigment Production From Biosolids With Methane-Fueled Carbonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional methods to utilize biosolids, such as sewage sludge, compost, and waste materials to create a biochar that can be used as a pigment without substantial energy loss, as existing methods are inefficient and unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the digestion of biosolids by microorganisms to produce methane and biosolids, followed by drying, carbonization via pyrolysis or gasification, grinding into a powder, and applying it to media to create pigments like inks, paints, or stains, utilizing solar radiation or fire for carbonization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional carbonization methods are used to convert biosolids into pigment, then pigment production is achieved, but substantial energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful odor and waste biosolids into beneficial pigment products through controlled carbonization. The methane produced during anaerobic digestion is captured and used as fuel for the carbonization process, transforming waste into energy and eliminating the need for external energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the digestion and carbonization processes into an integrated system where the digestion tank and carbonization chamber work together. The methane generated in the digestion tank is directly utilized to fuel the carbonization process, creating a self-sufficient system that eliminates energy loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If biosolids are disposed of through conventional methods (landfilling, incineration), then disposal is achieved, but high costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-sufficient, generating its own energy through anaerobic digestion of biosolids. The methane produced fuels the carbonization process, eliminating the need for external energy sources and reducing operational costs. The system transforms waste into a valuable pigment product, making the process economically viable and sustainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of biosolids through controlled carbonization at specific temperatures (300-600°C). This transformation converts the biosolids into a stable, odorless pigment with desirable properties for commercial applications, thereby increasing the value of the waste material.
3Reliability
If biosolids are carbonized to create pigment, then sustainable pigment production is achieved, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the process into distinct stages: anaerobic digestion in a separate tank, drying of digestate, and carbonization in a controlled chamber. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity and sustainability.
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 efficiently converts biosolids into a biochar pigment, neutralizing odors and rendering the biosolids safe to handle, while providing a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for pigment production.
Implementation Method 1
The raw material is digested by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid
Implementation Method 2
carbonization via pyrolysis or gasification
Implementation Method 3
utilizing solar radiation or fire for carbonization
Implementation Method 4
carbonization via pyrolysis or gasification
Data Source
AI summary
A novel pigment and a method to create the novel pigment are described. A raw material, such as municipal sewage sludge, municipal compost, food waste, agricultural waste, forestry waste, agroforestry waste, biomass, and/or livestock waste, are screened, cleaned, and/or prepared. The raw material is digested by microorganisms to create methane and a biosolid. The biosolid is dried and then carbonized to create a biochar. The biochar is ground into a powder pigment until a predetermined particle size is reached. The powder pigment having the predetermined particle size is applied to a media to create at least one product, such as an ink, a paint, a stain, a colored material, and/or a dye.