Biocrude Purification via Counter-Current Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biocrude obtained from hydrothermal liquefaction contains high levels of inorganic compounds, particularly metallic impurities, which hinder its use in subsequent fuel and chemical processing due to catalyst poisoning, necessitating complex and costly purification methods.
Innovation Solution
A method involving dilution of biocrude with a less viscous organic diluent followed by counter-current liquid-liquid extraction using an aqueous solvent to reduce inorganic content, specifically employing a combination of neutral and acidic aqueous phases for enhanced separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If biocrude is directly processed through subsequent fuel and chemical processing steps, then processing can proceed without additional purification steps, but catalyst poisoning occurs due to high levels of inorganic compounds and metallic impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing extraction of inorganic compounds and metallic impurities from biocrude before the biocrude enters subsequent processing steps. This pre-purification is achieved through contact with aqueous extraction solutions that remove harmful impurities, preventing catalyst poisoning before it occurs and ensuring reliable catalyst performance throughout processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by introducing aqueous extraction solutions into contact with biocrude to selectively remove inorganic compounds and metallic impurities. The extraction process separates harmful substances from the biocrude stream, allowing the purified biocrude to proceed to subsequent processing without causing catalyst deactivation.
2Reliability
If complex and costly purification methods are used to remove inorganic compounds, then catalyst poisoning is prevented, but processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing aqueous extraction solutions as a mediating substance between the biocrude and subsequent processing steps. These extraction solutions selectively interact with and remove inorganic compounds and metallic impurities, serving as an intermediate purification step that protects downstream catalysts without requiring complex purification equipment or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the composition and properties of aqueous extraction solutions to optimize impurity removal. By modifying parameters such as solution composition, temperature, and contact time, the process achieves effective purification of biocrude while maintaining simple and cost-effective processing operations.
3Reliability
If traditional purification methods are employed, then inorganic compound removal is achieved, but operational complexity and solvent consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing an extraction system where aqueous solutions automatically remove inorganic compounds and metallic impurities from biocrude through direct contact. The process leverages the natural affinity between aqueous phases and inorganic impurities, eliminating the need for complex purification equipment or excessive solvent consumption while achieving reliable impurity removal.
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
Significantly reduces inorganic compounds, particularly metallic impurities, allowing subsequent processing steps like hydroconversion and hydrocracking to proceed without catalyst deactivation, with minimal operational changes and reduced solvent consumption.
Implementation Method 1
diluting the biocrude feedstock with a diluent that comprises an organic liquid phase that has a lower viscosity and density than those of the biocrude feedstock
Implementation Method 2
contacting the dilute biocrude obtained in step (a) with at least one solvent comprising a liquid aqueous phase, with counter-current liquid-liquid extraction
Implementation Method 3
separation of the raffinate obtained in step (b), so as to obtain, on the one hand, the biocrude depleted in inorganic compounds, and on the other hand a phase comprising the diluent
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for treating a liquid feedstock comprising at least partly carbonaceous products resulting from a hydrothermal liquefaction treatment, known as biocrude feedstock (1), with a view to reducing the content of mineral compounds, such as said treatment comprises - a step (a) dilution of the biocrude feedstock with a diluent (8) comprising an organic liquid phase, so as to obtain a dilute biocrude (9), - a step (b) contacting the dilute biocrude obtained in step (a) with at least one solvent (3) which comprises a liquid aqueous phase, with counter-current liquid-liquid extraction, so as to obtain, on the one hand, a raffinate (5) comprising the mineral-depleted biocrude and the diluent, and on the other hand an extract (4) comprising the solvent enriched with mineral compounds, - a step (c) of separation of the raffinate (5) obtained in step (b), so as to obtain, on the one hand, the biocrude depleted in mineral compounds (7) and on the other hand a phase comprising the diluent (8).