Biogas Membrane Permeation Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biogas purification methods face challenges in achieving a constant methane concentration in the output gas stream, which is necessary for efficient use in natural gas networks, while minimizing methane losses and reducing purification costs associated with electricity consumption.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage membrane permeation installation with multiple membrane separation units and pressure adjustment mechanisms to optimize methane concentration, utilizing membranes more permeable to carbon dioxide than methane, and feedback control systems to maintain desired methane levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If membrane permeation treatment is used to purify biogas, then carbon dioxide is separated and methane concentration is increased, but methane losses occur and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic pressure adjustment in the membrane permeation system, where the retentate pressure is continuously optimized based on real-time methane concentration measurements. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain high methane concentration in the retentate stream while minimizing methane losses in the permeate stream, resolving the contradiction between purification precision and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (pressure, flow rates) to optimize the membrane separation process. By adjusting the retentate pressure and monitoring methane concentration, the system finds optimal operating conditions that maximize methane recovery while achieving the required purity level, thus reducing both methane losses and unnecessary energy consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If purification is intensified to achieve higher methane concentration, then output quality improves, but energy consumption and purification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control system where methane concentration in the retentate stream is continuously measured and used to adjust the retentate pressure. This closed-loop control ensures that the system operates at the minimum necessary purification intensity to achieve the target methane concentration (above 85%), avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining output quality.
Solution Approach 2:
By dynamically adjusting operational parameters based on real-time measurements, the system optimizes the balance between purification intensity and energy consumption. The retentate pressure is modulated to achieve the required methane concentration without applying excessive pressure that would increase energy use unnecessarily.
3Productivity
If pressure is increased to enhance separation efficiency, then purification speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic pressure adjustment rather than operating at constantly high pressure. The retentate pressure is optimized in real-time based on methane concentration measurements, allowing the system to achieve high purification speed only when necessary while reducing pressure (and energy consumption) when lower purification intensity suffices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes pressure parameters dynamically to match the actual purification needs. By monitoring methane concentration and adjusting pressure accordingly, the system achieves optimal productivity without sustaining high energy consumption, resolving the contradiction between purification speed and energy use.
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
The solution effectively produces a methane-rich gas stream with a consistent concentration above 85% CH4, minimizing methane losses and reducing energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the feed gas pressure based on real-time methane concentration measurements.
Implementation Method 1
each membrane separation unit comprises at least one membrane that is more permeable to carbon dioxide than to methane
Data Source
AI summary
A facility and method for membrane permeation treatment of a feed gas flow containing at least methane and carbon dioxide that includes a compressor, a gas analyser, at least one valve, and first, second, third, and fourth membrane separation units for separation of CO2 from CH4 to permeates enriched in CO2 and retentates enriched in CH4, respectively. A pressure of the feed gas flow is adjusted according to a CH4 concentration of the second retentate.