Biomass Gasification with Ceramic Membrane Nitrogen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass gasification processes are inefficient in producing high heat value synthesis gas and fail to effectively eliminate nitrogen from combusting gases, which affects the quality and efficiency of the gasification process.
Innovation Solution
A process involving drying biomass with heated nitrogen, followed by pyrolysis and combustion in ceramic-lined chambers, with multiple heat exchange steps and a regenerative gas purification system to separate nitrogen from synthesis gas, resulting in a high heat value synthesis gas (H2/CO) with reduced nitrogen content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional biomass gasification is used, then the process is simple, but the heating value of synthesis gas is low and nitrogen content is high
Solution Approach 1:
The gasification process is divided into distinct functional zones: a combustion zone for heat generation, a reduction zone for synthesis gas production, and a purification zone for nitrogen removal. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function, resulting in high heating value synthesis gas while managing process complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A ceramic membrane reactor is introduced as an intermediary component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it acts as a structural support, a heat transfer medium, and a selective barrier that removes nitrogen from the synthesis gas. This intermediary device enables high heating value gas production without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If nitrogen is not removed from combusting gases, then the process is simpler, but the synthesis gas quality is poor and energy efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Nitrogen is selectively extracted from the combusting gases using a ceramic membrane reactor. The membrane allows synthesis gas components (H2, CO, CH4) to pass through while blocking nitrogen, thereby improving synthesis gas quality and energy efficiency by removing the inert gas that would otherwise dilute the combustible components
Solution Approach 2:
The partial pressure of nitrogen is reduced by extracting it through the ceramic membrane, which changes the compositional parameters of the gas mixture. This parameter change increases the concentration of combustible gases, thereby improving both synthesis gas quality and energy efficiency
3Loss of energy
If multiple heat exchange steps are added, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceramic membrane reactor merges multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a reaction chamber and a heat exchanger. Hot combustion gases transfer heat through the ceramic membrane to preheat the incoming biomass and to generate steam, reducing energy losses without requiring separate heat exchange equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic membrane reactor performs multiple functions simultaneously: combustion, heat transfer, synthesis gas production, and nitrogen removal. This multi-functionality improves energy efficiency by utilizing the hot combustion gases for multiple purposes while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices
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 process enhances the efficiency of biomass gasification by producing synthesis gas with a higher heating value and reduced nitrogen content, improving the overall energy output and reducing impurities, making it suitable for medium to large-scale industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
a combustion chamber (6) with a ceramic liner (18) and a pyrolysis chamber (5) with a ceramic liner (18), said combustion chamber (6) being arranged below said pyrolysis chamber (5), said ceramic liner (18) in said combustion chamber (6) being heated by hot combustion gases and for heating the ceramic liner (18) in said pyrolysis chamber (5)
Implementation Method 2
a reactor unit (3) that comprises a pyrolysis chamber (5) and a combustion chamber (6)... where biomass is subjected to pyrolysis and combustion
Implementation Method 3
a first regenerative heat exchanging means (7, 9) that transfers heat from said combustion chamber (6) to said pyrolysis chamber (5)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing synthesis gas (S) from biomass, said process comprising the steps of drying the biomass and gasifying the biomass. The invention also relates to an equipment to carry out the process according to the present invention. It is significant of the present invention that the process comprises the further steps: subjecting the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) from the gasifying step to a first heat exchange, where the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) are cooled, purifying the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O) to achieve a process gas (P), said purification being effected by eliminating nitrogen (N2) from the outgoing gases (CO2, N2 and H2O), subjecting the process gas (P) to heat exchange, where the process gas (P) is heated, reducing the process gas (P) to synthesis gas (S), subjecting the synthesis gas (S) to heat exchange, where the synthesis gas (S) is cooled and supply air to the gasification is heated.