Biomass Methanol Synthesis Flow Control to Prevent Side Reactions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methanol synthesis systems from biomass face challenges in controlling optimal conditions to prevent side reactions and ensure efficient production, particularly due to inadequate control of carbon dioxide and hydrogen flow rates during the synthesis process.

Innovation Solution

A methanol synthesis system comprising a first producing device for methane and carbon dioxide production, a second producing device for hydrogen and carbon dioxide production, controllers for precise mole flow rate management of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and a methanol synthesizing device, with controllers optimizing flow rates based on specific equations to ensure optimal reaction conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If biomass is used for methanol synthesis, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but side reactions occur and production efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverenewable energy utilizationVSAvoidmethanol production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the methanol synthesis process into separate functional units: a first producing device for methane and CO2 production, a second producing device for hydrogen and CO2 production, and a methanol synthesizing device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit's operation to prevent side reactions while maintaining overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Controllers are integrated into the system to monitor and adjust the mole flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen supplied to the methanol synthesizing device. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal reaction conditions are maintained, preventing side reactions and maximizing methanol production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If carbon dioxide and hydrogen flow rates are not controlled, then system operation is simplified, but side reactions increase and methanol purity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoidmethanol purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Controllers are integrated into the system to monitor and adjust the mole flow rates of carbon dioxide and hydrogen supplied to the methanol synthesizing device. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal reaction conditions are maintained, preventing side reactions and maximizing methanol production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple producing devices are added for optimal synthesis, then methanol production quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemethanol production qualityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the methanol synthesis process into separate functional units: a first producing device for methane and CO2 production, a second producing device for hydrogen and CO2 production, and a methanol synthesizing device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit's operation to prevent side reactions while maintaining overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controllers serve multiple functions: they control the mole flow rates of carbon dioxide from the first producing device, control the mole flow rates of hydrogen from the second producing device, and optimize the reaction conditions in the methanol synthesizing device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively prevents side reactions and ensures high-purity methanol production by controlling carbon dioxide and hydrogen flow rates, achieving at least 95% methane and 99% hydrogen purity, with optimal methanol synthesis at temperatures and pressures conducive to efficient methanol production.

Implementation Method 1

a first producing device to produce methane and carbon dioxide by introducing biomass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnaerobic digestion: Anaerobic Digestion

Implementation Method 2

a second producing device to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide by allowing the methane, which is supplied from the first producing device, to react with steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteam reforming:

Implementation Method 3

a methanol synthesizing device to synthesize the methanol by allowing the carbon dioxide supplied from the first controller, the hydrogen supplied from the second controller, and the carbon dioxide supplied from the second producing device to react with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical synthesis: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20260008735A1Methanol synthesis system using biomass and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A methanol synthesis system which includes a first producing device to produce methane and carbon dioxide by introducing biomass,a second producing device to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide by allowing the methane, which is supplied from the first producing device, to react with steam, a first controller to control a mole flow rate of the carbon dioxide supplied from the first producing device, a second controller to control a mole flow rate of the hydrogen supplied from the second producing device, and a methanol synthesizing device to synthesize methanol by allowing the carbon dioxide supplied from the first controller, the hydrogen supplied from the second controller, and the carbon dioxide supplied from the second producing device to react with each other.