Biomass Pyrolysis for Bio-LPG Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing bio-derived LPG fuels from biomass are inefficient, requiring multiple costly refining steps and resulting in fuels that often fail to meet the standard chemical and physical properties of fossil fuel-based LPG, leading to high production costs and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A process involving pyrolysis of low-sulfur biomass feedstocks at high temperatures (at least 950°C) to produce a hydrocarbon feedstock, followed by separation and further processing to reduce sulfur content and improve fuel properties, including hydro-treating and hydro-isomerization, to meet the required specifications for bio-derived LPG.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple refining steps are used to produce bio-derived LPG from biomass, then the fuel quality improves, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-drying the biomass feedstock to reduce moisture content before pyrolysis. This preparatory step prevents steam formation during heating that would otherwise interfere with the pyrolysis process and require additional refining steps later, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining fuel quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to extremely high levels (at least 950°C) during pyrolysis, which fundamentally alters the product distribution and chemical composition of the bio-oil. This parameter change produces a hydrocarbon-rich feedstock with properties closer to fossil fuels, reducing the number of refining steps needed and lowering production costs
2Manufacturing precision
If high temperature pyrolysis (at least 950°C) is used to produce hydrocarbon feedstock, then the fuel properties improve, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the biomass feedstock itself as the fuel source to generate the high temperatures required for pyrolysis. The biomass is combusted in a controlled manner to provide the thermal energy needed for its own conversion, significantly reducing external energy requirements despite the high temperature process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the combustion and pyrolysis processes into a single integrated system. The combustion of a portion of the biomass provides the heat for pyrolysis of the remaining biomass, combining two thermal processes that would otherwise be separate and energy-intensive operations
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sulfur content in biomass is reduced, then the environmental impact decreases, but the availability of suitable feedstock decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using extremely high pyrolysis temperatures (at least 950°C) that fundamentally alter the chemical composition of the products. At these temperatures, sulfur is effectively removed or converted to gaseous forms that can be separated, producing a low-sulfur hydrocarbon feedstock from conventional biomass without requiring rare low-sulfur feedstocks
4Productivity
If the biomass moisture content is reduced to 10% or less, then the pyrolysis efficiency improves, but the preprocessing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a drying step before pyrolysis to reduce biomass moisture content to 10% or less. This preprocessing removes water that would otherwise form steam during heating, interfering with heat transfer and pyrolysis reactions, thereby significantly improving pyrolysis efficiency without requiring overly complex processing systems
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 produces a high-quality bio-derived LPG fuel with reduced sulfur content and improved properties, such as a lower bromine index and pour point, making it suitable for use as a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel-based LPG while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
pyrolysing the low moisture biomass feedstock at a temperature of at least 950°C to form a mixture of biochar, hydrocarbon feedstock, non-condensable light gases
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process and system for forming a hydrocarbon feedstock from a biomass material, and the hydrocarbon feedstock formed therefrom. The present invention also relates to a process and system for forming a bio-derived LPG fuel from a hydrocarbon feedstock, and the bio-derived LPG fuel formed therefrom, as well as intermediate treated hydrocarbon feedstocks formed during the process.