Biomass Reactor Cleaning With Basic Solution During Pretreatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reactors for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment suffer from fouling due to solid residues adhering to the internal walls, leading to operational issues such as plugging and increased difficulty in conveying biomass, necessitating time-consuming and energy-intensive mechanical or hydraulic cleaning procedures.
Innovation Solution
A continuous cleaning process using a basic aqueous solution with a pH greater than 9, introduced into the reactor during the pretreatment, which chemically and mechanically removes residues while maintaining reactor operation, without stopping production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or hydraulic cleaning procedures are used to remove solid residues from the reactor, then the reactor cleanliness is improved, but the operational downtime and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning procedures (scrapers, brushes) and hydraulic cleaning (high-pressure water jets) with a chemical cleaning system. A basic aqueous solution is introduced into the reactor to chemically dissolve and neutralize acidic residues and coatings on the reactor walls, eliminating the need for mechanical removal methods and reducing operational downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a basic aqueous solution as an intermediary substance to facilitate cleaning. This solution acts as a mediator between the acidic residues/coatings on the reactor walls and the cleaning process, chemically neutralizing and dissolving the residues without requiring direct mechanical contact or high-energy hydraulic forces.
2Reliability
If mechanical or hydraulic cleaning procedures are used to remove solid residues from the reactor, then the reactor cleanliness is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical cleaning systems (motors driving scrapers and brushes) and hydraulic cleaning systems (high-pressure pumps) with a chemical cleaning system. The basic aqueous solution requires minimal energy input for circulation and heating, dramatically reducing the energy consumption associated with cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the cleaning process by introducing a basic aqueous solution with specific pH and composition. This chemical parameter change enables effective cleaning through chemical reactions rather than mechanical or hydraulic forces, reducing the energy requirements for the cleaning operation.
3Reliability
If the reactor is stopped and cooled for cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous cleaning action by introducing the basic aqueous solution during normal reactor operation. The cleaning process occurs continuously as the solution circulates through the reactor, neutralizing and dissolving residues without interrupting the biomass treatment process, thereby maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service cleaning mechanism where the basic aqueous solution automatically neutralizes and dissolves acidic residues and coatings on the reactor walls during normal operation. The system cleans itself without requiring external intervention, stopping, or cooling of the reactor, maintaining both effectiveness and productivity.
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 effectively removes residues without reactor downtime, reducing energy consumption and maintaining process efficiency by utilizing the abrasive effect of biomass and the basic solution to detach and dissolve adherent residues.
Implementation Method 1
a phase of continuous cleaning of the reactor which comprises the introduction of a basic aqueous solution into said reactor containing the biomass being treated
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the biomass's abrasive effect to detach and dissolve adherent materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a processing method at acidic or neutral pH in a reactor (4) for processing lignocellulosic biomass (P), said process including a continuous cleaning phase of the reactor which comprises introducing a basic aqueous solution (EB) into said reactor containing the biomass being processed.