Biomass Refining Steam Recycle Path Reduces Impurity Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for refining lignocellulosic biomass are complex and expensive, and they do not effectively minimize the release of impurities into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A system and process that involve a steam flow path to recycle steam from the defibrator to the presteaming bin, reducing the need for fresh steam and minimizing impurities released into the atmosphere, with a simple and inexpensive design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If steam is recirculated from the defibrator to the presteaming bin to reduce fresh steam consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional steam flow paths and separation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own generated steam to serve the presteaming bin, creating a self-sustaining steam cycle. Steam generated during defibration is recirculated back to the presteaming bin, reducing the need for external fresh steam and making the system energy-self-sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding steam from the defibrator exhaust, the system recovers and recirculates it to the presteaming bin. This recovery process converts what would be waste into a useful resource, reducing fresh steam consumption while maintaining process efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a separator is used to separate steam from fibers before recirculation, then impurities are minimized, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes steam from the defibrator exhaust stream before recirculation to the presteaming bin. By taking out the steam component separately, the system prevents impurities from being released into the atmosphere while simplifying the recirculation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blow pipe acts as an intermediary device that facilitates steam separation and transfer. It serves as a mediator between the defibrator and presteaming bin, enabling steam recirculation while managing impurity release without requiring complex separation equipment.
3Device complexity
If steam flow paths are integrated with existing equipment (blow pipe, preheater), then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over steam recirculation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Existing equipment components are given multiple functions. The blow pipe not only conveys fibers but also serves as a steam flow path. The preheater not only heats material but also receives recirculated steam. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining adequate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam recirculation system merges with existing process equipment rather than being a separate system. Steam flow paths are combined with the blow pipe and preheater, integrating multiple functions into existing components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
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 significantly reduces the amount of impurities released into the atmosphere by recycling up to 40% of the steam generated during refining, thereby minimizing the consumption of fresh steam and maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Steam is generated in the defibrator from the moisture in the chips when the chips are broken down and the fibers are exposed. Steam may also be added to the defibrator to control the pressure, usually about 800-1000 kPa, within the defibrator. In this way, a pressure peak is generated in the refining zone.
Implementation Method 2
The steam that flows in the biomass material transport direction is utilized as transport steam and propels the fibers through a blow pipe to a separator
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for refining lignocellulosic biomass material (A) comprising a presteaming bin (2), a dewatering device (3), a preheater (4), a defibrator (9) comprising at least one refining zone (14) wherein steam is generated during refining of said biomass material so that a pressure peak occurs, a blowpipe (19), and a first steam flow path (D) arranged to convey steam from said refining zone to said presteaming bin (2). The system further comprises a second steam flow path (E) arranged to convey steam from said refining zone to said presteaming bin, wherein said first and second steam flow paths are connected to the refining zone on opposite sides of the pressure peakin a biomass material transport direction, and wherein said first and second steam flow paths are separate from said blow pipe. The invention also relates to a process for refining lignocellulosic biomass material.