Biomass Decomposition Screw with Scraping Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biomass decomposition apparatuses face issues with blockages during solid-liquid separation, leading to inefficient processing and increased costs due to the need for external solid-liquid separation devices, which also result in reduced recovery efficiency of water-soluble components.
Innovation Solution
A biomass decomposition apparatus with a screw-based system that internally transports biomass, uses pressurized hot water for hydrothermal decomposition, and includes a scraping unit at the end of the screw to prevent blockages by scraping off solid content from the solid-liquid separator, allowing for efficient separation and reuse of the solid content in the decomposition process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized hot water is discharged from the hydrothermal decomposition apparatus, then the decomposition reaction is completed, but the biomass solid becomes blockage at the discharge position and efficient solid-liquid separation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional zones: a decomposition zone where hot water reacts with biomass, and a discharge zone where solids are separated. The screw conveyor is segmented with flights at different positions - some for transporting biomass during decomposition, and a specific flight with scraping unit for clearing solids at discharge, enabling each zone to perform its function without interfering with the other
Solution Approach 2:
The scraping unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the screw conveyor and the discharge opening. It mediates the conflict between maintaining continuous decomposition operation and preventing solid blockage by actively removing accumulated biomass solids from the discharge area, ensuring smooth operation of both decomposition and discharge functions
2Ease of operation
If a solid-liquid separation device is provided outside the decomposition apparatus, then solid-liquid separation can be performed, but the apparatus cost increases and installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The solid-liquid separation function is merged with the decomposition apparatus by integrating the scraping unit directly into the screw conveyor system at the discharge end. This combination eliminates the need for separate external separation devices, reducing overall apparatus complexity and eliminating additional installation space requirements while maintaining effective solid-liquid separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The screw conveyor is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as a mixing and decomposition facilitator during the hydrothermal reaction, and as a solid transport mechanism with integrated scraping capability for solid-liquid separation. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices
3Loss of substance
If solid-liquid separation is performed outside the apparatus, then separation can occur, but dissolved hemicellulose component precipitates on the hot water side and recovery efficiency of water soluble is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scraping unit performs preliminary action by removing biomass solids from the discharge area before the hot water can cool down and cause precipitation of dissolved hemicellulose. By clearing solids while the water is still hot and hemicellulose is dissolved, the system prevents the subsequent precipitation problem that would occur with external separation performed after cooling
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 approach enables efficient solid-liquid separation within the apparatus, preventing blockages and enhancing the decomposition process, while maintaining high recovery efficiency of water-soluble components, thus improving the overall biomass processing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a screw (14) which transports a fed biomass material (11) from one side to the other side in the apparatus body (13)
Implementation Method 2
feeds pressurized hot water (15) into the apparatus body (13), hydrothermally decomposes the biomass material (11)
Implementation Method 3
a scraping unit (21) is provided at an end of a flight (14b) of the screw (14) positioned within an installation area of the solid-liquid separator (20)
Implementation Method 4
a solid-liquid separator (20) which discharges the effluent (16) from one side of the apparatus body (13)
Data Source
AI summary
To include a hydrothermal decomposition unit that transports a fed biomass material from one side (a lower side) to the other side (an upper side) by a screw 14 in an apparatus body, feeds pressurized hot water, hydrothermally decomposes the biomass material, transfers hot-water soluble fractions into a hot-water effluent and separates a lignin component and a hemicellulose component from the biomass material, and also to include a biomass discharging unit. Further, a scraping unit is provided at an end of a flight of the screw positioned within an installation area of the solid-liquid separator.