Continuous Lignocellulosic Biomass Treatment Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for preparing ligno-cellulosic biomass for conversion to biofuels and biochemicals are inefficient due to the presence of external contaminants, high energy consumption, and excessive water usage, leading to increased costs and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A continuous process that integrates contaminant separation and water management using a separation pool with an extraction solution, allowing for the separation of water insoluble contaminants and non-ligno-cellulosic water soluble compounds with minimal mechanical energy and water consumption, utilizing a conveyor belt system for efficient removal and recirculation of liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sequential preparation steps with multiple equipments are used, then contaminant removal effectiveness is improved, but capital cost and operative cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential preparation steps (contaminant removal, washing, water content adjustment) into a single integrated apparatus. The apparatus includes a receiving hopper, vortex separator, and water injection system all in one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate equipments and conveyor belts while maintaining contaminant removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The single apparatus performs multiple functions simultaneously: it removes external contaminants through vortex separation, washes the biomass through water injection and mixing, and adjusts water content through controlled water addition. This multi-functional design replaces the sequential multi-equipment approach.
2Quantity of substance
If mechanical agitation washing is used, then water content increase is achieved, but extended biomass handling section with multiple equipments is required
Solution Approach 1:
The washing and water content adjustment functions are merged into the same vortex separation chamber. Water is injected directly into the vortex flow where biomass is already being processed, allowing simultaneous washing and hydration in one location rather than requiring separate washing sections with additional conveyors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water injection through nozzles creating hydraulic flow and mixing within the vortex chamber. This hydraulic approach to washing and hydration eliminates the need for mechanical agitation equipment and extended handling sections, using fluid dynamics instead of mechanical systems.
3Device complexity
If integrated preparation in unique equipment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pumping means are easily clogged due to tough fibrous nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumping means with a vortex-based separation system. The vortex separator uses rotational fluid flow to separate contaminants from biomass without requiring pumps that would be susceptible to clogging by tough fibrous material. The system relies on fluid dynamics and gravity rather than mechanical pumping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex separator is designed to self-regulate the flow and separation process without external pumping control. The rotational flow pattern naturally handles the fibrous biomass and prevents clogging by maintaining continuous motion and preventing material stagnation, making the system resistant to clogging inherent to processing tough fibrous materials.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sedimentation separation is used, then solid/liquid separation is achieved, but long processing time is required due to complete mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous vortex flow rather than batch sedimentation. The rotational motion creates ongoing separation action as material continuously passes through the vortex chamber, eliminating the long static sedimentation time required when particles are completely mixed. The periodic rotational action maintains separation efficiency while dramatically reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex separator creates intense rotational motion and turbulent flow that continuously agitates and separates particles. This dynamic mechanical action prevents complete mixing and maintains separation efficiency throughout the short residence time, overcoming the time penalty associated with sedimentation of completely mixed materials.
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 process effectively separates contaminants and reduces water and energy usage, minimizing waste water treatment needs and operational costs while maintaining the integrity of the ligno-cellulosic biomass for efficient conversion.
Implementation Method 1
separating the water insoluble components according to their apparent mass densities to create at least a heavy stream comprising at least a portion of the water insoluble contaminants and a light stream comprising at least a portion of the ligno-cellulosic component
Implementation Method 2
separating the water insoluble components according to their apparent mass densities
Implementation Method 3
a conveyor belt which extracts the light stream from an outlet zone of the separation pool and drains a dirty liquid stream while lifting the light stream to the upper position
Data Source
AI summary
It is disclosed a continuous process for soaking a ligno-cellulosic biomass stream in an extraction solution comprising water and dissolved water soluble species derived from a previously treated ligno-cellulosic biomass. In the process, water insoluble contaminants are separated according to their apparent mass densities. The ligno-cellulosic biomass stream may be further subjected to a second optional soaking step in a counter flow configuration. The disclosed process is useful to remove non-ligno-cellulosic water soluble compounds from the ligno-cellulosic biomass with a low consumption of water.