Anaerobic Bioreactor with Gas Recirculation for Methane Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating methane gas using microorganisms are inefficient, resulting in low methane concentration and conversion rates, and are energy-intensive with high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method involving an anaerobic bioreactor tank with a fixed bed of carriers attached with microorganisms, where a hydrogen-containing gas and a CO2-containing gas are supplied for microbial treatment, and a portion of the treated gas is circulated back to the reactor tank to enhance methane generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a catalyst is used under high pressure and high temperature conditions to generate methane gas, then methane generating capability is improved, but energy consumption increases and device durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal catalytic system with a biological system using methanogenic bacteria. Instead of using high temperature and pressure conditions with catalysts, the invention employs microorganisms that convert CO2 and H2 into methane through biological metabolism, thereby eliminating the need for high energy input and reducing equipment durability concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from high temperature and high pressure (catalytic conditions) to ambient or mild conditions (biological conditions). By using methanogenic bacteria, the system operates at much lower temperatures and pressures, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining methane generation capability
2Use of energy by moving object
If microorganisms are used for methanation, then energy consumption is reduced, but methane generating capability and methane concentration in treated gas are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by recycling the treated gas (containing unreacted CO2 and H2) back into the reactor. This feedback loop ensures that all feedstock is fully utilized, increasing the methane conversion rate and concentration in the treated gas while maintaining low energy consumption through continuous microbial action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous methane generation by maintaining continuous flow of CO2 and H2 through the reactor and recycling treated gas back into the system. This continuous operation keeps the methanogenic bacteria actively converting feedstock into methane, thereby maintaining high productivity without energy-intensive batch processing
3Productivity
If a fixed bed with carriers attached with microorganisms is used, then methane concentration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous carriers as the fixed bed structure. These porous materials provide large surface area for microorganism attachment while maintaining simplicity in device construction. The carriers are straightforward cylindrical or spherical structures that are easy to manufacture and maintain, avoiding complex device requirements while achieving high methane concentration through effective microorganism distribution
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 allows for the efficient generation of high-concentration methane gas by reusing unprocessed CO2 and H2, thereby increasing the methane conversion rate and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
microbial treatment is carried out on a hydrogen containing gas and a CO2 containing gas so as to discharge a treated gas that contains methane gas
Implementation Method 2
the methanation reaction caused by the microorganisms is greatly affected by the concentration of the microorganisms and the treatment conditions
Implementation Method 3
a gas circulating line is provided to circulate at least a portion of the treated gas to the reactor tank
Implementation Method 4
a liquid supplying means for supplying a liquid that contains a nutrition source for the microorganisms from an upper portion of the fixed bed
Implementation Method 5
a fixed bed that is filled in with a carrier to which microorganisms are attached is provided within the reactor tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Provided are a device and a method that are for generating methane gas, that involve removal of carbon dioxide, and that are capable of efficiently generating high-concentration methane gas even when a microorganism is used. A device for generating methane gas that involves the removal of carbon dioxide where a hydrogen containing gas A and a CO2 containing gas B are supplied (C) to an anaerobic bioreactor tank 1 so that microbial treatment is carried out to discharge a treated gas that contains methane gas, is characterized in that a fixed bed 20 that is filled in with a carrier to which microorganisms are attached is provided within the reactor tank 1, and a gas circulating line is provided to circulate (D) at least a portion of the treated gas E to the reactor tank.