Catalytic Biomass-to-Alkane Conversion via Partial Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomass conversion processes in reaction turbines are energy-inefficient, with high power consumption, noise generation, and high maintenance costs, leading to significant product reuse for electricity generation and limited application.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing an injection stirred tank for biomass conversion with partial oxidation by oxygen-containing gases in the liquid phase, reducing energy consumption by at least 95% through heating in the liquid phase, and using a catalyst to convert biomass into alkanes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If reaction turbines are used for biomass conversion, then the process can heat and mix input materials with reaction oil and catalyst, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical heating and mixing system (reaction turbine) with a chemical system where partial oxidation reactions provide both heat and mixing action. The exothermic oxidation of biomass in the liquid phase generates the required process temperature and creates intense mixing through gas injection and reaction-driven convection, eliminating the need for mechanical turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the reaction system by conducting the process in the liquid phase with gas injection, rather than using mechanical turbines. This parameter change from mechanical to chemical-physical process fundamentally alters the energy consumption profile while achieving the same heating and mixing objectives.
2Productivity
If reaction turbines are used for biomass conversion, then the process can achieve biomass to alkane conversion, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical reaction turbine system that generates noise by replacing it with a chemical reaction-based process. The partial oxidation of biomass in the liquid phase with gas injection achieves the required conversion without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating noise generation while maintaining productivity.
3Temperature
If reaction turbines are used for biomass conversion, then the process can heat and mix materials, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reaction turbine system with a chemical reaction-based heating and mixing system. By using partial oxidation reactions to provide heat and gas injection to provide mixing, the system eliminates mechanical components that require maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance costs while maintaining the required heating capability.
4Power
If reaction turbines are used for biomass conversion, then electricity can be generated, but up to 30% of the product must be reused for electricity generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the process self-sufficient by using partial oxidation reactions to generate the required process heat directly within the reaction system. The exothermic oxidation of biomass provides the necessary thermal energy for the conversion process, eliminating the need to dedicate 30% of the product to electricity generation for heating purposes.
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 achieves energy-efficient conversion of biomass into high-quality fuels and fertilizers, reducing electricity consumption and maintenance costs while producing a mixture of alkanes.
Implementation Method 1
The catalyst activates the biomass, i.e. the raw materials and residues
Implementation Method 2
heating to the process temperature and heating of the starting materials to the process temperature takes place by partial oxidation in the liquid phase
Implementation Method 3
The energy required to heat the starting materials from 20°C to the process temperature of 300°C is no longer generated by friction in reaction turbines, but almost exclusively by partial oxidation with a gas containing oxygen
Implementation Method 4
injection stirred tank (1) with injection of air or oxygen
Implementation Method 5
separating the mixture of alkanes from reaction gas and water vapor by condensation in a product vapor separator (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing a mixture of alkanes; a mixture of alkanes produced according to the process of the invention; a process for producing methanol; a process for producing methane; a process for producing hydrogen using the alkanes produced according to the invention; and an apparatus for producing a mixture of alkanes.