Cellulose Liquefaction Module Auger Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Converting solid cellulose into biofuels is inefficient due to the need for excess water addition and high energy consumption for pumping and cooling processes, which results in low biofuel concentration and excessive energy use.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose liquefaction module that mixes and circulates solid cellulose using an auger conveyor with integrated steam ports and enzyme injection, followed by evaporative cooling using a forced air blower, allowing for efficient liquefaction and cooling without additional water and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If excess water is added to solid cellulose to make it pumpable, then the material can be pumped through tanks and piping, but the biofuel concentration becomes too low for economical separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through evaporation to remove excess water from the slurry. The evaporation system converts water vapor into removable gas phase, allowing concentration of biofuel without adding excess water initially, thus resolving the contradiction between pumpability and biofuel concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a foam fractionation system using gas injection to create foam that carries biofuel components to the surface for removal. This pneumatic method separates biofuel from water without requiring high water content for pumping, maintaining both pumpability and concentration
2Temperature
If traditional cooling heat exchangers are used to cool liquid slurry, then the material can be cooled down, but the process consumes considerable energy and takes several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs evaporative cooling where water evaporates from the slurry surface, absorbing heat and rapidly cooling the material. This phase transition from liquid to vapor provides intensive cooling without requiring large amounts of cooling water or excessive energy input, reducing cooling time from several hours to much faster rates
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system uses the slurry's own water content for evaporative cooling rather than requiring external cooling media. The water in the slurry itself evaporates to provide the cooling effect, eliminating the need for separate cooling water systems and reducing energy consumption
3Quantity of substance
If more energy is applied to boil off excess water, then water can be removed, but the process consumes more energy than is created from the biofuels produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses evaporative cooling where water evaporates at lower temperatures than boiling, absorbing heat from the slurry. This phase transition removes water without requiring the high energy input of boiling, achieving water removal with energy consumption less than the biofuel energy output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the excess water that was previously a harmful byproduct requiring energy-intensive removal into a beneficial cooling medium. The water evaporates to provide cooling during the process, turning the water removal step into a heat removal step that actually helps control temperature while concentrating biofuel
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 module achieves faster cooling and lower energy consumption, with significant savings in water usage and capital costs, while maintaining high biofuel yield and concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a vertically disposed tube that houses an auger conveyor that mixes and circulates solid cellulose material
Implementation Method 2
Steam ports and activation agent injection ports are disposed within the tube to liquify the cellulose material
Implementation Method 3
A forced air blower pushes air through the liquified cellulose material to provide evaporative cooling before discharge from the container
Data Source
AI summary
A method of producing cellulose liquefaction and a cellulose liquefaction module that mixes and circulates cellulose material as a solid, and provides evaporative cooling in the module. The module includes a container having a vertically disposed tube that houses an auger conveyor that mixes and circulates solid cellulose material. Steam ports and activation agent injection ports are disposed within the tube to liquify the cellulose material. A forced air blower pushes air through the liquified cellulose material to provide evaporative cooling before discharge from the container.