Chemical Looping Combustion Separator Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle separation technologies in chemical looping combustion processes face inefficiencies, particularly in separating unburnt particles from metal oxide particles, due to limitations in entrainment capacity and mechanical stress issues under high temperature conditions, leading to incomplete separation and CO2 emission challenges.
Innovation Solution
A new separator design where the particle mixture from the combustion zone is introduced into a gas flow, creating a diluted phase with controlled gas velocity to sediment metal oxide particles and recycle unburnt particles, optimizing separation efficiency and withstanding thermal constraints through a simple and symmetric geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a dense phase separator with internal baffles and fluidization zones is used, then particle residence time can be controlled, but separation efficiency is reduced due to limited particle entrainment capacity and complex geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The separator is divided into distinct functional zones: an injection zone for introducing the particle-gas mixture, a separation zone with upward gas flow for particle entrainment, and a cyclone section for final separation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently without the need for complex internal baffles throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential separation function from complex internal structures and achieves it through the interaction of simple geometric zones with controlled gas flow. The separation zone uses upward gas flow to extract light particles, while the cyclone section handles final separation, eliminating the need for intricate baffle systems.
2Productivity
If large quantities of particles are entrained in the gas phase, then separation capacity increases, but substantial amounts of gas and large free cross-sections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow velocity is dynamically controlled to optimize particle entrainment. The upward gas flow velocity in the separation zone is maintained between 0.5-2.0 m/s, which is sufficient to entrain light particles while minimizing gas consumption. The system adapts the gas flow rate to match the particle load, achieving high separation capacity without excessive gas usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the gas flow velocity parameter to optimize the balance between separation capacity and gas consumption. By controlling the upward gas flow velocity within a specific range (0.5-2.0 m/s), the system achieves efficient particle entrainment without requiring substantial gas quantities or large cross-sections.
3Temperature
If internal walls are exposed to high temperature process conditions, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but mechanical stress on separator materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator utilizes a refractory lining that acts as a protective shell, isolating the internal walls from direct exposure to high-temperature particle streams. This refractory barrier maintains structural integrity while allowing the process to operate at high temperatures, resolving the conflict between heat transfer efficiency and material stress resistance.
4Reliability
If simple and symmetric separator geometry is used, then mechanical stress resistance improves, but separation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall separator geometry is simple and symmetric for structural stability, the internal flow patterns and zone configurations introduce functional asymmetry. The injection zone, separation zone, and cyclone section are positioned and dimensioned to create asymmetric flow paths that optimize particle separation while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
Achieves high separation efficiency (>70%) with rapid separation times, optimizing CO2 capture rates above 90% and reducing mechanical stress on the separator, while using external gas sources to enhance separation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the particle mixture from the combustion zone is introduced into a gas flow, creating a diluted phase with controlled gas velocity
Implementation Method 2
to sediment metal oxide particles and recycle unburnt particles
Implementation Method 3
the lighter particles (unburnt particles) are carried to the upper part of the separator for recycling back to the combustion zone
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a chemical looping combustion device which uses a solid fuel that generates particles of unburned residues and which employs oxygen-carrying particles, such as metal oxides. The device comprises at least one combustion zone and a separator for separating the particles contained in a gaseous mixture originating from the combustion zone. The separator comprises at least one enclosure (1) including an intake passage (4) for the mixture, a discharge passage (5) located in the lower part of the enclosure and an outlet passage (6) located in the upper part of the device, the intake and discharge/outlet parameters being selected in order to create a dense phase in the lower part of the enclosure and a diluted phase in the upper part thereof. The invention also relates to a combustion method using the device of the invention.