Chemical Looping Reactor with Shared Oxidation Vessel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical looping reactors are inefficient in handling two different source materials simultaneously due to space and cost constraints, as they require multiple reactors and complex reaction mechanisms, which limits their application in carbon reduction and energy-saving technologies.
Innovation Solution
A chemical looping reactor with shared partial reactor vessels using interconnected fluidized beds, comprising a first and second reduction reactor and a shared oxidation reactor, where each reduction reactor handles its own reactions, allowing two different material sources to be processed simultaneously, with oxygen carriers cycling to release high-purity CO2, and extending to hydrogen generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different source materials are handled simultaneously using conventional reactors, then the processing capability is improved, but the land occupation and utility cost increase due to requiring multiple reactors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate reduction reactors into a single integrated chemical looping reactor with shared partial reactor vessels. The reactor integrates a first reduction zone, a second reduction zone, and a shared oxidation zone within one structure, allowing two different source materials to be processed simultaneously without requiring separate reactors, thereby reducing land occupation while maintaining processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shared oxidation reactor serves multiple functions by receiving oxygen carriers from both the first and second reduction zones simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the same oxidation reactor to handle oxygen carriers from different source materials, eliminating the need for separate oxidation reactors and reducing overall system complexity and space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different source materials are handled simultaneously using conventional reactors, then the processing capability is improved, but the utility cost increases due to requiring multiple reactors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reactor functions into a single integrated structure with shared partial reactor vessels. By combining two reduction zones and one shared oxidation zone in one reactor system, the utility cost for operating multiple separate reactors is eliminated, while the ability to process two different source materials simultaneously is maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The shared oxidation reactor performs multiple functions by oxidizing oxygen carriers from both reduction zones. This universal design reduces utility costs by eliminating redundant equipment and operations, while maintaining the versatility to handle different source materials with different burning times and temperatures
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reactor structure is divided into 4 plus 4 as 8 reaction mechanisms, then the processing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the reaction mechanism by merging the oxidation functions of what would traditionally require separate reactors into a single shared oxidation zone. Instead of 8 separate reaction mechanisms distributed across multiple reactors, the invention uses a more compact configuration with shared partial reactor vessels that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to process two different source 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 configuration simplifies the reaction mechanism, enhances yield, improves operation efficiency, and reduces costs by allowing simultaneous processing of two source materials, achieving high-purity CO2 production and potentially hydrogen generation.
Implementation Method 1
apply interconnected fluidized beds in chemical looping combustion
Implementation Method 2
process single redox with oxygen carriers (oxides of metal like nickel or copper)
Implementation Method 3
interconnected fluidized beds
Data Source
AI summary
A chemical looping reactor is provided. The reactor comprises a first reduction reactor, a second reduction reactor and a shared oxidation reactor. The shared oxidation reactor is set between the first and second reduction reactors. Therein, the present invention applies interconnected fluidized beds in chemical looping combustion. Single redox is processed with oxygen carrier (oxide of metal like nickel or copper). The first and second reduction reactors individually handle their own reactions and reactants. Thus, in a chemical looping reactor, two different source materials can be handled at the same time. The oxygen carrier can be cycled separately as well for fully releasing oxygen contained within. High-purity carbon dioxide is further obtained. The application can be extended to hydrogen generation. Hence, the present invention simplifies the reaction mechanism, enhances the yield, improves the operation efficiency and reduces the cost.