Recycled CO2 Desulfurization for Reformer Catalyst Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sulfur compounds from the castable in piping can contaminate synthesis gas, leading to catalyst degradation in the reformer during recycling of carbon dioxide, as they are not effectively removed before reuse in the synthesis gas production process.

Innovation Solution

Introduce the carbon dioxide separated from synthesis gas into a desulfurization apparatus or sulfur compound adsorption unit to remove sulfur compounds before recycling, using methods like hydrodesulfurization or adsorption with active carbon or zeolite, ensuring they do not enter the reformer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If carbon dioxide is separated and collected from synthesis gas for recycling, then carbon dioxide can be reutilized in the carbon dioxide reforming reaction, but sulfur compounds from the castable are released into the gas and contaminate the recycled carbon dioxide, causing reforming catalyst degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide reutilization efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst degradation by sulfur compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing the separated carbon dioxide into a desulfurization apparatus or sulfur compound adsorption apparatus before recycling it to the reformer. This preliminary treatment removes sulfur compounds that were released from the castable during the carbon dioxide separation process, preventing catalyst degradation while maintaining carbon dioxide reutilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a desulfurization apparatus or sulfur compound adsorption apparatus as an intermediary between the carbon dioxide separation unit and the reformer. This intermediary component captures and removes sulfur compounds from the recycled carbon dioxide stream, protecting the reforming catalyst from degradation while allowing carbon dioxide to be effectively reused

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If sulfur compounds are not removed from recycled carbon dioxide, then the carbon dioxide reforming process can proceed efficiently, but the reforming catalyst is degraded by poisoning from adsorbed sulfur compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynthesis gas production efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst activity stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the recycled carbon dioxide with a desulfurization apparatus or sulfur compound adsorption apparatus before it enters the reformer. This preliminary sulfur removal prevents catalyst poisoning and maintains catalyst activity stability throughout the synthesis gas production process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a desulfurization apparatus or sulfur compound adsorption apparatus as an intermediary component in the carbon dioxide recycling loop. This intermediary removes sulfur compounds that would otherwise poison the catalyst, ensuring reliable and stable catalyst performance while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents reforming catalyst degradation by removing sulfur compounds from recycled carbon dioxide, maintaining catalyst activity and efficiency in the synthesis gas production process.

Implementation Method 1

introduced into a desulfurization apparatus in a desulfurization step or a sulfur compounds adsorption apparatus to remove sulfur compounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

carbon dioxide is separated and collected from the produced synthesis gas by chemical absorption using a weakly basic aqueous solution such as an amine solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a reforming reaction proceeds in the reformer due to catalysis of the reforming catalyst filled in the reformer to thereby produce synthesis gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

the high-temperature synthesis gas that is discharged from the exit of a reformer is fed to a waste heat boiler by way of piping coated with refractory castable for a heat-exchange process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS9056772B2Method for producing synthesis gas

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 INPEX CORP

AI summary

It is avoided that the sulfur compounds originating from the castable is mixed into produced synthesis gas, the mixed sulfur compounds are separated and collected with carbon dioxide, the collected carbon dioxide is recycled as raw material gas and then the sulfur compounds is directly supplied to the reformer to consequently degrade the reforming catalyst in the reformer by sulfur poisoning. The carbon dioxide separated and collected in the carbon dioxide removal step is introduced into the desulfurization apparatus of the desulfurization step or the sulfur compounds adsorption apparatus before being recycled to the reformer to remove the sulfur compounds.