Concentric Pyrolysis System with Orthogonal Biomass Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

The pyrolysis of biomass faces challenges in improving heat transfer efficiency to particulate biomass feedstock, which affects the overall efficiency and productivity of the process.

Innovation Solution

A pyrolysis system with a concentric design featuring inner and outer heating elements and a biomass feed extruder that creates compacted toroidal biomass feedstock, enhancing heat conduction and distribution, and a gas feed system for simultaneous methane pyrolysis, allowing for efficient thermal processing and preventing backflow of pyrolysis gases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional pyrolysis systems are used, then the process can be performed, but heat transfer efficiency to particulate biomass feedstock is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidoverall efficiency and productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a concentric heating system with an inner heating element and an outer heating element surrounding the pyrolysis chamber. This nested configuration allows heat to be applied from multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically improving heat transfer efficiency to the particulate biomass feedstock while maintaining a compact system structure that enhances productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is divided into separate inner and outer heating zones, each capable of independent temperature control. This segmentation allows optimized heat distribution throughout the pyrolysis chamber, ensuring efficient thermal processing of biomass particles from all directions, thereby resolving the heat transfer efficiency limitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If a compact pyrolysis system is designed, then equipment footprint is reduced, but heat distribution to biomass may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment footprintVSAvoidheat conduction and distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The concentric arrangement of inner and outer heating elements within a compact pyrolysis chamber creates a space-efficient design. This nested structure maximizes heat distribution surface area within a minimal footprint, allowing comprehensive thermal exposure of biomass particles without requiring a large equipment volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from conventional single-direction heating to three-dimensional radial heating by positioning heating elements both inside and outside the chamber walls. This dimensional approach to heat distribution enables superior thermal coverage within a compact geometry, resolving the contradiction between small footprint and effective heat conduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 improves energy efficiency, reduces equipment footprint, and enables faster pyrolysis with a desired degree of carbonization, producing high-quality pyrolysis products while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

one key element is improving the heat transfer to the particulate biomass feedstock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of outer and inner heating elements may be arranged in heating element passages formed within the outer and inner chamber walls respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

The fast pyrolysis of biomass utilizes high temperatures (typically in excess of 450 degrees Celsius) to rapidly heat biomass in the absence of oxygen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 4

The inner and outer heating elements each comprise electrical resistance heating elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240301293A1Orthogonal pyrolysis system and associated methods

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 AMERICAN BIO ENERGY CONVERTING

AI summary

A pyrolysis system for biomass includes a pyrolysis chamber having a chamber inlet end and chamber outlet end and an outer pyrolysis chamber having inner and outer chamber walls formed generally concentric to each other defining an outer passage extending between the chamber inlet end and chamber outlet end. An inner pyrolysis chamber has an inner passage extending between the chamber inlet and outlet ends. Outer and inner heating elements are arranged at the outer and inner chamber walls, respectively. A pyrolysis auger advances pyrolyzing biomass from the chamber inlet end to the chamber outlet end. The inner pyrolysis chamber, inner heating elements, pyrolysis auger, outer pyrolysis chamber and outer heating elements are generally concentric. A biomass feed extruder advances biomass orthogonally into the pyrolysis chamber.