Electrically Conductive Fluidized Bed for Alkane Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting light alkanes into olefins in the petrochemical industry face challenges, including high energy costs and inefficiencies in using fossil carbon-based fuels, particularly in achieving high-temperature reactions without external heating sources in fluidized bed reactors.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a fluidized bed reactor with at least 10 wt.% electrically conductive particles, capable of maintaining temperatures between 600° C. to 1500° C. through electrical heating, using a stream of light alkanes and oxidants like CO2 or COS, eliminating the need for external heating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heating devices using fossil carbon-based fuels are used in fluidized bed reactors, then high temperature reactions can be achieved, but energy costs increase and fossil fuel dependence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal heating systems (fossil fuel-based external heating devices) with an electrical heating system. Electric current is passed through the fluidized bed reactor to generate heat directly within the reaction zone, eliminating the need for external fossil fuel combustion and associated heating equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidized bed reactor generates its own heat through direct electrical resistance heating. The system converts electrical energy directly into thermal energy within the reaction medium itself, making the reactor self-sufficient for temperature maintenance without requiring external fuel supply systems.
2Temperature
If external heating devices are used in fluidized bed reactors, then high temperature reactions can be maintained, but heat loss increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect thermal heating from external sources with direct electrical heating within the fluidized bed. This eliminates heat transfer losses through reactor walls and reduces thermal gradients, as the heat is generated in-situ where it is immediately utilized by the reaction mixture.
3Temperature
If fossil carbon-based fuels are used for heating in fluidized bed reactors, then high temperature reactions are achievable, but sustainability and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes fossil fuel combustion systems with an electrical heating system. This eliminates direct emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter associated with burning fossil fuels, while maintaining the required high temperature conditions for the chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts electrical energy (a cleaner energy carrier) directly into thermal energy within the reactor, eliminating the harmful byproducts of fossil fuel combustion. This transformation allows high-temperature processing without the environmental penalties of carbon-based fuel consumption.
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 method efficiently conducts alkane partial oxidation and oxidative coupling reactions at high temperatures, minimizing heat loss and energy consumption, while replacing traditional fossil fuel-based heating methods with electric heating, enhancing the scalability and sustainability of olefin production.
Implementation Method 1
heating the fluidized bed to a temperature ranging from 600° C. to 1500° C. to conduct the alkane transformation into olefin on the light alkane-comprising feedstock; wherein the step c) of heating the fluidized bed is performed by passing an electric current through the fluidized bed
Implementation Method 2
alkane partial oxidation and/or oxidative coupling of alkanes
Implementation Method 3
heating the fluidized bed to a temperature ranging from 600° C. to 1500° C. to conduct the alkane transformation into olefin
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure concerns a process to perform a reaction of alkane transformation into olefins, said process comprising the steps of (a) providing a stream of light alkane-comprising feedstock with one or more alkanes and one or more oxidants selected from CO2 and/or COS; and providing at least one fluidized bed reactor comprising at least two electrodes and a bed comprising particles; (b) putting the particles of the bed in a fluidized state to obtain a fluidized bed; and (c) heating the fluidized bed to a temperature ranging from 600° C. to 1500° C. to conduct the reaction; the process is remarkable in that the step c) is performed by passing an electric current through the fluidized bed; the particles of the bed comprise electrically conductive particles, and in that, at least 10 wt. % of the particles are electrically conductive particles and have a resistivity ranging from 0.001 to 500 Ohm·cm at 800° C.