Container-Based Pyrolyzation System for Biomass Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrolyzation methods face challenges in achieving large-scale commercial capacity and require excessive manpower, and struggle with processing biomass containing water or sludge, such as slurry.

Innovation Solution

A container-based pyrolyzation system with a storage structure and automated heating equipment that allows for a semicontinuous process, enabling efficient handling of various biomass types with minimal manual intervention by using a container with openable sides and proximity sensors for automated bucket management and heating gas distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional pyrolyzation methods are used, then processing capacity is limited, but scaling up increases required manpower and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepyrolyzation processing capacityVSAvoidmanpower requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pyrolyzation process into multiple independent zones within a single container, with each zone containing racks that can be independently loaded and processed. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple batches simultaneously, increasing overall capacity while maintaining manageable operational complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container serves multiple functions: it acts as both the processing chamber and the structural framework for holding multiple racks, while the heating system provides both direct heating and creates a controlled atmosphere. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing manpower requirements for operation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pyrolyzation methods are used, then simple biomass can be processed, but processing water-containing biomass or sludge is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomass type processing capabilityVSAvoidprocessing reliability for water-containing material
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates different local conditions within the container by establishing distinct heating zones and atmosphere control regions. Certain zones are optimized for drying water-containing biomass while others are optimized for pyrolyzation, allowing the system to handle diverse materials reliably by directing them to appropriate zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature, heating rate, and atmosphere composition parameters to suit different biomass types. For water-containing materials, the system first applies lower temperatures to evaporate moisture, then progressively increases temperature for pyrolyzation, ensuring reliable processing across varying material compositions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system achieves large-scale pyrolyzation with reduced manpower and can process diverse biomass materials, including those with water content, by combining continuous and batch-based processes in a semicontinuous manner, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

Pyrolyzation is a process where material, such as a biomass, is processed in an environment in the absence of oxygen or with low oxygen content

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

heating equipment for heating the inside of the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4368304A1Arrangement for pyrolyzation
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 CARBON BALANCE FINLAND OY
  • EP4368304A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4368304A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP4368304A1 patent drawingFigure 3B~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for pyrolyzation. A container (100) has at least side wall (106) that is at least partly openable. A heating equipment (306) is located inside the container. A storage structure (300, 302) is located inside the container, the storage structure comprising shelfs and partition walls, the shelfs and partition walls forming housings for buckets comprising material to be pyrolyzed. The storage structure (300, 302) is a grid like structure where a given number of rows of housings are stacked on each other, each row comprising a given number of housings. At least some of the housings have an open or openable side facing the openable side wall of the container for receiving the bucket comprising material to be pyrolyzed.