Continuous Saccharification of Marine Algae Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for bioethanol production from biomass, such as crops and wood, face challenges including high crop prices and complex processing requirements, while marine algae offer a promising alternative but require efficient saccharification methods.
Innovation Solution
A continuous saccharification apparatus comprising a source input unit, reactor with downward and upward sections, reactant liquid discharge unit, and deposit removal unit, utilizing high-pressure steam, reaction catalysts, and temperature control to efficiently convert marine algae and cellulosic biomass into sugars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If marine algae are used as biomass source for bioethanol production, then productivity and carbohydrate content are improved, but saccharification process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saccharification process is divided into two separate reactors: a first reactor for initial saccharification and a second reactor for continued saccharification. This segmentation allows each reactor to be optimized for specific process conditions, simplifying control while maintaining high productivity from marine algae conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous operation where marine algae are continuously fed through the first reactor, then transferred to the second reactor, and finally discharged as saccharified product. This continuous flow process eliminates downtime and maintains constant productivity, leveraging the high carbohydrate content of marine algae efficiently
2Ease of operation
If conventional batch saccharification is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but processing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-reactor system operates continuously with marine algae being constantly processed through both reactors in sequence. This eliminates the stopping and starting associated with batch processes, dramatically reducing total processing time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated continuous flow
Solution Approach 2:
The first reactor performs preliminary saccharification of marine algae before the material is transferred to the second reactor for completion of the process. This preliminary action in the first reactor prepares the material for more efficient final saccharification, reducing overall processing time
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 apparatus effectively reduces saccharification time and processing costs, enabling high-yield conversion of marine algae and cellulosic biomass into sugars, leveraging the abundant carbohydrate content of marine algae.
Implementation Method 1
the spraying device is configured to directly inject high-pressure steam into the reactor
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of the downward reactor and the upward reactor is about from about 50° C. to about 300° C.
Implementation Method 3
the source is mixed with a reaction catalyst in the reactor
Implementation Method 4
continuous saccharification of marine algae and cellulosic biomass
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and process for continuous saccharification of marine algae and cellulosic biomass.