Cyclone Gasifier Dual Inlet Offset Swirling Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cyclone gasifiers face inefficiencies in converting particulate fuel into syngas and require larger sizes to maintain efficiency, as they often utilize space ineffectively due to single swirling flows.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a cyclone gasifier design with two inlets that inject mixtures of oxidant and particulate fuel, creating two different swirling flows with offset propagation paths within the gasification chamber, allowing better utilization of space and maintaining or increasing efficiency while potentially reducing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single swirling flow is used in the cyclone gasifier, then the device structure is simple, but the space utilization is poor and conversion efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel conversion efficiencyVSAvoidgasifier structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasifier is segmented into multiple functional zones by introducing a second inlet and creating distinct swirling flow regions. The first inlet creates a primary swirling flow for initial gasification, while the second inlet introduces a secondary swirling flow that creates a distinct reaction zone, effectively dividing the gasifier into multiple functional segments that improve overall conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-dimension swirling flow to a multi-dimensional flow pattern by introducing offset propagation paths. The second swirling flow is configured to propagate in an offset position relative to the first swirling flow, creating a three-dimensional utilization of the gasification chamber space that significantly improves space utilization and conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the cyclone gasifier is made larger to maintain efficiency, then the conversion efficiency can be maintained, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyngas production efficiencyVSAvoidgasifier size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By introducing offset propagation paths for the second swirling flow, the invention utilizes the vertical and radial dimensions of the gasification chamber more effectively. This multi-dimensional space utilization allows the gasifier to achieve higher conversion efficiency without proportionally increasing the overall device volume, as the offset flows create overlapping reaction zones that maximize the use of available space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmentation of the gasification chamber into multiple zones with distinct swirling flows creates more reaction sites within the same volume. This allows the gasifier to process more fuel and produce more syngas without requiring a proportional increase in overall size, as each segmented zone contributes to the total conversion capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the space inside the cyclone gasifier is not fully utilized, then the device structure is simple, but the conversion efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization efficiencyVSAvoidinlet configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasification chamber is segmented into multiple utilization zones by the offset swirling flows. The first swirling flow utilizes the central region, while the second swirling flow with offset propagation path utilizes the peripheral and upper regions, thereby segmenting the space utilization and reducing unused space without requiring complex internal structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The offset propagation configuration utilizes the vertical and radial dimensions of the gasification chamber more completely. By configuring the second swirling flow to propagate in an offset position, the invention fills previously unused spatial regions, maximizing space utilization efficiency without adding complex internal structures.

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 design enhances the conversion of particulate fuel to syngas by optimizing space usage within the cyclone gasifier, either by maintaining efficiency in a smaller size or increasing efficiency in a standard-sized unit, through the creation of two distinct swirling flows that overlap and utilize space more effectively.

Implementation Method 1

a first inlet arranged and configured to inject a first mixture of oxidant and particulate fuel into the cyclone gasifier such that a first swirling flow of the first mixture is established and allowed to propagate through at least a part of the gasification chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

a second inlet arranged and configured to inject a second mixture of oxidant and particulate fuel into the cyclone gasifier such that a second swirling flow of the second mixture is established and allowed to propagate through at least a part of the gasification chamber, said second swirling flow being at least partly offset in its propagation compared to said first swirling flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 3

said syngas exit pipe further comprises an outer wall arranged at least partly inside said gasification chamber, and wherein said outer wall is an obstructing surface for at least one of said first and said second swirling flows

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow obstruction and mixing: Turbulence

Implementation Method 4

In order for the reaction of the fuel and the oxidant to be initiated inside the gasifier, the cyclone gasifier is often pre-heated to the required temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP3078727B1A cyclone gasifier
Publication Date: 2018.02.28 MEVA ENERGY
  • EP3078727B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3078727B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3078727B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present inventive concept relates to a cyclone gasifier comprising: a gasification chamber, a first and a second inlet, and a syngas exit pipe arranged at least partly inside the gasification chamber. The first inlet is arranged and configured to inject a first mixture of oxidant and particulate fuel into the gasification chamber such that a first swirling flow of the first mixture is established and allowed to propagate through at least a part of the gasification chamber. The second inlet is arranged and configured to inject a second mixture of oxidant and particulate fuel into the gasification chamber such that a second swirling flow of the second mixture is established and allowed to propagate through at least a part of the gasification chamber. The second swirling flow is at least partly offset in its propagation compared to the first swirling flow.