Cyclonic Oxidation Reactor Layout for Compact CLC Plants

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chemical loop combustion (CLC) installations for hydrocarbon feedstocks are large and costly, limiting their widespread adoption and conversion of existing industrial units.

Innovation Solution

A compact CLC installation using cyclonic oxidation reactors that combine the functions of oxidation and gas separation, reducing the need for separate devices and optimizing the process flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional separate oxidation reactor and cyclone separation devices are used, then reliable oxidation and separation functions are achieved, but device complexity and capital expenditure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation and separation functionVSAvoidnumber of separate devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the oxidation reactor and cyclone separation device into a single integrated unit. The cyclone is positioned within or directly coupled to the oxidation reactor, allowing simultaneous oxidation reaction and gas-solid separation in one device, thereby reducing the number of separate equipment pieces while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: it serves as both the oxidation reactor where oxygen carrier particles are regenerated and as the cyclone separator where combustion gases are separated from the oxygen carrier. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity and capital expenditure

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

2Productivity

If conventional CLC installations are used, then energy production with CO2 capture is achieved, but installation size and capital expenditure are large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy production with CO2 captureVSAvoidinstallation size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the oxidation reactor and cyclone separator into one integrated unit, the overall installation footprint is reduced. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate equipment housings, support structures, and interconnecting piping, thereby reducing installation size while maintaining energy production capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cyclone separation device is nested within or tightly integrated into the oxidation reactor structure. This nesting arrangement allows the separator to occupy space within or adjacent to the reactor volume, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall installation size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 compact design reduces capital expenditure and enables efficient energy production with integrated CO2 capture, suitable for converting existing industrial units.

Implementation Method 1

oxidize the reduced oxygen carrier from said reduction reactor by contacting it with an oxidizing gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

separate said oxidized oxygen carrier from said oxygen-depleted oxidizing gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

configured to operate in a fluidized bed and to carry out the combustion of said hydrocarbon feed in contact with said oxygen carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentEP4449018B1Loop combustion plant and method comprising a cyclone air reactor
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP4449018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4449018B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4449018B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel CLC plant and a novel CLC method using a cyclone oxidation reactor to oxidise the oxygen carrier.