Electric Urea Hydrolyzer for Low-Carbon Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urea production processes emit significant carbon dioxide due to the use of fossil fuels for steam generation in urea hydrolyzers, necessitating a reduction in carbon footprint.
Innovation Solution
A urea hydrolyzer that uses electricity as a heat source to decompose urea, replacing steam generation with electrically generated steam, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If steam is produced by heating water using fossil fuels in conventional urea hydrolyzers, then the urea decomposition process can be maintained, but carbon dioxide emissions increase and carbon footprint enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional thermal steam generation system (using fossil fuel combustion) with an electrical heating system. Electric heaters directly heat the aqueous urea solution to produce steam and facilitate urea decomposition, eliminating the need for fossil fuel-based steam boilers and thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining the necessary thermal energy for the hydrolysis process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical energy (fossil fuels) to electrical energy. By using electric heating elements with controlled power input, the system achieves the same thermal effect (steam generation and urea decomposition) without the harmful byproducts of combustion, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining process functionality and reducing environmental harm
2Productivity
If conventional steam-based hydrolysis is used, then urea removal from aqueous solution is achieved, but the process requires fossil fuel combustion and generates greenhouse gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the fossil fuel combustion system with an electrical heating system. Electric heaters are immersed in or contact the aqueous urea solution, directly transferring thermal energy to achieve urea decomposition and steam generation. This substitution maintains the productivity of urea removal while eliminating greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional steam production
3Temperature
If fossil fuels are used for steam generation, then the thermal energy required for urea decomposition is provided, but the carbon footprint of the production process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fossil fuel-based thermal energy system with an electrical heating system. Electric heaters provide the necessary temperature (typically 100-150°C) for urea decomposition through direct electrical resistance heating. This substitution achieves the required temperature conditions for effective urea removal while eliminating carbon footprint associated with fossil fuel combustion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from chemical combustion to electrical heating. By controlling electrical power input to heating elements, the system achieves precise temperature control for urea decomposition without producing carbon emissions, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining decomposition temperature and reducing carbon footprint
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 urea hydrolyzer lowers carbon dioxide emissions and enhances the efficiency of urea removal from aqueous solutions, allowing for a more sustainable production process.
Implementation Method 1
an electric device located inside the body for transforming the water comprised in the aqueous solution into steam
Implementation Method 2
The removal of urea from an aqueous solution requires an input of heat to decompose the urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present application provides for a urea hydrolyzer using only electricity as heat source for decomposing urea, thus allowing a urea plant to lower its steam requirement and its carbon dioxide emissions. The urea hydrolyzer according to the present disclosure comprises a vertical body, the vertical body comprising a top end and a bottom end, a liquid inlet for an aqueous solution comprising urea, a liquid outlet for an aqueous solution depleted in urea, and a gas outlet; an electric device located inside the body for transforming the water comprised in the aqueous solution into steam; and an electric outlet located on the vertical body, the electric outlet being electrically connected to the electric device, and configured to be connected to a power source. The present application furthers provides a method for removing urea from an aqueous solution comprising urea, the method comprising connecting the electric outlet of a urea hydrolyzer according to the first aspect of the present disclosure to a power source; directing an aqueous solution comprising urea to the liquid inlet of the urea hydrolyzer; and recovering an aqueous solution depleted of urea from the liquid outlet of the urea hydrolyzer and a gaseous stream comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water from the gas outlet.