Electrically Heated Catalyst for CO2 Conversion and Soot Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and reverse water gas shift (RWGS) processes face challenges with soot formation in reactors and inefficient conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, limiting the production of hydrocarbons and fuels.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a reactor with a catalyst to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into carbon monoxide, incorporating electrical heating and partial oxidation to control reaction conditions, allowing for effective conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide while managing soot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RWGS reaction is used to convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, then carbon dioxide conversion is achieved, but soot formation occurs in the reactor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing partial oxidation with controlled oxygen amounts (0.1-10 vol% relative to carbon dioxide). This parameter change modifies the reaction pathway to convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide while suppressing soot formation through the oxidation effect that prevents carbon deposition on catalyst surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses oxygen as an intermediary substance that mediates between carbon dioxide and the catalyst. The oxygen participates in partial oxidation reactions that convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and simultaneously prevents soot formation by oxidizing carbon deposits, thus serving as a mediator that enables both conversion and prevents harmful side effects.
2Productivity
If conventional heating methods are used in the reactor, then thermal energy is provided for the reaction, but energy efficiency is reduced and carbon dioxide conversion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional external heating methods with electrical heating of the catalyst. The catalyst is heated electrically to a temperature range of 700-1500 K, which provides the necessary thermal energy for the reaction while improving energy efficiency through direct heating of the catalytic material rather than heating the entire reactor volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The catalyst serves itself by being heated electrically directly, allowing the catalytic material to reach the optimal temperature for carbon dioxide conversion without requiring external heating systems. This self-heating mechanism improves energy efficiency by eliminating heat loss through reactor walls and improves carbon dioxide conversion through precise temperature control.
3Productivity
If hydrocarbons are added to the feed stream, then the Fischer-Tropsch process is enhanced, but soot formation and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the feed stream by introducing hydrocarbons at controlled concentrations (0.1-50 vol% relative to carbon dioxide). This parameter change enhances the Fischer-Tropsch process by providing additional carbon sources for hydrocarbon synthesis while the simultaneous partial oxidation suppresses soot formation through oxidation of carbon deposits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reactor system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both carbon dioxide conversion to carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon synthesis simultaneously. The reactor can process various feed compositions including carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons, making it a universal system that handles multiple functions: CO2 conversion, soot prevention, and hydrocarbon production.
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 approach enhances the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, improves the Fischer-Tropsch process, and increases the yield of fuels and chemicals by using recycled hydrocarbons, offering a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for producing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide.
Implementation Method 1
the catalyst is heated electrically
Implementation Method 2
a reaction is performed at least between carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) in the presence of the catalyst
Implementation Method 3
incorporating electrical heating and partial oxidation to control reaction conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a product gas from a feed comprising at least carbon dioxide, hydrogen and hydrocarbons. The feed is supplied to a reactor comprising a catalyst, the catalyst is heated electrically, the feed is supplied through the catalyst and a reaction is performed at least between carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) in the presence of the catalyst in the reactor, and the product gas comprising at least carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) is formed in the reactor. Further, the invention relates to the use of the method.