Functionalized Hydrocarbon Production from Ethanol via Gas Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical processes for converting ethanol and water into functionalized low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons emit significant greenhouse gases and result in lower yields.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the separation of carbon dioxide and hydrogen from the product mixture using condensation and membrane separation techniques, followed by their utilization in a fermentative reaction to enhance ethanol and functionalized hydrocarbon production, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing yields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing chemical processes are used to convert ethanol and water into functionalized low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons, then the production of functionalized hydrocarbons is achieved, but significant greenhouse gas emissions occur and yields are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures CO2 and H2 emissions from the chemical conversion process and feeds them into a fermentative reaction step where they are converted into ethanol and functionalized hydrocarbons. This transforms harmful greenhouse gas emissions into valuable products, simultaneously reducing emissions and increasing yield.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding CO2 and H2 as waste products, the patent recovers them through a separation unit and reuses them as substrates in the fermentative reaction. This recovery loop converts waste streams into feedstocks, improving overall process efficiency and reducing emissions.
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide and hydrogen are separated and utilized in fermentative reaction, then greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and yields increase, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chemical conversion process with a fermentative reaction process in an integrated system. The output of the chemical process (CO2 and H2) becomes the input for the fermentation process, which in turn produces additional functionalized hydrocarbons. This combination creates a synergistic effect that increases overall yield while managing complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where CO2 and H2 produced in the chemical conversion are captured, separated, and fed back into the fermentative reaction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to utilize its own emissions, creating a self-sustaining cycle that improves productivity.
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 achieves higher yields of functionalized hydrocarbons like acetone while minimizing CO2 emissions and improving process efficiency by recycling carbon dioxide and hydrogen through a fermentative reaction.
Implementation Method 1
separated (II) from a product mixture resulting from the chemical conversion (I) in a condensation unit (III)
Implementation Method 2
separated (II) from a product mixture resulting from the chemical conversion (I)
Implementation Method 3
fed to a fermentative reaction step (III) with which ethanol and/or at least one functionalized low molecular-weight hydrocarbon K is produced
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the chemical conversion (I) of ethanol and water to at least one functionalized low molecular weight hydrocarbon K, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, in which at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen formed is separated from the product mixture (II) and fed to a fermentative reaction step (III) with which ethanol and/or at least one functionalized low molecular weight hydrocarbon K is produced, and subsequently any ethanol formed is fed to the chemical conversion (I) and any functionalized low molecular weight hydrocarbon K formed is combined with the product stream of the chemical conversion (I).