Fluidizing Agent Heating via Waste Heat Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heating fluidizing agents in fluidized bed reactors are inefficient in utilizing waste heat from process gases and flue gases, leading to energy wastage and increased energy costs, particularly in processes like gasification where high temperatures are required.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize waste heat from process gases and flue gases to heat the fluidizing agent, such as steam, through heat exchangers, allowing the heated agent to be recirculated back to the fluidized bed reactor, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating methods are used for fluidizing agent, then the fluidized bed reactor can operate, but energy efficiency is low and energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts waste heat from flue gas and process gas, which would otherwise be discarded, into useful thermal energy for heating the fluidizing agent. The heat exchangers capture this previously wasted thermal energy and transfer it to the fluidizing agent, transforming a harmful waste product into a beneficial resource that improves energy efficiency and reduces energy costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat exchangers as intermediary devices between the waste heat sources (flue gas and process gas) and the fluidizing agent. These heat exchangers serve as mediators that facilitate thermal energy transfer from the hot gases to the fluidizing agent without direct contact, enabling efficient heat recovery while maintaining process separation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If waste heat from process gas and flue gas is utilized, then energy efficiency improves, but additional heat exchanger equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the heat exchangers to serve multiple functions: they simultaneously cool the process gas and flue gas while heating the fluidizing agent. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating and cooling equipment, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving significant energy efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the thermal energy already present in the process gas and flue gas to heat the fluidizing agent, making the system self-sufficient for its thermal needs. The waste heat from the process itself serves the heating requirement, reducing or eliminating the need for external energy sources and minimizing additional equipment requirements.
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 effectively converts high-temperature waste heat into superheated steam, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs in fluidized bed processes, particularly in gasification and recycling of plastics, while ensuring easy integration with existing production processes.
Implementation Method 1
the fluidizing agent is heated by heat of the process gas and/or heat of flue gas in at least one heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for heating a fluidizing agent for a fluidized bed reactor in which the fluidizing agent is fed to the fluidized bed reactor. The fluidizing agent is heated by heat of the process gas and/or heat of flue gas in at least one heat exchanger in which the heat of the process gas and/or the heat of the flue gas is utilized after the fluidized bed reactor, and the heated fluidizing agent is fed to the bottom of the fluidized bed reactor. Further, the invention relates to the use of the method.