Formic Acid Hydrothermal Decomposition for Carbon Monoxide Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of efficient methods for producing carbon monoxide from formic acid, leading to disposal issues and increased environmental load due to excess formic acid production in industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for decomposing formic acid under hydrothermal conditions with a temperature of 350°C or less and pressure equal to or more than the saturated vapor pressure of water, using a reaction vessel with a nonmetallic inner surface to efficiently produce carbon monoxide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If formic acid is produced in industrial processes, then acetic acid production efficiency is improved, but formic acid disposal problems and environmental load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste product (formic acid) into a useful resource (carbon monoxide) through hydrothermal decomposition. By controlling the reaction conditions (temperature ≤350°C and pressure ≥saturated vapor pressure of water), formic acid is transformed into carbon monoxide which can be used as a starting material for various organic compounds, thereby eliminating disposal problems and environmental concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise temperature and pressure conditions for the hydrothermal decomposition reaction. The temperature is controlled to be 350°C or less, and the pressure is maintained at or above the saturated vapor pressure of water at the reaction temperature. These parameter changes enable selective decomposition of formic acid to carbon monoxide while avoiding unwanted side reactions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional disposal methods are used for excess formic acid, then production costs are reduced, but environmental load increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of disposing of excess formic acid, the patent transforms it into carbon monoxide through controlled hydrothermal decomposition. This conversion creates a valuable chemical feedstock that can be used to produce various organic compounds, thereby eliminating both disposal costs and environmental harm simultaneously.
3Speed
If formic acid is decomposed under conventional conditions, then decomposition speed increases, but selectivity for carbon monoxide production decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves both fast decomposition and high selectivity by optimizing the temperature and pressure parameters. The temperature is controlled to be 350°C or less (preventing excessive thermal decomposition that would reduce selectivity), while the pressure is maintained at or above the saturated vapor pressure of water (ensuring efficient reaction kinetics). This parameter optimization enables simultaneous achievement of rapid decomposition and high carbon monoxide selectivity.
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 allows for the effective utilization of formic acid by efficiently producing carbon monoxide, reducing environmental impact and avoiding disposal of excess formic acid, while maintaining pressure and temperature conditions that favor the first decomposition reaction over the second, resulting in selective carbon monoxide production.
Implementation Method 1
decomposing formic acid, in the presence of water, by hydrothermal reaction under conditions with a temperature T of 350° C. or less
Implementation Method 2
a pressure P being equal to or more than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature T
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing carbon monoxide includes decomposing formic acid, in the presence of water, by hydrothermal reaction under conditions with a temperature T of 350° C. or less and a pressure P being equal to or more than the saturated vapor pressure of water at the temperature T.