FT Tail Gas Regeneration in Synthetic Oil Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process generates a tail gas that pollutes the environment and is not efficiently utilized, while existing methods to convert biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) into energy suffer from inefficiencies and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that regenerates a catalyst using FT tail gas as a regenerant, incorporating gasification, partial oxidation, and catalytic reforming reactions to produce synthetic oil, and recycles the FT tail gas to maintain catalyst activity and reduce environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If FT tail gas is discharged without utilization, then the FT process can operate continuously, but environmental pollution occurs and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful FT tail gas into a beneficial regenerant for catalyst regeneration. The tail gas containing CO and H2 is used to remove carbon deposits from the reforming catalyst, transforming a waste stream into a useful resource that maintains catalyst activity while avoiding environmental pollution
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own by-product (FT tail gas) to serve the regeneration function, eliminating the need for external regenerants. The tail gas produced in the FT process is recirculated to the reforming catalyst regenerator, creating a self-sustaining cycle where waste materials are utilized within the system
2Reliability
If external heating and regenerants are used for catalyst regeneration, then catalyst activity is maintained, but energy consumption increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The reforming catalyst regenerator uses FT tail gas as the regenerant instead of external chemicals or fuels. The tail gas is introduced into the regenerator where it reacts with carbon deposits on the catalyst, eliminating the need for external regenerant supply systems and reducing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The FT tail gas serves dual functions: it is a by-product of the FT process and simultaneously acts as the regenerant for the reforming catalyst. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate material streams and simplifies the overall process configuration
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 energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reusing FT tail gas for catalyst regeneration, minimizing the need for external heating and regenerants, thus lowering costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
producing a reformed synthetic gas from a feed comprising a carbon material using a catalyst
Implementation Method 2
producing the reformed synthetic gas comprises a partial oxidation reaction
Implementation Method 3
producing the reformed synthetic gas comprises a catalytic reforming reaction
Implementation Method 4
subjecting the reformed synthetic gas to a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process to produce synthetic oil
Implementation Method 5
regenerating the catalyst in a catalyst regenerator; supplying the FT tail gas to the catalyst regenerator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing synthetic oil, the method including producing synthetic gas by introducing the feed into a synthetic gas production reaction in the presence of a catalyst, producing synthetic oil and an FT tail gas by introducing the synthetic gas into a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction, regenerating the catalyst used in the producing of the synthetic gas in a catalyst regenerator, and supplying the FT tail gas to a catalyst regenerator.