Gasification Fermentation for Ethanol via CO2 Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gasification and fermentation processes for producing alcohols from carbonaceous materials are inefficient due to energy losses, incomplete conversion of carbonaceous feedstock, and low CO and H2 concentrations in synthesis gas, leading to reduced alcohol production and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
The method involves injecting carbon dioxide and oxygen into a gasifier with carbonaceous material to produce syngas, which is then contacted with a biocatalyst to enhance alcohol production, optimizing the gasification process by controlling temperature and increasing CO and H2 concentrations, and utilizing multiple chambers to improve ethanol yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If carbonaceous material is gasified using conventional methods, then synthesis gas is produced, but the CO and H2 concentrations are low and energy losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the gasification atmosphere by introducing carbon dioxide and adjusting oxygen levels. This modifies the gasification reactions to produce higher concentrations of CO and H2 while reducing energy losses through optimized thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon dioxide is introduced as an intermediary substance that participates in the gasification reactions. It serves as both a reactant and a heat transfer medium, facilitating the conversion of carbonaceous material to synthesis gas with improved CO and H2 yields while managing energy distribution.
2Productivity
If pure or enriched oxygen is used as oxidant, then gasification efficiency increases, but ash melting and slagging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the oxidant composition by using carbon dioxide-enriched atmospheres instead of pure or enriched oxygen. This parameter change maintains gasification efficiency while controlling the temperature profile to prevent ash melting and slagging, as CO2 provides a different thermal environment compared to O2.
3Productivity
If carbonaceous feedstock is converted to alcohols, then carbon utilization increases, but incomplete conversion leaves carbon as carbon dioxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas and indicator of incomplete conversion) into a beneficial reactant. By introducing CO2 into the gasification system, it participates in reactions that produce additional synthesis gas, thereby improving overall carbon utilization and reducing the amount of unconverted carbon emitted as CO2.
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 increases ethanol production, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering CO2 into liquid transportation fuels, and decreases dependence on petrochemical fuels, while also addressing inefficiencies in energy use and ash slagging issues.
Implementation Method 1
Gasification of carbonaceous materials producing a synthesis gas containing CO, CO2, and H2
Implementation Method 2
6CO+3H2O→CH3CH2OH+4CO2 (1); 6H2+2CO2→CH3CH2OH+3H2O (2)
Implementation Method 3
fermentation or digestion by certain microorganisms to produce alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, etc.)
Implementation Method 4
sequestering the carbon into liquid transportation fuel alcohols; thus decreasing dependence on petrochemical fuel sources
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to improvements in gasification for use with synthesis gas fermentation. Further, the present invention is directed to improvements in gasification for the production of alcohols from a gaseous substrate containing at least one reducing gas containing at least one microorganism.