Fixed-Bed Gasifier Internal Circulation for Tar Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wood gasification processes face challenges in producing an almost tar-free wood gas efficiently, requiring complex and costly systems for tar removal and gas treatment due to inadequate gasification and unsatisfactory control of temperature zones, leading to energy losses and high operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

An autothermic direct current fixed-bed gasifier with internal circulation uses diffuser-injector nozzles to mix rising pyrolysis gases with the gasification agent, creating intensive turbulence for complete combustion in the oxidation zone and a spacious octagonal trough grate for continuous charcoal formation, optimizing the Boudouard, hydrogen, and methane equilibria for efficient gas reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If complex pyrolysis gas washing systems are used to remove tars, then tar removal efficiency is improved, but investment costs and operating costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetar removal efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of gas washing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes tars at the source (in the oxidation zone) through complete combustion before the gas reaches the reduction zone. This prevents tars from entering the downstream gas cleaning system, effectively taking out the harmful factor at its origin rather than treating it later with complex washing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful tar components into beneficial combustion energy by burning them completely in the oxidation zone. The tars that would normally require complex removal systems are instead used as fuel to generate heat for the gasification process, transforming a harmful factor into a useful energy source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate oxidation chamber and fluidized bed reactor are added, then gas quality is improved, but apparatus complexity and investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas qualityVSAvoidnumber of reactors and chambers
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the oxidation chamber and fluidized bed reactor functions into a single integrated gasifier unit. The oxidation zone and reduction zone are combined in one reactor, eliminating the need for separate chambers and reactors while maintaining gas quality through proper zonal design and internal circulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single gasifier reactor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it conducts oxidation, pyrolysis, reduction, and internal gas circulation within one unit. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized reactors while achieving the same gas quality outcomes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If pyrolysis gases are discharged to outside and reintroduced, then gas mixing is improved, but energy loss and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas mixingVSAvoidenergy loss from external discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements self-service internal circulation where pyrolysis gases are automatically drawn from the upper zone and reinjected into the oxidation zone through injector nozzles. This self-circulating system eliminates the need for external discharge and reheating, maintaining gas composition stability while avoiding energy losses associated with external handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The injector nozzles act as intermediaries that facilitate the internal circulation of pyrolysis gases. These nozzles draw gases from the upper zone and inject them into the oxidation zone, enabling efficient gas mixing and circulation without requiring external discharge paths or additional energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If residence time in reduction zone is increased, then gas reduction efficiency is improved, but reactor volume and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas reduction efficiencyVSAvoidwood gas production rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical extension of the reduction zone with a chemical/circulatory solution. Internal circulation of pyrolysis gases through the reduction zone provides enhanced contact time and reduction efficiency without requiring a larger reactor volume, thus maintaining productivity while improving gas reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous internal circulation of pyrolysis gases through the reduction zone ensures continuous exposure to reducing conditions. This continuous action maintains high gas reduction efficiency without requiring extended residence time that would reduce overall production rate, as the circulating gases repeatedly pass through the reduction zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 generates a high-quality, almost tar-free wood gas with reduced effort for dry gas treatment and cooling, minimizing energy losses and operational costs by ensuring complete combustion and sufficient residence time for gas reduction.

Implementation Method 1

The intensive turbulence of the gas mixture - similar to an oil burner - results in the complete combustion of the tarry raw gases in the oxidation zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

complete combustion of the tarry raw gases in the oxidation zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

suction of the rising carbonization and pyrolysis gases formed during gasification via the diffuser-injector injection nozzles (injector conveyor) and these are mixed with be blown into the oxidation zone with the gasification agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInjector effect: Injector

Implementation Method 4

the device of a spacious tub grate allows the sufficient formation of a continuous charcoal embers as a reduction zone for the production of an almost tar-free wood gas through a complete gas reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas reduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP2281864B1Method and apparatus for gasifying solid fuels
Publication Date: 2017.03.01 SAILER WALTER
  • EP2281864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2281864B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The method involves injecting degasification agent (4) i.e. air, into a middle section of a reactor chamber (2) of a fixed bed reactor (23). A partial stream of the injected degasification agent is upwardly guided in a countercurrent flow and removed as pyrolysis gas (7) from the fixed bed reactor. Another partial stream of the injected degasification agent is downwardly guided in a co-current flow and removed from the reactor. The former partial stream is downwardly guided outside the reactor chamber and supplied into the reactor chamber. An independent claim is also included for a device for gasifying a solid fuel.