Gasifier Fluidization with Alternative Gases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasification systems face challenges in producing synthesis gas with a desired molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide, often resulting in excessive moisture content that is undesirable for downstream applications like Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and power generation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using alternative gasification fluidization gases, such as natural gas, flue gas, or tailgas, instead of or in addition to steam, to fluidize the bed in a gasification apparatus, allowing for the production of synthesis gas with a tailored molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide by conditioning the gasifier product gas through partial oxidation or carbon dioxide removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam is used as fluidization gas in the gasification apparatus, then the bed is effectively fluidized and heat transfer is improved, but the moisture content of the synthesis gas becomes excessive for downstream applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the composition parameter of the fluidization gas from pure steam to alternative gases (natural gas, flue gas, tailgas, synthesis gas) with different moisture content and chemical composition, thereby reducing the moisture in the product gas while maintaining fluidization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and utilizes waste gases (flue gas, tailgas) that would otherwise be discarded as useful fluidization media, turning a waste stream into a valuable resource that reduces moisture content in the synthesis gas
2Quantity of substance
If alternative fluidization gases are used instead of steam, then the moisture content of synthesis gas is reduced, but the complexity of gas selection and system integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fluidization gas system universal by accepting multiple types of gases (natural gas, flue gas, tailgas, synthesis gas) that can serve the same fluidization function, allowing flexibility in gas source selection based on plant configuration and downstream requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using internally generated gases (flue gas from combustion, tailgas from Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) to fluidize the gasification bed, eliminating the need for external steam generation infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If steam is used for fluidization, then the process is simple and well-established, but the hydrogen to carbon monoxide molar ratio in the synthesis gas cannot be optimized for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fluidization gas to alter the reaction chemistry in the gasifier, thereby controlling the H2/CO molar ratio in the product gas to match Fischer-Tropsch synthesis requirements (typically 2:1)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite gas compositions (mixtures of alternative gases with different chemical properties) to achieve the desired synthesis gas composition, combining the benefits of different gas types to optimize both fluidization and product quality
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 reduces the amount of steam required, utilizes waste gases efficiently, and produces synthesis gas with a desired composition, enhancing the economic viability and efficiency of gasification processes.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining fluidization of the at least one fluidized component by introducing a fluidization gas thereto
Implementation Method 2
the gasification apparatus is configured to convert at least a portion of the feed material into a gasifier product gas comprising synthesis gas
Implementation Method 3
conditioning the gasifier product gas through partial oxidation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the production of synthesis gas, including a gasification apparatus configured to convert at least a portion of a gasifier feed material introduced thereto into a gasification product gas comprising synthesis gas having a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide; at least one additional apparatus selected from the group consisting of feed preparation apparatus located upstream of the gasification apparatus, synthesis gas conditioning apparatus, and synthesis gas utilization apparatus; and at least one line fluidly connecting the at least one additional apparatus or an outlet of the gasification apparatus with the at least one vessel of the gasification apparatus, whereby a gas from the at least one additional apparatus or exiting the gasification apparatus may provide at least one non-steam component of a fluidization gas. A method of utilizing the system is also provided.