Hydrothermal Liquefaction Electrolyzer for Biomass Deoxygenation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrothermal liquefaction processes face challenges due to the accumulation of oxygenated organic compounds in the aqueous phase, which reduces the calorific value of biofuel and decreases overall yield, requiring costly purification methods and specific equipment.
Innovation Solution
Combining hydrothermal liquefaction with electrolysis to deoxygenate organic molecules in the aqueous phase, converting them into hydrocarbon compounds, and recycling the treated phase to improve biomass treatment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If the aqueous phase is recycled to initiate a new hydrothermal liquefaction cycle, then the process continuity is improved, but the rate of inorganics in the biomass / recycled water mixture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes inorganic compounds from the recycled aqueous phase through filtration or separation processes before reusing the water in subsequent hydrothermal liquefaction cycles. This maintains process continuity while preventing inorganic accumulation that would otherwise degrade reaction performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional hydrotreatment techniques are used to eliminate oxygenated compounds, then the purity of biofuel is improved, but specific equipment and high pressure hydrogen are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hydrotreatment systems with a biochemical approach using enzymes or microorganisms that catalyze the removal of oxygenated compounds under milder conditions. This eliminates the need for high-pressure hydrogen equipment while achieving comparable purification results.
3Reliability
If the presence of oxygenates is eliminated by conventional hydrotreatment, then the aging of oil is reduced, but the overall yield of biofuel generation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies process parameters such as temperature, pH, or catalyst composition to enable selective removal of oxygenated compounds that cause aging, while preserving the hydrocarbon components that contribute to biofuel yield. This optimization maintains both stability and productivity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If organic compounds are removed from the aqueous phase, then the calorific value of biofuel is improved, but the yield of oil production from biomass transformation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized treatment to specific portions of the aqueous phase or targets specific oxygenated compounds rather than removing all organic matter uniformly. This selective approach improves calorific value by eliminating problematic oxygenates while retaining beneficial organic compounds that contribute to oil yield.
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
Enhances the overall efficiency of biomass treatment by reducing oxygen content, improving biofuel yield, and eliminating the need for external purification steps, while utilizing recycled hydrogen for hydro-deoxygenation.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyzer makes it possible to deoxygenate the organic molecules present in the aqueous phase to form hydrocarbon compounds (hydrocarbons)
Implementation Method 2
The hydrothermal liquefaction process is generally carried out in water, under pressure and at a temperature of the order of 280 to 350 °C
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for treating biomass by hydrothermal liquefaction, which includes: a pump (2) for injecting a biomass fluid and water; a reactor (3) for hydrothermal liquefaction of the fluid, downstream from the injection pump (2); a separation unit (4), downstream from the hydrothermal liquefaction reactor (3), the separation unit (4) including an aqueous phase outlet and an organic phase outlet; an electrolyser (9), downstream from the aqueous phase outlet of the separation unit (4); and a connection linking the electrolyser (9) to the injection pump (2). The present invention also relates to the method for transforming biomass which implements said device.