Hydrolysis Tank as Heating Surface in Bioenergy Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioenergy plants lack practical instructions for designing the hydrolysis stage in conjunction with efficient methane fermentation, particularly in terms of spatial separation, environmental conditions, and process management, which hinders the effective utilization of biogenic raw materials and waste materials.
Innovation Solution
A combined hydrolysis-fermentation apparatus featuring a heatable container combination with circulating devices and optional ventilation, where a corrosion-resistant hydrolysis tank is centrally located within a fermentation tank, allowing for aerobic or weakly aerobic conditions, and utilizing the hydrolysis tank as a heating surface and support for a gas-tight cover, enabling batch operation and extended treatment times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the hydrolysis tank is used as a heating surface for the fermentation tank, then energy efficiency is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrolysis tank serves dual functions: as a reaction vessel for hydrolysis and as a heating surface (heat exchanger) for the fermentation tank. This multi-functionality allows the system to utilize the thermal energy from the hydrolysis process to maintain temperature in the fermentation tank, improving energy efficiency while integrating structures rather than adding separate heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the hydrolysis tank and fermentation tank into a single integrated apparatus where the hydrolysis tank is positioned inside the fermentation tank. The walls of the hydrolysis tank serve as heating surfaces for the fermentation process, merging the hydrolysis and fermentation stages into one compact unit with shared thermal management.
2Reliability
If batch operation with extended treatment times is implemented, then material utilization is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation by configuring multiple hydrolysis tanks and fermentation tanks in series or parallel arrangements. While one tank undergoes batch hydrolysis with extended treatment time, other tanks are simultaneously undergoing fermentation or preparing for the next cycle. The circulation devices ensure continuous flow and processing, maintaining productivity while allowing extended treatment times in individual batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic batch operations across multiple tanks, where hydrolysis and fermentation cycles are staggered in time. This periodic action across the entire system maintains continuous output while allowing each individual batch to undergo the necessary extended treatment time for optimal material utilization.
3Volume of moving object
If the hydrolysis tank is positioned centrally within the fermentation tank, then space utilization is improved, but heat transfer efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced insulation specifically in the annular space between the hydrolysis tank and fermentation tank walls. This localized insulation measure ensures efficient heat transfer from the hydrolysis tank to the fermentation process while maintaining the compact central positioning of the hydrolysis tank within the fermentation tank.
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 design enhances energy and cost efficiency by maintaining optimal temperatures, ensuring complete circulation, reducing sedimentation, and simplifying structural requirements, while improving biogas quality through the integration of oxygen-containing hydrolysis gases and hydrogen sulfide binding, suitable for both new and existing bioenergy plants.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrolysis tank (1) is used as a heating surface for the fermentation tank (8) surrounding it
Implementation Method 2
with circulating devices... ensuring complete circulation, reducing sedimentation
Implementation Method 3
improving biogas quality through the integration of oxygen-containing hydrolysis gases and hydrogen sulfide binding
Implementation Method 4
allowing for aerobic or weakly aerobic conditions... aerobic degradation
Implementation Method 5
fermentation tank (8) for fermentation substrate... production of biogas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a combined hydrolysis-fermentation apparatus for the spatially separated implementation of the process stages of hydrolysis and methane fermentation in bioenergy plants by means of wet fermentation. The apparatus consists of at least one heatable container combination with circulation devices and, if required, aeration, wherein a corrosion-resistant hydrolysis vessel (1) is centrally arranged in a container for fermentation substrates (2) which is also corrosion-resistant, at least in the gas space (20), the wall construction of the hydrolysis vessel (4) is at least partially designed as a heating surface (5) through which heating water flows, the hydrolysis vessel (1) is connected on the exhaust gas side to the gas space (7) of the surrounding container for fermentation substrate (2), and compressed air lances (15) and/or devices for supplying air via the vortex (16) formed by the circulation system (11) are arranged for the aeration of the hydrolysis vessel (1).