L-valve solid circulation control in chemical looping combustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical looping combustion processes lack independent control over the circulation of solid particles between reaction zones, relying on gas flow rates, which limits the flexibility and efficiency of the combustion process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-mechanical L-valves, consisting of a vertical and horizontal pipe with controlled gas injection upstream of an elbow, allows for independent control of solid particle circulation between reaction zones by adjusting differential pressure conditions, enabling precise management of solid flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas flow rates are used to control solid particle circulation in chemical looping combustion, then the process can operate with simple equipment, but independent control of solid circulation is lost and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces L-shaped valves as intermediary devices between reaction zones to control solid particle circulation. These valves use gas injection as a mediator to manipulate solid flow independently of the main process gas flows, enabling decoupled control of solid circulation from gas flow rates while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by injecting gas into L-shaped valves to control the circulation of solid particles. The gas injection creates pressure differentials that drive solids through the L-valves between reaction zones, providing independent control mechanism that does not rely on mechanical moving parts
2Reliability
If mechanical valves are used to control solid particle circulation, then precise control is achieved, but mechanical failure risk increases and maintenance complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valves with L-shaped valves that use gas injection to control solid particle flow. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are prone to failure, thereby improving reliability while reducing maintenance requirements as there are no mechanical components to repair
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped valves are designed to be self-regulating through gas injection control. The system uses the injected gas itself to control the valve operation and solid flow, without requiring external mechanical actuation or complex control mechanisms, thereby improving reliability and simplifying maintenance
3Speed
If gas flow rates are increased to enhance solid particle transport, then circulation speed improves, but gas mixing between reaction zones increases and process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas flows by using separate L-shaped valves for each reaction zone connection. This segmentation allows independent control of gas injection at each valve, enabling fast solid circulation while preventing gas mixing between zones through the valve design that separates gas and solid flow paths
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 enables independent control of solid circulation, optimizing oxygen availability and heat exchange, leading to improved combustion efficiency and flexibility in producing heat, synthesis gas, or hydrogen, while minimizing gas mixing between reaction zones.
Implementation Method 1
injection of a control gas with a given aeration flow rate upstream of the elbow of said valve; control of the differential pressure conditions at the terminals of the non-mechanical valve(s) to adjust the flow rate of solid particles
Implementation Method 2
Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a loop redox process on an active mass... the oxidation of the active masses can be done in air... the active masses are metal oxides
Implementation Method 3
at least two fluidized reaction zones... in which the circulation of the solid particles of active mass is controlled between each or part of the reaction zones
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an improved installation and an improved method for the chemical looping combustion of at least one hydrocarbonated load with independent control of the circulation of solid particles of an active mass between the reactional areas in a fluidised bed, by means of at least one non-mechanical valve, such as an L-valve.