Fuel Pellets from Lignite Xylite and Detrital Lignite Binder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing fuel pellets from lignite xylite are costly and result in pellets with low strength and high ash content, making them unsuitable for automatic firing systems due to inefficient energy use and mechanical instability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the separation and classification of lignite xylite to incorporate a detritic lignite substance as a binder, optimizing the moisture content and using lignocellulose raw materials, which enhances compressive plasticity and binding forces without excessive energy consumption or ash content, utilizing hydraulic presses and controlled drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If xylitol is dried completely before pelleting, then the material becomes hard and brittle, but the binding forces are insufficient and compression is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of xylitolVSAvoidbinding force of pellets
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the moisture content of xylitol to a specific range (10-20% water content corresponding to 35-45% moisture) before pelleting. This parameter optimization prevents the xylitol from becoming too hard and brittle while still providing sufficient binding capacity, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and binding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If excess water is added to achieve binding forces, then the pellets can be formed, but the energy density and bulk density decrease due to excessive water expulsion during drying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding force of pelletsVSAvoidenergy density of pellets
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the water content parameter to a precise range (10-20% water content or 35-45% moisture) before pelleting. This optimized parameter allows sufficient binding force development during compression while minimizing excess water that would need to be expelled during drying, thereby maintaining high energy density and bulk density in the final pellets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If lignite is used as binder in high proportions, then the binding capacity increases, but the ash content increases resulting in slow combustion and clogging in automatic firing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding capacity of fuel pelletsVSAvoidash content of fuel
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the proportion of detritic lignite substance to a specific range (5-20% by weight) in the fuel pellet composition. This parameter optimization provides sufficient binding capacity for pellet formation while limiting the ash content to acceptable levels, preventing combustion issues and clogging in automatic firing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If intensive mechanical stress is applied to convert xylitol into sticky paste, then binding forces are achieved, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding forces in pelletsVSAvoidenergy consumption during pelleting
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces energy consumption by optimizing the moisture content parameter of xylitol to 35-45% (10-20% water content) before pelleting. This parameter optimization enables binding forces to be achieved through milder compression processes rather than intensive mechanical stress, significantly reducing the energy required for pellet formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The method produces fuel pellets with improved mechanical stability and energy density, reducing energy costs and ash content, making them suitable for automatic firing systems with enhanced pellet quality and die press longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The addition of water or aqueous solutions or dispersions. The addition of liquid stabilizes the mixed material through adhesive bonds and mobilizes the binding capacity of lignite and xylitol fibers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonds: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

In order to achieve the necessary binding forces, this method involves intensive and sustained mechanical stress on the xylitol when water or steam is added until the saturation water content is exceeded, until part of the xylitol is converted into a sticky paste-like mass.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

In terms of energy, this process is relatively expensive because a lot of excess water has to be expelled from the raw pellets.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

Die presses are preferably used which have a hydraulic pressure for pressing the press rollers of> 50 bar work.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2154227B1Method for manufacturing of fuel pellets of lignite xylite
Publication Date: 2013.09.11 RWE POWER AKTIENGESELSCHAFT

AI summary

Production of fuel pellets using lignite xylitol, comprises separating lignite xylitol from the detrital lignite which is partially adhered with this by shredding and classifying, shredding and/or pulping the lignite xylitol, and producing pellets from the processed lignite xylitol, where the moisture content of the ready to press material is adjusted to a water content of 30-50, preferably 35-45 wt.%, before the pressing. Independent claims are included for: (1) a fuel pellet comprising lignite xylitol (>= 50 wt.%) and detrital lignite as a binder for a matrix of lignite xylitol, where the lignite xylitol has a fiber length of = 1 mm and the pellet has a bulk density of 0.8-1 g/cm 3>; and (2) producing fuel pellets using lignocellulose-containing raw material and detrital lignite, comprising shredding and classifying the detrital lignite, shredding and/or pulping the lignocellulose-containing raw material, and producing pellets from the processed lignocellulose-containing raw material and detrital lignite, where the moisture content of the ready to press substance is adjusted to a water content of 30-50, preferably 35-45 wt.%, before the pressing.