Liquid Phase Torrefication Heat Transfer for Biomass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass torrefaction methods using gas-phase systems face challenges such as high energy consumption, non-uniform product formation, and environmental emissions, with gas-phase heat transfer being inefficient and causing damage to biomass pellets during processing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a closed pressurized system with liquid heat transfer fluids of higher vapor pressure for torrefaction, where biomass is immersed in a hot liquid heat transfer fluid, allowing for efficient heat transfer and minimizing oxygen exposure to prevent oxidation and damage, while also reclaiming condensable gases and reducing emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If gas-phase heat transfer is used for torrefaction, then the process can be implemented, but heat transfer efficiency is poor and biomass pellets are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the heat transfer medium from gas phase to liquid phase. Liquid heat transfer fluids provide superior heat transfer coefficients compared to gases, enabling efficient heat transfer while allowing the biomass to be immersed and protected from atmospheric oxygen exposure during processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid heat transfer fluid as an intermediary medium between the heat source and biomass. This liquid intermediary transfers thermal energy efficiently while creating a protective environment that prevents direct oxygen contact with the biomass surface, thus avoiding oxidation damage
2Use of energy by moving object
If liquid heat transfer fluid is used for torrefaction, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using liquid heat transfer fluids in a pressurized system. The liquid phase allows for efficient heat transfer through conduction and convection mechanisms, and the pressurized environment enables the liquid to remain in contact with biomass while managing the system's operational complexity through controlled pressure conditions
3Ease of operation
If biomass is exposed to air during processing, then handling is simplified, but oxidation and environmental emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an inert environment by immersing biomass in liquid heat transfer fluid under pressurized conditions. This liquid atmosphere displaces air and prevents oxygen contact with the biomass surface, thereby preventing oxidation and reducing environmental emissions while maintaining operational control through the liquid medium
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 results in a clean, uniform, and dense biofuel product with reduced environmental impact, lower production costs, and enhanced energy efficiency by using a broader range of biomass materials, including agricultural waste and animal manure, while minimizing handling and oxidation risks.
Implementation Method 1
Heat is transferred in many cases by a combination of conduction, convection and radiation and the process can be very complex at the surface boundary layer between the heat transfer surfaces
Implementation Method 2
Heat is transferred in many cases by a combination of conduction, convection and radiation
Implementation Method 3
Thermal conduction. This heat transfer mechanism transports energy between parts of a continuum by transfer of kinetic energy between particles or groups of particles at the atomic level
Data Source
AI summary
A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the vapor pressure of the heat transfer fluid as a result of the expansion of liquids and gases entrained within the biomass.