Membrane Biogas Regulation Using GCV Feedback for Methane Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biogas purification methods struggle to achieve precise methane concentration in biomethane production, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to varying gas compositions and high carbon dioxide content.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement and process for regulating a membrane permeation plant using a methane analyzer to measure gross calorific value, comparing it to a setpoint, and adjusting membrane operation parameters to achieve desired methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If membrane permeation treatment is used to separate carbon dioxide from biogas, then carbon dioxide removal efficiency is improved, but methane concentration control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the actual methane concentration is continuously measured and compared to the target concentration, and the retentate flow rate is automatically adjusted based on the deviation to maintain precise methane concentration control while removing carbon dioxide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts operating parameters (retentate flow rate, pressure, temperature) based on feed gas composition variations to optimize both carbon dioxide removal efficiency and methane concentration control precision under different operating conditions
2Device complexity
If fixed membrane operation parameters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying gas compositions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed to dynamic operation parameters, where the retentate flow rate and other parameters are continuously adjusted according to real-time feed gas composition measurements, enabling the system to adapt to varying biogas compositions while maintaining simple membrane hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts membrane operation parameters based on online gas composition analysis without requiring manual intervention or complex reconfiguration of the membrane module itself, maintaining simplicity while achieving adaptability
3Manufacturing precision
If intensive purification is applied to meet natural gas specifications, then biomethane quality is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous operation of the membrane permeation process with dynamic parameter adjustment, avoiding shutdowns and restarts that would increase complexity, while achieving consistent high-purity biomethane output through continuous optimization of separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes operational parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rates) to maximize methane recovery and minimize energy consumption, achieving intensive purification at reduced operational costs by operating in the optimal parameter range rather than using multiple purification stages
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 solution provides precise control over methane concentration, minimizing losses and reducing operational costs by optimizing membrane filtration based on the gross calorific value of the feed gas stream.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separation unit capable of receiving the feed gas stream and of providing a first permeate and a first retentate
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangement for regulation of a plant I for the membrane permeation treatment of a feed gas stream, comprising at least methane and carbon dioxide, that includes at least one means A for measurement of the gross calorific value (GCV) of the feed gas stream, at least one means B for comparison of the gross calorific value with a setpoint value E, at least one means C for production of a control signal as a function of the comparison of the gross calorific value with the setpoint value E, and at least one means D for transmission of this control signal to a means for regulation of said plant I.