Methane-Based Bio-Crude Deoxygenation Catalyst
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process for deoxygenating bio-crude requires high-pressure hydrogen, which is costly and environmentally unfavourable due to high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a methane-containing gas environment and a catalyst structure comprising porous supports like aluminum oxide or titanium silicalite loaded with metals such as Ir, Ga, and Ce, to deoxygenate oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, thereby reducing the oxygen content of bio-crude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydrodeoxygenation using high-pressure hydrogen is employed, then deoxygenation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reactant parameter from hydrogen to methane, and adjusts the reaction conditions to lower temperature (300-400°C) and reduced pressure (1-50 atm) compared to traditional HDO. This parameter change enables effective deoxygenation while reducing energy consumption and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized catalyst structure comprising porous support with metals (Ir, Ga, Ce) as an intermediary to facilitate the methane-based deoxygenation reaction. This catalyst enables the use of methane as a reactant while maintaining effective deoxygenation performance.
2Reliability
If traditional hydrodeoxygenation using high-pressure hydrogen is employed, then deoxygenation effectiveness is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reactant from hydrogen (produced by carbon-intensive SMR) to methane (natural gas), and operates at lower temperatures and pressures. This reduces the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production while maintaining deoxygenation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful high-pressure hydrogen system into a beneficial low-pressure methane system. By using methane as the reductant instead of hydrogen, the process eliminates the need for energy-intensive steam methane reforming and reduces CO2 emissions, turning a harmful process into an environmentally friendly one.
3Reliability
If traditional hydrodeoxygenation is used, then oxygen removal is achieved, but process complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the process by changing from high-pressure hydrogen system to low-pressure methane system, reducing the need for complex high-pressure equipment and hydrogen handling infrastructure. The catalyst structure enables this simplification while maintaining oxygen removal efficiency.
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 effectively decreases the oxygen content of bio-crude, reduces coke content, and decreases total acid number, while avoiding the need for high-pressure hydrogen, thus offering an economically and environmentally friendly alternative.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the oxygen-containing hydrocarbon feedstock within the reactor in the presence of the methane-containing gas and a catalyst structure to form a hydrocarbon product having an oxygen content that is less than an oxygen content of the oxygen-containing hydrocarbon feedstock
Data Source
AI summary
A method for deoxygenation of an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon, such as a bio-crude liquid, in the presence of a methane-containing gas and a catalyst structure, is described. The method results in a reduction of oxygen content within the hydrocarbon.