Methane Purification Temperature Zoning for Ozone-Catalyst Reactivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face challenges in effectively oxidizing methane in the presence of ozone due to temperature-related decomposition of ozone and condensation of water on catalysts, which hinders the reaction between methane and ozone.
Innovation Solution
A methane purification apparatus that includes a gas cooling unit, ozone supply unit, gas heating unit, and catalyst system, utilizing a refrigerant circulation path to control temperature and humidity, ensuring methane and ozone react efficiently while minimizing water adhesion on the catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature of methane is raised to enhance reaction probability on catalyst, then methane reactivity improves, but water vapor condenses and adheres to catalyst blocking reaction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into distinct temperature zones: a first flow path section where gas is cooled to condense and remove water vapor, and a second flow path section where gas is heated to promote methane decomposition. This spatial segmentation allows independent control of temperature conditions in different regions, preventing water adhesion while maintaining high reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Water vapor removal is performed preliminarily in the first flow path section before the gas enters the second flow path section where methane decomposition occurs. By removing water vapor in advance, the catalyst surface is kept clean and accessible for methane reaction, preventing water adhesion from blocking reaction sites.
2Reliability
If the temperature of ozone is lowered to prevent decomposition, then ozone stability improves, but methane and ozone reaction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into distinct temperature zones: a first flow path section where gas is cooled to condense and remove water vapor, and a second flow path section where gas is heated to promote methane decomposition. This spatial segmentation allows independent control of temperature conditions in different regions, preventing water adhesion while maintaining high reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter is dynamically adjusted in different sections of the flow path. In the first section, temperature is lowered to remove water vapor and stabilize ozone. In the second section, temperature is raised to enhance methane decomposition efficiency. This parameter change approach allows optimization of both ozone stability and reaction efficiency at different locations.
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 apparatus effectively decomposes methane by controlling temperature and humidity, preventing water condensation on the catalyst, thereby enhancing the reactivity of methane and ozone, and achieving efficient methane decomposition.
Implementation Method 1
a gas cooling unit that cools the first gas by exchanging heat between the first gas flowing through the flow path and a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a gas heating unit that is provided downstream of the gas cooling unit in the flow path and heats a second gas by exchanging heat between (i) the second gas containing the first gas flowing through the flow path and the ozone supplied by the ozone supply unit and (ii) the refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a refrigerant cooling unit that is provided upstream of the gas cooling unit and downstream of the gas heating unit in a circulation direction of the circulation path and lowers a temperature of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
a refrigerant heating unit that is provided downstream of the gas cooling unit and upstream of the gas heating unit in the circulation direction of the circulation path and raises the temperature of the refrigerant
Implementation Method 5
a catalyst that is provided downstream of the gas heating unit in the flow path and decomposes methane contained in the second gas
Data Source
AI summary
A methane purification apparatus includes: a gas cooling unit that cools a first gas by exchanging heat between the first gas and a refrigerant; an ozone supply unit that supplies ozone to the first gas cooled by the gas cooling unit; a gas heating unit that heats a second gas by exchanging heat between (i) the second gas containing the first gas and ozone and (ii) the refrigerant; a circulation path in which the refrigerant circulates between the gas cooling unit and the gas heating unit; and a refrigerant cooling unit that lowers the temperature of the refrigerant; a refrigerant heating unit that raises the temperature of the refrigerant; and a catalyst that decomposes methane contained in the second gas.