Co-gasification of Microalgae and Low-Rank Coal for Syngas

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Solution Overview

Problem

The gasification of low-rank coal and microalgae biomass presents challenges due to high CO2 emissions and inefficiencies in syngas production, with existing methods being time-consuming and costly, and there is a lack of detailed thermodynamic modeling studies on integrated co-gasification processes.

Innovation Solution

An integrated co-gasification process is developed using a thermodynamic simulation model in Aspen Plus, which includes gasification, reforming, and CO2 absorption steps, optimizing the biomass-to-coal ratio, pressure, and gasifying agents to produce high-purity syngas with reduced CO2 content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If low-rank coal is gasified to meet energy demand, then energy production is improved, but CO2 emissions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy productionVSAvoidCO2 emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines coal gasification with biomass (microalgae) combustion in a single integrated system. The coal gasification unit produces syngas for energy, while the biomass combustion unit burns CO2-rich off-gas from the gasifier, creating a closed carbon cycle that reduces net CO2 emissions while maintaining energy production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful CO2 emissions from coal gasification into a useful resource by feeding them to the biomass combustion unit. The CO2-rich off-gas serves as both fuel and carbon source for the algae, transforming an environmental problem into a beneficial process that supports biomass growth and energy production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If existing gasification methods are used, then syngas production is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyngas productionVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system operates continuously with the biomass cultivation, gasification, and combustion processes running in parallel. The microalgae grow continuously capturing CO2, the gasifier continuously produces syngas, and the combustion unit continuously burns off-gas, eliminating downtime and maximizing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The microalgae system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a carbon sink for CO2 absorption, a biomass source for fuel production, and a method for wastewater treatment. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple separate processes into one integrated system, reducing overall process time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If biomass to coal ratio is increased to reduce CO2 emissions, then environmental performance is improved, but syngas quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 emissionsVSAvoidsyngas quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the biomass-to-coal ratio and operational parameters based on feedstock composition and desired syngas quality. By optimizing the mix ratio and controlling combustion conditions, the system maintains syngas quality within acceptable ranges while maximizing CO2 emission reductions through adjusted biomass utilization

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 process enhances gasification system efficiency and cold gas efficiency, producing high-quality syngas while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a cost-effective and efficient method for utilizing low-value coal and biomass feedstocks.

Implementation Method 1

co-gasifying a feedstock comprising low rank coal and a microalgae biomass at a temperature of about 700, 750, 800 to 850° C. with a gasification agent comprising at least >21, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 vol. % oxygen to produce gasified intermediates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGasification:

Implementation Method 2

reforming the gasified intermediates to produce syngas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReforming:

Implementation Method 3

removing carbon dioxide from the syngas, thereby producing syngas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCO2 absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11697779B2Co-gasification of microalgae biomass and low-rank coal to produce syngas/hydrogen

Publication Date: 2023.07.11 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

A process and apparatus for producing syngas from low grade coal and from a biomass wherein the process includes (i) gasification of a mixture of low grade coal and biomass, (ii) reforming the gasified mixture, and (iii) removing CO2 from the gasified and reformed syngas mixture.