Mobile Bicarbonate Plant for In Situ CO2 Valorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in economically valorizing gaseous effluents, particularly carbon dioxide, produced during alcohol fermentation, as existing methods are not viable for small-scale production and require industrial-scale equipment, making it difficult to achieve in situ valorization in food manufacturing industries.
Innovation Solution
A method involving alcohol fermentation in a bioreactor, followed by compression and processing in a compact mobile plant with a bicarbonate production unit, utilizing counter-flow circulation in series compartments to convert carbon dioxide into insoluble alkaline bicarbonate, with controlled conditions for optimal conversion and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If industrial-scale plants are used for carbon dioxide recovery, then high carbon dioxide conversion efficiency is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase, making it unsuitable for small-scale food manufacturing industries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bicarbonate production unit into multiple compartments (first compartment for bicarbonate formation, second compartment for carbonate regeneration) that operate in series. This segmentation allows each compartment to perform a specific function with simplified equipment, avoiding the need for complex industrial-scale plants while maintaining high carbon dioxide conversion efficiency through the staged processing approach.
2Loss of energy
If in situ valorization is implemented at alcohol fermentation sites, then transportation costs are reduced and economic viability improves, but the available space and infrastructure are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compression unit and bicarbonate production unit into a compact mobile plant that can be positioned at alcohol fermentation sites. The nested arrangement of equipment (compression unit feeding into bicarbonate production unit) maximizes space utilization within the limited available area at fermentation sites, enabling in situ valorization without requiring extensive infrastructure.
3Productivity
If counter-flow circulation is used in multiple compartments, then carbon dioxide conversion rate increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous counter-flow circulation of aqueous solution through the multiple compartments, where the solution flows from the first compartment to the second compartment while carbon dioxide is continuously supplied. This continuous circulation maintains high carbon dioxide conversion rates by ensuring constant contact between the reagent and carbon dioxide, while the straightforward flow path keeps the circulation system relatively simple.
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 method enables efficient, economically viable, and adaptable in situ valorization of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate, achieving high conversion rates and purity, suitable for small-scale production and easily transportable to different locations.
Implementation Method 1
a precipitation of alkaline bicarbonate in the first compartment by reaction of dissolved carbon dioxide with carbonate ions in order to obtain a suspension of insoluble alkaline bicarbonate
Implementation Method 2
alcohol fermentation in a bioreactor producing a fermented matter and a gaseous effluent, said gaseous effluent including carbon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the valorization of gaseous effluents derived from alcoholic fermentation, comprising:a step of alcoholic fermentation in a bioreactor producing a fermented matter and a gaseous effluent, wherein the gaseous effluent comprises carbon dioxide;a step of extraction of the gaseous effluent from the bioreactor, followed by compression thereof, in order to obtain a compressed gaseous effluent; anda step of production of a suspension of alkaline bicarbonate in a bicarbonate production unit, wherein the bicarbonate production unit is divided into at least two compartments arranged successively in series.The present invention also relates to a corresponding plant.