MSW Biogenic Material Sorting for Biochar and Syngas Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Municipal solid waste (MSW) decomposition into greenhouse gases (GHGs) poses a significant environmental challenge due to the high biogenic content, which current management practices fail to effectively prevent or minimize, leading to substantial GHG emissions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for sorting biogenic materials from MSW using image sensors, machine learning, and sorting devices to separate and process them into biochar and syngas, reducing GHG emissions by sequestering carbon and producing valuable byproducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If biogenic material is landfilled and allowed to decompose, then it undergoes natural decomposition process, but it generates greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts biogenic materials from the municipal solid waste stream using advanced sorting technologies (optical sensors, AI/ML algorithms, robotic arms) before they can decompose in landfills. This extraction prevents the harmful decomposition process while capturing the biogenic materials for beneficial uses such as anaerobic digestion to produce renewable energy, thereby resolving the contradiction between natural decomposition and GHG emission prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the destination and processing parameters of biogenic materials from landfill decomposition to controlled processing facilities. By diverting biogenic materials to anaerobic digesters or other processing facilities, the material undergoes controlled transformation that captures energy and prevents uncontrolled decomposition, thus changing the outcome from harmful GHG emissions to beneficial energy production
2Object-generated harmful factors
If advanced sorting technologies are implemented to separate biogenic materials, then GHG emissions are reduced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sorting systems that can identify and sort multiple material types (biogenic materials, recyclables, contaminants) using a single integrated platform combining optical sensors, AI/ML algorithms, and robotic manipulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate sorting systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving effective biogenic material separation and GHG emission reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting system uses AI/ML algorithms that continuously learn and improve their sorting accuracy autonomously. The system self-optimizes by analyzing sorting outcomes and adjusting parameters automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control mechanisms, thus managing system complexity while maintaining high sorting efficiency for GHG emission reduction
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
Efficient separation and processing of biogenic materials from MSW into biochar and syngas, effectively reducing GHG emissions and creating sustainable products, while optimizing the carbon cycle.
Implementation Method 1
A set of images of an input stream of heterogeneous materials is received from one or more image sensors
Implementation Method 2
The pixel values within the region of the image(s) are analyzed using machine learning to characterize the region into a biogenic-related classification
Implementation Method 3
a sorting device is instructed to perform a sorting operation on material from the input stream corresponding to the region within the set of images
Implementation Method 4
the sorted biogenic materials can be converted into a carbon-stable material known as biochar, and synthetic gas (syngas)
Data Source
AI summary
Obtaining biogenic material from a stream of heterogeneous materials is disclosed, including: receiving an input stream of heterogeneous material; separating a sub-stream of at least biogenic material from the input stream of heterogeneous material using a screen; removing a set of non-biogenic material from the sub-stream of at least biogenic material based at least in part on density separation; and drying the sub-stream of at least biogenic material after removal of the set of non-biogenic material, wherein the sub-stream of at least biogenic material after removal of the set of non-biogenic material comprises biogenic material that is suitable to produce biochar.