N2O Removal System with Sequential Catalyst Layer Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing N2O from exhaust gases, such as those from sewage sludge incinerators, face challenges in maximizing the utilization of N2O decomposition catalysts and minimizing catalyst usage due to deterioration over time, leading to increased pressure loss and wasteful replacement.

Innovation Solution

A system with alternating gas flow passages and catalyst packed layers, where valves are sequentially opened to add new catalyst layers as the decomposition rate decreases, allowing continued use of deteriorated catalysts and reducing the total catalyst amount by strategically replacing only the least effective layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pellet-shaped catalyst is used in common reactor, then industrial practicability is improved, but pressure loss increases with increase in catalyst layer thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindustrial practicabilityVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system is divided into multiple independent layers (first catalyst layer, second catalyst layer, etc.) that can be separately managed and replaced. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adequate catalyst thickness for effective N2O decomposition while enabling selective replacement of only the most deteriorated layers, thus reducing overall pressure loss compared to a single thick catalyst bed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If total replacement of catalysts is carried out frequently, then N2O decomposition rate is maintained, but catalyst utilization rate decreases and total catalyst amount increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveN2O decomposition rateVSAvoidcatalyst utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Different catalyst layers are assigned different service lifetimes based on their deterioration rates. The first catalyst layer (with faster deterioration) is replaced more frequently, while the second catalyst layer (with slower deterioration) is replaced less frequently. This localized quality management optimizes overall catalyst utilization by matching replacement frequency to actual performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts catalyst replacement timing based on accumulated deterioration. By monitoring the service lifetime and performance of each catalyst layer, the system determines the optimal moment to replace only the necessary layers rather than performing static, scheduled total replacements, thereby maximizing catalyst utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If catalyst layers are sequentially replaced based on deterioration, then catalyst utilization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst utilization rateVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system is divided into multiple independent layers that can be separately replaced. This segmentation simplifies the replacement process by allowing individual layers to be accessed and replaced independently, rather than requiring complete system shutdown and total catalyst replacement, thus managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a selective replacement strategy where only the first catalyst layer (with faster deterioration) is replaced when it reaches its service lifetime, while the second catalyst layer continues to operate. This discarding and recovering approach maximizes catalyst utilization by keeping functional catalyst layers in service, reducing overall system complexity compared to total replacement protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 maintains N2O decomposition ability within a target range, improving catalyst utilization and reducing overall catalyst usage, ensuring stable N2O emission control while minimizing waste.

Implementation Method 1

N2O decomposition catalysts have been disclosed... iron-zeolite based catalyst in which iron or an iron ion is supported on zeolite... N2O decomposition rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP2548629B1Device for eliminating n2o within exhaust gas and method for eliminating n2o
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 METAWATER CO LTD
  • EP2548629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2548629B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2548629B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

By use of an N2O removing system comprising a plurality of gas flow passages 1 and catalyst packed layers 2 packed with N2O decomposition catalysts, which are alternately arranged, wherein the gas flow passages 1 next to each other via the catalyst packed layers 2 comprise a gas introduction passage 11 and a gas discharge passage 12, and wherein the respective gas flow passages are provided with valves 3 sequentially opened along with the deterioration of N2O catalysts due to their time-dependent changes to cumulatively increase the number of the catalyst packed layers used, the valves 31 and 32 are opened along with time-dependent changes after the beginning of N2O removal treatment, thereby cumulatively increasing the number of the catalyst packed layers 2 used.