Ozone Feed Gas Pretreatment Using Low-Temperature Methane Oxidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ozone generation methods are hindered by the presence of methane in the feed gas, leading to decreased efficiency and high energy consumption, with existing catalytic oxidation processes requiring high temperatures that are economically and environmentally unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving catalytic oxidation of methane in a feed gas containing oxygen and methane, using catalysts like platinum or palladium at moderate temperatures, coupled with heat recovery and gas drying, to produce ozone efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If catalytic oxidation is performed at high temperature (788°C) to remove methane, then methane oxidation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and economic viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional high temperature (788°C) to moderate temperature (150-300°C) range, making the process economically and environmentally viable while maintaining effective methane oxidation through catalytic action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catalyst as an intermediary substance that enables methane oxidation at lower temperatures. The catalyst mediates the reaction between methane and oxygen, allowing the process to proceed efficiently without requiring excessive thermal energy input
2Ease of manufacture
If methane is present in the feed gas, then the feed gas is easier to obtain, but ozone generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary catalytic oxidation to remove methane from the feed gas before the ozone generation step. This preliminary treatment ensures that the feed gas is properly prepared, eliminating the harmful effect of methane on ozone generation while maintaining the ease of obtaining the feed gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes methane from the feed gas through catalytic oxidation, separating the harmful component from the useful oxygen, thereby preserving feed gas availability while eliminating the negative impact on ozone generation efficiency
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 method enhances ozone generation efficiency by reducing methane content and conserving energy, while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
Performing a catalytic oxidation of methane from the crude feed gas to obtain a treated feed gas
Implementation Method 2
heating the crude feed gas to a temperature of at least 150° C., preferably at least 200° C. again preferably at least 220° C. and at most preferably 300° C. or 340° C. before and/or during performing the catalytic oxidation of methane
Implementation Method 3
Recovering at least a part of the heat from the treated feed gas. Heating the crude feed gas with the recovered heat
Implementation Method 4
drying the treated feed gas to remove at least some, preferably most and again preferably all water before generating ozone from the treated feed gas. Drying the treated feed gas could be achieved by sorption, for example absorption or adsorption
Implementation Method 5
This could also be achieved by condensing water under low temperature
Implementation Method 6
cooling the treated feed gas, for example to a temperature of at most 70° C., preferably at most 50° C. and again preferably to room temperature, before generating ozone from the treated feed gas
Data Source
AI summary
An ozone generation method comprising:Supplying a crude feed gas comprising oxygen and methanePerforming a catalytic oxidation of methane from the crude feed gas to obtain a treated feed gasGenerating ozone from the treated feed gas.