Parallelepipedal Solid Separator for CLC Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid/solid separators for chemical looping combustion (CLC) plants, particularly those of cylindrical shape, are not suitable for large-scale industrial use due to geometric incompatibility with high-temperature, low-pressure reactors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, and do not effectively separate unburnt residues from oxygen carriers, resulting in CO2 emissions and environmental contamination.
Innovation Solution
A parallelepipedal-shaped solid/solid separator integrated into the CLC plant, featuring a chamber with a parallelepipedal inlet for gas/solid mixture distribution, allowing efficient separation of oxygen carriers and unburnt residues, and equipped with cooling means to extend operational reliability and reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cylindrical solid/solid separators are used in CLC plants, then separation of oxygen carriers and unburnt residues can be achieved, but geometric incompatibility with high-temperature, low-pressure reactors occurs, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cylindrical separator geometry to a parallelepipedal shape that is geometrically compatible with high-temperature, low-pressure reactors. This shape inversion allows the separator to be directly integrated into the reactor structure, eliminating the need for separate cylindrical components and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the solid/solid separator with the reactor structure by integrating the parallelepipedal separator directly into the high-temperature, low-pressure reactor. This combination eliminates separate manufacturing processes for cylindrical separators and reduces overall system complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while achieving effective particle separation.
2Reliability
If cylindrical solid/solid separators are used in CLC plants, then separation function is provided, but geometric incompatibility with high-temperature, low-pressure reactors leads to inefficiencies and reduced productivity for large-scale industrial use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cylindrical separator geometry to a parallepipedal shape that is geometrically compatible with high-temperature, low-pressure reactors. This shape inversion allows the separator to be directly integrated into the reactor structure, eliminating the need for separate cylindrical components and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal parallelepipedal separator structure that can be integrated into high-temperature, low-pressure reactors for large-scale industrial CLC applications. This universal design replaces specialized cylindrical separators, enabling the same separation functionality to be achieved across different reactor scales and configurations, thereby improving productivity and industrial scalability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unburnt residues are not effectively separated from oxygen carriers, then CO2 emissions increase and environmental contamination occurs, but improved separation requires more complex separation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions within the parallelepipedal separator: a dense phase region for oxygen carriers and a dilute phase region for unburnt residues. This local differentiation of particle concentration and flow characteristics enables effective separation based on particle density and combustion state without requiring complex mechanical separation mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while minimizing CO2 emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a gas-solid mixture as an intermediary medium to transport and separate particles. The gas flow carries both oxygen carriers and unburnt residues through the parallelepipedal separator, where density differences cause natural separation into dense and dilute phases. This intermediary approach enables separation without complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing device complexity while effectively preventing CO2 emissions.
4Ease of manufacture
If cooling means are not equipped in the separator, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but operational reliability and equipment lifespan are shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cooling means as a preliminary protective measure in the parallelepipedal separator. By pre-cooling the separator structure before particles enter, the system prevents excessive temperature buildup that would otherwise shorten equipment lifespan. This preliminary cooling action enhances operational reliability without requiring complex active cooling systems, balancing manufacturing cost with equipment durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by equipping the separator with cooling means that act as a protective buffer against thermal stress. The cooling system provides prior protection to the separator structure, cushioning it against the harsh high-temperature environment and preventing premature failure. This approach extends equipment lifespan while maintaining reasonable manufacturing costs by using passive cooling design.
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 parallelepipedal design enhances separation efficiency, reduces CO2 capture costs, and minimizes environmental impact by effectively recycling unburnt residues, achieving high CO2 capture rates and extending equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
separate the particles of unburnt residues and the particles of the oxygen carrier contained in a gas-solid mixture resulting from the combustion reactor
Implementation Method 2
equipped with cooling means to extend operational reliability and reduce manufacturing costs
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a CLC plant for the combustion of solid hydrocarbon feedstocks generating particles of unburnt residues, comprising a solid/solid separator above the combustion reactor in order to efficiently separate the particles of the oxygen-carrying solid from the particles of unburnt residues contained in the gas/solid mixture (14) exiting from the combustion reactor. The chamber (1) of the solid/solid separator, the combustion reactor and the inlet (2) for the gas/solid mixture (14) of the chamber have a parallelepiped shape. The inlet (2) is equipped at its top with means (3) for distribution of said gas/solid mixture in the chamber which extend over the entire length of the inlet, improving the solid/solid separation.