Polysiloxane Scrubbing Liquid for Tar Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing tar from gas streams, such as those from biomass gasification, using hydrocarbon oils face issues with stability at high temperatures and in the presence of water, leading to degradation and contamination of scrubbing liquids and equipment.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a polysiloxane-based scrubbing liquid, specifically an aryl polysiloxane with alternating silicon-oxygen chains, is used to absorb tar-like compounds from gas streams at elevated temperatures, allowing for efficient removal without water dew point issues and maintaining liquid stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydrocarbon oil is used for scrubbing tar from gas streams, then tar removal is achieved, but the scrubbing liquid degrades and contaminates equipment due to limited stability at high temperatures and in the presence of water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of scrubbing liquidVSAvoidloss of scrubbing liquid
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the scrubbing liquid from hydrocarbon-based to polysiloxane-based. This fundamental parameter change provides superior thermal stability and chemical inertness, allowing the scrubbing liquid to withstand high temperatures and prolonged contact with water without degradation, thereby resolving the reliability and substance loss problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs polysiloxane, a composite material with silicon-oxygen backbone and organic side groups, which combines the benefits of inorganic stability with organic solubility properties. This composite structure provides both thermal stability and effective tar absorption, solving the contradiction between reliability and substance loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If hydrocarbon oil is used for scrubbing, then tar absorption is effective, but the process must be interrupted regularly for liquid exchange and equipment cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoiddowntime for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The polysiloxane scrubbing liquid enables continuous operation by maintaining its cleaning effectiveness over extended periods. Its resistance to degradation from heat, water, and oxidative agents eliminates the need for periodic shutdowns for liquid replacement and equipment cleaning,从而实现 continuous productive operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The scrubbing liquid performs self-maintenance by resisting contamination and degradation. It automatically maintains its functional properties without requiring external intervention for cleaning or replacement, reducing maintenance downtime and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If hydrocarbon scrubbing liquid is used, then tar removal occurs, but the liquid and equipment become contaminated requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to contaminationVSAvoidcleaning frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polysiloxane creates an chemically inert scrubbing environment that resists reaction with tar components, water, and oxygen. This inertness prevents degradation and contamination of both the scrubbing liquid and equipment, reducing cleaning frequency and maintaining reliability over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 polysiloxane process effectively removes tar-like compounds, including aromatic hydrocarbons, with minimal liquid loss and contamination, enabling continuous operation and maintaining scrubbing liquid stability, even in the presence of water.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the gas with a liquid organic polysiloxane. The contacting (scrubbing) results in absorption of tar-like compounds, in particular (poly)aromatic compounds of more than 6 carbon atom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9809772B2Polysiloxane scrubbing liquid for removing tar-like compounds
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 MILENA OLGA JOINT INNOVATION ASSETS BV
  • US9809772B2 patent drawing
  • US9809772B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Tar-like components can be removed from gas streams resulting from gasification of coal, waste or biomass by contacting the gas with a liquid organic aryl polysiloxane. The polysiloxane preferably contains alkyl groups and aryl groups, and is in particular a polymethyl polyphenyl polysiloxane. The gas comprises one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and methane.