Rotating Disperser for High-Solids Biomass Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials with low bulk density are difficult to disperse in liquids for saccharification and fermentation due to their hydrophobic nature and tendency to float, making it challenging to achieve high solids levels in processing, which limits the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sugar production.
Innovation Solution
A dispersing system using a chamber with a rotating member that draws the feedstock and liquid medium in axially and expels a dispersion radially, combined with a jet mixer, allows for efficient wetting and dispersion of low bulk density feedstocks, enabling high solids level mixtures and reducing liquification time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If low bulk density cellulosic or lignocellulosic feedstocks are used, then the material is easier to handle and transport, but the material tends to float on the surface of liquid rather than being wetted out and dispersed
Solution Approach 1:
A dispersing system with a rotating member acts as an intermediary device between the floating feedstock and the liquid medium. The rotating member draws the feedstock and liquid into the chamber and expels a dispersion radially, facilitating wetting and dispersion of materials that would otherwise float on the surface.
2Quantity of substance
If high solids level dispersion is used during processing, then the final concentration of sugar is higher, but the low bulk density materials are difficult to disperse in liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersing system serves as a mediator that enables high solids level dispersion by mechanically drawing feedstock and liquid into the chamber and expelling them as a radial dispersion, overcoming the natural tendency of low bulk density materials to float.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating member performs periodic drawing and expelling actions, creating cyclic flow patterns that enhance wetting and dispersion of feedstock particles throughout the liquid medium, enabling sustained high solids level processing.
3Device complexity
If conventional mixing methods are used, then the process is simpler, but the liquification time is longer and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersing system with rotating member acts as an intermediary mixing device that dramatically reduces liquification time compared to conventional mixing, enabling high throughput processing of cellulosic and lignocellulosic feedstocks.
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 enables rapid and effective wetting of high solids levels, facilitating faster, more efficient processing, and results in a concentrated product that can be easily transported and utilized in manufacturing, leading to cost savings and improved sugar concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating member which draws the feedstock and liquid medium into the chamber axially and expels a dispersion of the feedstock in the medium from the chamber radially
Implementation Method 2
delivering the feedstock and/or a saccharifying agent to the vessel from a source disposed outside the vessel, for example positioned above or next to the vessel, or at a distance from the vessel and in communication therewith by a conduit. Delivering the feedstock may include blowing the feedstock onto the surface of the liquid medium in the vessel. The method may further include delivering a stream of liquid medium from the chamber of the dispersing system onto the feedstock on the surface of the liquid medium to wet the feedstock.
Data Source
AI summary
Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is dispersed in a liquid medium and then saccharified.