Catalytic Rumen Methane Oxidation for Pre-Emission Livestock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing methane emissions from livestock, such as dietary supplements and post-emission capture, are inefficient and resource-intensive, and there is a need for a system that can effectively oxidize methane before it is released into the atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A methane oxidation device with a hollow member and methane oxidation unit that is mounted to a digestive cavity of an animal, allowing methane to be oxidized prior to emission, utilizing catalytic materials and a permeable configuration to facilitate efficient methane conversion with minimal resource demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If methane is captured and oxidized after emission from animal, then methane emissions can be reduced, but correct positioning is difficult and methane may escape prior to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by inserting the oxidation unit into the animal's digestive cavity before methane emission occurs. The hollow member is positioned within the rumen to capture and oxidize methane at the source, preventing escape into the external environment. This proactive approach ensures methane is converted to CO2 and water vapor before it can be released as a harmful greenhouse gas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxidation temperature is maintained at 500°C for effective methane oxidation, then high energy demand is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the temperature parameter from conventional high-temperature combustion (500°C) to low-temperature catalytic oxidation. By introducing catalytic materials within the hollow member, the oxidation reaction occurs at significantly lower temperatures, reducing energy demand while maintaining effective methane conversion. This parameter change transforms the oxidation process from energy-intensive to energy-efficient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dietary supplements are added to cattle feed to reduce methanogenesis, then methanogenesis reduction efficiency is low and regular dosage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the methane oxidation function from the digestive system and implements it externally through the hollow member inserted into the rumen. Instead of relying on feed additives that require regular dosing and show low efficiency, the device directly captures and oxidizes methane at the source with high efficiency. This extraction approach eliminates the limitations of dietary supplements.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If methane oxidation system is positioned correctly after emission, then effective oxidation can be achieved, but positioning difficulty reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary positioning by inserting the hollow member into the animal's digestive cavity before methane emission. This preliminary action ensures the oxidation unit is correctly positioned within the rumen to capture methane directly at the source, eliminating the positioning difficulties associated with post-emission capture systems.
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 device efficiently oxidizes methane from the digestive cavity of animals, reducing emissions and minimizing energy consumption, while being portable and adaptable to various animal sizes and types, with integrated sensors for monitoring and safety features to prevent overheating.
Implementation Method 1
the methane oxidation unit comprises an inlet portion in fluid communication with the external environment, the inlet portion further configured to be mounted to a hollow member in fluid communication with a digestive cavity associated with an animal
Implementation Method 2
methane is oxidised with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water vapour
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a methane oxidation device for oxidation of methane from a digestive cavity associated with an animal, the device comprising a methane oxidation unit for oxidising methane; wherein the methane oxidation unit comprises an inlet portion in fluid communication with the external environment, the inlet portion further configured to be mounted to a hollow member in fluid communication with a digestive cavity associated with an animal, and further when the methane oxidation unit comprises an outlet portion in fluid communication with the external environment, so that methane from a digestive cavity associated with an animal is oxidised in the oxidisation unit prior to release into the external environment. There is further described an installation gun for installing a methane oxidation device.