Integrated SNG Production Device with CO2 Separation and Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for producing substitute natural gas (SNG) suffer from inefficiencies due to significant carbon and energy losses throughout the production chain, leading to suboptimal yield.
Innovation Solution
An integrated device that includes a gasifier, carbon monoxide methanation means, carbon dioxide methanation means, water electrolysis for dihydrogen production, and a combustion system to optimize carbon conversion efficiency and utilize non-gasified carbonaceous waste for heating, along with gas separation and recycling processes to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional SNG production systems are used, then the production process is relatively simple, but carbon and energy losses are significant leading to suboptimal yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the SNG production process into distinct functional units: gasification unit, CO methanation unit, CO2 separation unit, CO2 methanation unit, and water electrolysis unit. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently for its specific function, improving overall carbon conversion efficiency and reducing energy losses while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate processes into an integrated system where the CO methanation unit, CO2 separation unit, CO2 methanation unit, and water electrolysis unit work in sequence. This integration enables better utilization of intermediate products and byproducts, reducing carbon and energy losses while maximizing SNG yield
2Productivity
If CO2 is not separately treated after CO methanation, then the process is simpler, but carbon conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated CO2 separation unit between the CO methanation unit and the CO2 methanation unit. This segmentation allows for selective separation and treatment of CO2, ensuring that carbon is fully utilized in the subsequent CO2 methanation step, thereby improving carbon conversion efficiency while maintaining manageable process complexity through modular 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 solution significantly increases the yield of SNG by optimizing carbon conversion, utilizing waste heat, and recycling byproducts, thereby maximizing energy efficiency and reducing energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
a gasifier configured to produce a gaseous compound from biomass, comprising: an inlet for biomass; an inlet for an oxidizing agent and an outlet for the gaseous compound containing carbon monoxide
Implementation Method 2
a first means for the methanation of carbon monoxide, disposed downstream of the gasifier, to produce a compound containing substitute natural gas from the gaseous compound exiting the gasifier
Implementation Method 3
a carbon dioxide separator to supply a second means for the methanation of carbon dioxide into carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 4
a second means for methanating carbon dioxide to produce a compound comprising substitute natural gas, having at least one inlet for water and one inlet for carbon dioxide from the separator
Implementation Method 5
a means for producing dihydrogen from water and electric current, having: an electric power supply, an inlet for water and an outlet for dihydrogen supplying the second means for methanating carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
The gasification unit is associated with a combustion unit in which solid residues, such as char, are burned to maintain the temperature of the gasification unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The device comprises: - a gasifier (102) for producing a gaseous compound from a biomass, comprising inlets (104, 106) for the biomass and for an oxidising agent and an outlet (108) for the gaseous compound comprising carbon monoxide; - a means (110) for methanating the carbon monoxide to produce substitute natural gas exiting the gasifier, comprising at least one inlet (112) for water and one inlet for the gaseous compound from the gasifier, - a means (114) for methanating carbon dioxide to produce substitute natural gas comprising at least one inlet (116) for water and one inlet for the carbon dioxide, - a means (118) for producing dihydrogen from water and electric current comprising: - a power supply, - an inlet (120) for water and - an outlet (122) for dihydrogen supplying the means (114) for methanating carbon dioxide.