Solidified Biomass Fuel via Semi-Carbonization and Pressure-Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utilizing biomass as a fuel are limited by its low calorific value and hardness, making it unsuitable as a substitute for coal coke in iron casting and steel production, and biomass with high water content or void fraction is not efficiently utilized.
Innovation Solution
The process of pressure-forming semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized biomass under controlled conditions to achieve a solid with high compressive strength and calorific value, allowing it to be used as an alternative fuel to coal coke and for various applications, including iron casting, by trapping steam and gasified components during heating and pressure-forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biomass is used as fuel directly, then it is renewable and environmentally friendly, but it has low calorific value and low hardness making it unsuitable as substitute for coal coke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the carbonization process to achieve semi-carbonized state with specific physical properties. The biomass is heated to 200-300°C under controlled conditions to transform its physical and chemical parameters, resulting in a product with enhanced calorific value (18-23 MJ/kg) and compressive strength (60-200 MPa), making it suitable as alternative fuel to coal coke
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining semi-carbonized biomass with binding agents or other biomass components during the pressure-forming process. This composite structure enhances the mechanical strength and energy density of the final product, enabling it to function as a reliable alternative to coal coke in industrial applications
2Use of energy by moving object
If biomass is carbonized completely to increase energy density, then calorific value improves, but transport efficiency decreases due to volume expansion and structural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by stopping the carbonization process at the semi-carbonized stage rather than completing full carbonization. This partial transformation achieves sufficient calorific value improvement while maintaining a compact structure with apparent specific gravity of 1.2-1.38, thereby preserving transport efficiency. The process avoids excessive volume expansion and structural degradation that would occur with complete carbonization
3Quantity of substance
If biomass with high water content is used, then more biomass can be utilized, but transportation efficiency is reduced due to high void fraction and bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the heating and pressure-forming conditions to remove excess water and reduce void fraction. The biomass is heated to evaporate free water and bound water, and then pressure-formed to densify the structure, achieving an apparent specific gravity of 1.2-1.38. This transforms bulky, low-density biomass into a compact, high-density fuel with improved transportation efficiency while utilizing high-water-content 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
The resulting solidified biomass has a high compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg, enhancing its transportability and combustion properties, making it suitable for iron casting and other applications while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Method 1
A technique for carbonizing the raw biomass material (complete carbonization) is as follows. The raw biomass material such as wood, bark, bamboo or rice hull is heated within the space in which oxygen does not exist or is supplied under control
Implementation Method 2
consisting of semi-carbonized solid matter or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter resulted through processing in which raw biomass material which is photosynthetic product is pressure-formed while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition
Data Source
AI summary
A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated and has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg. A method for producing the solidified biomass: includes crushing raw biomass material; loading a barrel with the crushed raw biomass material; inserting a pressure applying piston into a hollow of the barrel; pressure-forming the crushed raw biomass materials by applying pressure with the pressure applying piston while heating the material; obtaining semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter by retaining constant time of the heating and the pressurizing; cooling the semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter while maintaining pressure to obtain a cooled solid; and taking out and drying the cooled solid, wherein the pressure applying piston and the hollow of the barrel have very small clearance between their outer and inner peripheries.