Thermolytic Fragmentation of Sugars in Fluidized Bed Reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for thermolytic fragmentation of sugars to produce C1-C3 oxygenates are not suitable for large-scale industrial production due to low yields and inefficiencies, particularly in producing glycolaldehyde-rich mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A process involving thermolytic fragmentation of a sugar solution in a fluidized bed reactor with a riser configuration, where heat-carrying particles are reheated externally and recirculated, allowing for high-energy efficiency and rapid heat transfer, resulting in a high yield of C1-C3 oxygenates with minimal unwanted side products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thermolytic fragmentation of sugars is performed in conventional reactors, then glycolaldehyde can be produced, but the yield is low and the process is not suitable for large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
Heat-carrying particles serve as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal energy from the external heater to the sugar feedstock. These particles circulate continuously, absorbing heat in the reaction zone and delivering it efficiently during the thermolytic fragmentation process, thereby improving energy utilization and product yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-carrying particles are recirculated continuously between the reaction zone and the external heater, maintaining a constant supply of thermal energy. This continuous circulation ensures sustained high-temperature conditions necessary for efficient glycolaldehyde production without energy loss from repeated heating cycles.
2Productivity
If residence time is extended to improve conversion, then more sugar is converted, but unwanted side products increase
Solution Approach 1:
The process utilizes high-temperature thermolytic fragmentation with optimized residence time to rapidly convert sugar into desired C1-C3 oxygenates. By maintaining temperatures of 300-800°C and controlling residence time to 0.1-10 seconds, the reaction proceeds quickly through the desired pathway before side reactions can occur, effectively 'rushing through' the conversion process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating methods are used, then the reactor structure is simple, but heat transfer efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Heat-carrying particles act as a mobile heat transfer medium, replacing conventional direct heating methods. These particles circulate through the reactor, providing uniform and efficient heat distribution to the sugar feedstock. The particle circulation system includes a reaction zone, separation means, and external heater, creating an integrated heat transfer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-carrying particles continuously circulate between the reaction zone and the external heater, self-regulating the heat distribution. The particles absorb heat in the reaction zone, deliver it during fragmentation, and are reheated externally, creating a self-sustaining heat transfer cycle that improves efficiency without requiring complex active control 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 process achieves a high yield of C1-C3 oxygenates, primarily glycolaldehyde, with improved energy efficiency and purity, making it suitable for large-scale continuous production and further processing into valuable chemicals like ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the feedstock into the fluidized stream of particles to obtain thermolytic fragmentation of the sugar
Implementation Method 2
fluidized bed reactor with a riser configuration, where heat-carrying particles are reheated externally and recirculated
Implementation Method 3
thermolytic fragmentation of a sugar solution in a fluidized bed reactor
Implementation Method 4
where heat-carrying particles are reheated externally and recirculated, allowing for high-energy efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A process for large scale and energy efficient production of oxygenates from sugar is disclosed in which a sugar feedstock is introduced into a thermolytic fragmentation reactor comprising a fluidized stream of heat carrying particles. The heat carrying particles may be separated from the fluidized stream prior to cooling the fragmentation product and may be directed to a reheater to reheat the particles and recirculate the heated particles to the fragmentation reactor.