Supercritical Water Lignite Conversion Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lignite, due to its high moisture content and low energy density, is inefficient to transport and process, leading to high carbon dioxide emissions and increased costs in power generation, necessitating a method to convert it into higher value fuel products without the need for pre-drying.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the use of supercritical water conditions, achieved by heating water to high temperatures and pressures, to decompose lignite into valuable fuel products, including liquid petroleum fractions and char, without requiring pre-drying of the lignite, using an apparatus with a reactor and oxidizing agent introduction system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lignite is used as fuel for power generation, then electricity production is achieved, but high carbon dioxide emissions and low efficiency occur due to high moisture content and low energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming lignite from its conventional combustion state into a liquid fuel product through chemical conversion processes. This fundamental parameter change in the physical and chemical state of lignite enables it to be converted into higher-value liquid fuels with improved energy density and reduced moisture content, thereby resolving the efficiency and emission problems associated with direct combustion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions in the conversion process, transforming solid lignite into liquid fuel products. This phase transition from solid to liquid state is achieved through chemical conversion processes that restructure the lignite molecules, enabling the production of liquid fuels that can be more efficiently combusted with lower emissions
2Use of energy by moving object
If lignite is dried before combustion, then combustion efficiency is improved, but processing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high moisture content of lignite into a beneficial feature by designing a chemical conversion process that uses water as a reactant or medium. Instead of removing moisture through energy-intensive drying, the process incorporates the moisture into the conversion reaction, transforming the disadvantage into an advantage and eliminating the need for complex drying systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the moisture component from lignite not by physical removal through drying, but by chemical extraction and transformation during the conversion process. The moisture is integrated into the chemical reaction pathway, converting it into useful products rather than treating it as waste that must be removed
3Ease of manufacture
If lignite is combusted directly, then simple processing is maintained, but low energy density results in inefficient transport and high processing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by fundamentally altering the physical and chemical parameters of lignite through conversion processes. The low energy density parameter is improved by transforming lignite into liquid fuel products with higher energy concentration, while the processing simplicity is maintained through integrated conversion technologies that combine multiple steps into unified processes
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 process effectively converts lignite into higher value fuel products, such as diesel oil and char, reducing carbon emissions and processing costs, while eliminating the need for pre-drying, thus improving the efficiency and environmental impact of lignite utilization.
Implementation Method 1
contact with a supercritical liquid... heating water to high temperatures and pressures... supercritical water conditions
Implementation Method 2
decompose lignite into valuable fuel products... chemical decomposition of the organic matter
Implementation Method 3
heating water to high temperatures and pressures... heat is supplied to provide sufficient activation energy for the process reactions to occur
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A process for treating organic matter to convert it into a product comprises the step of contacting the organic matter with supercritical liquid whereby it reacts to form the product. The liquid may be heated by an external heating medium, or may be heated internally of the process by co-feeding an oxidising agent with the liquid. This agent can be in an amount that is predetermined to control the extent to which the reaction mixture is heated. The heat can be supplied to provide sufficient activation energy for the process reaction to occur with sufficient speed and for the liquid to attain sufficient characteristics to cause the reaction.