Syngas Production via CO2 and H2S Co-Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing synthesis gas (syngas) from CO2 and H2S are inefficient and require high energy inputs, with existing processes often relying on partial oxidation of hydrocarbons or coal gasification, which are energy-intensive and not environmentally sustainable.

Innovation Solution

A regenerative thermal reactor process using a tubular plug flow reactor with refractory lining, operating between 800-1550°C, where CO2 and H2S are converted to syngas with oxygen or air, achieving high conversion yields and energy efficiency through efficient regeneration and heat recovery, allowing for the production of syngas with varying H2/CO ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional partial oxidation of hydrocarbons or coal gasification is used to produce syngas, then syngas production is achieved, but high energy input and environmental unsustainability occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyngas production rateVSAvoidenergy input
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters by using CO2 and H2S as reactants instead of traditional hydrocarbons or coal, operating at temperatures of 800-1550°C to achieve syngas production with reduced energy consumption and improved environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The process converts harmful greenhouse gases CO2 and H2S into valuable syngas components (CO and H2), transforming environmental pollutants into useful chemical feedstocks while reducing energy input requirements compared to conventional methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If conventional partial oxidation of hydrocarbons or coal gasification is used to produce syngas, then syngas production is achieved, but environmental unsustainability occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyngas production rateVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The process converts harmful greenhouse gases CO2 and H2S into valuable syngas components (CO and H2), transforming environmental pollutants into useful chemical feedstocks while reducing energy input requirements compared to conventional methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters by using CO2 and H2S as reactants instead of traditional hydrocarbons or coal, operating at temperatures of 800-1550°C to achieve syngas production with reduced energy consumption and improved environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If high conversion yields are achieved through efficient regeneration and heat recovery, then energy efficiency is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs periodic regeneration cycles where the catalyst is alternately oxidized and reduced, creating rhythmic operational phases that enable efficient heat recovery and energy utilization while maintaining manageable process complexity through established cyclic operation patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The process utilizes phase transitions in the catalyst between oxidized and reduced states during regeneration cycles, enabling efficient energy recovery and high conversion yields while the systematic management of these transitions keeps process complexity controlled

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 achieves high conversion rates of CO2 and H2S to syngas with reduced energy consumption, enabling the production of syngas with different H2/CO ratios, enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of syngas production while minimizing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

CO2 and H2S are converted to syngas with oxygen or air, achieving high conversion yields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

CO2 and H2S are converted to syngas with oxygen or air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

The purpose of the oven is to heat the tubes by heat radiation to reach the reaction temperatures up to 800°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 4

operating between 800-1550°C, where CO2 and H2S are converted to syngas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

achieving high conversion yields and energy efficiency through efficient regeneration and heat recovery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat recovery: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3027552B1Syngas production by co2 reduction process
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 POLITECNICO DI MILANO
  • EP3027552B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3027552B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3027552B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A process for producing synthesis gas (syngas) comprising the endothermic reaction between CO2 and H2S, wherein the energetic supply is provided by the exothermic oxidation of a small portion of H2S to SO2 according to the following reaction scheme: R2: H2S + 1.5 O2 → SO2 + H2O said process being carried out according to the following overall theoretical reaction scheme R1, not taking into account the aforementioned exothermic reaction R2, R1: CO2 + 2 H2S → CO + H2 + S2 + H2O wherein the amount of fed oxygen is comprised between 5% and 25% by volume over the total volume of fed reactants gaseous mixture.