In-situ Tar Analysis via Condensation and Combustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating tar content in syngas from pyrolysis and gasification processes are time-consuming, require expensive equipment, and are not suitable for a wide range of concentrations, making them difficult to industrialize and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a device that condenses tars, vaporizes them, and measures the quantity of CO2 produced during combustion to determine tar content, allowing for quick and continuous analysis in situ, using a device with a gas inlet, cooling and heating systems, and a CO2 measuring device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sampling and analysis methods (bubbling through solvent at -20°C followed by gas chromatography) are used, then tar quantity can be measured with acceptable precision, but the analysis time becomes very long (several hours) and the process is not suitable for continuous monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetar quantity measurement accuracyVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential measurement function from the complex traditional analysis chain. By condensing tars on a cold surface and directly combusting them to measure CO2 production, the method eliminates time-consuming steps like solvent handling, filtration, and gas chromatography, achieving rapid tar quantification while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/chemical separation and analysis system (bubbling through solvents, gas chromatography columns) with a thermal-chemical conversion system. By combusting condensed tars and measuring CO2 evolution, the method substitutes complex mechanical separation processes with a simpler thermal conversion and gas detection approach, dramatically reducing analysis time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If expensive equipment like gas chromatography with flame ionization detection or mass spectrometry is used, then detailed tar composition can be obtained, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetar composition analysis capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the quantification function from complex analytical instruments. Instead of using gas chromatography or mass spectrometry to identify and quantify individual tar components, the method condenses total tar content and measures the CO2 produced during combustion, providing tar quantity information without the need for complex separation and identification equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct tar detection (requiring complex instrumentation) to indirect CO2 measurement after combustion. By converting tar into CO2 and measuring the gas evolution, the method uses a simpler detection approach that avoids expensive chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment while still providing quantitative tar information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If solvent-based bubbling methods are used for tar absorption, then tar quantity can be determined, but special treatment of effluents is required and the process becomes less environmentally friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetar quantity determinationVSAvoidsolvent effluent treatment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful tar substances into useful information through combustion. Instead of using solvents to trap tars and creating effluent treatment problems, the method condenses tars and then completely combusts them, converting the harmful condensable hydrocarbons into CO2 and H2O that can be easily measured and disposed of, eliminating solvent effluent treatment requirements

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention discards the solvent medium entirely and recovers tar information through direct combustion of condensed tars. By eliminating solvents from the process and directly burning the condensed tars to measure CO2 production, the method avoids generating solvent-containing effluents that would require special treatment, making the process more environmentally friendly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables rapid and continuous determination of tar content in syngas across various concentrations, from lightly to heavily loaded, without the need for solvents or complex equipment, facilitating easier industrial implementation and reducing analysis time.

Implementation Method 1

cooling the capacity to a temperature below -15°C, and preferably less than -20°C, with the cooling system, c) circulation of the gas through the capacity, from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, the tars condensing in the capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

heating the capacity, to a temperature above 250°C, and preferably above 300°C, with the heating system, so as to vaporize the condensed tars in the capacity 100, whereby tar vapors are formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

introduction of dioxygen into the capacity, by the entry of dioxygen, priming and combustion of the tar vapors, whereby combustion gases are formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3809132B1Method for in-situ analysis of tar in a gas
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3809132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3809132B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP3809132B1 patent drawingFigure 2D~2E

AI summary

A method for evaluating the quantity of tar in a gas comprising the following successive steps: - cooling a vessel (100) to a temperature below -15°C, and preferably below -20°C, - circulating a gas containing tars through the vessel (100), the tars condensing in the vessel (100), thereby obtaining condensed tars, - heating the vessel (100) to a temperature above 250°C, so as to vaporize the condensed tars, thereby forming tar vapors, - introducing dioxygen into the vessel (100), igniting and burning the tar vapors, thereby forming combustion gases, - venting the combustion gases to a measuring apparatus (500) to measure the quantity of CO2 in the combustion gases, then - determining the quantity of tars from the quantity of CO2 measured.