Two-Stage Gasifier Segregating Feedstocks to Reduce Energy Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gasification systems are energy-inefficient due to high operating temperatures that lead to excessive ash removal in solid or molten form, vaporization of metallic impurities, and complex impurity removal processes, resulting in high energy consumption and costly cleanup.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage gasification system that segregates feedstocks based on ash content and reactivity, using a low-temperature gasifier for initial decomposition and a high-temperature gasifier with a plasma source to produce syngas, where ash and contaminants are removed at low temperatures, reducing energy wastage and simplifying cleanup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high temperature gasification is used, then syngas production efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to ash vaporization and complex impurity removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyngas production efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gasification process is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage gasifier operating at lower temperature (500-700°C) for initial decomposition and ash removal, and a second stage gasifier operating at higher temperature (1400-1500°C) for syngas production. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, preventing ash vaporization in the first stage and reducing the energy burden on the second stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage gasifier performs preliminary decomposition and ash removal before the material enters the second stage gasifier. By removing ash and contaminants at lower temperatures in advance, the system prevents energy-wasting vaporization of metallic impurities during high-temperature syngas production and simplifies subsequent impurity removal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If high temperature gasification is used, then syngas production efficiency is improved, but cleanup costs increase due to vaporization of metallic impurities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesyngas production efficiencyVSAvoidcleanup costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gasification process is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage gasifier operating at lower temperature (500-700°C) for initial decomposition and ash removal, and a second stage gasifier operating at higher temperature (1400-1500°C) for syngas production. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, preventing ash vaporization in the first stage and reducing the energy burden on the second stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage gasifier performs preliminary decomposition and ash removal before the material enters the second stage gasifier. By removing ash and contaminants at lower temperatures in advance, the system prevents energy-wasting vaporization of metallic impurities during high-temperature syngas production and simplifies subsequent impurity removal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If single-stage high temperature gasification is used, then process simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency decreases due to ash vaporization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gasification process is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage gasifier operating at lower temperature (500-700°C) for initial decomposition and ash removal, and a second stage gasifier operating at higher temperature (1400-1500°C) for syngas production. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, preventing ash vaporization in the first stage and reducing the energy burden on the second stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage gasifier performs preliminary decomposition and ash removal before the material enters the second stage gasifier. By removing ash and contaminants at lower temperatures in advance, the system prevents energy-wasting vaporization of metallic impurities during high-temperature syngas production and simplifies subsequent impurity removal processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system enhances energy efficiency by preventing ash vaporization, producing contaminant-free syngas with reduced cleanup costs and minimizing oxygen usage, while allowing for flexible syngas composition control through plasma energy adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a second stage gasifier for gasifying the first product received from said first stage gasifier to produce syngas wherein the second stage gasifier operates at a temperature range of 1400°C to 1500°C, wherein said second stage gasifier is further adapted to control an operating temperature of the second stage gasifier by controllably operating a plasma source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

a low temperature gasifier for gasifying at least the first group of feedstocks at a temperature range of 500°C to 700°C to produce a first gaseous product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGasification:

Implementation Method 3

a pyrolyser for pyrolysing at least the second group of feedstock at a temperature range of 500°C to 550°C to produce a second gaseous product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2569400B1A two stage gasifier for generating syngas
Publication Date: 2018.01.17 INDIAN OIL CORP LTD
  • EP2569400B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP2569400B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2569400B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present subject matter describes a gasification system (100) for gasifying a variety of feedstocks. A first stage gasifier (105) receives a feedstock either from a first group of feedstocks or a second group of feedstocks or both. The first stage gasifier decomposes the received feedstock to produce a first product. A second stage gasifier (115) is connected to the first stage gasifier (105) for receiving the first product. In addition, the second stage gasifier (115) receives a feedstock either from a third group of feedstocks or a fourth group of feedstocks or both. The second stage gasifier (115) gasifies the first product and the received feedstock to produce syngas.