Waste Analysis Device for Biogenic Carbon Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waste treatment methods are insufficient for optimizing waste management, particularly in the context of renewable energy production, as they fail to accurately determine the biogenic carbon content of waste, leading to inefficiencies in sorting and utilizing combustible fractions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the biogenic carbon content of waste using electromagnetic and optical analysis means, coupled with a reference database for estimating carbon content based on waste nature and shape, allowing for continuous monitoring and real-time data access, enabling compliance with predefined fuel production characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional waste analysis methods are used, then waste sorting can be performed, but the biogenic carbon content cannot be accurately determined

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiogenic carbon content determinationVSAvoidcarbon origin information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (nitrogen-containing compound) that reacts with the waste material to produce a measurable signal. This intermediary enables the indirect determination of biogenic carbon content through nitrogen analysis, solving the problem of directly measuring carbon origin information that conventional methods cannot detect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/physical analysis methods with a chemical reaction-based system. By using chemical reactions between nitrogen-containing reagents and waste materials, followed by optical detection of reaction products, the system achieves precise measurement of biogenic carbon content that mechanical sorting methods cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If detailed waste analysis is implemented, then fuel production compliance can be ensured, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel production complianceVSAvoidanalysis system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential information needed for fuel compliance (biogenic carbon content) from the complex waste mixture, rather than analyzing every property of the waste. This selective extraction approach ensures compliance while avoiding the need for comprehensive complex analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct carbon analysis to nitrogen-based indirect measurement. This parameter transformation simplifies the analysis system while maintaining reliability for fuel production compliance, as nitrogen content serves as a reliable proxy for biogenic carbon content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If real-time waste monitoring is implemented, then continuous process control is achieved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time per waste unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary preparation of the waste sample (mixing with nitrogen-containing reagent) before the actual measurement process. This preliminary action enables rapid subsequent measurement, allowing real-time monitoring without significant time loss per waste unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a continuous flow system where waste material continuously moves through the analysis process. The measurement process operates continuously without interruption, maintaining productivity while achieving real-time monitoring through steady-state operation rather than batch analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

This approach enables the optimization of waste treatment by accurately assessing the energy potential and carbon origin of waste, facilitating efficient sorting and production of solid fuels, while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

optical means (3') configured to determine the nature of said unit waste (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectral analysis: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

electromagnetic means (3'') configured to analyze said unit waste (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic analysis: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2207623B1Method for automatically processing waste

Publication Date: 2016.01.06 VEOLIA PROPRETE

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AI summary

The invention relates to an automatic waste treatment process, and corresponding device, said process comprising the steps consisting in: delivering (200) a number of individual waste items; conveying (210) at least one individual waste item; and analysing (220) said individual waste item. According to the invention, the step of analysing the individual waste item includes a step consisting in determining (230) the biogenic carbon content of the individual waste item.