Waste Valorization via Integrated Pyrolysis and Cracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste valorization technologies often focus on either energetic or material recovery, with limited efficiency in producing high-value products like hydrogen, hydrocarbons, and alcohols from waste materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for thermal treatment of waste that integrates pyrolysis and cracking processes to co-produce hydrogen and hydrocarbons or alcohols, enhancing hydrogen production efficiency through process stream integration and catalyst usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waste is subjected to pyrolysis and cracking for hydrogen production, then hydrogen is obtained, but the process requires significant thermal energy input and complex process integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pyrolysis and cracking processes in an integrated system where pyrolysis converts waste to pyrolysis oil and gas, which then undergo cracking to produce hydrogen. The processes are thermally coupled, with heat from cracking providing energy for pyrolysis, reducing external thermal energy requirements while maximizing hydrogen yield from waste materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-sufficiency in thermal energy by using the exothermic cracking reactions to provide the endothermic pyrolysis process with required heat. The integrated design allows the process to generate its own thermal energy needs internally, minimizing external energy input while maintaining high hydrogen production efficiency.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If waste is valorized through material recovery to produce high-value products, then environmental benefit is achieved, but process complexity increases compared to simple incineration
Solution Approach 1:
The waste valorization process is divided into distinct sequential stages: pyrolysis unit for converting waste to pyrolysis products, cracking unit for converting pyrolysis oil to hydrogen and hydrocarbons, and separation units for product purification. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently while achieving comprehensive waste conversion to high-value products with minimal environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pyrolysis-cracking system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts diverse waste materials into hydrogen, produces valuable hydrocarbon byproducts, generates thermal energy for self-sustaining operation, and eliminates environmental hazards from waste disposal. This multi-functionality reduces overall process complexity compared to separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 method achieves higher productivity and efficiency in co-producing hydrogen and high-value hydrocarbons or alcohols compared to sole hydrogen production processes, utilizing waste materials effectively and minimizing thermal needs.
Implementation Method 1
a) subjecting to pyrolysis the starting waste, by means of external heating and under a reducing atmosphere, to obtain pyrolysis products
Implementation Method 2
cracking the products obtained in the pyrolysis step a), or in step b) after separating the solid fraction, in the presence of oxygen and a first stream of steam, to obtain raw synthesis gas
Implementation Method 3
conversion of a mixture of a first preheated fraction of the gas obtained in e), with a second steam stream, in the presence of a catalyst, to obtain a hydrogen-enriched synthesis gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to the material valorization of waste through thermo-chemical treatments, in order to obtain products with high added value, such as hydrogen and hydrocarbons or alcohols, and the systems to carry them out.