DE102009007302A1 - Method for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, comprises transforming the biomass with water and catalyst in a pressure container by temperature- and pressure increase in materials such as coal or oil - Google Patents

Abstract

The method comprises transforming biomass with water and catalyst in a pressure container by temperature- and pressure increase in materials such as coal or oil. The pressure container is formed as pipeline with a controllable inlet opening and a controllable outlet opening, where the biomass, water and catalyst are brought to the container over the controllable inlet opening. The temperature- and/or pressure ratio in the pressure container are controlled in such a way that the filling goods of biomass, water and catalyst brought to the pressure container are transported in the pipeline. The method comprises transforming biomass with water and catalyst in a pressure container by temperature- and pressure increase in materials such as coal or oil. The pressure container is formed as pipeline with a controllable inlet opening and a controllable outlet opening, where the biomass, water and catalyst are brought to the pressure container over the controllable inlet opening. The temperature- and/or pressure ratio in the pressure container are controlled in such a way that the filling goods of biomass, water and catalyst brought to the pressure container are transported in the pipeline. The biomass, water and catalyst react to each other and are obtained over the controllable outlet opening as reaction product of the filling goods. The filling goods and/or reaction product of the filling goods present in the pressure container are transported and/or mixed by a conveyor screw arranged in the pipeline of the pressure container, with two controllable screw spirals, which are separately controllable for mixing and/or transporting the filling goods and/or reaction products of the filling goods present in the pressure container. The screw spirals of the conveyor screw are operatable against each other or are continuously or discontinuously operatable. The temperature and/or pressure ratio in the pressure container are controlled in such a way that the filling goods are transported in the pipeline. The supply of biomass, water and/or catalyst takes place over a locking chamber having the controllable inlet opening and the controllable outlet opening arranged before the inlet opening of the pressure container. The locking chamber is connected with a supply storage of biomass, water and/or catalyst at the side of the controllable inlet opening and is connected with the controllable inlet opening of the pressure container. The transporting of biomass, water and/or catalyst takes place from the locking chamber in the pressure container through pressurization. The supply of biomass, water and/or catalyst takes place over a piston-pressing device arranged before the controllable inlet opening of the pressure container. The piston-pressing device has a chamber with an inlet opening, a controllable outlet opening and a piston movable in the chamber for pressing of goods present in the chamber. The transporting of biomass, water and/or the catalyst takes place from the chamber in the pressure container through pressurization applied by the piston. The supply of biomass, water and/or catalyst takes place over an excenter screw pump arranged before the controllable inlet openings, with pressure control. The temperature- and/or pressure ratio is controlled in the pressure container over the controllable device. The temperature- and/or pressure ratio is controlled in the pressure container over the control device. The pressure container is heated and/or cooled. The pipe line of the pressure container is partially arranged in a container filled with heat exchanging and the heating and/or the cooling of the pressure container is controlled over the temperature of the heat exchanging medium in the container. Potato starch- and/or cereal starch is used for the filling goods of biomass, water and catalyst. The withdrawal of the reaction product of the filling goods is carried out over a filter arranged towards the outlet opening of the pressure container. The reaction product of the filling goods is pressed before and/or after the withdrawal. The supply of biomass, water and/or catalyst, the adjustment of temperature- and/or pressure ratio in the pressure container, the transport of the filling goods through the pressure container and/or the withdrawal of the reaction product of the filling goods from the pressure container are carried out by control device. The temperature is constantly held in pressure container over the temporal duration of the transport of the filling goods through the pressure container. The temperature in the pressure container is held over the temporal duration of the transport of the filling goods through the pressure container at 180.00-200.00[deg] C. An independent claim is included for a device for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, wherein biomass is converted with water and at least one catalyst in a pressure vessel, by temperature and / or pressure increase in substances such as coal, oil and / or the like related substances. Such methods and devices are known in the art in particular from WO 2008/095589 A1 whose disclosures are hereby explicitly referenced.

Of the The term biomass covers all purposes within the meaning of the present invention living, dead and / or decomposed organisms. These include in addition to plants, in particular also waste and / or residual wood, straw, Grass, manure, leaves, sewage sludge and / or organic household waste. The biomass can in different compositions, qualities, Find sizes and / or the like as needed and desired conversion product.

So far becomes a pressure vessel during the hydrothermal carbonization with biomass consisting essentially of vegetable products, Water and a small amount of a catalyst filled. Subsequently, the pressure vessel is closed and under temperature and pressure increase the conversion or implementation of the biomass. The running off Reaction is exothermic to varying degrees, that means there will be energy in the form of heat and / or emitted long-wave radiation. The essential duration of the conversion process depends on the intended state of the conversion product and is so far, for example, for the conversion of Biomass in coal in a time range of about twelve hours. The pressure vessel is at a temperature of about 180 ° C to about 250 ° C. Subsequently the pressure vessel is opened and the conversion product - at a conversion of biomass into coal, small floating on the water Carbon particles - taken from the pressure vessel.

adversely in the previously known hydrothermal carbonization is next the relatively large duration of the conversion process in particular the litigation in which a pressure vessel is first filled, the filled pressure vessel then sealed pressure-tight, then in the Pressure vessels that undergo conversion reactions, the pressure vessel after that opens and then the opened one Pressure vessel is emptied or the conversion product is removed from the pressure vessel.

Of the present invention is in view of the prior art The task is based on furthering the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass to improve.

to technical solution to this problem is with the present Invention a method and for the hydrothermal carbonization of Biomass, wherein biomass with water and at least one catalyst in a pressure vessel by increasing the temperature and / or pressure in substances such as coal, oil and / or the like kindverwandte Substances is converted, one essentially as a pipeline with at least one controllable inlet opening and at least a controllable outlet opening formed pressure vessel via the at least one controllable inlet biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst is supplied, the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel be controlled so that the pressure vessel supplied Contents from biomass, water and catalyst in or through the pipeline is transported using biomass, water and catalyst react with each other, and on the at least one controllable Outlet at least one reaction product of the contents is taken, proposed, which is characterized that in the pressure vessel located filling and / or reaction products of the filling material by means of a in the pipeline of the pressure vessel arranged screw conveyor with mixed and / or transported at least two controllable screw flights becomes.

By using a screw conveyor according to the invention with at least two controllable screw flights, the requirements placed on or for continuous operation are advantageously met, in particular since the material to be converted or reaction product of the product is conveyed through the pipeline in individual packages, which depend on the Setting the screw helix to each other in volume spaces between the helixes form. The screw flights advantageously move past each other and seal the volume spaces formed or existing between the screw flights against each other against the shaft of the screw flights and the pipeline of the pressure vessel. According to the invention, a double-screw reactor is thus advantageously provided, which can be operated as a function of the screw shape and / or screw pitch in the left-hand or right-handed direction in synchronized operation and / or in the opposite direction. According to the invention, mixing and / or transporting can thus be further adjusted and improved. Furthermore, by adjusting the worm spirals against each other or advantageously to each other, the volume space formed between two threads of the worm spirals can be increased or reduced be nert. In this way, it is advantageously possible to carry out further adjustments, in particular with regard to the pressure in the volume space of a package, for individual packages of the product to be converted or for the reaction product of the product.

The Delivery volume of the screw conveyor is prematurely controllable, preferably via a control device. In a concrete embodiment of the invention, the auger extends essentially over the entire length of the pipeline of the pressure vessel and is substantially flush to the inner cross-section of the pipeline of the pressure vessel customized.

By the embodiment of the invention is advantageously realized a continuous process management, in particular due to the numerous adjustment options of at least two Auger flights of auger for improved mixing and / or transporting the conversion product or reaction product of the contents and thus an improved hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. By the invention Training the pressure vessel through a pipeline almost infinitely many cascaded and arranged one behind the other Realized interconnected pressure vessel. Overall will be so advantageously a continuous process control allows, in particular, against the background of a effective and cheap industrial use of hydrothermal Carbonization for substance extraction is particularly advantageous. Further is in the embodiment of the invention Machine and / or plant technical effort reduced, in particular because pumps, shut-off devices and the like facilities that otherwise arranged cascaded one behind the other and fluidically would be incurred interconnected pressure vessels, eliminated, but needed at least to a much lesser extent become.

advantageously, are the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium separately controllable.

A Further embodiment of the invention provides that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting by itself in the pressure vessel befindendem contents and / or reaction products of the product in the same direction or operate in opposite directions.

According to one Another proposal of the invention, the at least two screw flights the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting by itself in the pressure vessel befindendem contents and / or reaction products of the product continuously or discontinuously (stepwise); driven.

A sees further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention before that at least one of the screw flights at least partially with in particular substantially centrally arranged openings is provided. According to the invention can thus in the closed Reactor (pressure vessel) also a mixture of transformation good or reaction product of the product take place by the the conversion material or reaction product of the product in the center, that is to say in the region of the positions of the openings, flows back while it's outside is transported or moved in the screw conveying direction.

The inventive method advantageously allows a continuous supply of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst. The supply of biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst for filling the Pressure vessel can be parallel, so that biomass, Water and / or catalyst are fed individually. Accordingly are a separate feed of biomass, a separate feeder of water and / or a separate feed of catalyst intended. Advantageously, the mixing ratio the components biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst over a corresponding control system performed.

advantageously, be the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the Pressure vessel controlled such that the pressure vessel supplied contents of biomass, water and catalyst defined is transported in or through the pipeline. According to the invention, a mass layer passes through it during the conversion process designed as a pipeline Pressure vessel. Advantageously, are at any time at different points along the pipeline to the respective Time of the conversion process according to existing intermediates present: A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides lock chambers that go along in different places the pipeline are arranged and in the context of the conversion process a removal of the present at the corresponding point of the pipeline To enable intermediate product, advantageously at or while maintaining an inventive continuous litigation.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the supply of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst via at least one before the at least one steuerba takes place The lock chamber has at least one controllable inlet opening with at least one storage reservoir of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst and the at least one controllable outlet opening with the at least one controllable inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel is connectable. Advantageously, the transport of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst from the lock chamber takes place in the pressure vessel by pressurization.

A Further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the supply of biomass, water and / or at least a catalyst over one before the at least one controllable Inlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged Piston-pressing device takes place, the piston-pressing device a chamber with at least one inlet opening, at least a controllable outlet and one in the chamber movable piston for pressing material in the chamber having. Advantageously, the transport of biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst from the chamber in the Pressure vessel by pressurization established by means of the piston.

According to one Another proposal of the invention, the supply takes place of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst advantageously over one in front of the at least one controllable inlet opening the pressure vessel arranged eccentric screw pump with Pressure control.

A Further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel via the at least one controllable inlet opening and / or the at least one controllable outlet opening are controlled, preferably via at least one control device.

advantageously, the pressure vessel is heated and / or cooled. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pipeline the pressure vessel at least partially in one with at least a heat transfer medium, preferably oil, Filling container arranged and will heat or the cooling of the pressure vessel over the temperature of the at least one heat transfer medium controlled in the container. By a corresponding inventive Arrangement can be easily ensured that the entire process with a uniform or unified temperature he follows. Furthermore, as part of the process flow to the respective Make heat energy generated in the pipeline (reactor heat) immediately dissipated and thus supplied to areas where the conversion process has already taken place respectively has progressed further. It is thus advantageous in particular prevents overheating of individual process sections.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by using a thickener, preferably cornstarch like cereal and / or potato starch, for that Contents of biomass, water and at least one catalyst. Depending on the type and design of the biomass can parts or particles of biomass in the Water in the pressure vessel swimming and / or in the pressure vessel deposit. For example, cereals used as biomass sink and / or cereal-like products or their Components due to their specific weight in the pressure vessel, which sometimes leads to blockages in the pressure vessel. Foliage and / or foliage-like products used as biomass or their components floats in the pressure vessel on what sometimes also to blockages in the pressure vessel leads. By the inventive use of a Thickening agents are these problems of sinking and / or floating bypassable by biomass particles and thus eliminable. advantageously, the thickener is added in amounts that cause a achieved substantially viscous consistency becomes. Advantageously, the thickening agent is first added to the water and / or the catalyst. Subsequently, will this viscous water-catalyst mixture of Biomass added.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention takes place the removal of the at least one reaction product of the medium over one after the at least one controllable outlet opening of the Pressure vessel arranged separator, preferably by filtering.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that that the reaction product is pressed before and / or after removal becomes.

Another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the supply of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst, the setting of the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel, the transport of the contents through the pressure vessel and / or the removal of the at least one reaction product of the contents is controlled from the pressure vessel, preferably by means of a control device. According to the invention in particular the Operating and personnel costs can be further reduced in the course of litigation. A further embodiment of the invention advantageously provides for fully automatic process control.

advantageously, the temperature in the pressure vessel is at least over the duration of the transport of the product through the Pressure vessel kept constant.

A Further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the temperature in the pressure vessel at least over the duration of the transport of the product through the Pressure vessel in a range between about 160.00 ° C to about 250.00 ° C, preferably between about 180.00 ° C until about 200.00 ° C is maintained.

to technical solution of the above object is a device for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, being biomass with water and at least one catalyst in one Pressure vessel by increasing the temperature and / or pressure in substances such as coal, oil and / or the like kindverwandte Substances is converted, the pressure vessel from at least a pipeline with at least one controllable inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening formed is proposed, in which in the pipeline of the pressure vessel a screw conveyor with at least two controllable screw flights for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium is arranged.

advantageously, are the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium separately controllable.

A Further embodiment of the invention provides that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting by itself in the pressure vessel befindendem contents and / or reaction products of the product in the same direction or operate in opposite directions.

According to one further embodiment of the invention are the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium drivable continuously or discontinuously (stepwise) are.

A Further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one of the screw flights at least partially with in particular in Essentially centrally located openings is provided.

advantageously, is the at least one pipe of the pressure vessel at least partially in one with at least one heat transfer medium, preferably oil, fillable container arranged.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least one controllable heating device, preferably at least an electrically operated heating mat (electric heating mat) for controlling the temperature in the pressure vessel.

advantageously, is the temperature of the heat transfer medium controllable in the container via the heating device.

A Further embodiment of the invention is advantageously characterized by at least one in front of the at least one controllable inlet opening the pressure vessel arranged lock chamber for feeding of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel, comprising at least one controllable inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening. The lock chamber is advantageously on the part of at least one controllable inlet opening with at least one reserve of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst and at least one controllable one Outlet opening with the at least one controllable inlet opening connectable to the pressure vessel. A concrete design The invention provides that the controllable inlet opening of Pressure vessel, the controllable outlet of the Lock chamber forms. Another embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least one pump for controllable and / or controllable pressurization of the lock chamber.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a front of the at least one controllable inlet opening the pressure vessel arranged piston-pressing device for supplying biomass, water and / or at least a catalyst through the at least one controllable inlet opening the pressure vessel, comprising a chamber with at least an inlet opening, at least one controllable outlet opening and a piston movable in the chamber for pressing in the Chamber located Good.

A further advantageous embodiment of The invention is characterized by an eccentric screw pump with pressure regulation arranged in front of the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel for supplying biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst through the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by a preferably controllable device for heating and / or cooling of the pressure vessel.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least one control device for at least partially automatic control the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel over the at least one controllable inlet opening and / or the at least one controllable outlet opening.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least one after the at least one controllable outlet opening the pressure vessel arranged separator, preferably Filter device, via which the removal of at least a reaction product of the filling takes place.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least one control device for at least partially automatic control the supply of biomass, water and / or at least a catalyst, the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel, the transport of the contents through the pressure vessel and / or the removal of at least a reaction product of the contents from the pressure vessel.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention the device according to the invention is formed and / or is set up, an inventive Process at least partially executed.

Further Details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawing the invention explained in more detail. Showing:

1 in a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

2 in a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a filling or emptying of a pressure vessel according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass in a discontinuous operation;

3 in a schematic schematic diagram of an embodiment of a filling or emptying of a pressure vessel according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass in a continuous operation;

3a in a schematic schematic diagram of an embodiment of a pressure-stable lock of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

3b in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a pressure-resistant lock a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

3c in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a pressure-resistant lock a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

3d in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a pressure-resistant lock a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

3e in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a pressure-resistant lock a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

4a in a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a screw conveyor of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

4b in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a screw conveyor of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

5 in a schematic schematic diagram of another embodiment of a screw conveyor of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

5a shows the cross section of an invent According to the invention embodiment of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with a screw conveyor with two screw flights and reactor stiffeners according to the invention;

5b shows the cross section of another embodiment according to the invention of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with a screw conveyor with two screw flights and reactor stiffeners according to the invention;

5c shows the cross section of another embodiment according to the invention of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with a screw conveyor with two screw flights and reactor stiffeners according to the invention;

5d shows the cross section of another embodiment according to the invention of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with a screw conveyor with two screw flights and reactor stiffeners according to the invention;

5e shows the cross section of another embodiment according to the invention of a reactor according to the invention of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with a screw conveyor with two screw flights and reactor stiffeners according to the invention;

5f shows the cross section of an embodiment according to the invention of a screw conveyor with three screw flights;

6 in a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with an integrated heating and / or cooling device;

7 in a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with an external heating and / or cooling device;

8th in a schematic, partially sectional view of another embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass;

8a a sectional view along section line BB after 8th and

9 in a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with required components and / or pipe connections, in particular for continuous operation.

The reactor according to the invention for hydrothermal carbonization of biomass according to 1 consists essentially of a substantially designed as a pipeline pressure vessel with a filling inlet, which is provided with a closable or openable lock fitting, and an outlet, which is also provided with a closable or openable lock fitting. In the pipeline of the pressure vessel, a screw conveyor with at least two controllable screw flights for mixing and / or transporting located in the pressure vessel contents and / or reaction products of the contents is arranged. The screw flights of the screw conveyor are movable or drivable via a gearbox by a motor.

Of the Interior of the reactor according to the invention is about a shaft seal sealed to the outside, wherein the shaft seal is designed and designed such that these temperatures from to to 250 ° C and pressures of up to 25 bar safely withstand and seals. In the present case, this is preferably a chambered one Mechanical seal provided with barrier fluid.

Because completely filled by filling the reactor is, a pressure accumulator is provided for volume compensation. It is preferably a bladder accumulator, in whose Inside an initial pressure is set in the way that at Reaching the final pressure of about 25 bar still a sufficiently large Equalization space for overpressure in the reactor available stands.

to Further securing of the reactor vessel are overpressure safety valves provided and at least one for the process control Pressure sensor, in particular because throughout the entire reaction space substantially everywhere an identical pressure prevails.

Since the initial heat energy according to the invention is given from the outside (see. 6 and 7 ), is provided at another location, in this case advantageously in the shaft, to arrange temperature sensors, with the aid of which the process can be monitored and controlled. 1 shows by way of example corresponding temperature sensors, which are also provided on the container wall. The Leads to and from the sensors may advantageously pass through the hollow shaft of the screw flights. At the end of the shaft, an amplifier with radio transmission, a slip ring pickup or other suitable means for transmitting the detected or determined signals is advantageously provided.

Of the Drive the shaft can according to the invention continuously or alternately done.

2 shows an embodiment for a filling and emptying of a reactor according to the invention. The filling of the reactor is carried out with the aid of a suitable feed pump, which is able to promote prepared biomaterial in chopped form, preferably chopping up to sawdust, and to build up pressure: The screw conveyor serves, during the filling process, for internal delivery and filling of the reactor. At the end of the reaction time, the screw feeds the contents out of the reactor.

Of the Reactor is for a so-called batch process, so one discontinuous process, advantageously completely filled, taking care to that at least 10% water content to the dry matter in the reactor is available. Then the locking valves are closed and the process of hydrothermal carbonization can begin.

3 shows a further embodiment of a filling and emptying of a reactor according to the invention, in this case for a continuous process management. It is essential in this process procedure in particular that the pressure in the reactor is maintained, both during filling and during emptying. Advantageously, both occur at the same time. The movement of the screw conveyor can be carried out continuously as well as stepwise discontinuously in small steps. If the screw conveyor is running, the reactor is advantageously filled and emptied simultaneously.

The Filling is advantageously carried out by means of a high-pressure pump for solid and / or pasty material, in particular with screw eccentric pumps or piston / piston diaphragm pumps.

• – alternativ öffnende Absperrventile bzw. -klappen (3a);
• – Zellradschleusen (3b)
• – Kugelhähne mit einer nicht durchgängigen Kugel, die das Fördergut Portionsweise nach draußen befördert, vorzugsweise mit Metalldichtungen aus Grauguss (3c);
• – Absperrventile bzw. -klappen kombiniert bzw. kombinierbar mit Nadelventilen; hiermit wird vorteilhafterweise ein kontinuierlicher Betrieb ermöglicht (3d); und/oder
• – Druckentspannungspumpen, vorzugsweise Schneckenexenterpumpen (3e).

When emptying the reactor, it is particularly important to maintain the internal pressure and bring down the conveyed outside the reactor to atmospheric pressure. Since the conveyed mainly consists of a coal / water suspension on this side of the reactor and also has a high temperature, in this case about 200 ° C, some of the water will evaporate abruptly. From the reactor you get the conveyed advantageously by pressure-resistant locks out. Hereinafter, various advantageous embodiments of the invention are listed:

• - alternatively opening shut-off valves or flaps ( 3a );
• - Rotary valves ( 3b )
• - Ball valves with a non-continuous ball, which conveys the conveyed portion by item outside, preferably with metal gaskets made of gray cast iron ( 3c );
• - Shut-off valves or flaps combined or combined with needle valves; this advantageously enables a continuous operation ( 3d ); and or
• - Pressure relief pumps, preferably screw eccentric pumps ( 3e ).

4a and 4b each show a basic embodiment for embodiments of screw conveyors of a reactor of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass. At the in 4a shown screw conveyor is a closed construction, which usually serves to promote the material therein. At the in 4b shown screw conveyor, the screw flights have substantially centrally disposed openings, wherein advantageously the size of the individual openings is controlled adjustable.

The design after 4b Thus, according to the invention, it can simultaneously be used for mixing and / or conveying, in particular in the context of a discontinuous process procedure (batch operation).

5 shows a further embodiment of a screw conveyor of a reactor of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, which is provided in particular for a continuous process control. The screw conveyor after 5 has two controllable screw flights. The volume spaces between the spiral helices of the screw conveyor are sealed by the opposite helices of two screws, each going to the inner hub. The two screw flights can advantageously be designed in the same direction or in opposite directions.

A further improvement in terms of sealing can be achieved if more than two spiral flights are combined in the reactor. 5f shows the cross section of an inventive embodiment of a screw conveyor with three screw flights.

• – 5b: Versteifung durch Stege die sich an einem äußeren runden Behälter (Rohrleitung) abstützen; anstelle und/oder ergänzend zu den Stegen kann der Außenraum des Druckbehälters (Reaktor) auch mit Zement bzw. Beton oder dergleichen ausgefüllt werden
• – 5c und 5d zeigen jeweils ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Versteifung des Reaktors hinsichtlich Druckaufnahme und Abstützung durch Verwendung durch von Rohrleitungen und Stegen mit einer Außenhaut zur Abstützung (5c) bzw. durch zwei Rohrleitungen mit einer Außenhaut zur Abstützung (5d). Die verbleibenden freien Räume zwischen den Rohrleitungen und/oder Stegen können vorteilhafterweise zur Aufnahme von Heiz- und Kühlflüssigkeit oder dergleichen -medien verwendet werden;
• – 5e zeigt eine Konstruktion, bei der ein in der Mitte geteiltes Rohr die beiden äußeren Hälften und für den mittleren Teil, jeweils ein Vierkantrohr so umgeformt wird, dass es an die jeweils äußeren Rohrhälften angeschweißt, die Form des Reaktors ergibt. Das Vierkantrohr ist so stabil ausgeführt, dass keine Stege erforderlich werden. Das Reaktorgehäuse kann so vorteilhafterweise mit nur vier Schweißnähten hergestellt werden;

The pressure resistance of a reactor according to the invention is advantageously achievable by supporting the pipeline of the pressure vessel, preferably by supports (cf., in particular 5a ) in particularly pressure-sensitive areas of the pipeline of the pressure vessel as follows:

• - 5b : Stiffening by webs which are supported on an outer round container (pipeline); instead of and / or in addition to the webs, the outer space of the pressure vessel (reactor) can also be filled with cement or concrete or the like
• - 5c and 5d each show a further embodiment of a stiffening of the reactor with respect to pressure absorption and support by use of pipes and webs with an outer skin for support ( 5c ) or by two pipes with an outer skin for support ( 5d ). The remaining free spaces between the pipes and / or webs can be used advantageously for receiving heating and cooling liquid or similar media;
• - 5e shows a construction in which a tube divided in the middle, the two outer halves and for the middle part, each a square tube is formed so that it welded to the respective outer tube halves, the shape of the reactor results. The square tube is designed so stable that no webs are required. The reactor housing can thus be advantageously produced with only four welds;

The embodiments according to 5b to 5e come advantageously without additional welds of the webs on the reactor housing. In particular, sweat accumulations can be avoided.

6 shows an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with an integrated heating and / or cooling device. 7 shows an embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with an external heating and / or cooling device.

Shown is in each case a reactor with a second jacket, which can be filled in particular with a thermal fluid or the like thermo medium. This thermal fluid (thermo medium) can be kept in circulation by means of pumps and can advantageously be used for the supply and removal of heat. The initial heat to start the Karbonisierungsprozesses takes place here advantageously by means of electric heating mats. The heat generated during the exothermic carbonation process is dissipated by means of the thermal fluid and stored in heat storage (see. 9 ). In some cases, the process can be so severe that it requires cooling. This is advantageously possible by heat storage with cold heat transfer fluid, which is then pumped into the shell space. Advantageously, the reactors are insulated against heat loss.

8th and 8a show a further concrete embodiment of an inventive device for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass.

9 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a device according to the invention for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass with required components and / or pipe connections, which is designed for continuous operation. In the center of the device is a reactor according to the invention. The supply of processed biomass takes place by means of a piston high-pressure pump. The removal takes place by means of an eccentric screw rotor pump. The carbon-water substrate enters a pressure-release steam separator. From there we continue to transport the now unpressurised substrate for further separation. The separated water can be advantageously returned to the process as make-up water and so advantageously experience a concentration. Sampling during and at the end of the process gives indications of the completed carbonation. The reactor, as soon as it is filled for the first time (for this purpose, the screws run once faster until full filling) is brought to temperature and it begins the carbonation. The screw conveyors, the feed and the discharge from the reactor are set to the desired or required production rate. Thus, the initial good, if it is not ready, is returned to the reactor until the process is stable. Then, a fully automatic operation is advantageously set and the screws convey the material in a production cycle from the reactor inlet to the outlet. Depending on the desired result, the cycle can last between four hours (production of humus) and 12 to 16 hours (production of coal). Accordingly, the number of revolutions of the screws are set. The screws can run continuously, but also discontinuously, in particular to prevent the caking of coal / humus. The heat transfer is carried out by means of heat transfer fluid. For this purpose, a pump is provided, which promotes warm liquid from a storage container to the reactor and, depending on the position of the valves, also cold liquid, if at a certain point of the reactor too much heat is generated from the internal exothermic reaction. From an external heat source (eg combined heat and power plant) more or less heat can be transferred via the heat exchanger in the memory. The heat and / or cooling supply to the reactor may be zone or Area by area, depending on where heat must be to and / or removed or should be. Serve in particular the control valves. If the pressure in the reactor should become too high, the pressure can be relieved for safety reasons via the outlet valves in the vapor separator until the process has stabilized again. The steam is safely removed from there.

• – Es wird eine hydrothermale Karbonisierung von Biomasse in einem kontinuierlichen Betrieb ermöglicht.
• – Der Reaktor erfährt eine kontinuierliche Druck- und/oder Wärmebelastung. Schwellende Belastungen sind weitestgehend vermeidbar.
• – Der Prozess wird ständig sicher überwacht und gesteuert.
• – Der Prozess kann, wenn einmal richtig eingestellt, ohne weitere örtliche Aufsicht betrieben werden. In einer Schaltwarte lässt sich der Prozess ständig überwachen.
• – Das Anfahren eines Reaktors ist unproblematisch.
• – Einzelprozesse können parallel geschaltet bzw. gefahren werden.
• – Die erzeugte Wärme aus einzelnen Prozessen kann gebündelt genutzt werden. Auch die produzierte Eigenwärme kann vorteilhafterweise sofort genutzt werden und Überschusswärme kann anderenorts Verwendung finden.
• – An jedem Ort bzw. jedem Segment des Reaktors kann Wärmeüberschuss oder Kälteeinbruch automatisch ausgeglichen werden.
• – Eine bereits aufgestellte und arbeitende Anlage kann ohne großen Aufwand durch Montage zusätzlicher Reaktoren vergrößert werden.
• – Für den Hersteller, und damit auch für den Nutzer ergeben sich aufgrund von Serienproduktionsmöglichkeiten große Vorteile finanzieller und betriebswirtschaftlicher Natur.

This continuous system ( 9 ) is characterized by the following features and advantages:

• - Hydrothermal carbonization of biomass in continuous operation is possible.
• - The reactor undergoes a continuous pressure and / or heat load. Swelling loads are largely avoidable.
• - The process is constantly monitored and controlled safely.
• - The process can, once properly adjusted, be operated without further local supervision. In a control room, the process can be constantly monitored.
• - Starting a reactor is not a problem.
• - Individual processes can be switched or run in parallel.
• - The generated heat from individual processes can be used bundled. Also, the heat produced can advantageously be used immediately and excess heat can be found elsewhere.
• - At each site or each segment of the reactor, excess heat or cold snap can be compensated automatically.
• - An already set up and working system can be increased without much effort by installing additional reactors.
• - For the manufacturer, and thus also for the user, there are great advantages of financial and business nature due to series production possibilities.

The represented in the figures of the drawing and in connection with these described embodiments of the invention are merely illustrative of the invention and are not restrictive for these.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - WO 2008/095589 A1 [0001]

Claims (38)

A process for the hydrothermal carbonization of biomass, wherein biomass is converted with water and at least one catalyst in a pressure vessel by increasing the temperature and / or pressure in substances such as coal, oil and / or the like related materials, one substantially as a pipeline with at least one controllable Biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst is supplied to the inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening via the at least one controllable inlet opening, the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel are controlled such that the product supplied from the biomass, water and Catalyst is transported in the pipeline, said biomass, water and catalyst react with each other and at least one reaction product of the contents is removed via the at least one controllable outlet, characterized in that in the Druc Kbehälter located filling material and / or reaction products of the medium is mixed and / or transported by means arranged in the pipeline of the pressure vessel screw conveyor with at least two controllable screw flights. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium are separately controllable. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium be operated in the same direction or in opposite directions. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least two screw flights the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting by itself in the pressure vessel befindendem contents and / or reaction products of the product continuously or discontinuously (stepwise) driven. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by a continuous supply of Biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the temperature and / or pressure conditions be controlled in the pressure vessel such that the Pressure vessel supplied filling Biomass, water and catalyst defined transported in the pipeline becomes.; Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the supply of biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst over at least one in front of the at least one controllable inlet opening the pressure vessel arranged, at least one controllable Inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening having lock chamber takes place, the lock chamber on the part the at least one controllable inlet opening with at least a storage reservoir of biomass water and / or at least one Catalyst and on the part of at least one controllable outlet opening with the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel is connectable. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that that the transport of biomass, water and / or at least one Catalyst from the lock chamber into the pressure vessel done by pressurization. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the supply of biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst over a in front of the at least one controllable inlet opening of the Pressure vessel arranged piston-pressing device takes place, wherein the piston-pressing device has a chamber with at least one Inlet opening, at least one controllable outlet opening and a piston movable in the chamber for pressing in the Has chamber befindendem good. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that; that the transport of biomass, water and / or at least one Catalyst from the chamber in the pressure vessel by means of the piston constructed pressurization takes place. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supply of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst via a front of at least one steuerba Ren inlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged eccentric screw pump with pressure control. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel via the at least one controllable inlet opening and / or the at least one controllable outlet opening to be controlled, preferably via at least one control device. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pressure vessel is heated and / or cooled. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that that the pipeline of the pressure vessel at least partially in one with at least one heat transfer medium, preferably oil, fillable container is arranged and the heating or cooling of the pressure vessel over the temperature of the at least one heat transfer medium is controlled in the container. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by using a thickener, preferably Cornflour such as corn and / or potato starch, for the contents of biomass, water and at least a catalyst. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the removal of the at least one reaction product of the medium over one of the at least one controllable outlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged separating device takes place, preferably by filtering. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the reaction product of the medium before and / or after removal is pressed. Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the supply of biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst, the setting of Temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel, the transport of the contents through the pressure vessel and / or the removal of the at least one reaction product of Contents are regulated out of the pressure vessel, preferably by means of a control device. Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the temperature in the pressure vessel at least over the duration of the transport of the contents is kept constant by the pressure vessel. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the temperature in the pressure vessel at least over the duration of the transport of the contents through the pressure vessel in a range between about 160.00 ° C to about 250.00 ° C, preferably between about 180.00 ° C to about 200.00 ° C is maintained. Device for hydrothermal carbonation of biomass, in which Biomass with water and at least one Catalyst in a pressure vessel by temperature and / or Pressure increase in substances such as coal, oil and / or the same kind of related substances is converted, in which of the Pressure vessel off at least one as a pipeline With at least one controllable inlet opening and at least a controllable outlet opening is trained, thereby marked that in the pipeline of the pressure vessel a screw conveyor with at least two controllable screw flights for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium are separately controllable. Apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22, characterized in that the at least two screw flights of the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting in the pressure vessel befindendem filling and / or reaction products of the medium be operated in the same direction or in opposite directions. Device according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the at least two screw flights the screw conveyor for mixing and / or transporting by itself in the pressure vessel befindendem contents and / or reaction products of the product continuously or discontinuously (stepwise) can be driven. Device according to one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the at least one pipeline the pressure vessel at least partially in one with at least a heat transfer medium, preferably oil and / or steel gravel, fillable container arranged is. Device according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized by at least one controllable heating device, preferably at least one electrically operable heat mat (Electric heating mat), to control the temperature in the Pressure vessel. Apparatus according to claim 25 and claim 26, characterized characterized in that the temperature of the heat transfer medium controllable in the container via the heating device is. Device according to one of claims 21 to 27, characterized by at least one of the at least a controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged lock chamber for supplying biomass, Water and / or at least one catalyst by at least a controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel, comprising at least one controllable inlet opening and at least one controllable outlet opening. Apparatus according to claim 28; characterized, that the lock chamber on the part of at least one controllable Inlet opening with at least one storage tank Biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst and part the at least one controllable outlet opening with the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel is connectable. Apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29, characterized in that the controllable inlet opening of the Pressure vessel, the controllable outlet of the Lock chamber forms. Device according to one of claims 28 to 30, characterized by at least one pump for controllable and / or controllable pressurization of the lock chamber. Device according to one of claims 21 to 31, characterized by a front of the at least one controllable Inlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged Piston pressing device for supplying biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst by the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel, comprising a chamber with at least one inlet opening, at least one controllable outlet opening and one in the chamber movable piston for pressing befindlichem in the chamber Well. Device according to one of claims 21 to 33, characterized by a front of the at least one controllable Inlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged Excenter screw pump with pressure control for feeding of biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst the at least one controllable inlet opening of the pressure vessel. Device according to one of claims 21 to 33, characterized by a preferably controllable device for heating and / or cooling the pressure vessel. Device according to one of claims 21 to 34, characterized by at least one Tegeleinrichtung for at least semi-automatic control of the temperature and / or pressure conditions in the pressure vessel via the at least one controllable inlet opening and / or the at least one controllable outlet opening. Device according to one of claims 21 to 35, characterized by at least one of the at least a controllable outlet opening of the pressure vessel arranged separating device, preferably filter device over which the removal of the at least one reaction product of the medium he follows. Device according to one of claims 21 to 36, characterized by at least one regulating device for at least semi-automatic control of the supply of Biomass, water and / or at least one catalyst, the temperature and / or Pressure conditions in the pressure vessel, the transport of the contents through the pressure vessel and / or the removal of the at least one reaction product of the medium from the pressure vessel. Device according to one of claims 21 to 37, characterized in that these are formed and / or is set up, a method according to any one of the claims 1 to 20 at least partially execute.