PT110687B - SYSTEM AND PROCESS OF TREATING DIRTY WATERS FROM ENERGY BALANCES AND GAS EMISSIONS WITH NULL GREENHOUSE EFFECT - Google Patents

Abstract

THIS REQUEST ARISES FROM THE NEED TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM FOR TREATING AGRO-INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS IN ORDER TO REDUCE WATER WASTE AT THE SAME TIME THAT THE WASTE OBTAINED FROM THIS INDUSTRY IS VALUED. THEN, THE NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE EFFLUENTS ARE POSITIVELY ENCOURAGED, ONCE THE ENTIRE EFFLUENT IS VALUED AND USED. MORE CONCRETEALLY, THE SYSTEM DISCLOSED IN THIS PATENT APPLICATION AIMS TO TREAT LIQUID EFFLUENT AS IT CAN BE RE-USED, USE PART OF THE SOLID EFFLUENT AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY TO SUPPLY THE OWN PROCESS TO BE USED INTO THE PROCESS. WITH A FIXED CARBON CONTENT OF MORE THAN 92%, USE PART OF THE BIOCARBON AS A FILTERING ELEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF TREATING LIQUID EFFLUENT. THIS SYSTEM IS PREFERENTIALLY APPLIED IN THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY THROUGH THIS IS NOT THE ONLY POSSIBLE FORM OF ACHIEVEMENT.

Description

SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR TREATING DIRTY WATERS FROM ENERGY BALANCES AND GAS EMISSIONS WITH NULL GREENHOUSE EFFECT ”

Technical domain this patent application discloses a system for the treatment of agro-industrial effluents and recovery of solid waste.

Background This patent application arises from the need to provide a system for the treatment of agro-industrial effluents in order to reduce the waste of water while valuing the waste obtained from this industry. Thus, the negative environmental impacts associated with these effluents are now viewed positively, since all the effluent is valued and used.

Despite the growing concern to find efficient waste recovery systems, the present patent application presents for the first time a solution that allows the treatment of agro-industrial effluents inserted in an energetically autonomous system with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases.

Patent documents US2014 / 0345341 and WO2014 / 190332 describe a process for integrating biomass by liquefying and harnessing the C0 ₂ produced to produce algae-based biofertilizer. However, unlike the process described in the patent application, it does not aim to treat liquid effluents in an energetically self-sustaining manner.

patent document US2007 / 0246345 presents a solution for the production of electricity and drinking water from biomass. However, it does not describe a process of treating liquid effluents in an energetically self-sustainable way, in which the reuse of solid waste extracted from dirty waters allows the generation of biochar that will serve both for energy production, water filtration and production of biofertilizer.

WO2014 / 190332 describes a process for producing fuel and biofertilizer from biomass. However, it does not describe a process of treating liquid effluents in an energetically self-sustainable way, in which the reuse of solid waste extracted from dirty waters allows the generation of biochar that will serve both for energy production, water filtration and production of biofertilizer.

Soares, B., et al. Biomass gasification - an untapped resource, refers to biomass gasification processes but does not describe a process for treating liquid effluents in an energetically self-sustaining manner.

Thus, there is no technology that brings together in a single process, the ability to treat agro-industrial effluents in a way that is not only energetically self-sufficient but capable of producing biofertilizers and energy that can be used in other systems.

Summary This patent application discloses a system for treating agro-industrial effluents and recovering solid waste.

The dirty water treatment system of the present patent application comprises:

- a connection to the source of the dirty water (El), through a hydraulic connection to the solid liquid separator (Pl);

- a liquid-solid separator (Pl), suitable for receiving dirty water from the connection to the source of dirty water and separating liquids from solids through coarse filtration;

- a biomass drying platform (P2) to which the solid effluents are sent by gravity;

- a filtering element (Ll) comprising a receiving box with a mesh filter up to 0.5 mm through which liquids from the liquid-solid separator (Pl) are routed through a hydraulic connection;

- a chipper (Bl), where the biomass dries on the drying platform (P2) is conveyed by means of transporting solids, and homogenized;

- a pyrolytic reactor, in which the pyrolytic reactor comprises a pyrolytic chamber (B2) and a combustion chamber (B3), in which the combustion chamber (B3) is adjacent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- an evaporation exchanger (L2) comprising serpentine hydraulic tubing around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) so that the liquid sent from the filter element (Ll) is evaporated with the heat captured from the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- receiving cups (L3) arranged along the path between the evaporation exchanger (L2) and the natural flow condenser (L4);

- a natural flow condenser (L4) comprising piping that receives water vapor from the evaporation exchanger, and which passes through the receivers (L3), subsequently allowing it to condense;

a fine filter element (L5) through which the condensed water in the condenser is directed and filtered;

- a water outlet (L6) for use through which filtered water is removed from the system;

- a biochar outlet placed in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) through which the biochar produced after the pyrolysis process is removed;

- a gas drain (G1) from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) to the combustion chamber (B3), comprising a pipe that conducts the gases from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) to the combustion chamber (B3).

In one embodiment, the effluent and dirty water treatment system additionally comprises a biofertilizer production platform to which the ashes and unused biomass are sent for the production of biochar.

In one embodiment, the drying platform (P2) comprises a built-in ventilation system and a solid and impenetrable base to the material.

In one embodiment, the fine filter element (L5) comprises biochar produced in the system itself.

In one embodiment, the evaporation exchanger (L2) consists of stainless steel or copper, at least 1.5 cm in diameter.

The water treatment and energy reuse process described in the present patent application comprises the following steps:

- Collection of untreated mud or effluent;

Liquid-solid separation (Pl); wherein the liquid effluent is routed to a coarse filtration element and the solid effluent is routed to a natural drying element;

Coarse filtration of liquid effluent; wherein the solid particles are also sent to the natural drying element;

- Drying of the material present in the natural drying element; in which the material, after being dry, is sent to the chipper (Bl);

- Dry matter shattering; in which the splintered matter is subsequently sent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2), combustion chamber (B3) and biofertilizer production station;

The matter present in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) is converted into biochar with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%;

- The liquid effluent filtered in the coarse filtration element is sent to an evaporator exchanger (L2) in a serpentine shape around the pyrolytic chamber (B2), undergoes an evaporation process;

- After the evaporation process, the liquid effluent is sent to deposition cups where heavier material is deposited;

- The water vapor that is not deposited in the deposition cups is then sent to a natural flow condenser where it is condensed;

- The water obtained in the condenser then undergoes a fine filtration process (L5), using part of the biochar produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- The biochar that becomes saturated and unusable from an energy point of view is sent to the biofertilizer production station.

In one embodiment, the ashes produced in the combustion chamber (B3) are used for the production of biofertilizer.

In one embodiment, combustion in the combustion chamber (B3) occurs at a temperature between 1400 to 1600 ° C.

In one embodiment, the splintered material is converted to biochar in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) at a temperature between 700 and 800 ° C.

In one embodiment, the gases produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) are routed to the combustion chamber (B3).

General description

The present request arises from the need to provide a system for the treatment of agro-industrial effluents in order to reduce water waste while valuing the waste obtained from this industry. Thus, the negative environmental impacts associated with these effluents are now viewed positively, since all the effluent is valued and used.

The system disclosed here was developed with a view to treating the effluents from agricultural facilities, assuming that the effluents, although having a significant environmental impact, should be valued under the energy and water points of view.

More specifically, the system disclosed in the present patent application aims to treat liquid effluent so that it can be reused, use part of the solid effluent as an energy source to feed the process itself, use part of the solid effluent to be transformed into biochar with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%, use part of the biochar as a filtering element in the process of treating liquid effluent and use part of the biochar as an energy source for direct combustion processes or soil improvement and CO2 sequestration.

This system is applied preferentially in the agricultural industry, although this is not the only possible form of realization.

The proposed system works according to the elements (referring to the elements in Figure 1) and the process described below:

The system comprises a connection between the system and the source of the dirty water (El), which in the case of agricultural facilities is a mixture of liquids and solids;

As a source of thermal energy for the operation of the reactor and production of biochar, any available biomass is used (E2). Biomass means any organic matter that is available, regardless of its origin.

The system consists of two preparation elements (PI and P2), giving rise to the liquid and solid paths of the system (the system also has the gaseous path):

The system comprises a liquid-solid separator (Pl) which separates the liquid effluent which is subsequently treated in the system; The solid effluent is deposited on a platform (P2) to be subjected to a natural drying process. On this platform, the biomass originating from E2 is deposited and the resultant of the separation process that occurs in the liquid-solid separator (Pl). The platform (P2) is strongly ventilated and has a solid base that guarantees no material penetration into the soil.

liquid-solid separator (Pl) uses a centrifugal action to remove solid particles from liquids. The separator has a tangential side entrance through which it receives the liquid-solid mixture to be separated. After undergoing the centrifugal action, the separated solids come out by gravity. The liquid part also comes out by gravity.

solid liquid separator (Pl) can also be of the rotary press type, in which a screw conveyor rotates inside a cylindrical sieve, compressing the solid liquid mixture. The liquid is expelled through the sieve, being discharged tangentially by gravity, and the solid part continues to be transported by the screw towards the solids outlet.

The system, with respect to the net path, consists of the following elements:

A filter element (Ll) where the liquid effluent is filtered so that solid particles that have passed through the separating element Pl, do not continue on this path. This element consists of a receiving box, where all the effluent is forced to pass through a filter with a mesh size of no more than 0.5mm. The solid particles retained by the filtration are sent to the natural drying platform (P2).

An evaporator exchanger (L2) in the form of a serpentine, located around the pyrolytic chamber (B2), subject to the passage of combustion gases from the combustion chamber (B3). The transfer of heat from the combustion gases to the evaporation exchanger (L2) promotes the evaporation of the water that circulates inside it.

The water in the vapor phase is directed to the natural flow condenser (L4). Along the way, several receiving cups (L3) collect the heavy (solid) particles and they will be sent to the biofertilizer production platform (B4). These cups also receive drops of liquid water, which have not evaporated, and which will not flow into the natural flow condenser (L4).

In this phase, along the natural flow condenser (L4) the vaporized water is condensed. This condenser works by natural convection. From this point on, the water returns to the liquid phase and is free of solid particles and other impurities.

The water is then directed to the fine filter element (L5) where a part of the biochar produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) and taking into account its filtering capacity is used for a last operation of filtering the water before using it for energy. This element consists of a box where water enters the upper part and is forced to travel down a path through a thickness of not less than 15 cm of biochar.

After filtering, the water is purified and filtered, and is then sent to the system outlet (L6).

The system, with regard to the path of the solid phases, consists of the elements according to the description below:

The biomass, after drying on the P2 platform, is sent to a chipper (Bl) that tries to homogenize the biomass in terms of size. Depending on the origin of the external biomass, the following criteria can be established:

1. Biomass for pyrolysis, of a size not exceeding 5 cm in diameter.

2. Biomass for the combustion chamber (B3), of a size not exceeding 30 cm in length or 20 cm in equivalent diameter, defined as d = 4A / p, with A being the area and p the perimeter.

3. Very small particles of biomass are sent directly to the biofertilizer production platform (B4).

After the biomass is homogenized and with the ideal granulometry, between 0.5 and 10 cm in diameter, it is sent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2), where it is pyrolyzed. The chamber (B2) receives the heat resulting from the combustion of biomass in the combustion chamber (B3). The evaporation exchanger (L2) is located around the pyrolytic chamber (B2). From this chamber comes biochar produced in the absence of oxygen and at temperatures between 700 and 800 ° C. The operating pressure during the process will increase and for this reason the pyrolytic chamber (B2) has two pressure relief valves operating in redundancy for safety reasons. The pressure limit is set to 2 bar. The resulting biochar has calorific value in the order of 30MJ / kg and a fixed carbon content greater than 92%. The ash content is between 4-6%. The small, gray particles produced during pyrolysis are sent to the biofertilizer production platform.

In the combustion chamber (B3), biomass combustion is promoted at temperatures close to 1500 ° C in front of the flame. From this chamber, the combustion gases come out with temperatures close to 1000 ° C and which will flow around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) and in turn, also through the evaporation exchanger (L2). The ashes resulting from the combustion process are sent to the biofertilizer production platform. The flue gases are released to the atmosphere at temperatures close to 200 ° C. The combustion chamber (B3) is also equipped for the combustion of biogas, which can be produced using available organic matter, through a biodigestion reactor.

All the material not converted to biochar is sent to the biofertilizer production platform (B4), that is: reduced biomass from Bl, ash from B3, solid particles from L3; biochar used in fine filtration (L5) and which is clogged and particles of reduced size and ash from the pyrolytic chamber (B2).

Upon completion of the pyrolysis process at B2, the biochar is directed to the biochar outlet (B5). The biochar produced in this system has a calorific value in the order of 30MJ / kg and a fixed carbon content greater than 92%. This biochar has characteristics to be used in the process of filtering, energy production and sequestration of C0 ₂ .

The system, with respect to the gaseous path, consists of the following elements:

The system comprises an exhaust pipe (Gl) for the gases produced in the combustion chamber (B3). These gases, rich in hydrogen, are sent to the combustion chamber (B3) as a way of reducing the consumption of biomass, as well as preventing these gases from being released directly into the atmosphere. On the way there is a flow control valve (G2), because in the first 30 minutes of pyrolysis, the gas produced does not present any advantage in combustion, being essentially constituted by water vapor, and consequently released into the atmosphere. After the initial 30 minutes, the G2 valve is closed and all gas is sent to the combustion chamber (B3).

The chimney (G3) is responsible for the flow of the flue gases produced in B3.

The process comprises the following steps:

- treat the liquid effluent through filtration and evaporation processes for reuse as clean water that, at least, must satisfy the conditions to be used in irrigation systems defined by Annex XVI of Decree-Law No. 236/98 (Diário da República - I Series A n ° 176 of August 1, 1998);

- use part of the solid effluent as an energy source for the process;

- use part of the solid effluent to be transformed into biochar, with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%;

biochar is obtained in the pyrolytic reactor, under determined temperature and residence time conditions, making it possible to obtain biochar with different characteristics. Obtaining biochar with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%, leads to its use as activated carbon for the filtration processes.

- use part of the biochar as a filter element in the liquid effluent treatment process;

The main feature of biochar filtration is to remove contaminants and impurities, using chemical absorption as the method.

The porous surface of the biochar has the capacity to remove particles ranging from 0.5 to 50 micrometers, that is, very small particles, thinner than a hair.

The efficiency of biochar filtration is directly linked to the water flow, pressure and volume of water. The lower the speed of the water when passing through the filter element, the better the result and the quality of the water. This is because the contaminants present in the water are exposed to biochar for a longer time, improving efficiency.

- use part of the biochar as an energy source for direct combustion processes (pellets), or for soil improvement and CO2 sequestration;

- use saturated biochar, ashes from the heating process and other biomasses not converted to biochar (residual quantities) as biofertilizer. All the resulting organic matter is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon, while also resulting in organic matter free of elements harmful to the soil, due to the high temperatures of the processes. In this way, it results in a biofertilizer that can be integrated into agricultural soils.

Biochar considerations:

Biochar is produced in an economical and sustainable way and allows its application in several extensions. One of them is the mitigation of global warming by carbon sequestration and the improvement of soil health and productivity. Improving soil fertility stimulates plant growth, which leads to additional CO2 consumption and reduces the need for fertilizer application, as well as reducing carbon emissions during fertilizer production and transport.

The addition of biochar to the soil also reduces emissions of other greenhouse gases such as Ν ₂ 0 and CH4, which are more harmful than CO2. Emissions can be reduced by about 0.9 Gt / year if 50% of the global crop and forest residues are pyrolysed and applied to the soil. Up to 12% of total anthropogenic carbon emissions could be displaced annually if the waste were pyrolysed, instead of being burned (K. Qian, A. Kumar, H. Zhang, D. Bellmer, and R. Huhnke, Recent advances in utilization of biochar, Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 42, pp. 10551064, 2015.).

Biochar has recently been used in several areas such as the sequestration and storage of atmospheric carbon, in the improvement (increase of fertility) of agricultural soils, in the purification of waste water and applied in fuel cells (V. Dhyani and T. Bhaskar , A comprehensive review on the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, Renew. Energy, 2017; AP Nunes, LF Teixeira, A. Gracielly, and N. Colen, Biomass: a view of pyrolysis processes.).

The system can be designed in two different ways: - In a fixed system with zero energy consumption. Designed for existing installations where the liquid-solid separation is already carried out;

- Through a compact mobile system that uses solar photovoltaic energy.

The differences between the compact mobile system and the fixed system are as follows:

In order for the system to be easily transportable, its dimensions are limited to the width of a vehicle and all components of the solution are mounted on a trailer. In order to facilitate its operation, taking into account the space limitations, a solar photovoltaic unit is incorporated that provides electrical energy to the ventilation elements associated with the condensation of effluent, which due to space limitations has to resort to a convection phenomenon. forced. The solar photovoltaic system also provides energy for pumping effluent.

The system also provides for its use through the incorporation of sludge from WWTP (wastewater treatment plant). Thus, the aim is to reduce the availability of WWTP sludge, as well as the respective energy recovery, the feasibility of incorporating them in the production of fuel for the pyrolytic reactor will be studied. The sludge incorporation process is studied in order to obtain a high calorific value, and the sludge can be previously pyrolyzed. At the same time, in the perspective of agricultural valorization and the reduction of environmental impact, WWTP sludge can be used in the production of micro pellets at high pressure and temperature for incorporation into the soil.

The incorporation of WWTP sludge is carried out using the following assumptions:

- Reduction of the availability of this organic matter and consequent energy recovery;

- As a result of the variability in the calorific value of RTAR sludge, the best ratio for conventional biomass sludge from WWTP will be found for each location, to result in an improved calorific power biofuel.

Once the best composition is found, the biomass mixture is carried out.

This system is applied preferentially in the agricultural industry, although this is not the only possible form of realization.

Brief description of the figures

For an easier understanding of the present application, figures are attached, which represent preferential realizations which, however, do not intend to limit the technique disclosed herein.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system of the present patent application, in which the reference signs have the following meaning:

EI - Connection of the system to the source of dirty water, in the case of agricultural facilities it is a mixture of liquids and solids;

E2 - Availability of biomass as a source of thermal energy for the operation of the reactor and production of biochar. Biomass means any organic matter that is available, regardless of its origin.

PI - Liquid-solid separator. This component separates the liquid effluent and is treated in the system; The solid effluent is deposited on a platform to be subjected to a natural drying process.

P2 - Natural biomass drying platform. The biomass originating from E2 is deposited on this platform and the resultant from the separation process 1. This platform has to be strongly ventilated and have a solid base that guarantees the non-penetration of matter in the soil.

LI - Coarse filtration. In this element, the liquid effluent is filtered so that solid particles that have passed through the separating element Pl, do not continue on this path. This element consists of a receiving box, where all the effluent is forced to pass through a mesh filter not exceeding 0.5 mm. The solid particles retained by the filtration are sent to the natural drying platform (P2). L2 - Evaporation exchanger. This serpentine evaporator exchanger is located around the pyrolytic chamber (B2), subject to the passage of combustion gases from the combustion chamber (B3). The transfer of heat from the combustion gases to the evaporation exchanger (L2) will promote the evaporation of the water that circulates inside it.

L3 - The water in the vapor phase is directed to the natural flow condenser. Along the way, several L3 receiving cups will collect the heavy (solid) particles that will be sent to the biofertilizer production platform (B4). These cups will also receive drops of liquid water, which have not evaporated, and which will not flow into the natural flow condenser.

L4 - Natural flow condenser. In this L4 element, the vaporized water is condensed. This condenser works by natural convection. From this point on, the water returns to the liquid phase and is free of solid particles and other impurities.

L5 - Fine filtration. A part of the biochar produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) and taking into account its filtering capacity is used for a last operation of filtering the water before its use. This element consists of a box where water enters the upper part and is forced to travel down a path through a thickness of not less than 15 cm of biochar.

L6 - Water outlet for use. At this point the water is purified and filtered and can be used.

BI - The biomass, after drying on the P2 platform, is sent to a chipper that tries to homogenize the biomass in terms of size. Depending on the origin of the external biomass, the following criteria may be established:

- Biomass for pyrolysis, of a size not exceeding 5 cm - Biomass for the combustion chamber (B3), of a size not exceeding 30 cm.

- Very small particles of biomass are sent directly to the biofertilizer production platform (B4).

B2 - Pyrolytic chamber. The biomass that is intended to be pyrolized is introduced into this chamber. The chamber receives the heat resulting from the combustion of biomass in the combustion chamber (B3). The evaporation exchanger (L2) is located around the pyrolytic chamber (B2). From this chamber comes biochar produced in the absence of oxygen and at temperatures between 700 and 800 ° C. The operating pressure during the process will increase and for this reason the pyrolytic chamber (B2) has two pressure relief valves operating in redundancy for safety reasons. The pressure limit is set to 2 bar. The resulting biochar has calorific value in the order of 30MJ / kg and a fixed carbon content greater than 92%. The ash content is around 4-6%. The small and gray particles produced during the pyrolysis will be sent to the biofertilizer production platform.

B3 - Combustion chamber. This element promotes the combustion of biomass at temperatures close to 1500 ° C in front of the flame. From this chamber the flue gases come out with temperatures close to 1000 ° C and which will flow around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) and in turn, also through the evaporation exchanger (L2). The ashes resulting from the combustion process are sent to the biofertilizer production platform. The flue gases are released to the atmosphere at temperatures close to 200 ° C. The combustion chamber (B3) is also equipped for the combustion of biogas, which can be produced using available organic matter, through a biodigestion reactor.

B4 - Biofertilizer production platform. Here, biofertilizer is produced, consisting of all solid matter not converted into biochar: small-scale biomass from Bl, ash from B3, solid particles from L3; biochar used in fine filtration (L5) and which is clogged and particles of reduced size and ash from the pyrolytic chamber (B2).

B5 - Output of biochar with calorific value in the order of 30MJ / kg and fixed carbon content greater than 92%. This biochar has characteristics to be used in the process of filtration, energy production and sequestration of C0 ₂ .

Gl- Drain of gases produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2). These gases, rich in hydrogen, will be sent to the combustion chamber (B3) as a way of reducing the consumption of biomass, as well as preventing these gases from being released directly into the atmosphere. On the way there is a flow control valve (G2), because in the first 30 minutes of pyrolysis, the gas produced does not present any advantage in combustion, being essentially constituted by water vapor, being released into the atmosphere. After the initial 30 minutes, the valve (G2) is closed and all gas is sent to the combustion chamber (B3).

G3 - Chimney. The chimney is responsible for the flow of the flue gases produced in (B3).

RP - The pyrolytic reactor, with a cylindrical body, is constituted as follows:

Inside are the pyrolytic and combustion chambers. The evaporator exchanger (L2) operates around the pyrolytic chamber (B2).

- The pyrolytic chamber (B2) has a top opening for introducing the biomass that is intended to be pyrolyzed and for removing the biochar.

- The combustion chamber (B3) has two openings: a front one for introducing biomass and one at the bottom for removing ash. It also has a grid located about 15cm from the ash removal cover.

- The pyrolytic chamber (B2) also has a pipe connection of 2 to 3 cm in diameter for the exit of the pyrolysis gases.

- The combustion chamber (B3) also has a pipe connection of 2 to 3 cm for receiving pyrolysis gases. - In the pyrolytic chamber (B2) there are also two pressure relief valves operating in redundancy.

- Around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) is located the evaporation exchanger (L2) in stainless steel or copper, at least 1.5 cm in diameter. This diameter will depend on the size of the system.

exterior consists of a cylindrical stainless steel body properly insulated with rock wool in a thickness never less than 10 cm.

- The chimney has a minimum diameter of 200 mm and a height of 2 meters.

Description of embodiments

Referring to the figures, some embodiments are now described in more detail, which are not intended, however, to limit the scope of the present application.

The system disclosed here was developed with a view to treating the effluents from agricultural facilities, based on the principle that the effluents, although of significant environmental impact, should be valued under the energy and water points of view.

In a preferred embodiment, and referring to figure 1, the dirty water treatment system comprises the following elements:

- Connection to the source of dirty water (El), through a hydraulic connection of 8 to 12 cm in diameter up to the liquid / solid separator; The effluent enters the separator P1 by gravity;

- Liquid-solid separator (Pl); Upon receiving the effluent, the solids and liquids are separated. The solid effluent is deposited by gravity on a drying platform (P2) and the liquid effluent is sent, through a hydraulic connection of 4 to 6 cm in diameter, to the coarse filtration (Ll), by gravity, placing the filtration thick (Ll) with an unevenness of at least 2 meters in relation to the separator. In the event that a difference in level is not possible, the separator must have a circulation pump of less than 500W;

- Biomass drying platform (P2); The solid effluent reaches the platform by gravity from the separator (P1). There it remains in drying stages of at least 5 days until its use;

- Filter element (Ll) with a mesh up to 0.5 mm; This element receives the liquid effluent, through a hydraulic connection of 4 to 6 cm in diameter, in a reception box where all the effluent is obliged to pass through a filter with a mesh size smaller than 0.5 mm, filtering it from all particles up to 0.5 mm. These particles are sent manually to the drying platform (P2). The filtered effluent continues in hydraulic connection from 4 to 6 cm in diameter until it enters the evaporation exchanger (L2);

- Chipper (Bl); Here, the entire biomass is homogenized in terms of size, preparing it to be sent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2), combustion chamber (B3) or to biofertilizer. These biomass loads are carried out manually. The system can be equipped with endless screws so that the biomass enters automatically. The endless systems will be equipped with engines with a power of less than 0.5hp, 1.0hp and 0.5hp, respectively to supply the pyrolytic chamber (B2), combustion chamber (B3) and routing to biofertilizer;

- Pyrolytic reactor, which in turn comprises a pyrolytic chamber (B2) and a combustion chamber (B3). To these chambers, the biomass arrives manually or through endless screws. The start of combustion in the combustion chamber (B3) is carried out manually. The combustion gases will produce heat to promote the pyrolysis of the biomass contained in the pyrolytic chamber (B2), as well as to promote the evaporation of the liquid effluent that is found inside the piping around the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- Evaporator exchanger (L2) in the form of a serpentine, arranged around the pyrolytic chamber (B2); The effluent after having passed through the coarse filtration (Ll), enters the evaporation exchanger (L2), constituted by hydraulic piping with a diameter of less than 3 cm. This piping must be made of stainless steel or copper, in order to facilitate the transfer of heat, as well as to facilitate the molding in serpentine; - Receptor cups (L3) arranged along the path between the evaporation exchanger (L2) and the natural flow condenser (L4) and where heavier particles are collected;

- Natural flow condenser (L4); Also made of stainless steel or copper, for the reasons stated above, it receives water vapor from the evaporation exchanger (L2), allowing it to condense. The condenser (L4) is built in a tube of 4 to 6 cm in diameter. At the condenser outlet, the water is in the liquid phase and is directed to fine filtration (L5), through a hydraulic connection of 4 to 6 cm in diameter;

- Fine filter element (L5); This element receives the freshly condensed water and will allow the removal of all particles that may still be present in the water. After this filtration, the water is ready for use, being sent to a distribution network outside the system;

- Water outlet for use (L6); It is a hydraulic connection between fine filtration (L5) and a point in a distribution network outside the system;

- Biochar outlet (B5); The biochar outlet is made manually from the pyrolytic chamber (B2). Through the opening it has, the biochar is removed. The pyrolytic chamber (B2) is again loaded with biomass and the opening of this chamber is closed, beginning our pyrolysis process;

- Gas drain (Gl) from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) to the combustion chamber (B3); The pyrolysis process results in gases rich in CO, CO2, CH4 and H2. This mixture of combustible gases is routed through pipes of 2 to 3 cm in diameter to the combustion chamber (B3), reducing the consumption of biomass in this chamber.

In the context of the present patent application, hydraulic connection is understood as a set of tubes that aim to transport liquids between elements.

In one embodiment, the system additionally comprises a biofertilizer production platform (B4); All the biomass considered not usable in the system arrives at this platform: resulting from the chipping and which has dimensions not suitable for the combustion chamber (B3) and pyrolytic chamber (B2), ashes resulting from the combustion chamber (B3), collected solid particles in the deposition cup (L3), particulates collected in the fine filtration and biochar, that of the fine filtration element (L5). The deposition is carried out manually, however, it can be considered the use of endless screws in the case of the biomass resulting from the chipping and ashes.

In an embodiment in which the liquid-solid separator (Pl) does not receive dirty water due to gravity, it has a power circulation pump up to 500W;

In another embodiment, the source of thermal energy is obtained from diverse biomass.

In another embodiment, the drying platform (P2) comprises a built-in ventilation system and a solid base in concrete or earth covered with plastic and impenetrable to the material.

In another embodiment, the fine filter element is biochar produced in the system itself.

In one embodiment, the Pyrolytic Reactor (RP), with a cylindrical body comprises:

- A pyrolytic chamber (B2) and a combustion chamber (B3);

- Evaporation exchanger (L2) positioned around the pyrolytic chamber (B2); - An opening in the upper part of the pyrolytic chamber (B2) for adding biomass and collecting biochar;

Two openings in the combustion chamber (B3); a front opening for introducing biomass and one at the bottom for removing ash;

- Grid 15 cm (5 to 20 cm) away from the ash removal cover;

- Connection in a tube with a diameter between 2 to 5 cm from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) for pyrolysis gas outlet;

- Two pressure relief valves operating in redundancy in the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- Around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) is located the evaporation exchanger (L2) in stainless steel or copper, with a diameter of at least 1.5 cm. However, this diameter depends on the size of the system;

A cylindrical stainless steel outer body properly insulated with rock wool;

- A chimney (G3) with at least 200 mm in diameter and at least 2 meters in height.

In one embodiment, the evaporation exchanger (L2) is made of stainless steel or copper, at least 1.5 cm in diameter.

The process of water treatment and energy reuse comprises the following steps:

- Collection of untreated mud or effluent (El);

Liquid-solid separation (Pl); in which the liquid effluent is directed to a coarse filtration element (Ll) and the solid effluent is directed to a natural drying element (P2);

- Coarse filtration of liquid effluent (Ll); in which the solid particles are also sent to the natural drying element (P2);

- Drying of the material present in the natural drying element (P2); in which the material, after being dry, is sent to the chipper (Bl);

- Dry matter shattering (Bl); in which the splintered matter is subsequently sent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2), combustion chamber (B3) and biofertilizer production station (B4);

The matter present in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) is converted into biochar with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%;

- The liquid effluent filtered in the coarse filter element (Ll) is sent to an evaporator exchanger (L2) in a serpentine shape around the pyrolytic chamber (B2), undergoes an evaporation process;

- After the evaporation process, the liquid effluent is sent to deposition cups (L3) where heavier material is deposited;

- The water vapor that is not deposited in the deposition cups is then sent to a natural flow condenser (L4) where it is condensed;

- The water obtained in the condenser then undergoes a fine filtration process (L5), using part of the biochar produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2);

- The biochar that becomes saturated and unusable from an energy point of view is sent to the biofertilizer production station (B4).

In one embodiment, combustion in the combustion chamber (B3) occurs at a temperature between 1400 to 1600 ° C.

In one embodiment, the splintered material is converted to biochar in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) at a temperature between 700 and 800 ° C.

In one embodiment, the gases produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) are routed (Gl) to the combustion chamber (B3).

The waste produced by animals in agricultural facilities, as well as the water that is used to clean the facilities, results in a by-product that can be separated into solid and liquid (effluent). Any effluent can be used in the process described here, regardless of its source.

In one embodiment, the solid matter resulting from agricultural facilities is added to other existing biomasses and constitutes the fuel for the water treatment system.

In one embodiment, part of the solid matter is used as a fuel, while part is used to obtain biochar and the rest is used to prepare a biofertilizer.

- Taking into account the availability and origin of the biomass available at the installation site, the best fuel composition for the reactor will be found. It is necessary to adapt the fuel in each location, taking into account the variability of calorific and biomass powers.

- The biomass that guarantees the best characteristic to be converted into biochar is that used in the pyrolytic reactor. The resulting biochar is used in the filtration processes.

The remaining biomass, as well as the by-products resulting from the functioning of the systems, will be used as a biofertilizer.

In one embodiment, part of the solid matter is dried naturally or artificially to moisture content in the order of 30% and subsequently subjected to a chipping process.

In one embodiment, the liquid effluent is subjected to the cleaning and treatment process.

In one embodiment, the pyrolytic reactor comprises the combustion chamber (B3), the pyrolytic chamber (B2) and the evaporation exchanger (L2).

In one embodiment, the fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber (B3) and the material to be converted to biochar is introduced into the pyrolytic chamber (B2).

In one embodiment, the gases resulting from the pyrolytic process are directed to the combustion chamber (B3), contributing as a gaseous fuel to the heat source.

In one embodiment, the liquid effluent enters the evaporator (L2) where it is evaporated to temperatures above the saturation temperature at the operating pressure.

The evaporation process results in water vapor and non-entrained solid matter. In one embodiment, the non-entrained solid matter is used in the production of biofertilizer.

In one embodiment, the water vapor is directed to a natural flow condenser and is subsequently filtered, using the biochar produced by the process.

In one embodiment, the used and bridged biochar is transformed into biofertilizer. The resulting ash in the combustion chamber (B3) is also used in the production of biofertilizer.

In one embodiment, the biofertilizer consists of splintered solid matter that is not used as a fuel or as a material to be pyrolyzed, and the remainder of the system's functioning: ash, non-entrained matter and saturated biochar.

In one embodiment, the biochar produced in the pyrolytic reactor is used in the filtration processes, where biochar that is not used for filtration is used in the production of energy and / or in the improvement of soils.

In one embodiment, the water (effluent already treated), after fine filtration, undergoes a remineralization process and will be able to be used for irrigation.

By involving subsequent chemical treatment processes, it is possible to obtain drinking water for consumption by animals or human consumption.

In one embodiment, WWTP sludge is also incorporated in the production of fuel for the pyrolytic reactor. In another embodiment, WWTP sludge is used in the production of micro pellets to be used as bioferting agents.

Throughout the process, the system is controlled and monitored in real time in terms of: - moisture content of the initial biomass;

- liquid effluent temperatures before and after each stage;

- liquid effluent pressure before and after each stage;

- temperatures in the pyrolytic reactor and combustion chamber (B3);

- temperature and pressure and quality of the gas resulting from the pyrolysis process;

- quality of the effluent before and after each stage.

The system start-up and introduction condition is the temperature of the liquid effluent at the outlet of the evaporator, which gives order to pump the effluent into the system.

- the quality of the biochar is checked using laboratory tests.

The present description is not, of course, in any way restricted to the achievements presented in this document and a person with average knowledge of the area will be able to foresee many possibilities of modifying it without departing from the general idea, as defined in the claims. The preferred embodiments described above are obviously combinable with each other. The following claims further define preferred achievements.

Lisbon, February 18, 2019

Claims (10)

1. Agro-industrial effluent treatment system, characterized by comprising: - a connection to the source of the agro-industrial effluents (El), through a hydraulic connection to the solid liquid separator (PI); - a liquid-solid separator (Pl), suitable for receiving dirty water from the connection to the source of agro-industrial effluents and separating liquids from solids through coarse filtration; - a biomass drying platform (P2) to which the solid effluents are sent by gravity; - a filtering element (Ll) comprising a receiving box with a mesh filter up to 0.5 mm through which liquids from the liquid-solid separator (Pl) are routed through a hydraulic connection; - a chipper (Bl), where the biomass dries on the drying platform (P2) is conveyed by means of transporting solids, and homogenized; - a pyrolytic reactor, in which the pyrolytic reactor comprises a pyrolytic chamber (B2) and a combustion chamber (B3), in which the combustion chamber (B3) is adjacent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2); - an evaporation exchanger (L2) comprising serpentine hydraulic tubing around the pyrolytic chamber (B2) so that the liquid sent from the filter element (Ll) is evaporated with the heat captured from the pyrolytic chamber (B2); - receiving cups (L3) arranged along the path between the evaporation exchanger (L2) and the natural flow condenser (L4); - a natural flow condenser (L4) comprising piping that receives water vapor from the evaporation exchanger (L2), and which passes through the receivers (L3), subsequently allowing it to condense; a fine filter element (L5) through which the condensed water in the condenser is directed and filtered; - a water outlet (L6) for use through which filtered water is removed from the system; - a biochar outlet placed in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) through which the biochar produced after the pyrolysis process is removed; - a gas drain (G1) from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) to the combustion chamber (B3), comprising a pipe that conducts the gases from the pyrolytic chamber (B2) to the combustion chamber (B3). 2. The agro-industrial effluent treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a biofertilizer production platform to which the ashes and biomass not used for the production of biochar are sent. The agro-industrial effluent treatment system according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the drying platform (P2) comprises a built-in ventilation system and a solid and impenetrable base to the material. The agro-industrial effluent treatment system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the fine filter element (L5) comprises biochar produced in the system itself. The agro-industrial effluent treatment system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the evaporation exchanger (L2) consists of stainless steel or copper, at least 1.5 cm in diameter. 6. Process of treatment of agro-industrial effluents and energy reuse, using the system of treatment of agro-industrial effluents described in claims 1-5, characterized by comprising the following steps: - Collection of untreated mud or effluent; Liquid-solid separation (Pl); wherein the liquid effluent is routed to a coarse filtration element and the solid effluent is routed to a natural drying element; Coarse filtration of liquid effluent; wherein the solid particles are also sent to the natural drying element; - Drying of the material present in the natural drying element; in which the material, after being dry, is sent to the chipper (Bl); - Dry matter shattering; in which the splintered matter is subsequently sent to the pyrolytic chamber (B2), combustion chamber (B3) and biofertilizer production station; The matter present in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) is converted into biochar with a fixed carbon content greater than 92%; - The liquid effluent filtered in the coarse filtration element is sent to an evaporator exchanger (L2) in a serpentine shape around the pyrolytic chamber (B2), undergoes an evaporation process; - After the evaporation process, the liquid effluent is sent to deposition cups where heavier material is deposited; - The water vapor that is not deposited in the deposition cups is then sent to a natural flow condenser where it is condensed; - The water obtained in the condenser then undergoes a fine filtration process (L5), using part of the biochar produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2); - The biochar that becomes saturated and unusable from an energy point of view is sent to the biofertilizer production station. 7. The process of treating agro-industrial effluents and reusing energy according to claim 6, characterized in that the ashes produced in the combustion chamber (B3) are used for the production of biofertilizer. 8. The process of treating agro-industrial effluents and reusing energy according to any one of claims 6-7, characterized in that the combustion in the combustion chamber (B3) occurs at a temperature between 1400 to 1600 ° C. 9. The process of treating agro-industrial effluents and reusing energy according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that the splintered material is converted into biochar in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) at a temperature between 700 and 800 ° C. 10. The process of treating agro-industrial effluents and reusing energy according to any one of claims 6-9, characterized in that the gases produced in the pyrolytic chamber (B2) are sent to the combustion chamber (B3). Lisbon, March 15, 2021