WO2016046580A1 - A device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process - Google Patents

A device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016046580A1
WO2016046580A1 PCT/IB2014/001900 IB2014001900W WO2016046580A1 WO 2016046580 A1 WO2016046580 A1 WO 2016046580A1 IB 2014001900 W IB2014001900 W IB 2014001900W WO 2016046580 A1 WO2016046580 A1 WO 2016046580A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
outlet
inlet
biomass
dryer
reactor
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Application number
PCT/IB2014/001900
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gladek LECHOSLAW
Original Assignee
Bon Effice Sp. Z O.O.
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Publication date
Application filed by Bon Effice Sp. Z O.O. filed Critical Bon Effice Sp. Z O.O.
Priority to PCT/IB2014/001900 priority Critical patent/WO2016046580A1/en
Publication of WO2016046580A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016046580A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L9/00—Treating solid fuels to improve their combustion
    • C10L9/08—Treating solid fuels to improve their combustion by heat treatments, e.g. calcining
    • C10L9/083—Torrefaction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/08—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles
    • B01J8/085—Feeding reactive fluids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/08—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles
    • B01J8/087—Heating or cooling the reactor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/08—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles
    • B01J8/10—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles moved by stirrers or by rotary drums or rotary receptacles or endless belts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J8/00—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes
    • B01J8/08—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles
    • B01J8/12—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles moved by gravity in a downward flow
    • B01J8/125—Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particles; Apparatus for such processes with moving particles moved by gravity in a downward flow with multiple sections one above the other separated by distribution aids, e.g. reaction and regeneration sections
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10B—DESTRUCTIVE DISTILLATION OF CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS, COKE, TAR, OR SIMILAR MATERIALS
    • C10B49/00—Destructive distillation of solid carbonaceous materials by direct heating with heat-carrying agents including the partial combustion of the solid material to be treated
    • C10B49/02—Destructive distillation of solid carbonaceous materials by direct heating with heat-carrying agents including the partial combustion of the solid material to be treated with hot gases or vapours, e.g. hot gases obtained by partial combustion of the charge
    • C10B49/04—Destructive distillation of solid carbonaceous materials by direct heating with heat-carrying agents including the partial combustion of the solid material to be treated with hot gases or vapours, e.g. hot gases obtained by partial combustion of the charge while moving the solid material to be treated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/00106—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange
    • B01J2208/00168—Controlling the temperature by indirect heat exchange with heat exchange elements outside the bed of solid particles
    • B01J2208/00212—Plates; Jackets; Cylinders
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/00327—Controlling the temperature by direct heat exchange
    • B01J2208/00336—Controlling the temperature by direct heat exchange adding a temperature modifying medium to the reactants
    • B01J2208/00353—Non-cryogenic fluids
    • B01J2208/00362—Liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00008—Controlling the process
    • B01J2208/00017—Controlling the temperature
    • B01J2208/00327—Controlling the temperature by direct heat exchange
    • B01J2208/00336—Controlling the temperature by direct heat exchange adding a temperature modifying medium to the reactants
    • B01J2208/00353—Non-cryogenic fluids
    • B01J2208/00371—Non-cryogenic fluids gaseous
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
    • B01J2208/00—Processes carried out in the presence of solid particles; Reactors therefor
    • B01J2208/00796—Details of the reactor or of the particulate material
    • B01J2208/00938—Flow distribution elements
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E50/00—Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
    • Y02E50/10—Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
    • Y02P20/141—Feedstock
    • Y02P20/145—Feedstock the feedstock being materials of biological origin

Definitions

  • a device for treating materials and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process
  • the invention relates to a device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process.
  • biomass covers a wide range of materials with heterogeneous structure such as wood, post-agricultural residues and fast-growing trees.
  • Raw biomass however, has a low energy density, high water content and is difficult to process into small particles. For this reason, transportation of biomass is expensive.
  • biomass can absorb moisture during storage and be subject to putrefaction. These properties have a negative impact on the process of biomass transformation into energy. For this reason, processes are needed to improve the characteristics of the biomass, in order to make it an alternative to fossil fuels such as coal.
  • biomass pretreatment methods are sought.
  • One such process is a torrefaction.
  • the torrefaction is a partial pyrolysis process of biomass that is carried out in the absence of oxygen at atmospheric conditions, typically at a temperature in the range of 200- 320°C.
  • the temperature range is what makes the fundamental difference between torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass, which occurs at much higher temperatures, such as 400-500°C or even 900°C.
  • the main goal of the torrefaction process is to decompose hemicellulose, which is a polymer that is responsible for the foamy structure of biomass and its low grinding coefficient. Hemicellulose decomposes at temperatures from 150°C to 280°C. Other components of biomass, cellulose and lignin, decompose at higher temperatures.
  • nitrogen is often used as means for heating the biomass in order to dry it, and then for its torrefaction.
  • superheated steam is also used as one of the torrefaction agents.
  • the aim of this process is to produce a fuel with a higher calorific value than the raw biomass and a higher grinding coefficient, which in turn allows, for reduction in the energy expenditure for milling and a production of small fuel particles, which can be fed to the burners.
  • the torrefaction process is also often used for the "energy densification" of the biomass, in order to obtain a fuel, which has a much higher calorific value calculated per unit volume and, consequently, which is much cheaper to transport.
  • An additional feature of the torrefied biomass is its resistance to biological degradation under the influence of biological factors and weather conditions, as well as low moisture absorption.
  • optimization of the process conditions is often associated with controlling of the raw materials and working agent flows in industrial installations,
  • WO2007/078199 describes a process, in which the biomass is dried in a first step in a co- current process and then in a second stage, is subject to a counter-current torrefaction process.
  • the application US2012/0159842 describes biomass torrefaction installation which includes a reactor, a cyclone, a heat exchanger and a steam generator.
  • the gas from the torrefaction process is separated from the solids in the cyclone, passed through the heat exchanger, and recycled to the reactor.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator e.g. by a flue gases from the reactor, is fed into the reactor as an additional means for controlling the oxygen concentration in the process, or as a cooling stream or an inert purging gas.
  • the application US2012/233914 describes an installation containing, i.a. a biomass drying unit, a cyclone placed upstream of the reactor, a heat exchanger and a combustion chamber.
  • the described installation uses superheated steam obtained in the biomass drying process. This steam is used for drying and in the torrefaction process.
  • US2010/0083530 describes a device for conducting a torrefaction process, in which elements moving a biomass between levels of the device are. employed.
  • elements may be horizontal shelves or trays having apertures allowing for the transfer of the materials between said levels.
  • Said elements can be linked with elements which rotate on vertical axis, wherein the material is moved by stationary arms.
  • mentioned shelves or trays may be stationary and the arms may move and transport the material to be treated.
  • US 2012/0042567 describes a reactor for conducting a torrefaction process comprising a stack of circular trays mounted on a central shaft. Said trays contain perorations as well as apertures by which the biomass falls down along the reactor. Said trays rotate and the biomass being dried is moved on their surfaces by stationary scraper elements. Alternatively, the trays may be stationary and the scraper elements rotate.
  • US2013/0075244 and US2013/0098751 describe installation for biomass torrefaction comprising a reactor divided into drying zone and torrefaction zone. In torrefaction zone, there is a stack of circular trays having construction analogous to the one described in US 2012/0042567.
  • the present invention provides a solution of technical problems associated with controlling of the material flows in treatment systems and optimization of treatment processes, especially with relation to torrefaction process.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for treating materials comprising a housing, at i least one unit comprising a hopper plate and chute plate, mounted in the housing, means for moving at least one of the plates of at least one unit, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the material to be treated, and at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the working agent.
  • the chute plate is movable and the hopper plate is stationary.
  • means for moving chute plates preferably comprise a shaft disposed centrally in the housing and drive means connected to said shaft.
  • the hopper plate is movable and the chute plate is stationary.
  • the means for moving plates move the plates in reciprocating manner.
  • the means for moving plates additionally rotate the plates.
  • the device is a reactor for biomass torrefaction, in which the working agent is a torrefaction agent.
  • the device is a biomass dryer, in which the working agent is at least one drying agent.
  • the device according to invention preferably comprises an additional heating jacket equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for additional heating agent.
  • the subject of the invention is also an assembly for conducting a torrefaction process comprising the dryer as defined above connected to the reactor as defined above.
  • the subject of the invention is an installation for conducting a biomass torrefaction process, comprising
  • the dryer comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a drying agent,
  • the reactor comprises at least one inlet for the biomass and at least one outlet for a torrefied biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a torrefaction agent,
  • an absorption-reaction unit comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein sad inlet is connected to at least one outlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor,
  • an air condenser connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer, and comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet;
  • a degasser comprising an inlet connected to the outlet of the air condenser, and an outlet for gases and at least one outlet for water,
  • a steam generator comprising an inlet for gases connected to the' outlet for gases of the degasser, inlet for water connected to an outlet for water of the degasser, outlet for a superheated steam connected to the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor, and an inlet for fuel and outlet for flue gases.
  • installation of the invention comprises a dryer not equipped with the heating jacket, as defined above, wherein
  • the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent
  • the air condenser comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein said outlet is connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer; as well as an inlet and an outlet for the torrefaction agent, wherein the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the air condenser is connected with the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit;
  • the installation of the invention comprises a dryer equipped with a heating jacket, as defined above, wherein
  • the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, while the heating jacket of the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for an additional heating agent, wherein the inlet for the additional heating agent is connected to the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit,
  • the air condenser comprises an inlet and an outlet for the additional heating agent, wherein said outlet is connected with the inlet for the additional; heating agent of the heating jacket of the dryer; as well as an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein the outlet is connected with the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer, and
  • the inlet of the degasser is connected with the outlet for the additional heating agent of the condenser
  • the installation comprises additionally a biomass container connected to a biomass feeder feeding a biomass stream to the inlet for biomass of the dryer.
  • the installation comprises additionally a feeder connecting the dryer and the reactor.
  • the installation comprises additionally a torrefied biomass feeder connected to the outlet of the torrefied biomass of the reactor and to a torrefied biomass container, wherein the feeder is connected to a torrefied biomass cooling system.
  • g2 is directed into interior of the dryer
  • torrefied biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
  • torrefied biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
  • the basis of the subject invention is an ascertainment that it is possible to optimize a thermal treatment of any material by providing an apparatus which grant a control over parameters of individual steps of the process being conducted, and above all, over the time during which a working agents affects the material to be treated.
  • the device according to the present invention grants such a control.
  • the basic element of the device according to the invention is an unit of two plates - hopper plate and chute plate, wherein in such unit at least one plate is movable, depending on the embodiment of the invention.
  • Relative movement of said plates within unit creates a heat and mass transfer cell - a space in which the material being processed may remain for a defined period of time and in which it is exposed to a working agent.
  • the unit may remain in a closed position, in which the material transport is stopped, and in an open position, in which the material transport is allowed.
  • material being processed is fed e.g. gravitationally on the surface of the hopper plate.
  • the unit When the unit is in the closed position, the material remains on the hopper plate for a time defined for a given application.
  • a path is opened and the material may relocate downwards in the device according to the invention on the surface of the chute plate.
  • the plate which is stationary is equipped with suitable fixing means, which immobilize it within the device body.
  • the plate which is movable is equipped with suitable means for moving it.
  • means for moving the plates move respective plates in reciprocating manner along the axis of the device according to the invention. Additionally, in one of preferred embodiments of the invention, means for moving the plates may, in addition to the reciprocating motion, impart rotational movement to the plates, for example; quarter-turns, half-turns, and the like.
  • any moving means known in the art may be used and a skilled person will readily select an appropriate elements.
  • the plate which is movable may be equipped with suitable bearing means ensuring movement in the axis of the device without causing jams, for example under high temperature conditions.
  • the means for moving the plates also include a drive means and the appropriate transmission.
  • This can be any device known in the art, for example, a variable frequency motor connected to a respective drive joint.
  • the drive means will be located outside the device according to the invention.
  • the movement of the plates may be achieved by any known device.
  • An exemplary device is a connecting-rod mechanism, but a skilled person may use any mechanism providing reciprocating movement, and optionally the rotary movement, of the plates of the device.
  • the device according to the invention may comprise at least one unit of plates, wherein usually there is more than one unit - two, three, four, five, six or more of such units.
  • Number of units in the device according to the invention can be selected by a skilled person depending on the particular application, for example, on the time for which the material to be processed has to remain in the device, estimated device flow capacity, and the like.
  • the stationary plate is the hopper plate and the moving plate is the chute plate.
  • the means for moving the plates comprise a shaft disposed centrally in the housing of the device according to the invention.
  • Each of the chute plates is placed on a bearing and is connected to the shaft to form an assembly .
  • Means for moving the plates comprise also, at the lower part of the device, a connecting-rod mechanism disposed in a suitable bearing and connected to an external drive means.
  • the frequency of reciprocating motion of chute plates is controlled by varying the speed of the motor driving the drive joint.
  • the frequency of the engine speed one controls the duration of residence of the material to be treated in the heat and mass transfer cell. The longer is the residence time, the lower is the throughput of the device. The length of the residence time depends on the type of material, particle size, moisture content and desired degree of processing of the material.
  • hopper plate refers to an element of any form, which allows collection of material fed into the device.
  • chute plate refers to an element of any form that allows a gravitational transport of the material present on the hopper plate.
  • both the hopper plate and a chute plate have a frustoconical shape, but they may have any shape.
  • the angle of inclination of the plates may be different depending on the type of material to be treated.
  • the plates can be made of any material suitable for use under the conditions of given process.
  • the plates may be made of metal, preferably steel.
  • Plates are equipped with means allowing for the flow of working agent acting on the material remaining in the device.
  • Such means may be perforations of the material from which the plates are constructed, for example, holes, slots, notches, etc. and combinations thereof.
  • the perforations may be made by any technique known in the art, for example by drilling, punching, laser cutting, and the like. Type, number and size of the perforations can be readily determined by a skilled person depending on the particular application of the device according to the invention.
  • Another way of providing means allowing for the flow of the working medium may include manufacturing the hopper and chute plates from a mesh, e.g. a metal mesh, with a mesh size selected to prevent the passage of particles of material to be treated.
  • Both plates can be coated with a layer which reduces the coefficient of friction and abrasibility.
  • the device according to the invention may be used with respect to various treatment processes.
  • Preferred processes are heat treatment processes, and especially preferred processes, without limiting the scope of the invention, are drying and torrefaction processes.
  • Any material can be treated in the device according to the invention, for example, bulk or loose material.
  • a particularly preferred material, without limiting the scope of the invention, is a biomass.
  • particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are a dryer and a reactor for conducting a torrefaction process.
  • the components of the dryer may be made of materials having a lower temperature resistance than the components of the reactor.
  • the device according to the invention being the dryer, it is equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the working agent, in this case the drying agent.
  • the device according to the invention being the reactor for conduction the torrefaction process, it is equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the working agent, in this case torrefaction agent.
  • Working agents may run in the above mentioned devices in co-current or counter-current manner.
  • the dryer may be additionally equipped with an external heating jacket that allows for additional heating of the material residing in the dryer with additional heating agent.
  • the heating jacket is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the additional heating agent.
  • the above-mentioned devices may be further provided with a suitable type of means for connection with other devices of installation (connectors, fasteners, etc.), filtering means which prevent the passage of fine dust to gas streams, as well as inspection ports, allowing for cleaning equipment, if needed.
  • an assembly comprises a dryer, , especially a dryer with an additional heating jacket and a reactor for conducting a biomass torrefaction process.
  • Devices and assemblies of the invention may be part of a complete installations for carrying out different processes, in particular biomass torrefaction process.
  • the torrefaction process is carried out in two stages. First, the biomass is dried in a dryer, and then it is fed to a reactor, where the actual torrefaction process occurs.
  • the torrefaction process may be conducted at a temperature range allowing for the hemicellulose decomposition, i.e. in the range of 150°C to 280°C.
  • the temperature range is 150 to 300°C, more preferably the temperature range is 260-280°C, and most preferably the temperature is 260°C.
  • Skilled person in the art would readily select a torrefaction process temperature suitable for the process conditions, the type of reactor or the type of raw biomass used in the process.
  • the torrefaction agent is superheated steam.
  • biomass drying conditions respectively, to prevent the drying agent from causing a spontaneous combustion.
  • Typical temperatures used in a dryer are in the range 90-180°C.
  • any drying agent and a particularly preferred agent is hot air.
  • the length of the dryer can be adapted to the residence time required for the process, and additionally, drying may be carried out at moderate vacuum, which greatly speeds up the kinetics of the process, kinetics of torrefaction is generally quite fast, and therefore this section may have a constant height for different types of biomass.
  • the torrefied biomass stream exiting installation of the present invention may be subjected to additional treatment, adjusted for the specific purpose of the torrefied biomass.
  • An example of such a process is pelletisation.
  • the torrefied biomass Prior to removal from the installation, the torrefied biomass may be cooled to a temperature in the range of 50-110°C, for example in the range of 80-110°C or 50-80°C, preferably to a temperature of 80°C or 50°C, in any cooling unit known in the art.
  • the torrefied biomass may be cooled to any desired temperature, depending on the specific practical application.
  • Preferred cooling agent is water.
  • a biomass container may connected to the dryer.
  • This connection similarly as connection between the dryer and the reactor and between the reactor and torrefied biomass container may be achieved by appropriate means known in the art, for example by suitable feeders, in particular, or cellular or screw feeders, leading biomass and torrefied biomass between installation components, as well as by connectors and hopper containers.
  • suitable feeders in particular, or cellular or screw feeders, leading biomass and torrefied biomass between installation components, as well as by connectors and hopper containers.
  • the skilled person would easily select an appropriate connection and transport elements.
  • the function of the absorption-reaction unit is to trap the acidic substances (acetic acid, formic acid, phenols and sulfur dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas stream from the reactor.
  • An absorber with the particulate limestone may be used for this purpose, however any other unit providing similar function known in the art may be used, for example, a reactor with other substance that traps mentioned acidic substances. Skilled person would easily select a unit suitable for the particular application, for example, adapted to the process conditions or the type of raw biomass used in the process.
  • the absorption-reaction unit may comprise one absorber, but in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the units comprising at least two absorbers connected in parallel may be used, so that the installation may operate without stopping when one of absorbers require supplementation of absorbent or regeneration, for example, by rinsing.
  • the absorber unit comprises two absorbers connected in parallel. It is also possible to use a combination a parallel / serial arrangement of absorbers.
  • the absorption-reaction unit may be combined with a separation unit, whose role is the recovery of substances having commercial value.
  • This unit may comprise elements such as crystallizer, decanter or separator.
  • the material to be recovered may be calcium acetate, although it is possible to recover any other substance present in the process gas stream.
  • the air condenser used in the installation according to the invention has two functions - it condenses condensable steam from the absorber and the acquired heat is used to heat the air being the drying agent in the dryer. Air is introduced into the air condenser by appropriate means, such as a fan, and after leaving it, it is fed into the dryer via appropriate conduits. Any device known in the art which enables the implementation of said functions may be used as the air condenser. Skilled person will easily select a device suitable for given application, for example, adapted to the process conditions or the type of raw biomass used in the process.
  • the movement of air being the drying agent in the dryer is forced by an appropriate device, such as a vacuum generator connected to the dryer via a conduit.
  • an appropriate device such as a vacuum generator connected to the dryer via a conduit.
  • degasser allowing for the separation of water from gaseous components such as, for example, without limiting the scope of the invention, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methanol, may be used in the method and installation according to the invention.
  • the degasser should comprise a water container and elements enabling directing part of the water to the steam generator and the excess water outside the installation. Skilled person will readily select a device suitable for given application, for example, adapted to the process conditions, the type of reactor or type of raw biomass used in the process.
  • the role of the steam generator is to produce steam used as a torrefaction agent in the reactor.
  • any steam generator known in the art may be used in the present invention.
  • the steam generator is fed with a fuel and gases from the degasser.
  • fuel may be a ground torrefied biomass (if the steam generator is equipped wit a dust burner) or a propane- butane (if the steam generator is equipped with a gas burner).
  • the installation may further comprise means for measuring the concentration of inert gases mentioned above, and the results of these measurements are used to determine the extent of torrefaction of biomass.
  • the device of the present invention provides a tightly controlled flow of material to be treated as well as maximal utilization of contact surface for mass and heat transfer. As a result the efficiency of the conducted process is increased and it is possible to optimize it in a simple manner.
  • the device can easily be adapted either to various treatment process, as well as for various materials to be treated.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hopper plate.
  • Fig. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a hopper plate of fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the chute plate.
  • Fig. 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of the chute plate of fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing for plates assembly.
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the bearing of fig. 5.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reactor according to the invention, with certain elements of an installation according to the invention mounted.
  • Fig. 8 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a reactor according to the invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a lower bearing of the reactor.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the bearing of fig. 6.
  • Fig. 11 is a diagram of an embodiment of an installation according to the invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of an installation according to the invention. Examples
  • a hopper plate 1 being a part of a heat treatment device according to the invention is shown on fig. 1 and 2.
  • the hopper plate 1 is in the form of a truncated cone, the apex of which is pointing downwards in the working position. Hopper plate 1 has an opening in its lower part and a downwardly directed fastening elements 2 attached to its upper edge.
  • the hopper plate 1 is made of sheet metal and is equipped with perforations (not shown), allowing for the free flow of gaseous substances, for example drying agent and the torrefaction agent.
  • a chute plate 3 being a part of a heat treatment device according to the invention is shown on fig. 3 and 4.
  • Chute plate 3 also has the shape of a truncated cone, but its top is directed upwards in the operating position. Chute plate 3 has an opening in its lower part, to which is attached a vertical sleeve 4 for attaching the chute plate 3 to the plates shaft 9. Chute plate is also made of sheet metal and provided with perforations (not shown), allowing the free flow of gaseous substances, for example drying agent and torrefaction agent.
  • Fig. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of an element supporting the chute plates 3 - bearing 5.
  • the bearing 5 is in a form of rim with crossbars and it is provided with a central sleeve 7 for attachment of the bearing 5 on the plates shaft 9.
  • the bearing 5 is also provided with stabilizing means 6, whose task is to stabilize the bearing 5 relative to the inner walls of the body of the heat treatment device according to the invention (e.g. reactor or dryer) so that it operates axially and does not cause jams of the plates shaft 9.
  • Fig. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a device for heat treatment according to the invention - a reactor 33.
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the reactor 33 with some elements of an installation according to the invention mounted, wherein a portion of a body 8 wall of the reactor 33 is removed to make the internal components visible.
  • Fig. 7 is a cross section of the reactor 33 itself. For simplicity, fig. 6 and 7 do not show remaining parts of the reactor 33.
  • the reactor 33 has a cylindrical body 8, with internally and centrally arranged plates shaft
  • a chute plate 3 is placed on the bearing 5.
  • the sleeve 7 of each chute plate 3 is placed on the shaft 9 enabling the movement of chute plates 3.
  • the chute plate 3 constitute anassembly with the shaft 9.
  • the lower bearing 23 In the lower part of the reactor 33 there is a lower bearing 23 shown in Fig. 9 and 10.
  • the lower bearing 23 has form of two interconnected rims with crossbars and is equipped with a central sleeve 26 for mounting the plates shaft 9, and stabilizing elements 24, whose function is exactly the same as that of the above-mentioned stabilizing elements 6.
  • Lower bearing 23 has also an opening 25 for mounting the connecting rod shaft 12 used to move the plates shaft 9 and the chute plates 3.
  • the connecting rod shaft 12 is positioned in the opening of the reactor 33 body 8 and in the opening 25 of the lower bearing 29 via the sleeve 15.
  • the reactor 33 includes two such shafts 12. End of the shaft 12, which is located inside the reactor 33 is connected to a crank 13 via a crank pin 14. The crank 13 is in turn connected to the shaft 9. End of the connecting rod shaft 12 located outside the reactor 33 is connected to a drive means (not shown), for example a motor with variable rotational speed, via drive joint, such as Cardan joint (not shown).
  • the reactor 33 further comprises a top cover and a bottom which are fixed to the body 8 by means of bolts 16, nuts 17 and the compression springs 18. Together with the bottom and the lid, the reactor 33 body 8 constitutes a housing.
  • connectors 19, 20 used to connect the reactor with other components of the installation.
  • These connectors are connected to containers and feeders, for example, such as the hopper container 21 and the feeder 22 shown on fig. 7. Function of these elements is to move the material to be processed to and from the reactor 33.
  • Fig. 11 and 12 show two embodiments of an installation for conducting a torrefactioh process according to the invention.
  • the installation shown in Fig. 11 comprises a device for carrying out the torrefaction process comprising a dryer 30 and a torrefaction reactor 33 according to the present invention.
  • the dryer 30 is provided with an inlet for biomass, an outlet for dried biomass, an inlet and an outlet for a drying agent - heated air, connected to the dryer 30 interior.
  • Internal construction of the dryer 30 is similar to the construction of the reactor 33 discussed above, except that dryer 30 is equipped additionally with a heating jacket surrounding its body.
  • An inlet and an outlet for a secondary heating agent - wet steam originating from the reactor, used earlier as the torrefaction agent, are connected to said jacket.
  • a feeder 31 and biomass container 32, which feed biomass to the dryer 30, are connected to the dryer 30. Furthermore, the dryer is connected, preferably in its upper part, with a vacuum generator 38, which is used for forcing the flow of the drying agent - heated air.
  • the outlet for biomass of the dryer 30 is connected to a feeder 34, which is further connected to the reactor 33.
  • the construction of the reactor 33 is exactly as described above with reference to fig. 7 and 8.
  • the reactor 33 further comprises an inlet for the dried biomass, an outlet for torrefied biomass and an inlet and an outlet for the torrefaction agent - superheated steam. Conduit leading from the outlet of the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 is connected to the absorption- reaction unit 37. An outlet of the absorption-reaction unit 37 is connected to an inlet of the additional heating agent of the dryer 30 jacket.
  • the absorption-reaction unit 37 may comprise at least one absorber.
  • the absorption-reaction unit 37 comprises two absorbers connected in parallel. In this arrangement, the absorbers are working ir an alternative manner - during the operation of one of them, the other one is subjected to a regeneration process.
  • the outlet for torrefied biomass of the reactor 33 is connected to the feeder 35 and the torrefied biomass container 36.
  • Torrefied biomass feeder 35 is connected to a torrefied biomass cooling system 43.
  • the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 is connected to the steam generator 42.
  • the outlet for the additional heating agent of the heating jacket of the dryer 30 is connected to the air condenser 39, which is connected to a cooling fan 40.
  • the air condenser 39 also has an outlet connected to the inlet of the drying agent of the dryer 30.
  • the air condenser is connected to via a conduit to a degasser 41.
  • the degasser 41 is connected to the steam generator 42 via gas 62 conduit and the water 61 conduit.
  • the degasser comprises also an additional outlet for discharging excess water 63.
  • the steam generator 42 is connected to the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 and it comprises an outlet for the exhaust gas 64.
  • the steam generator 42 also comprises a fuel inlet (not shown).
  • Biomass 50 from the biomass container 32 is fed by the biomass feeder 31 to the dryer 30, where it moves gravitationally downward.
  • the biomass 50 falls gravitationally on a perforated stationary hopper plate 1 of the first unit of the dryer 30.
  • the hopper plate is stationary, while the chute plate 3 is movable in the vertical direction by means of the shaft 9.
  • Chute plate 3 moves to close or open the space between the chute plate and the hopper plate.
  • the outer surface of the chute plate 3 abuts against the edge of the central hole of the hopper plate 1, and the biomass 50 is immobilized in the formed heat and mass transfer cell.
  • the biomass 50 can move on the surface of the chute plate to the hopper plate 1 of the next unit.
  • chute plates 3 The movement of chute plates 3 is achieved by means of the shaft 9.
  • the shaft 9 performs reciprocating motion in the vertical direction.
  • the frequency of this movement is controlled by varying the speed of the motor (not shown) driving the drive joint, e.g. a Cardan joint (not shown).
  • Stroke of the chute plate 3 movement may be chosen so that the hopper plate 1 - chute plate 3 arrangement may completely close the flow of biomass between the units, thereby drastically increasing the residence time of the biomass in the dryer (or reactor).
  • the drying agent 54 - the air heated in the air condenser 39 having temperature chosen so as to avoid auto-ignition of the biomass is introduced in an countercurrent to the interior of the dryer 30. In such manner a direct drying is carried out.
  • the hot, wet steam 58 from the reactor 33 flows in the heating jacked of the dryer 30, additionally heating the biomass 50 in an indirect drying process. Said steam is the additional heating agent.
  • heat transfer to solids (biomass) heating of a liquid and then transfer of the mass - the steam from the solid particles (biomass) to the flowing air - a drying process, is obtained.
  • the movement of the heated air 54 is achieved by means of a vacuum generator 38, which is connected to the dryer 30. After the drying process, the wet air 55 is removed outside the installation.
  • the dried biomass is moved by the feeder 34 and fed to the reactor 33, in which the actual torrefaction process occurs.
  • Said process includes a transport of heat flux to a solids (biomass), partial pyrolysis (decomposition of hemicellulose) and then a transport of the degradation products (steam, C0 2 , CO, CH 4 , CH 3 COOH and other ingredients in trace amounts) into the flowing torrefaction agent 58 - steam.
  • Steam 57 exiting the reactor 33 is directed, via conduits, to absorbers unit 37 which are, for example, sorption columns. In the absorber unit 37 an absorption-neutralization reaction of acid products contained in the wet steam 57 takes place.
  • Wet steam 58 is then fed to the heating jacket of the dryer 30, where it is used as an additional heating agent.
  • Torrefied biomass leaves the reactor 33 through the outlet for the torrefied biomass through the feeder 35 to the torrefied biomass container 36. While passing through the feeder 35, the torrefied biomass is cooled to a suitable temperature preferably for example in range of 50-110°C by cooling agent 51, 52, fed from the torrefied biomass cooling system 43.
  • the cooling agent 51, 52 is water.
  • the torrefaction agent 56 is steam superheated to 300°C, produced in the steam generator 42. After passing through the reactor 33, the absorbers 37 and the dryer 30, steam 59 is directed to the air condenser 39, in which the condensation of steam to form water-gas mixture 60 and simultaneous heating of air 53 supplied to the air condenser 39 by the fan 40 takes place.
  • the resulting water-gas mixture 60 is fed to the degasser 41, in which the condensation of the inert gas (C0 2 , CO, CH 4 ) formed in the torrefaction process takes place.
  • Water 61 and separated gases 62 are directed to the steam generator 42.
  • Water 61 has a temperature of about 90 °C and is fed directly into the steam drum of the steam generator 42.
  • Production of steam is obtained by combustion of fuel, supplied to the generator by a respective inlet (not shown) and gases 62. Excess of water 63 from the degasser 41 tank is directed outside the installation.
  • Superheated steam 56 from the generator 42 is directed to the reactor 33. Exhaust gases 64 from the steam generator 42 are discharged outside of the installation.
  • Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation according to the invention, in which the dryer 33 is not equipped with a heating jacket. It therefore has a construction exactly the same as the reactor 33, discussed with reference to fig. 7 and 8.
  • the construction of the installation is substantially the same as the construction of the installation described with reference to fig. 11, except that the dryer 30 is not connected to the absorption-reaction unit 37 which is connected directly to the air condenser 39.
  • bearing stabilizing means bearing sleeve
  • lower bearing stabilizing means opening for connecting rod shaft lower bearing sleeve

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process.

Description

A device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process.
State of art
The term biomass covers a wide range of materials with heterogeneous structure such as wood, post-agricultural residues and fast-growing trees. Raw biomass however, has a low energy density, high water content and is difficult to process into small particles. For this reason, transportation of biomass is expensive. Furthermore, biomass can absorb moisture during storage and be subject to putrefaction. These properties have a negative impact on the process of biomass transformation into energy. For this reason, processes are needed to improve the characteristics of the biomass, in order to make it an alternative to fossil fuels such as coal.
For this purpose, biomass pretreatment methods are sought. One such process is a torrefaction. The torrefaction is a partial pyrolysis process of biomass that is carried out in the absence of oxygen at atmospheric conditions, typically at a temperature in the range of 200- 320°C. The temperature range is what makes the fundamental difference between torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass, which occurs at much higher temperatures, such as 400-500°C or even 900°C.
The main goal of the torrefaction process is to decompose hemicellulose, which is a polymer that is responsible for the foamy structure of biomass and its low grinding coefficient. Hemicellulose decomposes at temperatures from 150°C to 280°C. Other components of biomass, cellulose and lignin, decompose at higher temperatures.
In the laboratory and pilot experiments, nitrogen is often used as means for heating the biomass in order to dry it, and then for its torrefaction. In some applications, superheated steam is also used as one of the torrefaction agents.
The aim of this process is to produce a fuel with a higher calorific value than the raw biomass and a higher grinding coefficient, which in turn allows, for reduction in the energy expenditure for milling and a production of small fuel particles, which can be fed to the burners.
The torrefaction process is also often used for the "energy densification" of the biomass, in order to obtain a fuel, which has a much higher calorific value calculated per unit volume and, consequently, which is much cheaper to transport. An additional feature of the torrefied biomass is its resistance to biological degradation under the influence of biological factors and weather conditions, as well as low moisture absorption.
Despite the extensive knowledge about the torrefaction process and numerous tests that have been carried out on the laboratory scale and in pilot studies, there is little practical applications of this process on the industrial scale, especially in the power industry, where fuel consumption is very high, so the torrefaction installation must be very large.
One of typical problems occurred during scaling-up of a chemical process into an industrial scale is optimization of the process conditions. Optimization of the process conditions is often associated with controlling of the raw materials and working agent flows in industrial installations,
WO2007/078199 describes a process, in which the biomass is dried in a first step in a co- current process and then in a second stage, is subject to a counter-current torrefaction process.
The application US2012/0159842 describes biomass torrefaction installation which includes a reactor, a cyclone, a heat exchanger and a steam generator. The gas from the torrefaction process is separated from the solids in the cyclone, passed through the heat exchanger, and recycled to the reactor. The steam generated in the steam generator, e.g. by a flue gases from the reactor, is fed into the reactor as an additional means for controlling the oxygen concentration in the process, or as a cooling stream or an inert purging gas.
The application US2012/233914 describes an installation containing, i.a. a biomass drying unit, a cyclone placed upstream of the reactor, a heat exchanger and a combustion chamber. The described installation uses superheated steam obtained in the biomass drying process. This steam is used for drying and in the torrefaction process.
Publication "Global Markets and Technologies for torrefied wood in 2002" describes, inter alia, use of superheated steam from the biomass drying process as one of the torrefaction means in the torrefaction process.
US2010/0083530 describes a device for conducting a torrefaction process, in which elements moving a biomass between levels of the device are. employed. According to the description of the invention, such elements may be horizontal shelves or trays having apertures allowing for the transfer of the materials between said levels. Said elements can be linked with elements which rotate on vertical axis, wherein the material is moved by stationary arms. Alternatively, mentioned shelves or trays may be stationary and the arms may move and transport the material to be treated.
US 2012/0042567 describes a reactor for conducting a torrefaction process comprising a stack of circular trays mounted on a central shaft. Said trays contain perorations as well as apertures by which the biomass falls down along the reactor. Said trays rotate and the biomass being dried is moved on their surfaces by stationary scraper elements. Alternatively, the trays may be stationary and the scraper elements rotate. US2013/0075244 and US2013/0098751 describe installation for biomass torrefaction comprising a reactor divided into drying zone and torrefaction zone. In torrefaction zone, there is a stack of circular trays having construction analogous to the one described in US 2012/0042567.
One of the most important issues to be taken during the implementation of a technology, is optimization and proper management of the mass and energy streams, in order to obtain maximum efficiency possible.
Furthermore, environmental issues are also important. One of the problems resulting from the use of torrefaction process is formation of by-products in the flue gases and an excess amount of steam contaminated with these products. The composition of the flue gases in the torrefaction process is the following:
89.3% - steam,
4.8% - acetic acid,
3.3% - C02,
1.2% - methanol,
0.2% - furfural,
0.1% - CO
0.1% - formic acid,
1% - tens of different compounds, which are in a liquid state at room temperature.
In order to start the technical operation of any installation for treating materials, including installation for conducting a torrefaction process, it is necessary to design such a process solution, which would allow for an easy use of the process in question, e.g. torrefaction process, on an industrial scale and which, in the same time, would not be burdensome for the environment. Equally important is the provision of optimization of an employed process.
The present invention provides a solution of technical problems associated with controlling of the material flows in treatment systems and optimization of treatment processes, especially with relation to torrefaction process.
Disclosure of the invention
The subject of the invention is a device for treating materials comprising a housing, at i least one unit comprising a hopper plate and chute plate, mounted in the housing, means for moving at least one of the plates of at least one unit, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the material to be treated, and at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the working agent.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chute plate is movable and the hopper plate is stationary. In this embodiment, means for moving chute plates preferably comprise a shaft disposed centrally in the housing and drive means connected to said shaft.
In other preferred embodiment of the invention, the hopper plate is movable and the chute plate is stationary.
Preferably, the means for moving plates move the plates in reciprocating manner. In other preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for moving plates additionally rotate the plates.
In one preferred embodiment of the invention the device is a reactor for biomass torrefaction, in which the working agent is a torrefaction agent.
In other preferred embodiment of the invention the device is a biomass dryer, in which the working agent is at least one drying agent. In this embodiment of the invention, the device according to invention preferably comprises an additional heating jacket equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for additional heating agent.
The subject of the invention is also an assembly for conducting a torrefaction process comprising the dryer as defined above connected to the reactor as defined above.
Furthermore, the subject of the invention is an installation for conducting a biomass torrefaction process, comprising
an assembly for biomass torrefaction process comprising the dryer as defined above, connected to a reactor as defined above, wherein
the dryer comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a drying agent,
the reactor comprises at least one inlet for the biomass and at least one outlet for a torrefied biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a torrefaction agent,
an absorption-reaction unit comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein sad inlet is connected to at least one outlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor,
an air condenser connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer, and comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet;
a degasser comprising an inlet connected to the outlet of the air condenser, and an outlet for gases and at least one outlet for water,
a steam generator comprising an inlet for gases connected to the' outlet for gases of the degasser, inlet for water connected to an outlet for water of the degasser, outlet for a superheated steam connected to the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor, and an inlet for fuel and outlet for flue gases.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, installation of the invention comprises a dryer not equipped with the heating jacket, as defined above, wherein
the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent,
the air condenser comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein said outlet is connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer; as well as an inlet and an outlet for the torrefaction agent, wherein the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the air condenser is connected with the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit;
the inlet of the degasser is connected to the outlet of the torrefaction agent of the air condenser. In other preferred embodiment of the invention, the installation of the invention comprises a dryer equipped with a heating jacket, as defined above, wherein
the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, while the heating jacket of the dryer comprises an inlet and an outlet for an additional heating agent, wherein the inlet for the additional heating agent is connected to the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit,
the air condenser comprises an inlet and an outlet for the additional heating agent, wherein said outlet is connected with the inlet for the additional; heating agent of the heating jacket of the dryer; as well as an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein the outlet is connected with the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer, and
the inlet of the degasser is connected with the outlet for the additional heating agent of the condenser;
Preferably, the installation comprises additionally a biomass container connected to a biomass feeder feeding a biomass stream to the inlet for biomass of the dryer.
Preferably, the installation comprises additionally a feeder connecting the dryer and the reactor.
Preferably, the installation comprises additionally a torrefied biomass feeder connected to the outlet of the torrefied biomass of the reactor and to a torrefied biomass container, wherein the feeder is connected to a torrefied biomass cooling system.
Further subject of the invention is a method for conducting biomass torrefaction process, wherein the process comprises
a) feeding a biomass to a dryer equipped with a heating jacket,
b) feeding a drying agent, being a heated air, into the dryer interior, in counter- stream to the biomass stream, while running an additional heating agent, being torrefaction gases from a reactor in heating jacket of the dryer,
c) feeding pre-dried biomass to a reactor according to invention,
d) removing torrefied biomass from the reactor,
wherein
e) exhaust gases stream from the reactor:
el) is directed to a absorption-reaction unit, then
e2) it is directed to an inlet of the heating jacket of the dryer as the additional heating agent, '
0 exhaust gases stream from the dryer, being the additional heating agent: fl) is directed to an air condenser, where the condensation process of the condensable gas components occurs, then
f2) resulted gas-water mixture from the condenser is directed to a degasser, f3) separate gas and water streams from the degasser are directed to a stream generator, and excess of water is removed from the degasser container, then f4) said gases are burnt in the combustion chamber to yield C02 and steam, g) air being the drying agent:
gl) is fed to the air condenser, where it is heated,
g2) is directed into interior of the dryer, and
g3) after leaving the dryer it is directed outside the installation,
h) superheated steam from the steam generator is directed into the reactor as a torrefaction agent.
Preferably, torrefied biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
Further subject of the invention is a method for conducting biomass torrefaction process, wherein the process comprises
a) feeding a biomass to a dryer not equipped with a heating jacket,
b) feeding a drying agent, being a heated air, into the dryer interior, in counter- stream to the biomass stream,
c) feeding pre-dried biomass to a reactor according to invention,
d) removing torrefied biomass from the reactor,
wherein
e) exhaust gases stream from the reactor:
el) is directed to a absorption-reaction unit, then
e2) it is directed to an air condenser, where the condensation process of the condensable gas components occurs, then
e3) resulted gas-water mixture from the condenser is directed to a degasser, e4) separate gas and water streams from the degasser are directed to a stream generator, and excess of water is removed from the degasser container, then e5) said gases are burnt in the combustion chamber to yield C02 and steam, f) air being the drying agent:
fl) is fed to the air condenser, where it is heated
f2) is directed into interior of the dryer, and
f3) after leaving the dryer it is directed outside the installation,
g) superheated steam from the steam generator is directed into the reactor as a torrefaction agent.
Preferably, torrefied biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
Detailed description of the invention
The basis of the subject invention is an ascertainment that it is possible to optimize a thermal treatment of any material by providing an apparatus which grant a control over parameters of individual steps of the process being conducted, and above all, over the time during which a working agents affects the material to be treated. The device according to the present invention grants such a control. The basic element of the device according to the invention is an unit of two plates - hopper plate and chute plate, wherein in such unit at least one plate is movable, depending on the embodiment of the invention. Thus, a embodiment in which one of said plates remains stationary and the other may move with help of appropriate means is possible, as well as embodiment in which both plates are movable.
Relative movement of said plates within unit creates a heat and mass transfer cell - a space in which the material being processed may remain for a defined period of time and in which it is exposed to a working agent. In consequence, the unit may remain in a closed position, in which the material transport is stopped, and in an open position, in which the material transport is allowed.
In practice, material being processed is fed e.g. gravitationally on the surface of the hopper plate. When the unit is in the closed position, the material remains on the hopper plate for a time defined for a given application. As a result of displacement of one of the plates of the unit, a path is opened and the material may relocate downwards in the device according to the invention on the surface of the chute plate.
The plate which is stationary is equipped with suitable fixing means, which immobilize it within the device body. In turn, the plate which is movable is equipped with suitable means for moving it.
The means for moving the plates move respective plates in reciprocating manner along the axis of the device according to the invention. Additionally, in one of preferred embodiments of the invention, means for moving the plates may, in addition to the reciprocating motion, impart rotational movement to the plates, for example; quarter-turns, half-turns, and the like.
It may be advantageous from the point of view of effectiveness of the treatment process used.
Basically, any moving means known in the art may be used and a skilled person will readily select an appropriate elements.
The plate which is movable may be equipped with suitable bearing means ensuring movement in the axis of the device without causing jams, for example under high temperature conditions.
The means for moving the plates also include a drive means and the appropriate transmission. This can be any device known in the art, for example, a variable frequency motor connected to a respective drive joint. In general, the drive means will be located outside the device according to the invention.
The movement of the plates may be achieved by any known device. An exemplary device is a connecting-rod mechanism, but a skilled person may use any mechanism providing reciprocating movement, and optionally the rotary movement, of the plates of the device.
The device according to the invention may comprise at least one unit of plates, wherein usually there is more than one unit - two, three, four, five, six or more of such units. Number of units in the device according to the invention can be selected by a skilled person depending on the particular application, for example, on the time for which the material to be processed has to remain in the device, estimated device flow capacity, and the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, discussed in relation to the accompanying figures, the stationary plate is the hopper plate and the moving plate is the chute plate. In this embodiment, the means for moving the plates comprise a shaft disposed centrally in the housing of the device according to the invention. Each of the chute plates is placed on a bearing and is connected to the shaft to form an assembly . Means for moving the plates comprise also, at the lower part of the device, a connecting-rod mechanism disposed in a suitable bearing and connected to an external drive means.
In this preferred embodiment, the frequency of reciprocating motion of chute plates is controlled by varying the speed of the motor driving the drive joint. By varying the frequency of the engine speed one controls the duration of residence of the material to be treated in the heat and mass transfer cell. The longer is the residence time, the lower is the throughput of the device. The length of the residence time depends on the type of material, particle size, moisture content and desired degree of processing of the material.
The term hopper plate refers to an element of any form, which allows collection of material fed into the device. The term chute plate refers to an element of any form that allows a gravitational transport of the material present on the hopper plate. '
In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, both the hopper plate and a chute plate have a frustoconical shape, but they may have any shape. The angle of inclination of the plates may be different depending on the type of material to be treated.
The plates, like the other components of the device according to the invention can be made of any material suitable for use under the conditions of given process. For example, the plates may be made of metal, preferably steel.
Plates are equipped with means allowing for the flow of working agent acting on the material remaining in the device. Such means may be perforations of the material from which the plates are constructed, for example, holes, slots, notches, etc. and combinations thereof. The perforations may be made by any technique known in the art, for example by drilling, punching, laser cutting, and the like. Type, number and size of the perforations can be readily determined by a skilled person depending on the particular application of the device according to the invention. Another way of providing means allowing for the flow of the working medium may include manufacturing the hopper and chute plates from a mesh, e.g. a metal mesh, with a mesh size selected to prevent the passage of particles of material to be treated.
Both plates can be coated with a layer which reduces the coefficient of friction and abrasibility.
The device according to the invention may be used with respect to various treatment processes. Preferred processes are heat treatment processes, and especially preferred processes, without limiting the scope of the invention, are drying and torrefaction processes. Any material can be treated in the device according to the invention, for example, bulk or loose material. A particularly preferred material, without limiting the scope of the invention, is a biomass.
As a result, but without limiting the scope of the invention, particularly preferred embodiments of the invention are a dryer and a reactor for conducting a torrefaction process.
Internal construction of the dryer and the torrefaction reactor may be substantially the same, of course taking into account the operating conditions of these processes. For example, the components of the dryer may be made of materials having a lower temperature resistance than the components of the reactor.
In an embodiment of the device according to the invention being the dryer, it is equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the working agent, in this case the drying agent. Likewise, in an embodiment of the device according to the invention being the reactor for conduction the torrefaction process, it is equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet of the working agent, in this case torrefaction agent.
Working agents may run in the above mentioned devices in co-current or counter-current manner.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the dryer may be additionally equipped with an external heating jacket that allows for additional heating of the material residing in the dryer with additional heating agent. In this embodiment, the heating jacket is provided with an inlet and an outlet for the additional heating agent.
The above-mentioned devices may be further provided with a suitable type of means for connection with other devices of installation (connectors, fasteners, etc.), filtering means which prevent the passage of fine dust to gas streams, as well as inspection ports, allowing for cleaning equipment, if needed.
The devices according to the invention may be combined into assemblies, for example, in series. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an assembly comprises a dryer, , especially a dryer with an additional heating jacket and a reactor for conducting a biomass torrefaction process.
Devices and assemblies of the invention may be part of a complete installations for carrying out different processes, in particular biomass torrefaction process.
According to the invention, the torrefaction process is carried out in two stages. First, the biomass is dried in a dryer, and then it is fed to a reactor, where the actual torrefaction process occurs.
The torrefaction process may be conducted at a temperature range allowing for the hemicellulose decomposition, i.e. in the range of 150°C to 280°C. Preferably, the temperature range is 150 to 300°C, more preferably the temperature range is 260-280°C, and most preferably the temperature is 260°C. However, it is possible to carry out the process at a temperature from range of 200-360°C, 220-350°C, 225-320°C, 250-300°C, or 260-290°C. Skilled person in the art would readily select a torrefaction process temperature suitable for the process conditions, the type of reactor or the type of raw biomass used in the process. According to the invention, the torrefaction agentis superheated steam.
Similarly, the skilled person will choose biomass drying conditions, respectively, to prevent the drying agent from causing a spontaneous combustion. Typical temperatures used in a dryer are in the range 90-180°C. In the dryer according to the invention may be used any drying agent and a particularly preferred agent is hot air.
The length of the dryer can be adapted to the residence time required for the process, and additionally, drying may be carried out at moderate vacuum, which greatly speeds up the kinetics of the process, kinetics of torrefaction is generally quite fast, and therefore this section may have a constant height for different types of biomass.
The torrefied biomass stream exiting installation of the present invention may be subjected to additional treatment, adjusted for the specific purpose of the torrefied biomass. An example of such a process is pelletisation.
Prior to removal from the installation, the torrefied biomass may be cooled to a temperature in the range of 50-110°C, for example in the range of 80-110°C or 50-80°C, preferably to a temperature of 80°C or 50°C, in any cooling unit known in the art. Of course, according to the invention, the torrefied biomass may be cooled to any desired temperature, depending on the specific practical application. Preferred cooling agent is water.
A biomass container may connected to the dryer. This connection, similarly as connection between the dryer and the reactor and between the reactor and torrefied biomass container may be achieved by appropriate means known in the art, for example by suitable feeders, in particular, or cellular or screw feeders, leading biomass and torrefied biomass between installation components, as well as by connectors and hopper containers. The skilled person would easily select an appropriate connection and transport elements.
The function of the absorption-reaction unit is to trap the acidic substances (acetic acid, formic acid, phenols and sulfur dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas stream from the reactor. An absorber with the particulate limestone may used for this purpose, however any other unit providing similar function known in the art may be used, for example, a reactor with other substance that traps mentioned acidic substances. Skilled person would easily select a unit suitable for the particular application, for example, adapted to the process conditions or the type of raw biomass used in the process.
The absorption-reaction unit may comprise one absorber, but in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the units comprising at least two absorbers connected in parallel may be used, so that the installation may operate without stopping when one of absorbers require supplementation of absorbent or regeneration, for example, by rinsing. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the absorber unit comprises two absorbers connected in parallel. It is also possible to use a combination a parallel / serial arrangement of absorbers. Additionally, < the absorption-reaction unit may be combined with a separation unit, whose role is the recovery of substances having commercial value. This unit may comprise elements such as crystallizer, decanter or separator. For example, the material to be recovered may be calcium acetate, although it is possible to recover any other substance present in the process gas stream.
The air condenser used in the installation according to the invention has two functions - it condenses condensable steam from the absorber and the acquired heat is used to heat the air being the drying agent in the dryer. Air is introduced into the air condenser by appropriate means, such as a fan, and after leaving it, it is fed into the dryer via appropriate conduits. Any device known in the art which enables the implementation of said functions may be used as the air condenser. Skilled person will easily select a device suitable for given application, for example, adapted to the process conditions or the type of raw biomass used in the process.
The movement of air being the drying agent in the dryer is forced by an appropriate device, such as a vacuum generator connected to the dryer via a conduit. A skilled person will easily select the appropriate device.
Any degasser allowing for the separation of water from gaseous components such as, for example, without limiting the scope of the invention, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methanol, may be used in the method and installation according to the invention. The degasser should comprise a water container and elements enabling directing part of the water to the steam generator and the excess water outside the installation. Skilled person will readily select a device suitable for given application, for example, adapted to the process conditions, the type of reactor or type of raw biomass used in the process.
The role of the steam generator is to produce steam used as a torrefaction agent in the reactor. Generally, any steam generator known in the art may be used in the present invention. The steam generator is fed with a fuel and gases from the degasser. For example, fuel may be a ground torrefied biomass (if the steam generator is equipped wit a dust burner) or a propane- butane (if the steam generator is equipped with a gas burner).
The installation may further comprise means for measuring the concentration of inert gases mentioned above, and the results of these measurements are used to determine the extent of torrefaction of biomass.
Advantages of the invention
The device of the present invention provides a tightly controlled flow of material to be treated as well as maximal utilization of contact surface for mass and heat transfer. As a result the efficiency of the conducted process is increased and it is possible to optimize it in a simple manner. The device can easily be adapted either to various treatment process, as well as for various materials to be treated.
These advantages are used in the assembly and installation for conducting a torrefaction process. These inventions provide yet additional advantages. Thanks to their implementation, processes of drying and torrefaction are separated, so that the agents having appropriate temperature may be used (torrefaction process occurs at much higher temperatures than the drying process), control of each process can be carried out separately and they can be optimized in separate manner.
Description of the figures
The embodiments of the present invention are shown on the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hopper plate.
Fig. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a hopper plate of fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the chute plate.
Fig. 4 shows a side view of the embodiment of the chute plate of fig. 3.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a bearing for plates assembly.
Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the bearing of fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a reactor according to the invention, with certain elements of an installation according to the invention mounted.
Fig. 8 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a reactor according to the invention. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a lower bearing of the reactor.
Fig. 10 shows a cross section of the bearing of fig. 6.
Fig. 11 is a diagram of an embodiment of an installation according to the invention.
Fig. 12 is a diagram of another embodiment of an installation according to the invention. Examples
A hopper plate 1 being a part of a heat treatment device according to the invention is shown on fig. 1 and 2.
The hopper plate 1 is in the form of a truncated cone, the apex of which is pointing downwards in the working position. Hopper plate 1 has an opening in its lower part and a downwardly directed fastening elements 2 attached to its upper edge. In the presented preferred embodiment, the hopper plate 1 is made of sheet metal and is equipped with perforations (not shown), allowing for the free flow of gaseous substances, for example drying agent and the torrefaction agent.
A chute plate 3 being a part of a heat treatment device according to the invention is shown on fig. 3 and 4.
Chute plate 3 also has the shape of a truncated cone, but its top is directed upwards in the operating position. Chute plate 3 has an opening in its lower part, to which is attached a vertical sleeve 4 for attaching the chute plate 3 to the plates shaft 9. Chute plate is also made of sheet metal and provided with perforations (not shown), allowing the free flow of gaseous substances, for example drying agent and torrefaction agent.
Fig. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of an element supporting the chute plates 3 - bearing 5. In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing 5 is in a form of rim with crossbars and it is provided with a central sleeve 7 for attachment of the bearing 5 on the plates shaft 9. The bearing 5 is also provided with stabilizing means 6, whose task is to stabilize the bearing 5 relative to the inner walls of the body of the heat treatment device according to the invention (e.g. reactor or dryer) so that it operates axially and does not cause jams of the plates shaft 9.
Fig. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a device for heat treatment according to the invention - a reactor 33.
Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the reactor 33 with some elements of an installation according to the invention mounted, wherein a portion of a body 8 wall of the reactor 33 is removed to make the internal components visible. Fig. 7 is a cross section of the reactor 33 itself. For simplicity, fig. 6 and 7 do not show remaining parts of the reactor 33.
The reactor 33 has a cylindrical body 8, with internally and centrally arranged plates shaft
9 on which the units for heat-treating comprising hopper plate 1, chute plate 3 arranged on the bearing 5, are mounted. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 7, there are three such Units in the reactor 33 and one additional hopper plate in the bottom of the reactor 33, for, guiding material out of the reactor 33. In the upper portion of the reactor 33, the shaft 9 is mounted in a sleeve 10 covered by lid 11.
In each of said units, a chute plate 3 is placed on the bearing 5. The sleeve 7 of each chute plate 3 is placed on the shaft 9 enabling the movement of chute plates 3. The chute plate 3 constitute anassembly with the shaft 9.
In the lower part of the reactor 33 there is a lower bearing 23 shown in Fig. 9 and 10. In the illustrated, preferred embodiment of the invention, the lower bearing 23 has form of two interconnected rims with crossbars and is equipped with a central sleeve 26 for mounting the plates shaft 9, and stabilizing elements 24, whose function is exactly the same as that of the above-mentioned stabilizing elements 6. Lower bearing 23 has also an opening 25 for mounting the connecting rod shaft 12 used to move the plates shaft 9 and the chute plates 3.
Returning to fig. 7 and 8, the connecting rod shaft 12 is positioned in the opening of the reactor 33 body 8 and in the opening 25 of the lower bearing 29 via the sleeve 15. The reactor 33 includes two such shafts 12. End of the shaft 12, which is located inside the reactor 33 is connected to a crank 13 via a crank pin 14. The crank 13 is in turn connected to the shaft 9. End of the connecting rod shaft 12 located outside the reactor 33 is connected to a drive means (not shown), for example a motor with variable rotational speed, via drive joint, such as Cardan joint (not shown).
The reactor 33 further comprises a top cover and a bottom which are fixed to the body 8 by means of bolts 16, nuts 17 and the compression springs 18. Together with the bottom and the lid, the reactor 33 body 8 constitutes a housing.
In the upper and lower parts of the reactor there are connectors 19, 20 used to connect the reactor with other components of the installation. These connectors are connected to containers and feeders, for example, such as the hopper container 21 and the feeder 22 shown on fig. 7. Function of these elements is to move the material to be processed to and from the reactor 33.
Fig. 11 and 12 show two embodiments of an installation for conducting a torrefactioh process according to the invention.
The installation shown in Fig. 11 comprises a device for carrying out the torrefaction process comprising a dryer 30 and a torrefaction reactor 33 according to the present invention.
The dryer 30 is provided with an inlet for biomass, an outlet for dried biomass, an inlet and an outlet for a drying agent - heated air, connected to the dryer 30 interior. Internal construction of the dryer 30 is similar to the construction of the reactor 33 discussed above, except that dryer 30 is equipped additionally with a heating jacket surrounding its body. An inlet and an outlet for a secondary heating agent - wet steam originating from the reactor, used earlier as the torrefaction agent, are connected to said jacket.
A feeder 31 and biomass container 32, which feed biomass to the dryer 30, are connected to the dryer 30. Furthermore, the dryer is connected, preferably in its upper part, with a vacuum generator 38, which is used for forcing the flow of the drying agent - heated air.
The outlet for biomass of the dryer 30 is connected to a feeder 34, which is further connected to the reactor 33.
The construction of the reactor 33 is exactly as described above with reference to fig. 7 and 8. The reactor 33 further comprises an inlet for the dried biomass, an outlet for torrefied biomass and an inlet and an outlet for the torrefaction agent - superheated steam. Conduit leading from the outlet of the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 is connected to the absorption- reaction unit 37. An outlet of the absorption-reaction unit 37 is connected to an inlet of the additional heating agent of the dryer 30 jacket.
In general, the absorption-reaction unit 37 may comprise at least one absorber. However, in the preferred embodiments shown in fig. 11 and 12 the absorption-reaction unit 37 comprises two absorbers connected in parallel. In this arrangement, the absorbers are working ir an alternative manner - during the operation of one of them, the other one is subjected to a regeneration process.
The outlet for torrefied biomass of the reactor 33 is connected to the feeder 35 and the torrefied biomass container 36. Torrefied biomass feeder 35 is connected to a torrefied biomass cooling system 43. The inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 is connected to the steam generator 42.
The outlet for the additional heating agent of the heating jacket of the dryer 30 is connected to the air condenser 39, which is connected to a cooling fan 40. The air condenser 39 also has an outlet connected to the inlet of the drying agent of the dryer 30.
The air condenser is connected to via a conduit to a degasser 41. The degasser 41 is connected to the steam generator 42 via gas 62 conduit and the water 61 conduit. The degasser comprises also an additional outlet for discharging excess water 63.
The steam generator 42 is connected to the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor 33 and it comprises an outlet for the exhaust gas 64. The steam generator 42 also comprises a fuel inlet (not shown).
The operation of the installation shown on Fig. 11 is as follows.
Biomass 50 from the biomass container 32 is fed by the biomass feeder 31 to the dryer 30, where it moves gravitationally downward.
The biomass 50 falls gravitationally on a perforated stationary hopper plate 1 of the first unit of the dryer 30. The hopper plate is stationary, while the chute plate 3 is movable in the vertical direction by means of the shaft 9.
Chute plate 3 moves to close or open the space between the chute plate and the hopper plate. In the closed position, the outer surface of the chute plate 3 abuts against the edge of the central hole of the hopper plate 1, and the biomass 50 is immobilized in the formed heat and mass transfer cell. In the open position, the biomass 50 can move on the surface of the chute plate to the hopper plate 1 of the next unit.
The movement of chute plates 3 is achieved by means of the shaft 9. The shaft 9 performs reciprocating motion in the vertical direction. The frequency of this movement is controlled by varying the speed of the motor (not shown) driving the drive joint, e.g. a Cardan joint (not shown). Stroke of the chute plate 3 movement may be chosen so that the hopper plate 1 - chute plate 3 arrangement may completely close the flow of biomass between the units, thereby drastically increasing the residence time of the biomass in the dryer (or reactor).
The drying agent 54 - the air heated in the air condenser 39 having temperature chosen so as to avoid auto-ignition of the biomass is introduced in an countercurrent to the interior of the dryer 30. In such manner a direct drying is carried out. The hot, wet steam 58 from the reactor 33, flows in the heating jacked of the dryer 30, additionally heating the biomass 50 in an indirect drying process. Said steam is the additional heating agent. In the above-described manner, heat transfer to solids (biomass), heating of a liquid and then transfer of the mass - the steam from the solid particles (biomass) to the flowing air - a drying process, is obtained. The movement of the heated air 54 is achieved by means of a vacuum generator 38, which is connected to the dryer 30. After the drying process, the wet air 55 is removed outside the installation.
After passing through the plates units of the dryer 30, the dried biomass is moved by the feeder 34 and fed to the reactor 33, in which the actual torrefaction process occurs. Said process includes a transport of heat flux to a solids (biomass), partial pyrolysis (decomposition of hemicellulose) and then a transport of the degradation products (steam, C02, CO, CH4, CH3COOH and other ingredients in trace amounts) into the flowing torrefaction agent 58 - steam. Steam 57 exiting the reactor 33 is directed, via conduits, to absorbers unit 37 which are, for example, sorption columns. In the absorber unit 37 an absorption-neutralization reaction of acid products contained in the wet steam 57 takes place. Wet steam 58 is then fed to the heating jacket of the dryer 30, where it is used as an additional heating agent.
Torrefied biomass leaves the reactor 33 through the outlet for the torrefied biomass through the feeder 35 to the torrefied biomass container 36. While passing through the feeder 35, the torrefied biomass is cooled to a suitable temperature preferably for example in range of 50-110°C by cooling agent 51, 52, fed from the torrefied biomass cooling system 43. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the cooling agent 51, 52 is water.
The torrefaction agent 56 is steam superheated to 300°C, produced in the steam generator 42. After passing through the reactor 33, the absorbers 37 and the dryer 30, steam 59 is directed to the air condenser 39, in which the condensation of steam to form water-gas mixture 60 and simultaneous heating of air 53 supplied to the air condenser 39 by the fan 40 takes place.
Subsequently, the resulting water-gas mixture 60 is fed to the degasser 41, in which the condensation of the inert gas (C02, CO, CH4) formed in the torrefaction process takes place.
Water 61 and separated gases 62 are directed to the steam generator 42. Water 61 has a temperature of about 90 °C and is fed directly into the steam drum of the steam generator 42.
Production of steam is obtained by combustion of fuel, supplied to the generator by a respective inlet (not shown) and gases 62. Excess of water 63 from the degasser 41 tank is directed outside the installation.
Superheated steam 56 from the generator 42 is directed to the reactor 33. Exhaust gases 64 from the steam generator 42 are discharged outside of the installation.
Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the installation according to the invention, in which the dryer 33 is not equipped with a heating jacket. It therefore has a construction exactly the same as the reactor 33, discussed with reference to fig. 7 and 8.
In this embodiment, the construction of the installation is substantially the same as the construction of the installation described with reference to fig. 11, except that the dryer 30 is not connected to the absorption-reaction unit 37 which is connected directly to the air condenser 39.
Operation of the installation of fig. 12 is analogous to that described with reference to fig.
11, except that, in the absence of the heating jacket, biomass 50 in the dryer 30 is only subjected to direct drying process. Hot steam 57 after passing through the absor tion-reaction unit 37, is not fed to the dryer, but directly to the air condenser 39. List of drawing references
1 hopper plate
2 fastening element
3 chute plate chute plate sleeve
bearing
bearing stabilizing means bearing sleeve
reactor body
plates shaft
plates shaft sleeve
plates shaft lid
connecting rod shaft crank
crank pin
connecting rod shaft sleeve astringent bolt
nut
compression spring
connector
connector
hopper container
feeder
lower bearing
lower bearing stabilizing means opening for connecting rod shaft lower bearing sleeve
dryer
biomass feeder
biomass container
reactor
reactor feeder
torrefied biomass feeder torrefied biomass container absorption-reaction unit vacuum generator
air condenser
air fan
degasser
steam generator
torrefied biomass cooling system biomass cooling agent cooling agent
Air
heated air wet air torrefaction agent steam
steam
steam
water-gas mixture water gases excess of water exhaust gases

Claims

Patent claims
1. A device for treating materials comprising
a housing,
at least one unit comprising a hopper plate (1) and chute plate (3), mounted in the housing,
means for moving at least one of the plates of at least one unit,
at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the material to be treated, and
at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the working agent.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the chute plate (3) is movable and the hopper plate (1) is stationary.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the hopper plate (1) is movable and the chute plate (3) is stationary.
4. The device according to claim 2, wherein means for moving the plates comprise a shaft (9) disposed centrally in the housing and drive means connected to said shaft.
5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving plates move the plates in reciprocating manner.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the means for moving the plates additionally rotate the plates.
7. The device according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein the device is a reactor (33) for biomass torrefaction, in which the working agent is a torrefaction agent.
8. The device according to any of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein the device is a biomass dryer (30), in which the working agent is at least one drying agent.
9. The device according to claim 8, comprising additionally a heating jacket equipped with at least one inlet and at least one outlet for additional heating agent.
10. An assembly for conducting a torrefaction process comprising the dryer (30) as defined in any of claims 8-9 connected to the reactor (33) as defined in claim 7.
11. An installation for conducting a biomass torrefaction process, comprising an assembly for a biomass torrefaction process comprising the dryer (30) as defined in claim 8 or 9, connected to a reactor (33) as defined in claim 7, wherein
the dryer (30) comprises at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a drying agent,
the reactor (33) comprises at least one inlet for the biomass and at least one outlet for a torrefied biomass, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for a torrefaction agent, an absorption-reaction unit (37) comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein sad inlet is connected to at least one outlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor (33),
an air condenser (39) connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer (30), and comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet;
a degasser (41) comprising an inlet connected to the outlet of the air condenser (39), and an outlet for gases and at least one outlet for water,
a steam generator (42) comprising an inlet for gases connected to the outlet for gases of the degasser (41), inlet for water connected to an outlet for water of the degasser and outlet for a superheated steam, connected to the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the reactor (33), an inlet for fuel and outlet for flue gases.
12. The installation according to claim 11 comprising a dryer defined in claim 8, wherein the dryer (30) comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent,
the air condenser (39) comprises an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein said outlet is connected to the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer (30); as well as an inlet and an outlet for the torrefaction agent, wherein the inlet for the torrefaction agent of the air condenser (39) is connected with the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit (37); and
the inlet of the degasser (41) is connected to the outlet of the torrefaction agent of the air condenser (39).
13. The installation according to claim 11 comprising a dryer defined in claim 9, wherein
the dryer (30) comprises an inlet and an outlet for a drying agent, while the heating jacket of the dryer (30) comprises an inlet and an outlet for an additional heating agent, wherein the inlet for the additional heating agent is connected to the outlet of the absorption-reaction unit (37),
the air condenser (39) comprises an inlet and an outlet for the additional heating agent, wherein said outlet is connected with the inlet for the additional heating agent of the heating jacket of the dryer (30); as well as an inlet and an outlet for the drying agent, wherein the outlet is connected with the inlet for the drying agent of the dryer (30),
the inlet of the degasser (41) is connected with the outlet for the additional heating agent of the condenser (39);
14. The installation according to any preceding claim, comprising additionally a biorhass container (32) connected to a biomass feeder (31) feeding a biomass stream to the inlet for biomass of the dryer (30).
15. The installation according to any preceding claim, comprising additionally a feeder (34) connecting the dryer (30) and the reactor (33).
16. The installation according to any preceding claim, comprising additionally a torrefied biomass feeder (35) connected to the outlet of the torrefied biomass of the reactor (33) and to a torrefied biomass container (36), wherein the feeder (35) is connected to a torrefied biomass cooling system (43).
17. A method for conducting biomass torrefaction process, characterized in that the process comprises
a) feeding a biomass to a dryer as defined in claim 13,
b) feeding a drying agent, being a heated air into the dryer interior, in counter- stream to the biomass stream, while running an additional heating agent, being torrefaction gases from a reactor, in heating jacket of the dryer,
c) feeding pre-dried biomass to a reactor as defined in claim 13,
d) removing torrefied biomass from the reactor,
wherein
e) exhaust gases stream from the reactor:
el) is directed to a absorption-reaction unit, then
e2) it is directed to an inlet of the heating jacket of the dryer as the additional heating agent,
f) exhaust gases stream from the dryer, being the additional heating agent:
fl) is directed to an air condenser, where the condensation process of the condensable gas components occurs, then
f2) resulted gas-water mixture from the condenser is directed to a degasser,
f3) separate gas and water streams from the degasser are directed to a stream generator, and excess of water is removed from the degasser container, then
f4) said gases are burnt in the combustion chamber to yield C02 and steam,
g) air being the drying agent:
gl) is fed to the air condenser, where it is heated,
g2) is directed into interior of the dryer, and
g3) after leaving the dryer it is directed outside the installation,
h) superheated steam from the steam generator is directed into the reactor as a torrefaction agent.
18. Method of claim 17 characterized in that the torrefied, biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
19. A method for conducting biomass torrefaction process, characterized in that the process comprises
a) feeding a biomass to a dryer as defined in claim 12, b) feeding a drying agent, being a heated air into the dryer interior, in counter- stream to the biomass stream,
c) feeding pre-dried biomass to a reactor as defined in claim 12, d) removing torrefied biomass from the reactor,
wherein
e) exhaust gases stream from the reactor:
el) is directed to a absorption-reaction unit, then
e2) it is directed to an air condenser, where the condensation process of the condensable gas components occurs, then
e3) resulted gas-water mixture from the condenser is directed to a degasser,
e4) separate gas and water streams from the degasser are directed to a stream generator, and excess of water is removed from the degasser container, then
e5) said gases are burnt in the combustion chamber to yield C02 and steam,
0 air being the drying agent:
fl) is fed to the air condenser, where it is heated
f2) is directed into interior of the dryer, and
f3) after leaving the dryer it is directed outside the installation,
g) superheated steam from the steam generator is directed into the reactor as a torrefaction agent.
20. Method of claim 19 characterized in that the torrefied biomass removed from the reactor is cooled to a temperature of approximately 50-110°C.
PCT/IB2014/001900 2014-09-23 2014-09-23 A device for treating materials; and an assembly, an installation and a method for conducting a torrefaction process WO2016046580A1 (en)

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WO2023109987A1 (en) * 2022-09-02 2023-06-22 Vysoká Škola Báňská - Technická Univerzita Ostrava Bulk battery

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