AN APPARATUS FOR THE TORREFACTION AND PYROLYSIS OF BIOMASS AND A PROCESS THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus for the torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass and a process thereof. The apparatus (100) comprises an endo gas generator (101), a shredder (102), a forced-feeder (103), a thermal treatment reactor (104), a biochar output unit (105), a gas cleaning apparatus (106), a gas output unit (107) and a control panel (108). The process (200) carried out at the apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The process comprising steps of shredding of biomass for particle size reduction (201), feeding the shredded biomass into thermal treatment reactor (202), torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass at a 300oC to 600°C (204), quenching, pulverization (205) and palletization of the biochar to obtain biocoal pellets (206). The apparatus aids in effective utilization of biomass in generating various kinds of fuels for use.

Specification

Description:Technical field of the invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass and a process thereof. More specifically, the apparatus is used for the torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass in producing fuels for further use. The process described facilitates torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass to obtain fuels, the process is cost-effective, scalable, ecofriendly and efficient.
Background of the invention
[0002] The efficient handling of biomass waste from agriculture, forestry, animal waste, biodegradable and combustible municipal solid waste is of crucial importance. Sustainable use of biomass as an alternative energy source is emerging. The recycling and reuse of biomass wastes into value-added applications have attracted more attention due to the increase in demand for renewable energy.
[0003] The management of generated biomass is crucial for a sustainable environment. The generation of high rate of waste is a threat to the soil, water and air ecosystem. Proper channeling and utilization of biomass as fuel is increased circular bioeconomy, diversion and decreased use of fossil fuels and several environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, soil restoration and so on.The thermal treatment of biomass is capable of being recycled into renewable biofuels. Biomass captures carbon dioxide from atmosphere retains carbon and emits back oxygen in atmosphere so utilization of stored carbon in biomass is renewable energy source and is alternative to fossil fuels.
[0004] The frequently used thermo chemical processes for the production of biomass energy sources are combustion, pyrolysis, torrefaction, gasification, and hydro-thermal treatment under high-pressure steam. Thermo-chemical treatment of organic material in inert atmosphere that in absence of oxygen drastically changes properties of biomass.
[0005] Thermal treatment of biomass at a temperature range of 200 to 320 °C (392 to 608 °F) is called torrefaction. During the torrefaction process, the physical and chemical water contained in the biomass as well as superfluous volatiles are released. The major constituents of output products are solid, dry, blackened material that is referred to as torrefied biomass or bio-coal.
[0006] Thermal treatment of biomass at above 300 to 700 °C is referred to as pyrolysis. Thermal degradation of carbonaceous materials takes place in an inert (oxygen free) atmosphere and the major constituents of output are condensable liquids (light and heavy oils and tar), along with it produces solid (char) and non-condensable gasses.
[0007] Thermal treatment of biomass above 700 °C is gasification. In higher temperature range volatiles produced by heating react with fixed carbon in biomass result in production of syngas. Carbon dioxide or steam, considered inert gases at lower temperatures, reacts with carbon at higher temperatures. The major constituents of output are non-condensable gases along with solid biochar.
[0008] The Patent Application No. WO2022084703A1 entitled "Structural configuration and method for environmentally safe solid waste and biomass processing to increase the efficiency of power generation and production of other useful products" discloses method and structural configuration for environmentally safe solid waste and biomass processing to increase the efficiency of power generation and production of other useful products. The solid waste and biomass are loaded, crushed, then subjected to vacuum and temperature drying and shredded. The shredded solid waste and biomass are accumulated, then supplied to the fast plasma gasification reactor, where subjected to fast plasma gasification. The obtained steam-gas mixture is condensed, separating the water steam from the steam-gas mixture. The obtained gas mixture, in the form of pyrolysis gas, is accumulated in turn in two variable volume gasholders. The hydrogen obtained as a result of electrolysis, as well as the pyrolysis gas from the first and then from the second variable volume gasholders are fed in turn, from the beginning to the first and then to the second recirculation Sabatier reactors for conducting a recirculating autothermal Sabatier reaction. The cycles are repeated until there is a complete conversion of the gas mixture into methane. The produced methane is compressed and accumulated. The accumulated methane is used for supplying to external customers and for the production of electric power and heat. Oxygen obtained as a result of electrolysis is supplied to external consumers.
[0009] The Patent Application No.CN115074142Aentitled "Reaction device for biomass multi-atmosphere synergistic thermal conversion treatment" discloses a a reaction device for biomass multi-atmosphere synergistic thermal conversion treatment, which realizes full utilization of a clean heat source and realizes biomass pyrolysis in a low-energy-consumption even heat self-sustaining state. A reaction device for biomass multi-atmosphere synergistic thermal conversion treatment comprises a biomass feeding system, the lower portion of the biomass feeding system is connected with a drying and dewatering area, the lower portion of the drying and dewatering area is connected with a feeding mechanism, the feeding mechanism is connected with a biomass incinerator and a pyrolyzing furnace through a regulation and control device, and the biomass incinerator and the pyrolyzing furnace are connected with the biomass feeding system. Smoke outlet of the biomass incinerator is provided with a cyclone separator and connected with a first heat exchanger, the first heat exchanger exchanges heat for smoke generated by the biomass incinerator, then the other side of the first heat exchanger feeds heated pyrolysis carrier gas into the pyrolysis furnace through an air blower, and second heat exchanger is arranged at the exhaust end of the pyrolysis furnace. The second heat exchanger exchanges heat for pyrolysis synthesis gas generated by the pyrolysis furnace, and then the other side of the second heat exchanger feeds heated air into the incinerator through the air blower.
[0010] The Patent Application No. CN109625784Aentitled "Biomass feeding system" discloses a biomass feeding system. The biomass feeding system includes a hopper lifting system, stock bin system, a sealing system and a feeding system, wherein the hopper lifting system includes a material bin, an electric motor, a reducer, a hopper and a traction belt; the stock bin system comprises an upper stock bin, a middle stock bin and a lower stock bin; the sealing system includes an upper sealing valve, a lower sealing valve, a double acting hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic oil tank and a hydraulic pump; and the feeding system includes an electric motor, a reducer and a screw conveyor. The biomass feeding system adopts a mutual independent design of the hopper lifting feeding system, the stock bin and the sealing system, and adopts a combination structure of the three-stage stock bin including the upper stock bin, the middle stock bin and the lower stock bin and the dual-stage sealing system, so that the gas in a high-pressure gasification chamber can be effectively prevented from reversely moving to the stock bin in the process of biomass gasification and the pressure stability of the high-pressure gasification chamber can be ensured.
[0011] Although there exist several systems or apparatus relating to thermal treatment process of biomass, they have certain limitations associated. The existing processes relate to biomass heating by using high pressure steam, high temperature inert gases, superheated steam or indirect heating by combustion, electrical & induction heating etc. The limitation lies in inefficiency, mass-energy balance, scalability, economic viability, environment sustainability. The need to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions and increase the expenditure on renewable energy is prevalent. Hence, there is a requirement for recovery of biomass as substitute fossil fuels coal, petroleum or gases.
Summary of the invention
[0012] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of existing prior art in utilizing biomass for the production of fuels. The present invention discloses an apparatus for the torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass and a process thereof.
[0013] The present invention discloses an apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass to produce solid, liquid or gaseous fuels. The apparatus comprises an endo gas generator to generate endo gas for the thermal degradation of biomass, a shredder to decrease the particle size of the biomass, a forced feeder connected to the shredder to convey the biomass to the thermal treatment reactor, a thermal treatment reactor connected to the forced feeder for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass, a biocoal output unit connected to the thermal treatment reactor to collect the obtained biocoal, a gas cleaning apparatus connected to the thermal treatment reactor, a gas circulation unit connected to the gas cleaning apparatus and endo gas generator to process the shredded biomass and a control panel to optimize the torrefaction parameters. The biomass is torrefied and pyrolyzed through thermal degradation by the inert gases generated by rich combustion of produced tor-gases by the endo gas generator.
[0014] The present invention further discloses a process for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The process of torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass is carried out at the apparatus disclosed in the present invention. The process of torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass comprising steps of shredding of biomass for particle size reduction, feeding the shredded biomass into thermal treatment reactor for torrefaction and pyrolysis, subjecting the fed biomass to torrefaction at a controlled temperature ranging from 300oC to 600°C to obtain bio coal, quenching, pulverization and palletization of the biocoal to obtain biocoal pellets. The obtained biocoal is further processed for various applications. The apparatus for the torrefaction of biomass is scalable, cost-effective, efficient and ecofriendly.
Brief description of the drawings
[0015] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0016] FIGURE 1 illustrates the apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIGURE 2 illustrates the process for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0018] In order to more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matter of the claimed invention, the following definitions are provided for specific terms, which are used in the following written description.
[0019] The term "Torrefaction" refers to a partial thermal degradation process that occurs in a controlled atmosphere at a temperature of 200°C to 300 °C.
[0020] The term "Pyrolysis" refers to the thermal decomposition of organic materials in the absence of oxygen at elevated temperatures.
[0021] The present invention discloses an apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The apparatus comprises an endo gas generator, a shredder, a forced feeder, a thermal treatment reactor, a biocoal output unit, a gas cleaning apparatus, a gas output unit and a control panel.
[0022] FIG 1 illustrates the apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus (100) comprises an endo gas generator (101), a shredder (102), a forced-feeder (103), a thermal treatment reactor (104), a biochar output unit (105), a gas cleaning system (106), a gas output unit (107) and a control panel (108). The apparatus (100) comprises a shredder (102) connected to the forced feeder (103). The input biomass is added to the shredder (102) for particle size reduction.
[0023] The biomass feed added is selected from agricultural waste, forest waste. The particle size reduction of biomass aids in force-feeding into the thermal treatment reactor (104). The shredder (102) is connected to the force-feeder (103). The shredded biomass is conveyed to the force-feeder (103). The force-feeder (103) is connected to the thermal treatment reactor (104). The torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass is carried out in a thermal treatment reactor (104) by subjecting the shredded biomass to thermal degradation in the presence of inert gases generated by the endo gas generator (101) and rich combustion of tor-gases in endo-gas generator assures the absence of oxygen. The thermal treatment reactor (104) is a rotary drum reactor. The gas output unit (107) is connected with endo gas generator (101).
[0024] The shredded biomass is heated by inert gases generated by the endo-gas generator (101) at a controlled temperature ranging from 300oC to 600°C.The torrefaction of biomass results in the generation of biocoal. The apparatus (100) comprises a control panel (108) functioning to alter the process parameters such as temperature for torrefaction and pyrolysis, feed rate, air flow, combustion. The biochar output unit (105) placed at the end of the thermal treatment reactor (104) collects the obtained biochar. The thermal treatment reactor (104) is connected to the gas cleaning system (106) comprising a gas output unit (107). Further gases from gas output unit (107) are transferred to endo gas generator (101) for rich combustion.
[0025] Having generally described this invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to certain specific examples, which are provided herein for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.
Example 1: Analysis of yield characteristics of torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass
[0026] Biomass is agriculture waste or forest waste or municipal solid waste. Biomass is inconsistent in shape, has variable moisture content, hygroscopic and degrades biologically. Biomass is not storable, fibrous, non-grindable, low energy density hence lower combustion temperature. Torrefaction changes the properties of the biomass. The obtained biocoal from torrefaction is homogeneous in shape and grind able with higher energy density and storability.
[0027] Dry biomass contains about 20% fixed carbon and 80% volatiles. Volatiles are compounds that have a tendency to vaporize. In torrefaction, at temperature of 300o C about 30% mass of biomass volatize to condensable and non-condensable gases enhancing fixed carbon percentage respectively so calorific value of bio coal enhances by about 30%. Vapors that are tor-gas, contain 10% energy and are used to heat the biomass in the apparatus. The remaining 70% of material comes out as bio-coal, fixed carbon percentage enhanced to 28% in the process calorific value of biocoal enhances by about 30% of raw biomass.
[0028] Similarly at the higher temperature range of 600o C the vaporization of volatiles is increased. About 70% mass reduction in the form of condensable and non-condensable gases and rest with 30% solid having fixed carbon percentage of above 60% and output is bio-char. Temperature in reactor is optimally controlled through control panel.
[0029] The present invention further discloses a process for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The process is achieved at the apparatus (100) for torrefaction of biomass disclosed in the present invention. The process comprising steps of shredding of biomass for particle size reduction, feeding the shredded biomass into thermal treatment reactor for torrefaction and pyrolysis, subjecting the fed biomass to torrefaction and pyrolysis at a temperature ranging from 300oC to 600°C to obtain biocoal, quenching, pulverization and palletization of the biocoal to obtain biocoal pellets or briquettes. The process aids in effective utilization of biomass in obtaining substitute of coal and various kinds of fuels for use.
[0030] The present invention discloses a process for torrefaction of biomass according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG 2 illustrates the process for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass according to an embodiment of the invention. The process (200) comprises steps of preparing a pre-determined quantity of biomass subjecting the biomass to particle size reduction (201). The particle size reduction of the biomass is achieved by biomass shredder (102). The size range of the input biomass is 50mm to75 mm.
[0031] At step (202) the shredded biomass is fed into the thermal treatment reactor (104) through forced- feeing chamber (103). At step (203), the fed shredded biomass is subjected to the process of torrefaction and pyrolysis at controlled temperature ranging from 300oC to 600°C to obtain biocoal. The biomass is subjected to torrefaction and pyrolysis at thermal treatment reactor (104) by the action of heating by the inert gas generated by the endo gas generator (101).The endo gas generator (101) aids in generating inert gases for the process of torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. Endo gas is generated by controlled mixing air and producer tor-gas.
[0032] The gas mixture is further pumped into the electrically heated endo gas furnace. Endo gas is generated by rich combustion of heated up pumped gas mixture in the presence of a catalyst. The generated endo-gas comprises inert gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. The use of endo-gas aids in effective heating of the biomass in an oxygen deprived environment. The generated endo-gas is induced into the thermal treatment reactor (104) for the torrefaction of the biomass. The biomass undergoes thermal degradation by inert gases in an oxygen deprived environment to obtain biocoal.
[0033] At step (204), the obtained biocoal is subjected to quenching to reduce the temperature. At step (205), the cooled biochar is subjected to pulverize by a hammer mill or ball mill to obtain pulverized biocoal. At step (206), the pulverized coal is subjected to palletization to obtain pallets of biocoal. The steps of cooling, blending and palletization are essential in preventing the biochar from self- ignition and compaction. Biocoal has higher energy density, lower moisture, higher calorific value, and low ash content. Biocoal is easy to transport, exhibits uniform physical and chemical properties, has higher bulk density and exhibits improved flowability and handling.
[0034] Torrefied biomass is used as an energy carrier, as a feedstock used in the production of bio-based fuels and chemicals. The obtained torrefied biomass is used in energy production, heating, construction, agriculture, adsorption and several other applications.
[0035] The present invention discloses an apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass and a process thereof. The apparatus comprises an endo gas generator, a shredder, a forced feeder, a thermal treatment reactor, a biochar output unit, a gas cleaning system, a gas output unit and a control panel. The present invention further discloses a process for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass. The process comprises steps of shredding of biomass for particle size reduction, feeding the shredded biomass into thermal treatment reactor for torrefaction and pyrolysis, subjecting the fed biomass to torrefaction and pyrolysis at a temperature ranging from 200oC to 600°C to obtain biochar, quenching, pulverization and palletization of the biochar to obtain biocoal pellets. The apparatus aids in effective utilization of biomass in generating various kinds of fuels for use. The apparatus for torrefaction of biomass disclosed in the present invention is scalable, cost-effective, ecofriendly and efficient.









Reference Numbers:
Component Reference Number
Apparatus 100
Endo gas generator 101
Shredder 102
Forced feeder 103
Thermal treatment reactor 104
Biochar output unit 105
Gas cleaning system 106
Gas output unit 107
Control panel 108 , C , Claims:We Claim:
1. An apparatus for torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass, the apparatus comprising:
a) an endo gas generator (101) to generate inert gases for the process of torrefaction of biomass;
b) a shredder (102) connected to the forced feeder (103) for particle size reduction of the biomass;
c) a forced feeder (103) connected to the thermal treatment reactor (104) for the entry of shredded biomass;
d) a thermal treatment reactor (104) connected to the forced feeder (103) for the torrefaction of biomass;
e) a biochar output unit (105) connected to the thermal treatment reactor (104) to collect the obtained biochar from the torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass;
f) a gas cleaning system (106) connected to the thermal treatment reactor (104) to process the obtained biochar;a gas output unit (107) connected to the gas cleaning system (106) to obtain the vaporized volatiles that is producer tor-gas;
g) a gas output unit (107) connected with air gas mixer thet is further connected with endo gas generator (101);
h) an endo gas generator (101) that is connected with thermal treatment reactor (104) to induce heated up inert gases to process biomass; and
i) a control panel (108) to modify the parameters associated with the torrefaction of biomass.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biomass is obtained from one or more sources of generated agricultural waste, forest waste, solid waste.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature maintained at the thermal treatment reactor (104) is from 300oC to 600°C.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal treatment reactor for the torrefaction is a rotary drum reactor.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the endo gas generated by the endo gas generator (101) for heating of biomass at inert conditions comprises carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.

6. A process for the torrefaction and pyrolysis of biomass, the process (200) comprising steps of:

a) subjecting the input biomass to shredding for particle size reduction (201);
b) subjecting the shredded biomass to forced-feeding through the forced-feeding chamber (102) for the process of torrefaction and pyrolysis (202);
c) subjecting the shredded fed biomass to torrefaction at the thermal treatment reactor (104) to obtain biochar (203);
d) subjecting the obtained biochar to quenching to decrease the temperature of the obtained biochar (204);
e) subjecting the quenched biochar to pulverization to obtain biocoal (205); and
f) subjecting the pulverized biochar to palletization obtain biocoal pallets (206).

7. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the particle size range of biomass is 50mm to 75mm.

8. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the process of quenching, pulverization and palletization enhances the characteristics such as energy density, calorific value and prevents self-ignition of the obtained biocoal.


9. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the process of pulverization is achieved by hammer mill or ball mill.

Documents