WO2020170265A1

WO2020170265A1 - System and process for producing torrefied product from biomass

Info

Publication number: WO2020170265A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050758
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajay Palta
Original assignee: E3 Waste Solutions
Current assignee: E3 Waste Solutions
Priority date: 2019-02-19
Filing date: 2019-10-11
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-19

Abstract

There is disclosed a system and process for producing torrefied product from biomass, the system comprising a biomass shredder for reducing the size of biomass feed;a feeding chamber for accommodating the biomass;a conveyor connected to the feeding chamber; adapted for feeding the biomass into the chamber;a heating system adapted for heating the biomass with inert gas within the chamber;a rotary drum reactor for conducting torrefaction;a cyclone for release of gases and separating inert gas from the biomass;a recirculation duct for re-directing the inert gas to the heating system comprising with a blower;a gas analyzer for producer gases released from the combustion process during heating;a water cooled double jacketed screw conveyor with an injecting binder; and a pelletiser for torrefied product. A process is also described herein.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION: SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR

PRODUCING TORREFIED PRODUCT FROM BIOMASS

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRITION

The following complete specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING TORREFIED PRODUCT FROM BIOMASS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a torrefaction process, and more particularly for a system and process for making torrefied biomass products with improved quality.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known that biomass is one of the energy resources that has been receiving tremendous attention for so many years. Typically, biomass would need to go through at least one type of heating process or pre-treatments to produce fuels with improved quality comparable with coal, technology for biomass to coal conversion is torrefaction.

[0003] There have been various inventions to perfect and improve the torrefaction process, among others by using high pressure steam, high temperature inert gas, superheated steam and other gas, pressure and vacuum methods. Some of these technologies claimed to improve efficiencies but all have failed to overcome the challenges associated to the quality of torrefaction products, more particularly coals. [0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved process and system for producing torrefaction products, such as coals with improved quality.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0005] An aspect of the present invention provides a process for producing torrefied product from biomass comprising agro- waste, forest waste or any biomass produced for the purpose.: preparing a predetermined amount of biomass ; reducing the size of said biomass ;feeding the reduced size wastes into a feeding chamber of a torrefaction system ; subjecting the waste to a torrefaction process that includes heating by depleted oxygen atmosphere in a controlled temperature range ; subjecting the torrefied biomass to a cooling process to avoid the risk of self ignition ; and palletizing the torrefied biomass.

[0006] Preferably, the torrefaction process includes producing torrefied coal.

[0007] Preferably, reducing the size of said biomass includes shredding said biomass to the size suitable for forced feeding chamber of the torrefaction system.

[0008] Preferably, heating with inert gases includes gases from combustion of gases fuel like LPG, natural gas or any type of liquid fuel or gases from solid fuel combustion and partial combustion of biomass in depleted oxygen or combustion of gases produced in torrefection process.

[0009] Advantageously, the inert gases include carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapours.

[0010] Preferably, reducing the temperature in the quenching process includes in direct cooling through double jacketed conveying system or direct cooling by water based binder or else.

[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a torrefaction system to produce a torrefied product from biomass comprising:a biomass shredder for reducing the size of biomass feed; a feeding chamber; a conveyor connected to the feeding chamber; adapted for feeding the biomass into the chamber; a heating system adapted for heating the biomass with inert gas;a rotary drum reactor;a cyclone for release of gases;a recirculation duct with a blower;a gas analyzer for producer gases;a water cooled double jacketed screw conveyor with an injecting binder; and a pelletiser for torrefied product. [0012] Preferably, the system utilizes any fuel for heating, hence inert gases released by combustion of fuel or partial combustion of biomass in depleted oxygen.

[0013] Advantageously, inert gas further includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapours.

[0014] Preferably, the system further includes a coal outlet screw.

[0015] Preferably, the system further includes a control panel adapted to control the operational aspects of the system.

[0016] Preferably, the control panel provides control for temperature, material feeding and excess air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention features, objects and advantages thereof may be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 provides an exemplary arrangement of the system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 2provides a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in the operational effect of the process and system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT! S) [0020] In line with the above summary, the following description of a number of specific and alternative embodiments is provided to understand the inventive features of the present invention. It shall be apparent to one skilled in the art, however that this invention may be practiced without such specific details. Some of the details may not be described at length so as not to obscure the invention. For ease of reference, common reference numerals will be used throughout the figures when referring to the same or similar features common to the figures.

[0021] Broadly described, the present invention provides a process and system for producing a high quality torrefied product using biomass, and more particularly agriculture-based wastes. With reference to FIG. 1, the system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shredder (not shown), a feeding module that includes a chamber (6), a conveyor accordingly adapted to be connected to the feeding module (6) such that wastes are directed into the chamber of the feeding module (6), a heating system (5) adapted for heating the waste facilitated by inert gas, a rotary drum torrefaction reactor (3), a cyclone (7) adapted accordingly to separate cooled torrefied waste from the inert gas for further processing, a producer gas recirculating duct (8) for re-directing gas from quenching process to the heating system, a gas analyser (not shown), a double jacket for water cooling (2) and a pelletiser in the form of outlet screw for torrefied coal (1). The system utilises liquid or gaseous fuel, and the inert gas used for heating includes, but not limiting to: carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapours.

[0022] The heating system (5) includes a burner, a blower, air regulator and air valves. The burner of required capacity may be configured to operate automatically based on predetermined control parameters. In the preferred embodiment, the burner is fitted with a PCB for managing the burner, a flame detector, ignition transformer and ignition electrode, automatic valves, air pressure switch, gas pressure switch, ignition and sensing leads. In the preferred embodiment, heating is conducted with inert gases include gases from combustion of gaseous or liquid fuels or partial combustion of biomass or combustion of gases produced in torrefection reaction - the latter also referred herein as producer gas.

[0023] The air control valves operate with servo motor with PID and configured based on temperature-sensing, while the air gas ratio regulator is adapted to maintain proper ratio of air and gas associated to the torrefaction process and system.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the system further includes a control panel (not shown) accordingly configured for operators to control predetermined parameters of the torrefaction process. The parameters include, but not limiting to: temperature, material feeding and excess air. The control panel is further configured to control the burner and blower of the heating system, reactor’s switching and interlocking, biomass/waste feeding rate, speed of rotary drum, combustion air and producer gas, cooling pump temperature sensing and gas analyser. Suitably the operational aspect of the system in accordance with the present invention is managed by a control module. In one embodiment, module may comprises of logic controllers and discrete PID controllers to enable communication with all units/components of the system. In one example, the module is configured to enable control and setting of parameters that can optimise the torrefied coal production. Understandably, the module is further configured to be able to receive, generate, process, and send control signals to all units, as well as cater safety features in occurrence of error whereby for safety, the control panel notifies the operator of any error by means of light indicator or audio alarm.

[0025] The temperature control may be assisted by PID and servo motor, a sensor as well as a pot meter for position adjustment. Similarly, material feeding, and excess air control may be facilitated by PID control mechanism. [0026] A system incorporating the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in FIG. 2. In a first aspect, the process comprises:preparing a predetermined amount of biomass/waste (S101);reducing the size of said biomass/waste (S102);feeding the reduced size biomass into a feeding chamber of a torref action system (SI 03); subjecting the waste to a torrefaction process that includes heating by free oxygen gas in a controlled temperature range (S104);subjecting the torrefied biomass to a quenching process reduce the temperature (S105); and palletizing the torrefied biomass (S106). One of the products that can be produced with the process and system of the present invention is torrefied coal.

[0027] Reducing the size of said agricultural-based waste includes shredding said waste suitable for forced feeding chamber of the torrefaction system. The quenching process plays a significant role in preventing the torrefied biomass/waste from self- ignition which is one of the primary challenges faced by current systems, whereby reducing the temperature in the quenching process includes quenching in binder and passing through water cooled double jacketed screw conveyor.

[0028] It is understood that the complete system includes electronic control system which is configured and expanded to communicate with and supply power to the units/components of present invention and other mechanisms of the system to realise the full functionality of the present invention.

[0029] From the foregoing, it would be appreciated that the present invention may be modified in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A process for producing torrefied product from biomass comprising: preparing a predetermined amount of biomass;

reducing the size of said biomass;

feeding the reduced size wastes into a feeding chamber of a torrefaction system;

subjecting the waste to a torrefaction process that includes heating by free oxygen gas in a controlled temperature range;

subjecting the torrefied biomass to a quenching process reduce the temperature; and

palletizing the torrefied biomass.

2. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the torrefaction process includes producing torrefied coal.

3. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biomass is agriculture- based wastes.

4. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein reducing the size of said agricultural-based waste includes shredding said biomass in forced feeding chamber of the torrefaction system.

5. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein heating with inert gas includes gases from combustion of fuels or partial combustion of biomass in depleted oxygen or combustion of gases produced in torrefection reaction.

6. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the oxygen free gas includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapours.

7. The process as claimed in Claim 1, wherein reducing the temperature in the quenching process includes quenching in binder and passing through water cooled double jacketed screw conveyor.

8. A torref action system to produce a torrefied product from biomass comprising: a biomass shredder for reducing the size of biomass feed;

a feeding chamber for accommodating the biomass;

a conveyor connected to the feeding chamber; adapted for feeding the biomass into the chamber;

a heating system adapted for heating the biomass with inert gas within the chamber;

a rotary drum reactor for conducting torrefaction;

a cyclone for release of gases and separating inert gas from the biomass;

a recirculation duct for re-directing the inert gas to the heating system comprising with a blower;

a gas analyzer for producer gases released from the combustion process during heating;

a water cooled double jacketed screw conveyor with an injecting binder;

a pelletiser for torrefied product.

9. The torrefaction system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the system utilizes liquid or gaseous fuel, hence inert gases released for heating is from combustion of fuel or partial combustion of biomass in depleted oxygen.

10. The torrefaction system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein inert gas further includes carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapours.

11. The torrefaction system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the system further includes a coal outlet screw.

12. The torrefaction system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the system further includes a control panel adapted to control the operational aspects of the system.

13. The torref action system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the control panel provides control for temperature, material feeding and excess air.