The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.
C10G 9/00 - Thermal non-catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 11/00 - Catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 31/06 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by methods not otherwise provided for by heating, cooling, or pressure treatment
C10G 45/00 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils using hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds
C10G 47/00 - Cracking of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, to obtain lower boiling fractions
C10G 49/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, not provided for in a single one of groups , , , , or
C10G 50/00 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from lower carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g. by oligomerisation
C10G 51/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more cracking processes only
C10G 53/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more refining processes
C10G 55/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one refining process and at least one cracking process
C10G 57/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one cracking process or refining process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 59/00 - Treatment of naphtha by two or more reforming processes only or by at least one reforming process and at least one process which does not substantially change the boiling range of the naphtha
C10G 61/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one process of refining in the absence of hydrogen
C10G 63/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 65/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by two or more hydrotreatment processes only
C10G 67/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one process for refining in the absence of hydrogen only
C10G 69/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one other conversion process
2.
Enhancing a biorefinery with an optional vapor recompression unit while maintaining the ability to operate without the vapor recompression unit
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.
C10G 21/00 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by extraction with selective solvents
4.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRIFYING, DECARBONIZING, AND REDUCING ENERGY DEMAND AND PROCESS CARBON INTENSITY IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES VIA INTEGRATED VAPOR COMPRESSION
This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRIFYING, DECARBONIZING, AND REDUCING ENERGY DEMAND AND PROCESS CARBON INTENSITY IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES VIA INTEGRATED VAPOR COMPRESSION
This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.
C12M 1/107 - Apparatus for enzymology or microbiology with means for collecting fermentation gases, e.g. methane
6.
Methods and systems for electrifying, decarbonizing, and reducing energy demand and process carbon intensity in industrial processes via integrated vapor compression
This disclosure provides systems and methods that utilize integrated mechanical vapor or thermal vapor compression to upgrade process vapors and condense them to recover the heat of condensation across multiple processes, wherein the total process energy is reduced. Existing processes that are unable to recover the heat of condensation in vapors are integrated with mechanical or thermal compressors that raise vapor pressures and temperatures sufficient to permit reuse. Integrating multiple processes permits vapor upgrading that can selectively optimize energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, process economics, or a prioritized blend of such goals. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression also alters the type of energy required in industrial processes, favoring electro-mechanical energy which can be supplied from low-carbon, renewable sources rather than combustion of carbonaceous fuels.
C10G 9/00 - Thermal non-catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 11/00 - Catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 31/06 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by methods not otherwise provided for by heating, cooling, or pressure treatment
C10G 45/00 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils using hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds
C10G 47/00 - Cracking of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, to obtain lower boiling fractions
C10G 49/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, not provided for in a single one of groups , , , , or
C10G 50/00 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from lower carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g. by oligomerisation
C10G 51/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more cracking processes only
C10G 53/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more refining processes
C10G 55/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one refining process and at least one cracking process
C10G 57/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one cracking process or refining process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 59/00 - Treatment of naphtha by two or more reforming processes only or by at least one reforming process and at least one process which does not substantially change the boiling range of the naphtha
C10G 61/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one process of refining in the absence of hydrogen
C10G 63/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 65/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by two or more hydrotreatment processes only
C10G 67/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one process for refining in the absence of hydrogen only
C10G 69/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one other conversion process
7.
Methods and systems for optimizing mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression within multiple-stage processes
The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.
C10G 9/00 - Thermal non-catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 11/00 - Catalytic cracking, in the absence of hydrogen, of hydrocarbon oils
C10G 31/06 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by methods not otherwise provided for by heating, cooling, or pressure treatment
C10G 45/00 - Refining of hydrocarbon oils using hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds
C10G 47/00 - Cracking of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, to obtain lower boiling fractions
C10G 49/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, not provided for in a single one of groups , , , , or
C10G 50/00 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from lower carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g. by oligomerisation
C10G 51/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more cracking processes only
C10G 53/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by two or more refining processes
C10G 55/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one refining process and at least one cracking process
C10G 57/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils, in the absence of hydrogen, by at least one cracking process or refining process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 59/00 - Treatment of naphtha by two or more reforming processes only or by at least one reforming process and at least one process which does not substantially change the boiling range of the naphtha
C10G 61/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one process of refining in the absence of hydrogen
C10G 63/00 - Treatment of naphtha by at least one reforming process and at least one other conversion process
C10G 65/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by two or more hydrotreatment processes only
C10G 67/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one process for refining in the absence of hydrogen only
C10G 69/00 - Treatment of hydrocarbon oils by at least one hydrotreatment process and at least one other conversion process
8.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING MECHANICAL VAPOR COMPRESSION AND/OR THERMAL VAPOR COMPRESSION WITHIN MULTIPLE-STAGE PROCESSES
The present invention utilizes mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression integrating compression loops across multiple process stages. A sequential network of compressors is utilized to increase the pressure and condensing temperature of the vapors within each process stage, as intra-vapor flow, and branching between process stages, as inter-vapor flow. Because the vapors available are shared among and between compressor stages, the number of compressors can be reduced, improving economics. Balancing vapor mass flow through incremental compressor stages which traverse multiple process stages by splitting vapors between compressor stages enables the overall vapor-compression system to be tailored to individual process energy requirements and to accommodate dynamic fluctuations in process conditions.
Systems and methods are disclosed for optimizing the process energy required for the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to biochemicals through vapor compression. Mechanical or thermal vapor compression are used to minimize both the process energy and the cooling in condensers, integrating the heat required by those processes and reusing heat that is typically lost. Some variations provide a process for producing biochemicals from biomass, comprising: cooking biomass to release saccharides; fermenting the saccharides to generate a biochemical in aqueous solution, and carbon dioxide; hydrogenating the carbon dioxide with a hydrogen source to generate an additional quantity of biochemical; feeding the fermentation-derived biochemical, as well as the CO2-derived biochemical, to a distillation column for purification; and compressing vapors from the distillation column, using mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression, to recover heat of distillation that is utilized elsewhere in the biorefinery to reduce overall process energy usage.
B01D 53/04 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
B01D 53/08 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with moving adsorbents according to the "moving bed" method
222-derived biochemical, to a distillation column for purification; and compressing vapors from the distillation column, using mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression, to recover heat of distillation that is utilized elsewhere in the biorefinery to reduce overall process energy usage.
B01D 53/04 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
B01D 53/08 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with moving adsorbents according to the "moving bed" method
2-derived biochemical, to a distillation column for purification; and compressing vapors from the distillation column, using mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression, to recover heat of distillation that is utilized elsewhere in the biorefinery to reduce overall process energy usage.
A method is disclosed for improving the energy efficiency of biorefinery drying operations through integration of a dryer that utilizes the heat of condensation of process vapors to dry material whose emissions are captured with energy recovery. The dryer separates clean process vapors (e.g., ethanol) and steam from vapors containing volatile organic compounds and entrained materials, to minimize the need for vapor cleanup. An indirect dryer condenses vapors in a tube dryer similar to a steam tube dryer, but utilizing compressed process vapors, transferring the heat to wet material undergoing drying. The resulting exhaust vapors are either directed to a process stage that requires heat (e.g., distillation) and minimizes the need for vapor cleanup or to an out-of-contact heat exchanger that produces vapors for process use, or to another dryer as an additional effect. Mechanical-vapor recompression or thermal-vapor recompression are employed to produce vapors that optimize overall energy recovery.
F26B 3/04 - Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour circulating over, or surrounding, the materials or objects to be dried
13.
Methods and systems for energy-efficient drying of co-products in biorefineries
A method is disclosed for improving the energy efficiency of biorefinery drying operations through integration of a dryer that utilizes the heat of condensation of process vapors to dry material whose emissions are captured with energy recovery. The dryer separates clean process vapors (e.g., ethanol) and steam from vapors containing volatile organic compounds and entrained materials, to minimize the need for vapor cleanup. An indirect dryer condenses vapors in a tube dryer similar to a steam tube dryer, but utilizing compressed process vapors, transferring the heat to wet material undergoing drying. The resulting exhaust vapors are either directed to a process stage that requires heat (e.g., distillation) and minimizes the need for vapor cleanup or to an out-of-contact heat exchanger that produces vapors for process use, or to another dryer as an additional effect. Mechanical-vapor recompression or thermal-vapor recompression are employed to produce vapors that optimize overall energy recovery.
A method is disclosed for improving the energy efficiency of biorefmery drying operations through integration of a dryer that utilizes the heat of condensation of process vapors to dry material whose emissions are captured with energy recovery. The dryer separates clean process vapors (e.g., ethanol) and steam from vapors containing volatile organic compounds and entrained materials, to minimize the need for vapor cleanup. An indirect dryer condenses vapors in a tube dryer similar to a steam tube dryer, but utilizing compressed process vapors, transferring the heat to wet material undergoing drying. The resulting exhaust vapors are either directed to a process stage that requires heat (e.g., distillation) and minimizes the need for vapor cleanup or to an out-of-contact heat exchanger that produces vapors for process use, or to another dryer as an additional effect. Mechanical-vapor recompression or thermal-vapor recompression are employed to produce vapors that optimize overall energy recovery.
A23K 10/38 - Animal feeding-stuffs from material of plant origin, e.g. roots, seeds or hayAnimal feeding-stuffs from material of fungal origin, e.g. mushrooms from waste material from distillers' or brewers' waste
B01D 3/02 - Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping in boilers or stills
F26B 3/04 - Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the gas or vapour circulating over, or surrounding, the materials or objects to be dried
F26B 19/00 - Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects not covered by groups
F26B 23/10 - Heating arrangements using tubes or passages containing heated fluids
15.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS INCLUDING VAPOR COMPRESSION FOR BIOFUEL OR BIOCHEMICAL PLANTS
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plants original ability to operate. The plants existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
B01D 3/00 - Distillation or related exchange processes in which liquids are contacted with gaseous media, e.g. stripping
C10G 1/02 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oil shale, oil-sand, or non-melting solid carbonaceous or similar materials, e.g. wood, coal by distillation
C12P 7/00 - Preparation of oxygen-containing organic compounds
16.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT SYSTEMS INCLUDING VAPOR COMPRESSION FOR BIOFUEL OR BIOCHEMICAL PLANTS
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plants original ability to operate. The plants existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
C10G 47/00 - Cracking of hydrocarbon oils, in the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen-generating compounds, to obtain lower boiling fractions
C12P 7/64 - FatsFatty oilsEster-type waxesHigher fatty acids, i.e. having at least seven carbon atoms in an unbroken chain bound to a carboxyl groupOxidised oils or fats
17.
Energy-efficient systems including vapor compression for biofuel or biochemical plants
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through vapor compression and to derive mechanical, thermal, and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Vapor compression (by mechanical vapor recompression and/or thermal vapor recompression) minimizes the total energy usage. Optionally, combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plants original ability to operate. The plants existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
Processes and systems are provided to compress vapors produced in distillation and recover the heat of condensation through mechanical vapor compression and to derive mechanical and electrical energy from a combined heat and power system, while maintaining the plant's original ability to operate. The plant's existing distillation system, steam generation, and electrical demand determine the design basis for the retrofit system that is targeted at an optimized combination of energy usage, energy cost, and environmental impact. Mechanical vapor compression minimizes the total energy usage. Combined heat and power provides a means of converting energy between fuel, electricity, and thermal energy in a manner that best complements plant requirements and energy economics and minimizes inefficiencies and energy losses.
patents
