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19 pages, 4667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Building a Code-Based Model to Describe Syngas Production from Biomass

by Simon Brinkmann and Bernhard C. Seyfang

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(5), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8050094 - 12 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1272

Abstract

Due to growing interest in providing and storing sufficient renewable energies, energy generation from biomass is becoming increasingly important. Biomass gasification represents the process of converting biomass into hydrogen-rich syngas. A one-dimensional kinetic reactor model was developed to simulate biomass gasification processes as [...] Read more.

Due to growing interest in providing and storing sufficient renewable energies, energy generation from biomass is becoming increasingly important. Biomass gasification represents the process of converting biomass into hydrogen-rich syngas. A one-dimensional kinetic reactor model was developed to simulate biomass gasification processes as an alternative to cost-intensive experiments. The presented model stands out as it contains the additional value of universal use with different biomass types and a more comprehensive application due to its integration into the DWSIM process simulator. The model consists of mass and energy balances based on the kinetics of selected reactions. Two different reactor schemes are simulated: (1) a fixed bed reactor and (2) a fluidized bed reactor. The operating mode can be set as isothermal or non-isothermal. The model was programmed using Python and integrated into DWSIM. Depending on incoming mass flows (biomass, oxygen, steam), biomass type, reactor type, reactor dimensions, temperature, and pressure, the model predicts the mass flows of char, tar, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and water. Comparison with experimental data from the literature validates the results gained from our model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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14 pages, 7311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of AgCoCuFeNi High Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles by Hydrogen Reduction-Assisted Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

by Srecko Stopic, Ayadjenou Humphrey Hounsinou, Tatjana Volkov Husovic, Elif Emil-Kaya and Bernd Friedrich

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8030063 - 18 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1393

Abstract

Because of their high mixing entropies, multi-component alloys can exhibit enhanced catalytic activity compared to traditional catalysts in various chemical reactions, including hydrogenation, oxidation, and reduction processes. In this work, new AgCoCuFeNi high entropy alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrogen reduction-assisted ultrasonic [...] Read more.

Because of their high mixing entropies, multi-component alloys can exhibit enhanced catalytic activity compared to traditional catalysts in various chemical reactions, including hydrogenation, oxidation, and reduction processes. In this work, new AgCoCuFeNi high entropy alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by the hydrogen reduction-assisted ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. The aim was to investigate the effects of processing parameters (reaction temperature, precursor solution concentration, and residence time) on the microstructure, composition, and crystallinity of the high entropy alloy nanoparticles. The characterization was performed with scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The syntheses performed at 600, 700, 800, and 900 °C, resulted in smaller and smoother spherical particles with a near-equiatomic elemental composition as the temperature increased to 900 °C. With 0.25, 0.1, and 0.05 M precursor solutions, narrower size distribution and uniform AgCoCuFeNi nanoparticles were produced by reducing the solution concentration to 0.05 M. A near-equiatomic elemental composition was only obtained at 0.25 and 0.05 M. Increasing the residence time from 5.3 to 23.8 s resulted in an unclear particle microstructure. None of the five metal elements were formed in the large tubular reactor. X-ray diffraction revealed that various crystal phase structures were obtained in the synthesized AgCoCuFeNi particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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25 pages, 1225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resolved Simulation for the Prediction of Classification in Decanter Centrifuges

by Helene Katharina Baust, Hermann Nirschl and Marco Gleiß

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8030048 - 2 May 2024

Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Solid–liquid separation plays a decisive role in various industrial applications particularly in the treatment and purification of suspensions. Solid bowl centrifuges, such as the decanter centrifuge, are commonly employed in these processes as they operate continuously and enable high throughputs with short processing [...] Read more.

Solid–liquid separation plays a decisive role in various industrial applications particularly in the treatment and purification of suspensions. Solid bowl centrifuges, such as the decanter centrifuge, are commonly employed in these processes as they operate continuously and enable high throughputs with short processing times. However, predicting the separation performance of solid bowl centrifuges proves to be challenging due to dynamic phenomena within the apparatus, such as particle settling, sediment build-up, consolidation and sediment transport. In practice, design considerations and the dimensioning of the apparatus rely on analytical models and the manufacturer’s expertise. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) offers a way to deepen our understanding of these devices by allowing detailed examination of flow phenomena and their influence on the separation processes. This study utilizes the open-source software OpenFOAM to simulate multiphase flow in a laboratory-scale decanter centrifuge, solving individual transport equations for each particle size class. The basis is the characterization of the material through targeted laboratory experiments to derive material functions that describe the hindered settling and the sediment consolidation. Furthermore, experiments on a laboratory decanter served as validation. The results demonstrate the solver’s capability to replicate clarification and classification within the apparatus. Furthermore, the solver supports the definition of geometries tailored to specific separation tasks. This research demonstrates the potential of CFD for a better understanding of complex centrifuge processes and for optimizing their design to improve performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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22 pages, 10512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Characterization of Double Emulsions W/O/W Stabilized by Two Natural Polymers with Two Manufacturing Processes (Comparative Study)

by Meriem Boudoukhani, Madiha Melha Yahoum, Kaouther Ezzroug, Selma Toumi, Sonia Lefnaoui, Nadji Moulai-Mostefa, Asma Nour El Houda Sid, Hichem Tahraoui, Mohammed Kebir, Abdeltif Amrane, Bassem Jaouadi and Jie Zhang

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8020034 - 14 Mar 2024

Viewed by 2606

Abstract

Four distinct types of multiple emulsions were synthesized using xanthan gum and pectin through two distinct manufacturing processes. The assessment encompassed the examination of morphology, stability, and rheological properties for the resulting water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions. Formulations were meticulously crafted with emulsifiers that [...] Read more.

Four distinct types of multiple emulsions were synthesized using xanthan gum and pectin through two distinct manufacturing processes. The assessment encompassed the examination of morphology, stability, and rheological properties for the resulting water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions. Formulations were meticulously crafted with emulsifiers that were compatible with varying compositions. Remarkably stable multiple emulsions were achieved with a 0.5 wt% xanthan concentration, demonstrating resilience for nearly two months across diverse storage temperatures. In contrast, multiple emulsions formulated with a higher pectin concentration (2.75 wt%) exhibited instability within a mere three days. All multiple emulsions displayed shear-thinning behavior, characterized by a decline in apparent viscosity with escalating shear rates. Comparatively, multiple emulsions incorporating xanthan gum showcased elevated viscosity at low shear rates in contrast to those formulated with pectin. These results underscore the pivotal role of the stepwise process over the direct approach and emphasize the direct correlation between biopolymer concentration and emulsion stability. This present investigation demonstrated the potential use of pectin and xanthan gum as stabilizers of multiple emulsions with potential application in the pharmaceutical industry for the formulation of topical dosage forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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21 pages, 3462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insight into the Structural and Dynamical Processes of Peptides by Means of Vibrational and Ultrasonic Relaxation Spectroscopies, Molecular Docking, and Density Functional Theory Calculations

by Afrodite Tryfon, Panagiota Siafarika, Constantine Kouderis and Angelos G. Kalampounias

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(1), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8010021 - 6 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1940

Abstract

We report a detailed investigation of the vibrational modes, structure, and dynamics of glutathione (GSH) solutions using ultrasonic relaxation spectroscopy, FT-IR vibrational spectroscopy, and electronic absorption measurements. The experimental data were analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking calculations. Three distinct [...] Read more.

We report a detailed investigation of the vibrational modes, structure, and dynamics of glutathione (GSH) solutions using ultrasonic relaxation spectroscopy, FT-IR vibrational spectroscopy, and electronic absorption measurements. The experimental data were analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular docking calculations. Three distinct Debye-type relaxation processes can be observed in the acoustic spectra, which are assigned to conformational changes between GSH conformers, the self-association of GSH, and protonation processes. The standard volume changes for each process were estimated both experimentally and theoretically, revealing a close resemblance among them. The higher the effect of the relaxation process in the structure, the greater the induced volume changes. From the temperature dependence of specific acoustic parameters, the thermodynamic characteristics of each process were determined. The experimental FT-IR spectra were compared with the corresponding theoretically predicted vibrational spectra, revealing that the GSH dimers and extended conformers dominate the structure of GSH solutions in the high-concentration region. The absorption spectra in the ultraviolet region confirmed the gradual aggregation mechanism that takes place in the aqueous GSH solutions. The results of the present study were discussed and analyzed in the framework of the current phenomenological status of the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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14 pages, 1130 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sequential Extraction of Carbohydrates and Lipids from Chlorella vulgaris Using Combined Physical and Chemical Pre-Treatments

by William Hammann, Andrew Ross and Wayne Seames

ChemEngineering 2024, 8(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering8010011 - 5 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2634

Abstract

A key focus of microalgae-based fuels/chemicals research and development has been on the lipids that many strains generate, but recent studies show that solely recovering these lipids may not be cost competitive with fossil-derived processes. However, if the carbohydrates can also be recovered [...] Read more.

A key focus of microalgae-based fuels/chemicals research and development has been on the lipids that many strains generate, but recent studies show that solely recovering these lipids may not be cost competitive with fossil-derived processes. However, if the carbohydrates can also be recovered and ultimately converted into useful chemical intermediates, this may improve the economics for microalgae-based sustainable product technologies. In the present work, physical and chemical pre-treatments were performed on the Chlorella vulgaris microalgae strain to recover the carbohydrates from the biomass primarily in the form of glucose and galactose. The effects of temperature, acid concentration, microalgae solid-to-liquid loading, and hydrolysis time on carbohydrate hydrolysis and recovery was explored to identify optimum conditions. The highest recovery of total carbohydrates, 90 ± 1.1 wt% at 95% confidence which represents 40 wt% of the initial biomass, was obtained using temperature-assisted weak-acid extraction. Sequential extraction of carbohydrates and lipids was then explored. The highest recovery of total lipids was 71 ± 1.8 wt%, which represents 22 ± 0.9 wt% of the initial biomass. The sequential extraction of carbohydrates followed by lipids resulted in an overall recovery of 60 ± 1.6 wt% of the initial biomass, which is higher than current single product recovery strategies. These results suggest that adding carbohydrate recovery may be a viable strategy for overcoming a major economic hurdle to microalgae-derived chemical and fuel production by significantly increasing the yield of usable materials from microalgae biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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11 pages, 2000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interconversion and Removal of Inorganic Nitrogen Compounds via UV Irradiation

by Alejandro M. Senn and Natalia Quici

ChemEngineering 2023, 7(5), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7050079 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1617

Abstract

Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species are key components of the nitrogen cycle and are the main nitrogen pollutants in groundwater. This study investigated the interconversion and removal of the principal DIN compounds (

{NO}_{3}^{-}

,

{NO}_{2}^{-}

and [...] Read more.

Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species are key components of the nitrogen cycle and are the main nitrogen pollutants in groundwater. This study investigated the interconversion and removal of the principal DIN compounds (

{NO}_{3}^{-}

,

{NO}_{2}^{-}

and

{NH}_{4}^{+}

) via UV light irradiation using a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The experiments were carried out systematically at relatively low nitrogen concentrations (1.5 mM) at varying pHs in the presence and absence of oxygen to compare the reaction rates and suggest the reaction mechanisms.

{NO}_{3}^{-}

was fully converted into

{NO}_{2}^{-}

at a pH > 3 in both oxic and anoxic conditions, and the reaction was faster when the pH was increased following a first-order kinetic at pH 11 (k = 0.12 min⁻¹, R² = 0.9995).

{NO}_{2}^{-}

was partially converted into

{NO}_{3}^{-}

only at pH 3 and in the presence of oxygen and was stable at an alkaline pH. This interconversion of

{NO}_{3}^{-}

and

{NO}_{2}^{-}

did not yield nitrogen loss in the solution. The addition of formic acid as an electron donor led to the reduction of

{NO}_{3}^{-}

to

{NH}_{4}^{+}

. Conversely,

{NH}_{4}^{+}

was converted into

{NO}_{2}^{-}

,

{NO}_{3}^{-}

and to an unidentified subproduct in the presence of

O_{2}^{}

at pH 10. Finally, it was demonstrated that

{NO}_{2}^{-}

and

{NH}_{4}^{+}

react via UV irradiation with stoichiometry 1:1 at pH 10 with the total loss of nitrogen in the solution. With these results, a strategy to remove DIN compounds via UV irradiation was proposed with the eventual use of solar light. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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16 pages, 7795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Investigation of Heat Losses in a Pilot-Scale Multiple Dividing Wall Distillation Column with Three Parallel Sections

by Lena-Marie Ränger, Yannick Waibel and Thomas Grützner

ChemEngineering 2023, 7(4), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7040068 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2133

Abstract

For an in-depth investigation of the separation process in small-scale distillation columns, knowledge about the exact vapor load inside the column is highly important. However, since columns with small diameters have a comparatively high surface-to-volume ratio, heat losses have a significant impact on [...] Read more.

For an in-depth investigation of the separation process in small-scale distillation columns, knowledge about the exact vapor load inside the column is highly important. However, since columns with small diameters have a comparatively high surface-to-volume ratio, heat losses have a significant impact on fluid dynamics, as they lead to unwanted condensation, and thus, to changes in the internal flows. This work presents a procedure used to measure heat losses in a 9.6 m high distillation column with three partially parallel segments (multiple dividing wall column). The evaporator is made of stainless steel, and the column walls are made of double-walled, evacuated, mirrored glass, and additionally, these can be heated. It is found that significant amounts of heat are lost in the evaporator. Throughout the column height, around 0.8 kW are additionally lost, even with external wall heating. To determine the main reason for this significant loss, thermal images are taken, indicating that the problem mainly arises because of the flanges. Based on this, it can be concluded that proper insulation and additional heating jackets for the column walls are highly recommended for small-scale distillation columns in order to increase their thermal efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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16 pages, 3399 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Jet Flooding in Distillation Column Olefins Plant on Naphtha to LPG Feed Substitution

by Albertus Wijanarko, Muslikhin Hidayat and Sutijan Sutijan

ChemEngineering 2023, 7(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7040063 - 20 Jul 2023

Viewed by 5382

Abstract

The naphtha cracking process is the most commonly used technology for the production of ethylene, propylene, mixed C4s (including 1,3-butadiene and other C₄ components), and pygas (pyrolysis gasoline, a mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene), all of which are olefins. The cracking [...] Read more.

The naphtha cracking process is the most commonly used technology for the production of ethylene, propylene, mixed C4s (including 1,3-butadiene and other C₄ components), and pygas (pyrolysis gasoline, a mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene), all of which are olefins. The cracking furnace and distillation columns are the primary operational units. The raw material is cracked and undergoes reactions in the cracking furnaces, while the distillation columns are responsible for separating the products. Raw material costs account for 80% of production costs. There is also the possibility of using LPG as a less expensive alternative to some of the naphtha. However, changing the raw material would affect the operability of the distillation columns and influence the yield on the cracking side. To determine the optimal naphtha substitution for LPG without causing hydraulic problems (such as jet flooding) in the distillation columns, analysis using simulation tools must be conducted. A reliability model is being developed to simulate the substitution of naphtha with other feed stocks by comparing simulation results with data from the actual plant. The LPG flow is a variable that is freely adjusted to substitute for naphtha. Simulation tools can be used to assess the effects of economically advantageous naphtha substitution for LPG without compromising plant operability. The optimum naphtha substitution rate is 21.14% from the base case, resulting in jet flooding occurring at Propylene Fractionator No. 2. By implementing this substitution, the benefits that can be obtained amount to USD 22,772.02 per hour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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13 pages, 1582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Dimensional Modeling of Mass Transfer Processes in an Annular Centrifugal Contactor

by Peter M. Ritzler, Clemens K. Weiss and Bernhard C. Seyfang

ChemEngineering 2023, 7(4), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7040059 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2072

Abstract

Due to the importance of process intensification, modeling of Annular Centrifugal Contactors (ACCs) is becoming of increasing interest. By the current state of scientific knowledge, universal modeling without high computing power of these complex apparatuses is not possible to a satisfactory degree. In [...] Read more.

Due to the importance of process intensification, modeling of Annular Centrifugal Contactors (ACCs) is becoming of increasing interest. By the current state of scientific knowledge, universal modeling without high computing power of these complex apparatuses is not possible to a satisfactory degree. In this article, a one-dimensional model to describe the mass transfer during a physical extraction process in an ACC is presented. The model is based on solely geometrical data and operating conditions of the ACC, as well as physical properties of the components. Regarding the selection of physical properties, only physical properties that are easily accessible were used. With this model, mass transfer calculations are possible and therefore, the output concentrations can be predicted. Simulations of an ACC based on the model were done by creating and running a python code. Validation of the model was conducted by varying and comparing operating conditions in both the simulation and the experiments. Validation was completed successfully for a representative system of components and showed good agreement over a range of rotational frequencies and temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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19 pages, 5884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Method for Intensive Gas–Liquid Dispersion in a Stirred Tank

by Nikolai A. Voinov, Alexander S. Frolov, Anastasiya V. Bogatkova, Denis A. Zemtsov and Olga P. Zhukova

ChemEngineering 2023, 7(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering7020030 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2018

Abstract

This article presents the results of hydrodynamics and mass exchange in a stirred tank upon the introduction of gas from an open gas vortex cavity into local liquid regions with reduced pressure. It establishes conditions for the intensive dispersion of gas. Velocity fields [...] Read more.

This article presents the results of hydrodynamics and mass exchange in a stirred tank upon the introduction of gas from an open gas vortex cavity into local liquid regions with reduced pressure. It establishes conditions for the intensive dispersion of gas. Velocity fields and liquid pressure behind the stirrer paddles are determined by numerical simulation in OpenFOAM. The gas content value, gas bubble diameters, and phase surface are determined experimentally. The stirrer power criterion is calculated by taking into account the gas content and power input. The experimental mass transfer data based on the absorption of atmospheric oxygen into water during the dispersion of gas from the open vortex cavity in the local liquid regions behind the rotating stirrer paddles are presented. In this case, the energy dissipation from the rotating stirrer reaches 25 W/kg, with a phase surface of 1000 m⁻¹ and a surface mass transfer coefficient of up to 0.3·10⁻³ m/s. These parameters are obviously higher than the data obtained in the apparatus for mass exchange through surface vorticity. The advantage of the given method for gas dispersion in a liquid is the functional stability of the apparatus regardless of how deep the stirrer is immersed in the liquid or the temperature or pressure of the gas. Apparatuses based on the intensive gas dispersion method allow for varying the mass transfer coefficient and gas content across a broad range of values. This allows establishing a dependency between the experimentally obtained mass transfer coefficient, energy dissipation, and phase surface values. An equation for calculating the mass transfer coefficient is formulated by taking into account the geometric parameters of the stirrer apparatus based on the stirring power and phase surface values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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18 pages, 1709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Framework for Multi-Objective Optimization of Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers Using a Detailed Three-Dimensional Simulation Model

by Patrick Haider, Paul Heinz, Thomas Acher, Sebastian Rehfeldt and Harald Klein

ChemEngineering 2021, 5(4), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering5040082 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3871

Abstract

The design of a multi-stream plate-fin heat exchanger is a highly integrated task with multiple opposing objectives and many degrees of freedom. This work shows how it can be fully or partially automated by the combination of a detailed three-dimensional simulation model and [...] Read more.

The design of a multi-stream plate-fin heat exchanger is a highly integrated task with multiple opposing objectives and many degrees of freedom. This work shows how it can be fully or partially automated by the combination of a detailed three-dimensional simulation model and an optimization routine. The desired task is formulated as the target of a multi-objective optimization and solved using a genetic algorithm. The workflow is presented using a cryogenic plate-fin heat exchanger with four process streams. The design is optimized towards high efficiency, low pressure drop, and low unit weight by adjusting the outer geometry, the inlet and outlet distributor configuration, and the detailed stream geometry. A detailed analysis of the Pareto-set gives a good overview of possible solutions, and the optimization routine can automatically find a feasible design with a reasonable tradeoff between the objectives. All elements of the framework are implemented in open source software. A highlight of this research is that a very comprehensive and detailed simulation model is employed in the optimization framework. Thus, the presented method can be easily adjusted to fit the needs of other engineering tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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21 pages, 2095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Various Feed Properties on the Performance of a Control System for a Multiple Dividing Wall Column Pilot Plant

by Ulrich Preißinger, Goran Lukač, Igor Dejanović and Thomas Grützner

ChemEngineering 2021, 5(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering5020029 - 8 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3069

Abstract

Despite the attractive savings potential of multiple Dividing Wall Columns (mDWC), there are no reports in the open literature of an existing application so far. In this perspective, the control of mDWCs has been a rather little-investigated field. Pilot plants are a necessary [...] Read more.

Despite the attractive savings potential of multiple Dividing Wall Columns (mDWC), there are no reports in the open literature of an existing application so far. In this perspective, the control of mDWCs has been a rather little-investigated field. Pilot plants are a necessary step needed to further expand the application window of this sustainable distillation technology. This contribution aimed to show that mDWCs are sufficiently flexible, providing stable operation, even with suboptimal control structures arising from design limitations imposed by equipment. For this purpose, the pilot column design was assessed using dynamic simulation to evaluate its operability in case of different disturbances as well as different feed mixtures. The results showed that, in all cases, the column could be stabilized and product purities maintained. This suggests that even complex configurations such as mDWCs offer sufficient amount of flexibility to allow for the application of one design in different services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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Review

Jump to: Research

18 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessReview

Process Intensification Strategies for Power-to-X Technologies

by Thomas Cholewa, Malte Semmel, Franz Mantei, Robert Güttel and Ouda Salem

ChemEngineering 2022, 6(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering6010013 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5091

Abstract

Sector coupling remains a crucial measure to achieve climate change mitigation targets. Hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) products are recognized as major levers to allow the boosting of renewable energy capacities and the consequent use of green electrons in different sectors. In this work, [...] Read more.

Sector coupling remains a crucial measure to achieve climate change mitigation targets. Hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) products are recognized as major levers to allow the boosting of renewable energy capacities and the consequent use of green electrons in different sectors. In this work, the challenges presented by the PtX processes are addressed and different process intensification (PI) strategies and their potential to overcome these challenges are reviewed for ammonia (NH₃), dimethyl ether (DME) and oxymethylene dimethyl ethers (OME) as three exemplary, major PtX products. PI approaches in this context offer on the one hand the maximum utilization of valuable renewable feedstock and on the other hand simpler production processes. For the three discussed processes a compelling strategy for efficient and ultimately maintenance-free chemical synthesis is presented by integrating unit operations to overcome thermodynamic limitations, and in best cases eliminate the recycle loops. The proposed intensification processes offer a significant reduction of energy consumption and provide an interesting perspective for the future development of PtX technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Process Intensification for Chemical Engineering and Processing)

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