DESC:Technical field of the invention
[0003] The present invention discloses a portable multipurpose pyrolizer and a process of pyrolysis thereof. The pyrolizer comprises an internal heating system for the process of pyrolysis, which ensures uniform mixing of the feed material and minimal heat loss. The pyrolizer results in the generation of various byproducts for commercial applications. The pyrolizer is portable and easily accessible.
Background of the invention
[0004] The process of pyrolysis refers to the heating of organic material in the absence of oxygen. The extensive application of pyrolysis is in chemical industries. Pyrolysis is carried out in pyrolizers, which offer an oxygen deficient medium for the heating of feed material.
[0005] The management of agricultural waste is crucial for sustainable agriculture. The generation of high rate of waste is a threat to the soil ecosystem. Proper channeling and utilization of agricultural waste aids in increased economy, decreased use of fossil fuels and several environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, soil restoration and so on.
[0006] The dry anaerobic digestion of such agricultural waste is capable of being recycled into renewable products such as biofuels and fertilizers. The application of biomass fuels is crucial for the utilization of renewable energy resources.
[0007] The frequently used thermochemical processes for the production of biomass energy sources are combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and high-pressure liquefaction. Pyrolysis aids in restoration of the stored energy by the release of biochar and condensable gases.
[0008] The pyrolizer offers an oxygen deficient environment for the quick heating of the biomass to a desired temperature. Biomass is thermally decomposed to solid char, gases, and vapors.
[0009] The pyrolizers used for the pyrolysis of biodegradable waste materials incorporate external heating systems. The external heating of the biomass leads to ineffective heat insulation, which further results in non-uniform heating and decreased efficiency. The complexity of the pyrolizers further restricts the utility of the pyrolizer to single applications.
[0010] The Patent Application No. CN102399596A titled “Method for preparing flammable gas by cracking of agriculture and forestry wastes, and special apparatus thereof” discloses a method for the production of flammable gas by the incomplete combustion of agricultural and forestry wastes. The method for the production of combustible gas comprises steps of processing of agricultural and forestry organic waste into particulate state post-crushing, joining of the granular material in the pyrolizer, heating under pyrolizer by microwave heating source to generate inflammable gas. The generated inflammable gas is purified and stored. The agricultural and forestry waste comprises straw, stalk, the seed of branch, leaf, bamboo piece, the crop of trees, skin, core, shell, nuclear, various weeds, wormwood, kind grass planting, wood chip or the sugared slag of fruit. The diameter of said granular material is at a range of 0.5 cm -5.0 cm.
[0011] The Patent Application No. CN104858202A titled “Method for preparing continuous type microwave pyrolysis biomass energy” discloses a method for the preparation of continuous type microwave pyrolysis biomass energy. The method comprises steps of pulverizing solid waste, microwave crackling achieved at high-temperature crackling furnace, heating to elevated temperatures, rapid cooling of generated hot pyrolysis gas and condensable gas is stored into storage tank. The uncondensable gas passes through gas-oil separator and the scrubber tower to generate electricity. The process of cooling is achieved by passing cool water through the condenser. The solid waste used for the production of biomass energy is characterized by the combination of plastics, rubber, biology and other solid organic castoffs; Domestic waste; Agriculture and forestry discarded object is as straw, stalk, cottonseed stalk, trees beta pruning, shell, bacterium mushroom bag; The solid waste of catering trade and food processing, hospital refuse.
[0012] The Patent Application No. CN101955802A titled “Pyrolysis and gasification crackling furnace for solid biomass” discloses a pyrolysis and crackling furnace for solid biomass. The furnace comprises an upper boiling gasification furnace, a middle catalytic pyrolysis section and lower fuel gas primary purifying chamber, a spile fire grate, a gasification agent, a fuel gas outlet and a material inlet. The pyrolysis and crackling furnace is used for pyrolyzing and gasifying straws and solid wastes of agriculture and forestry. The pyrolysis and crackling furnace is also used for incinerating solid domestic wastes in cities and towns and sludge which is dehydrated and dried by sewage treatment plants and acquiring energy sources. The tar particles generated by gasification are cracked, large part of carbon dioxide is reduced, and the yield of combustible gas can be increased. The generated fuel gas is high quality and no tar aiding in easier purification. The temperature of gasification is high which prevents the generation of harmful gases.
[0013] Although pyrolizers are used for the decomposition of biodegradable waste, the external heating systems increase the amount of heat loss during the process. Hence, there exists a need for a portable pyrolizer with internal heating for the process of pyrolysis which minimizes the loss of heat.

Summary of the invention
[0014] The present invention discloses a portable multipurpose pyrolizer and a process for pyrolysis thereof. The present invention overcomes the drawback of the existing prior art by incorporating the mechanism of internal heating and minimizing the heat loss. The pyrolizer disclosed in the present invention is accessible and cost effective in nature.
[0015] The process of pyrolysis comprises steps of initiating the process of pyrolysis, preheating and heating of the pyrolysis chambers, recirculating and condensing the flue gas and collecting the biochar. The modifications to process properties including internal temperature, residence time, incorporation of additives, post-processing of biochar aid in obtaining varied characteristics of the biochar.
[0016] The pyrolizer comprises a feed hopper, a feed motor, a feed screw barrel, vertical drop chamber, pyrolysis chambers, variable pitch spiral driver, flu gas outlet, condenser unit, liquid sealed collection chamber, mounting frame, spiral driver motor, gas inlet tube, internal heating pipe, variable pitch spiral blade, gas path, gas sensors and temperature sensors. The pyrolizer enables uniform heat distribution with minimal heat loss for pyrolysis.
[0017] The pyrolizer of the present invention enables pyrolysis of the dry biodegradable feed material. The feed material is pyrolyzed at the internally heated pyrolysis chamber by the rotation of variable pitch spiral driver. The pyrolizer is portable and easily accessible. The generated flue gas is utilized for the generation of bioelectricity and biogas. The flue gas is capable of being compressed into bio-oils. The components of the pyrolizer are capable of being detached to enable ease of transportation.
Brief description of the drawings:
[0018] 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.
[0019] FIG 1 illustrates the enclosed isometric view of the pyrolizer.
[0020] FIG 2 illustrates the sectional view of the pyrolizer.
[0021] FIG 3 illustrates the variable pitch spiral driver.
[0022] FIG 4 illustrates the flowchart for the process of pyrolysis.
Detailed description of the invention:
[0023] 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.
[0024] The term “Pyrolysis” refers to a process of thermal decomposition of organic material under limited oxygen supply.
[0025] The term “Pitch” refers to the distance between successive screw threads.
[0026] The term “Biochar” refers to the carbon-rich substance produced during the process of pyrolysis.
[0027] The present invention discloses a multipurpose portable pyrolizer. The pyrolizer comprises a feed hopper, a feed motor, a feed screw barrel, vertical drop chamber, pyrolysis chambers, variable pitch spiral driver, flu gas outlet, condenser unit, liquid sealed collection chamber, mounting frame, spiral driver motor, gas inlet tube, internal heating pipe, variable pitch spiral blade, gas path gas and temperature sensors. The pyrolizer enables pyrolysis of the dry biodegradable feed material. The feed material is pyrolyzed at the internally heated pyrolysis chamber by the rotation of variable pitch spiral driver. The pyrolizer is portable and easily accessible.
[0028] FIG 1 illustrates the enclosed isometric view of the pyrolizer. The dried biodegradable feed material is added through the feed hopper (101). The feed material is driven by the feed motor (102) to the vertical chamber (104) through the feed screw barrel (103). The vertical chamber (104) aids in delivering the feed material to the pyrolysis chambers (105). The stacking of pyrolysis chambers (105) in layers models a compact pyrolizer (100). The feed material further enters pyrolysis chamber 1 (105a). The pyrolysis chamber 1 (105a) encloses the variable pitch spiral driver co-axially (106a).
[0029] FIG 3 illustrates the variable pitch spiral driver. The variable pitch spiral driver (106) comprises an internal heating pipe (113) surrounded by the variable pitch spiral blade (114). The variable pitch spiral blade (114) is mounted on the internal heating pipe (113). The heat supply for the process of pyrolysis is provided through the internal heating pipe (113). The heat is transferred from the internally heated pipe (113) to the variable pitch spiral driver (106). The supply of heat to the variable pitch spiral blade (114) and the rotation of the internally heated pipe (113) and the variable pitch spiral blade (114) enables uniform heat distribution and minimal heat loss across the pyrolysis chambers (105).
[0030] FIG 2 illustrates the sectional view of the pyrolizer. The feed material is fed into the feed hopper (101) and is driven into the pyrolysis chamber 1 (105a) by the feed motor (102). The pyrolysis chamber 1 (105a) comprises internally heating variable pitch spiral driver 1 (106a). The rotation of the variable pitch spiral driver 1 (106a) by the spiral driver motor (111) connected to the internal heating pipe (113) propels the feed material through the heated pyrolysis chamber 1 (105a). The feed material subsequently passes through pyrolysis chamber 2 (105b) undergoing the process of pyrolysis. The process of pyrolysis of the biodegradable feed material generates flue gases and biochar. The generated flue gas passes through the flue gas outlet (107). The biochar generated at the pyrolysis chambers (105) is collected at the liquid sealed collection chamber (109). The liquid sealed collection chamber (109) retains the air inside the pyrolysis chamber. Further, the liquid sealed collection chamber (109) restricts the entry of external air into the pyrolysis chamber (105).
[0031] The flue gas generated from the process of pyrolysis at the pyrolysis chambers (105) is capable of being recirculated to the internal heating pipe (113). The generated flue gas is channeled to the internal heating pipe (113) of the pyrolysis chamber (105) by the gas path (115). The generation of flue gas is of high calorific value and is further utilized as an alternative heat source for the process of pyrolysis. The flue gas is recirculated through the gas inlet tube (113) for the process of pyrolysis.
[0032] The flue gas generated from the process of pyrolysis is capable of being condensed at the condenser unit (108). The condensed flue gas is capable of being converted to bio-oils. Additionally, the generated flue gas is capable of being utilized for the process of generation of bioelectricity. The generated flue gas is further capable of being compressed and stored and used as biogas.
[0033] The pitch of the variable pitch spiral driver (106) is modified according to the type of feed material utilized for the process of pyrolysis. The modifications to pitch of the variable pitch spiral driver (106) results in modified residence time and hence the biochar characteristics. According to an embodiment of the invention, an increase in residence time increases the carbon content of the obtained biochar. Additionally, the number of pyrolysis chambers and the temperature achieved at each of the chambers are regulated according to the type of feed material involved in the process of pyrolysis.
[0034] The pyrolizer (100) further comprises one or more gas sensors (116a, 116b & 116c) and one or more temperature sensors (117a & 117b) embedded in the interior of the pyrolysis chambers (105a & 105b). The sensors aid in the monitoring and identification of the generated flue gas. The gas sensors (116a, 116b & 116c) aid in the detection and quantification of multiple gases including methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, sulphur dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide. The sensors further aid in effective analysis of the generated biochar and flue gas on the basis of their chemical characteristics.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pyrolizer (100) is further connected to an online dashboard to log the data collected by the sensors to exhibit the quality of the biochar and the biogas generated. The online dashboard collects and stores the data from the previous pyrolysis runs. The stored data is representative of the quality of raw material of feed being used, process parameters of the machine, quality of the output generated. The artificial intelligence model (AI model generates the most optimum process parameters based on raw material available and output required. Remote monitoring aids in improved accessibility of the pyrolizer (100). The continuous preparation of biochar and sensors integrated into the machine allows the control of the input comprising biomass and additives to obtain the desired output comprising biochar and biogas.
[0036] The physicochemical property of the hence generated biochar is modified by the incorporation of additives comprising acid, alkali, oxidizing agents, metal ions, and carbonaceous materials.
[0037] The pyrolizer (100) is capable of being operated in transport mode and operation mode. The pyrolizer (100) being portable enables ease of transportation. The components of the pyrolizer (100) are capable of being detached to enable transport mode of the pyrolizer (100). The attachments are assembled by links and joints to enable operation mode. The pyrolizer (100) is accessible and enables ease of handling. The pyrolizer (100) enables pyrolysis of synthetic feed material.
[0038] FIG 4 illustrates the flowchart for the process of pyrolysis. The process (400) begins with a step of (401) addition of feed material to the pyrolizer (100) to initiate the process of pyrolysis. At step (402), the pyrolizer is preheated to remove the moisture for the process of pyrolysis. At step (403), the feed material is subjected to pyrolysis by heating of the pyrolysis chambers (105). At step (404), flue gas and biochar are obtained by the pyrolysis of the feed material. At step (405), the generated flue gas from the pyrolysis of the feed material is recirculated into the pyrolysis chambers (105) through gas path (115) as an alternate fuel for pyrolysis. At step (406), the generated flue gas is condensed to obtain bio-oil, biogas, bioelectricity and other derivatives. At step (407), the obtained biochar is collected at the liquid sealed collection chamber (109).
[0039] 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 characteristics of biochar by the modification of process parameters
[0040] Biochar is obtained by the process of pyrolysis by feeding the biomass. The properties of biomass feed were modified to analyze the characteristics of the obtained biochar from the pyrolizer (100). The internal temperature of the pyrolizer (100) impacts the carbon content of the obtained biochar. The temperature range of the pyrolysis chambers (105) when set at a range of 300°C to 900°C, the carbon content of the obtained biochar varies. The biochar is obtained with carbon content in the range of 10% to 30%, 30% to 60% and greater than 60%. According to an embodiment of the invention, maintaining a temperature of greater than 500°C to pyrolyze wood-based feedstock, the biochar produced exhibited highest amount of carbon content.
[0041] The modification of residence time also modifies the characteristics of the biochar obtained. According to an embodiment of the invention, increase in residence time indicates an increase in carbon content of the biochar. Furthermore, prolonged residence time relates to higher pH and ash content. According to another embodiment of the invention, the incorporation of additives including acids and alkalis exhibit modifications in surface area of the biochar, enhanced magnetic performance and catalytic capabilities. According to another embodiment of the invention, the processing of the obtained biochar by leaching, aeration, grinding enhanced the properties of the obtained biochar. The post-processing of the biochar particularly enhances carbon sequestration in turn aiding in enhancing the crop yield and environmental restoration.
[0042] The present invention discloses a pyrolizer (100) and a process of pyrolysis thereof. The pyrolizer (100) comprises rotating variable pitch spiral drive (106) and internally heated pipe (113) enables uniform heat distribution with minimal heat loss, hence increasing efficiency. The pyrolizer (100) generates flue gas which can be utilized as an alternative heat source for the process of pyrolysis by recirculation of the flue gas through the internal heating pipe (113). Additionally, the generated flue gas is utilized for the generation of bioelectricity and biogas. The flue gas is capable of being compressed into bio-oils. The components of the pyrolizer (100) are capable of being detached to enable ease of transportation. The pyrolizer (100) is portable and easily accessible.
Reference numbers:
Components Reference Numbers
Pyrolizer 100
Feed hopper 101
Feed motor 102
Feed screw barrel 103
Vertical drop chamber 104
Pyrolysis chamber 1 105a
Variable pitch spiral driver 1 106a
Flu gas outlet 107
Pyrolysis chamber 2 105b
Variable pitch spiral driver 2 106b
Condenser unit 108
Liquid sealed collection chamber 109
Variable pitch spiral driver 3 106c
Mounting frame 110
Spiral driver motor 111
Gas inlet tube 112
Internal heating pipe 113
Variable pitch spiral blade 114
Gas path 115
Gas sensors 116a, 1116b & 116c
Temperature sensors 117a & 117b
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A portable multipurpose pyrolizer (100), the pyrolizer (100) comprising:
a) a feed hopper (101) connected to a feed motor (102) to add the feed material to the pyrolizer (100);
b) the feed motor (102) connected to a vertical drop chamber (104) by a feed screw barrel (103) to drive the feed material for pyrolysis;
c) the feed screw barrel (103) and the vertical drop chamber (104) that transfers the feed material connecting to one or more pyrolysis chambers (105);
d) one or more pyrolysis chambers (105) connected to the vertical drop chamber (104) and adjacent to a variable pitch spiral driver (106) for the pyrolysis of the feed material;
e) the variable pitch spiral driver (106) comprising an internal heating pipe (113) mounted by a variable pitch spiral blade (114) for internal heating of the pyrolysis chambers (105);
f) a spiral driver motor (111) connected to variable pitch spiral blade (114) rotates the variable pitch spiral blade (114) and drives the feed material to subsequent one or more pyrolysis chambers (105);
g) the internal heating pipe (113) carries the heat through the pyrolysis chambers (105) and pyrolyses the feed material as it travels through the pyrolysis chamber (105);
h) a flue gas outlet (107) connected to the pyrolysis chambers (105) for the passage of generated flue gas through the pyrolysis chambers (105) circulated by a gas path (115) or externally;
i) a liquid seal collection chamber (109) connected to the pyrolysis chambers (105) for the collection of generated biogas;
j) a condenser unit (108) connected to the pyrolysis chambers (105) to condense the generated flue gas;
k) a liquid sealed collection chamber (109) connected to the pyrolysis chambers (105) to collect the generated biochar and to prevent the entry of atmospheric air;
l) one or more gas sensors (116a, 116b & 116c) embedded in the pyrolysis chambers (105) to determine the constituents of the generated flue gas; and
m) one or more temperature sensors (117a & 117b) embedded in the pyrolysis chambers (105) to determine the temperature in the pyrolysis chambers (105).
where the portable pyrolizer (100) comprises one or more pyrolysis chambers (105) for the process of pyrolysis of the feed material in obtaining biochar and flue gas of variable characteristics by modifying the pyrolysis conditions.
2. The pyrolizer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the uniform heat distribution and minimal heat loss across the pyrolysis chambers (105) is achieved by the supply of heat to the variable pitch spiral blade (114) aiding the rotation of the internally heated pipe (113) and hence the variable pitch spiral blade (114).
3. The pyrolizer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated flue gas is capable of being compressed to obtain bio-oil and to further generate biogas and bioelectricity.
4. The pyrolizer (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pyrolizer (100) is operated operated in transport mode and operation mode due to the detachability of the components of the pyrolizer (100).
5. A process of pyrolysis (400), the process (400) comprising steps of:
a) initiating the process of pyrolysis by adding the feed material into the pyrolizer (100) (401);
b) preheating the pyrolizer to remove the moisture for pyrolysis (402);
c) subjecting the feed material to pyrolysis by internal heating of the pyrolysis chambers (105) (403);
d) obtaining flue gas and biochar at the pyrolysis chambers (105) by the pyrolysis of the feed material (404);
e) recirculating the generated flue gas from the pyrolysis of feed material through the gas path (115) as an alternate fuel for pyrolysis (405)
f) subjecting the generated flue gas to condensation at the condenser (108) to obtain bio-oil, biogas, bioelectricity (406); and
g) collecting the obtained biochar at the liquid sealed collection chamber (109) (407).
wherein the continuous input of the feed material reduces the downtime and increases overall efficiency of the process and the modification of process parameters including internal temperature, residence time, incorporation of additives, post-processing yields respective biochar and flue gas with respective characteristics.
6. The process as claimed in claim 5, wherein biochar is generated from the pyrolysis of the feed material at a temperature range of 300° C to 900° C.
7. The process as claimed in claim 5, wherein the carbon content of the generated biochar is at a percentage range of 10% to 30%.
8. The process as claimed in claim 5, wherein the carbon content of the generated biochar is at a percentage range of 30% to 60%.
9. The process as claimed in claim 5, wherein the carbon content of the generated biochar is at a percentage range of 60% to 99%.

10. The process as claimed in claim 5, wherein the generated biochar collected at the liquid sealed collection chamber (109) is subjected to post-processing by leaching, aeration, or grinding to enhance the properties of the generated biochar in increasing the crop yield and environmental restoration.