Method for Carrying Out Endothermic Production Processes and Apparatus for Carrying Out the Method

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This invention presents a process and system for carrying out energy-intensive, endothermic industrial production processes (such as cement or glass manufacturing) using dimethyl ether (DME) as the primary fuel. The process includes burning DME to provide the necessary heat, with a focus on efficient carbon dioxide (CO2) separation and recirculation. The separated CO2 can be reused in DME production, creating a closed-loop system that aims to significantly reduce or potentially eliminate net CO2 emissions from these traditionally high-emission processes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Cement production plants seeking to decarbonize their high-temperature processes.
• Glass manufacturing facilities aiming for CO2-neutral heating systems.
• Any industrial process requiring high-temperature thermal conversion of minerals with associated CO2 emissions (e.g., lime or soda ash production).
• Facilities looking to transition from fossil fuels to alternative, potentially CO2-neutral fuel sources, such as DME.
• Plants designed or retrofitted to include carbon capture and supply of captured CO2 back to fuel production.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Substantial reduction or even elimination of CO2 emissions associated with high-temperature mineral processing.
• Creation of a closed CO2 loop by reusing captured CO2 in DME production, supporting CO2-neutral industrial operation.
• Use of DME as a fuel, which can be synthesized from captured CO2 and renewable hydrogen, enabling compatibility with renewable energy systems.
• Potential for easier transportation and storage, as DME and CO2 have similar physical properties and can use the same infrastructure.
• Greater flexibility in fuel sourcing, with the ability to substitute other fuels (e.g., hydrogen or methane) in times of DME shortage.
• Possible energy efficiency gains through recovery and reuse of process heat and integration of oxygen-enriched combustion (oxyfuel).
• Reduction in the need for long-term CO2 storage or geosequestration, mitigating associated risks and costs.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for performing endothermic production processes, in particular high-temperature production processes, where minerals are thermally converted with release of carbon dioxide (CO2), where the thermal energy supplied to the production process is produced by combustion of a fuel, wherein the fuel employed contains or consists of DME (dimethyl ether).