TNAU’s hydrothermal liquefaction reactor gets design patent

NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) scientists have received a national patent for a hydrothermal liquefaction reactor. The team of scientists include R Divyabharathi and P Subramanian from the Department of Renewable Energy Engineering.

The patent has been granted by the office of the controller general of patents, designs and trademarks of the union ministry of commerce and industry.

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According to the university, “ The hydrothermal liquefaction system consists of a high-pressure reactor with an agitator, electric heater and condenser that derives biocrude oil, char and aqueous phase from wet lignocellulosic biomass.”

The team said that the patent design will help “ In direct thermochemical conversion to yield bioenergy products”. The new design according to TNAU will save the drying costs and energy associated with conventional thermochemical systems.

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The biocrude oil produced from the new reactor can be used directly as a fuel oil in combustion systems. The fuel can also be upgraded to resemble transportation fuels. The char obtained can be used as solid biofuel or in soil amendment and adsorption applications as per the team.

The TNAU team stated that the liquid phase is rich in organic chemicals and other nutrients which can be used for chemical recovery in industries. The patent offers a sustainable solution to reduce the energy demand and environmental pollution in the country, according to the university.