JP5457431B2 - Micro purification equipment for ethanol production - Google Patents

Description

(Cross-reference of related applications)
This application is based on US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 110,242 filed Apr. 25, 2008, “Method For Using Carbon Credits With Micro Refineries” and U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 110,242 filed Apr. 25, 2008. No. 12 / 110,158, claiming priority based on "Micro Refinery System For Ethanol Production", which applications are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention generally relates to a system and method for remotely monitoring a micropurified ethanol system that converts raw materials and / or waste alcohol liquor to ethanol and processing data from the micropurification system.

  Ethanol fermentation is a biological process by which sugar is converted to ethanol that can be used as a fuel for internal combustion engines. Starch based raw materials or sugar based raw materials can be used to produce ethanol or ethyl alcohol. A large fermentor is used to convert sugar and yeast into ethanol. After fermentation, ethanol is separated from other fluids in the distillation process. Absolute ethanol can be mixed with gasoline and then shipped to a gasoline terminal or retail store.

  The problem with large industrial ethanol fermentation equipment is that production requires large scale machines that produce large batches of ethanol. The ethanol must then be mixed with the additive, transferred to a delivery truck and delivered to a gas station. These large ethanol production facilities also require a number of specially trained technicians who operate the purification process and equipment and monitor it 24 hours a day.

  More convenient to produce fewer batches of ethanol using machines that can be operated and monitored remotely and / or automatically to maintain optimal performance efficiency by untrained personnel A simple micropurification system is required.

  The present invention is directed to a micro-purification system that produces ethanol from sugar or alcoholic beverages. The micropurifier is coupled to a computer network that allows the micropurifier to communicate with various computers. The micropurifier can also include a number of sensors that provide system operating data. The micropurifier can perform automated operations, such as providing status information and aiming to supply the necessary raw materials based on reserve quantities or consumption rates. The system can monitor raw material reserves and estimate the supply required to maintain ethanol consumption.

  In addition, the micro refining device can provide generated information to any regulatory entity via electronic communication. The system can also indicate whether there are any problems with any of the processing mechanisms. If the system requires any maintenance or repair, the micropurifier can send a signal indicating that it needs the required service. The system can send the information to the user computer so that the user can then request a service or, in another embodiment, the system automatically sends a service request to a maintenance company. You may send it.

  When the micropurification system is installed at the user's location, the system can be coupled to a power source, a water supply and a fluid drain. Since the system includes a fuel pump, it must be installed in a location where the vehicle can be easily accessed. Installation of the micro refining device requires that it be placed on a horizontal surface and connected to a water source, a power source and a drain. The micropurifier operates automatically and system operation is monitored and controlled by a user computer or a system management operator computer. The system can be monitored and controlled via a user interface and / or data can be transmitted via a transmitter to a computer network such as the Internet. The operational information and system control can then be transmitted over the network to the user's computer or system management computer so that the operation can be monitored remotely.

  When the system is installed at the user's location and the user switches on the micropurifier, the system can perform a startup process to verify proper operation of each system. When the system is ready to begin processing, raw materials including sugar, yeast and yeast nutrients are mixed with water in the fermentation tank. The fermentation tank is a sealed unit that includes an agitator, a temperature control mechanism and a load cell. The measurement system detects the amount of raw material components placed in the fermentation tank and the volume of water mixed with the raw material so that the fermentation process can be initiated. The control system manages pumps, agitators, valves, fans, sensors and thermoelectric coolers to automatically maintain the proper chemical mixing and fermentation environment. In this process, yeast consumes sugar and converts it into ethanol, carbon dioxide gas and heat. In one embodiment, the system can monitor the fermentation process by detecting exhausted carbon dioxide and detecting the chemical components of the batch. Feeding of raw materials may be done manually or automatically via an actuated valve that controls the flow of material into the tank.

  The system can detect the initial weight of the batch material by monitoring the output signal from the load cell. If the raw material components are entered sequentially and individually, the weight of each component is represented by the weight changing as each raw material component is added. Based on the detected raw material weight, the corresponding appropriate water weight / volume can be calculated. The amount of water charged into the tank can be detected by a load cell or flow measurement mechanism. In one embodiment, the tank may have a sensor that detects the volume of liquid in the fermentation tank. The liquid sensor can include a float coupled to a variable resistor in the tank. When the tank is full, the resistor is set to a low resistance value. When the tank is empty, the float slides along a resistor that changes resistance. Downward movement can increase the electrical resistance of the liquid sensor, which reaches a maximum when the tank is empty. The system can be calibrated to calculate the volume of the liquid based on the detected electrical resistance.

  The system can then use a stirrer to mix the raw materials, sugar and water. When the fermentation process occurs, the reaction between the yeast and the sugar generates heat. The system can also control the temperature in the fermentation tank so that it remains in the optimum temperature range for the fermentation. By monitoring the temperature, the heating system can determine whether the fermentation tank should be heated, cooled or maintained. In one embodiment, the temperature control unit is a thermal plate coupled to the fermentation tank, and the internal volume can be heated or cooled by switching the polarity of the voltage applied to the plate. In the fermentation process, raw materials and sugar are converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide. As carbon dioxide is exhausted from the fermentation tank and ethanol is produced, the weight of the material in the tank decreases. By detecting changes in material weight over time, the system can determine the status and progress of the fermentation process.

  In one embodiment, the system can check the mixing of the fermented ingredients to determine if the mixing rate or composition is appropriate and the batch is fermenting. During fermentation, batch liquid samples are periodically removed from the fermentation tank and placed in a test area that includes one or more sensors. A tube coupled to the pump can be used to remove the sample from the batch and place the sample in the examination area. The sensor can detect physical properties such as conductivity, pH level, light refraction or optical wavelength absorption and fluorescence. The sensor output is analyzed to determine the amount of chemical constituents in the fermentation tank. After inspecting the sample, the system can return the sample to a batch. In order to monitor the fermentation process, the system can continue the sample of the batch continuously or periodically throughout the batch process. Thus, the sample removal system can continuously pump a portion of the batch into a test container and periodically transfer the test sample to the test container. In one embodiment, the batch can be tested directly in the fermentation tank without moving the sample to a separate testing chamber.

  As the sensor performs batch sample detection, the detected properties are stored on a pre-programmed look-up table of values and compared to predicted or optimal values derived from the algorithm. By comparing the detected chemical components to a look-up table or telecommunications feedback, the system can determine whether the batch contains an optimal mix of the batch materials. If there is a significant difference between the detected value and the predicted value, the system can identify whether there is a missing chemical compounding component or an excess chemical compounding component. . The system can then inform the user of the chemical ingredients that should be added to the tank to modify the batch. In other embodiments, the chemical is stored internally and the micropurifier automatically adds the material to the fermentation tank to correct the chemical imbalance of batch mixing.

  In some cases, the optimal mixing or ratio of the ingredients can be based on ambient conditions. While the system can control the temperature of the tank, additional sensors can measure ambient environmental changes such as temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and the like. When an environmental change is detected, the system can refer to a look-up table or obtain on-line remote feedback regarding the appropriate ratio of formulation ingredients. The system can then modify the mixing of the material in the tank to an ideal formulation for ambient conditions. The system also initiates cooling or heating of the components to maintain the proper environment within the tank.

  After completion of the fermentation process, the fermentation tank contains ethanol and water. Ethanol is separated from water in the distillation system. Slowly heated for several days, pumped from the fermentation tank to a distillation column that produces ethanol vapor and water. Since the boiling points of these materials are different, ethanol vapor tends to rise to the top of the distillation tube, but most of the water vapor condenses on the tube wall and does not exit the distillation tube.

  Since the system may be mounted on a non-planar surface and vertical alignment is required for proper distillation, the system includes a vertical alignment system for the distillation tubes. In one embodiment, the gimbal is coupled to the upper half of the distillation tube. Since most of the weight is below the gimbal, the distillation tube tends to rotate to a vertical alignment. The system can simply be prevented from rotating during the alignment process. After alignment is performed, the system can lock the distillation tube in place to prevent rotational movement during the distillation process.

  The distillation tubes can be filled with material packing or with a plurality of horizontal perforated plates used to draw vaporized beer from alcohol. Ideally, vaporized beer and ethanol enter the bottom of the distillation tube, and beer vapor, water and other heavier materials are blocked with packings or plates. In contrast, ethanol tends to continue up the distillation tube while still in vapor form. This helps to separate water and other contaminants from ethanol vapor.

  In one embodiment, the plurality of plates are offset vertically within the tube. However, in a preferred embodiment, a diagonally angled perforated plate is placed inside the tube. The pore size of the perforated plate can be adjusted to optimize the distillation performance. Potential problems arise when the micropurifier operates for a long time or temporarily stops production. Beer may remain on the packing or perforated plate in the condensation tube, causing clogging of the perforated plate and / or packing. The entire condensation tube must then be cleaned before the system can operate at optimum efficiency. To reduce this clogging problem, the plate can be angled so that when water and beer vapor condense on the plate, gravity pulls the condensed liquid toward the lower edge of the plate. . Because the beer liquid tends to move away from the perforated plate, there is little damage to the distillation tube.

  In one embodiment, the distillation tube is a multi-piece unit that can be broken down into multiple parts. If the plate or packing must be replaced or repaired, the distillation tube can be disassembled and the internal surface can be accessed. In one embodiment, the distillation tube can have one or more couplings along its entire length. The coupling can be of any suitable design. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling can include a pin that engages the hook when rotating a section of the distillation tube. By rotating in one direction, the sections are joined in axial alignment, and by rotating in the opposite direction, the sections can be released and separated. When joining sections, a locking mechanism can be used to prevent the sections from rotating.

  Vapor exiting the distillation tube passes through a separation membrane that separates ethanol from other fluids. The membrane may be damaged by heat shock that is exposed to hot steam too rapidly. In order to prevent damage to the membrane by the hot steam, the system can include a preheating mechanism and a temperature sensor that detects the membrane temperature. The preheating mechanism can be a heater that gradually heats the film before it is exposed to hot steam. Preheating can be controlled by a controller that can adjust the rate of heat rise to prevent damage to the membrane. When the membrane temperature is similar to that of hot water and ethanol vapor, the system can open the valve to allow water vapor and ethanol vapor to flow through the membrane.

  The membrane has small pores through which smaller water molecules can pass but ethanol molecules flowing through the larger outlet cannot pass. Vacuum can be used to drain water vapor through the pores of the membrane. After separating the water from the ethanol, the plurality of heat exchangers and thermoelectric coolers convert the ethanol vapor and water vapor back into a liquid. The water is recycled and fuel grade ethanol flows into the storage tank and is ready for use. In one embodiment, the micropurifier stores ethanol as well as gasoline. In one embodiment, the user controls the blend ratio of ethanol and gasoline. When fuel is needed, the mixed fuel is dispensed through hoses and nozzles, just like a gas station.

  The micro-purification device can also include sensors that can detect the performance of system components and equipment failures. Various types of sensors can be included in the system. Pressure sensors can be used to detect pump fault conditions, column flow fault conditions, and motor pump fault conditions. Electrical and optical sensors can measure sugar, yeast, various nutrients, alcohol, water and pH balance content. The temperature sensor measures the inner column, heat exchanger, water storage level, ethanol storage level, thermoelectric cooler, thermoelectric heater, and ambient distillation closet and outer ambient environment. The accelerometer sensor or strain gauge sensor measures the fermentation tank weight. Voltage and current sensors measure column heating elements, motors, pumps, and power input and power output voltages. The wireless sensor detects a Wi-Fi network or a data cellular network. System operation can be monitored via these sensors. The sensor data can be sent to a controller that can analyze, process and display information detected from the sensor.

1 is a side view of one embodiment of a micropurification system. FIG. It is a figure which shows a thermoelectric mechanism. It is a graph which shows the change of batch weight with time. It is a figure which shows a gimbal mechanism. FIG. 3 is a top view of a distillation tube plate assembly. FIG. 6 is a side view of a distillation tube plate assembly. It is a figure which shows the distillation pipe provided with a some coupling. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of a distillation pipe coupling. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of a distillation pipe coupling. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of a distillation pipe coupling. It is sectional drawing of the porous membrane used in order to isolate | separate water and ethanol. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a system controller and connections to sensors and control mechanisms of a micro refining system. It is a figure which shows the communication connection between a micro refinement | purification apparatus and another system computer. FIG. 6 shows a sensor for monitoring batch fluorescence. It is a figure which shows the optical wavelength absorption sensor for monitoring a batch. It is a figure which shows the photorefractive sensor for monitoring a batch. It is a figure which shows the pH sensor for monitoring a batch. It is a figure which shows the oxygen sensor for monitoring a batch. It is a figure which shows the electrical resistance sensor for monitoring a batch.

  The components of the micro purification system 101 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In one embodiment, the fermentation tank 103 is mounted on one or more load cells 105 that detect a downward force and generate a corresponding electrical output signal. The load cell 105 is coupled to a system controller 151 that monitors the weight of the tank 103 and all contents in the tank 103 throughout the ethanol conversion process. The output signal of the load cell 105 is proportional to the detected weight. In one embodiment, the system controller 151 can perform a calibration process that detects the weight of the empty tank 103 and stores the weight of the empty tank as an offset value. The offset value can then be subtracted from any detected weight so that the system controller 151 can detect the weight and amount of material being loaded into the tank 103. The fermentation tank 103 calibration process can be repeated each time a batch of material is processed.

The system controller 151 can provide display and / or voice commands that can indicate the order of materials and the amount to be charged based on the estimated amount of ethanol produced. For example, in one embodiment, the user can enter a desired amount of ethanol. The system then calculates the expected amount of material needed to produce the desired amount of ethanol and instructs the user to input a specific amount of sugar and raw material. In order to start the fermentation process, the lid 111 is opened and a certain ratio of sugar and raw material is put into the tank 103.

  In one embodiment, sugar is the first material added to the fermentation tank 103. The weight of sugar is detected by the system controller 151 and the corresponding volume of water is determined. After adding the sugar, the system controller 151 can instruct the user to load the raw material. The system controller 151 can detect the weight of the raw material and provide instructions and information regarding the amount of raw material to add to the fermentation tank. The system controller 151 can detect the weight of the material that is being charged, and can provide instructions to the user such as loading, slowing down and stopping during the adjustment. The system controller 151 can have a visual display showing the volume of material added to the tank so that the user can know when to stop adding material to produce the desired volume of ethanol. Also, the system controller 151 can provide feedback when an error occurs. For example, if the system controller 151 detects that too much sugar has been added, the system will compensate for this error by increasing the amount of raw material to be added to the fermentation tank 103 for excess sugar. Can do.

  In another embodiment, sugar, yeast, and other raw material components such as phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, minerals, amino acids and vitamins can be stored in a container 191 coupled to the fermentation tank 103; The control system 151 can control a valve 193 coupled to the container. Thus, the control system 151 can add the necessary materials to the fermentation tank 103, thereby automating the input of sugar, yeast and other components. The system can also manually charge a large initial amount of material into the fermentation tank first, and then add the additional material stored in the container as needed to adjust the batch. When the appropriate volume and ratio of raw materials and sugar are charged into the fermentation tank 103, the lid 111 is closed. The lid 111 may have a locking mechanism that prevents any other material from being added to the tank 103 until processing is complete.

  As described above, the system controller 151 detects the amount of sugar in the fermentation tank 103 and calculates the corresponding water volume for the fermentation process. The system can automatically add to the tank 103 the volume of water required for the fermentation process. The appropriate water volume can be detected based on the regulated flow of water from the water storage tank 181. Alternatively, the system controller 151 can detect the weight of the water and calculate the volume of water added based on the known volume weight. The system controller 151 is coupled to a valve between the water tank 181 and the fermentation tank 103. The system controller 151 can open the valve to allow water to flow into the tank 103 and can close the valve when a suitable volume weight change is detected. In other embodiments, water may be added manually to the fermentation tank 103 and the system indicates when the appropriate amount of water has been added.

  The system can mix the batch of ingredients with the appropriate mix of water, raw materials and sugar in the fermentation tank 103 by rotating the agitator 107. In one embodiment, motor 109 is used to rotate shaft 115 that is coupled to agitation element 107. The agitation element 107 can be an elongated angled mixing vane that circulates the liquid in the tank 103 as it rotates. Mixing is necessary to bring the yeast in the raw material into contact with sugar and nutrients required for fermentation. Although a single stirrer 107 is shown, in other embodiments, multiple stirrers may be used to mix the materials so that sugar and raw materials do not agglomerate in the corners of tank 103. it can.

  In one embodiment, the control system 151 can detect proper mixing of batch materials by the rotational resistance or viscosity of the agitator 107. A low resistance, or viscosity, indicates that the stirrer 107 is in contact only with water, while a high resistance indicates that the stirrer 107 has contacted the sugar or raw material mass. The system can be configured to move the agitator 107 and the shaft 115 within the fermentation tank 103 to thoroughly mix the batch materials. During the mixing process, rotational resistance is an indicator of the state of mixing. When the rotational resistance is stable and corresponds to the appropriate resistance range of mixing, the materials can be mixed properly. When the proper mixing viscosity is detected, the materials can be mixed properly and the rotation of the agitator 107 can be periodically stopped or activated during the fermentation process.

During the fermentation process, yeast absorbs sugar when diluted in water. This reaction produces 50% ethanol and 50% CO ₂ by the end of the fermentation process. The following chemical formula summarizes this transformation.
C ₆ Hi ₂ O ₆ (glucose) → 2CH ₃ CH ₂ OH (ethanol) + 2CO ₂ + heat

  In other embodiments, the micropurifier can process the cellulosic material to produce ethanol. Cellulose ethanol is made from plant waste such as wood chips, corn ears and stems, straw and sugarcane stems, stems and leaves, or public solid plant waste. An advantage of cellulosic fuel production is that the microrefiner can be configured to process local crop material, reducing delivery costs. For example, a micropurifier installed in the Midwestern United States can be configured to process straw and corn residues. In the southern United States, micropurifiers can process sugarcane. In the Pacific Northwest and Southeast, wood can be converted to ethanol.

  Because corn starch can be easily broken down into sugars by enzymes, corn is easily processed and yeast ferments the sugars to produce ethanol. Conversely, cellulose stems and leaves contain carbohydrates, which are more difficult to break down and disassemble because they are tightly bound to other compounds. Therefore, special treatment is required to produce ethanol from cellulosic agricultural waste. More specifically, special enzymes are required in the fermentation tank to degrade carbohydrates. In addition to special enzymes, agricultural waste treatment generally requires processed bacteria to ferment agricultural waste sugars to ethanol.

  Another problem with agricultural waste is that it may mix with earth materials such as rocks, mud and gravel that can damage the components of the microrefiner. To prevent damage, the cellulosic material can be ground using a grinder prior to processing to make the material finer. A machine that applies heat, pressure and acid to the cellulose material is also used to separate the cellulose material into glucose and non-glucose sugars. Heat and pressure produce a mixture of sugar and fiber slurry. Non-glucose sugar is washed away from the fiber and the glucose-based fiber is treated with enzymes to break down and separate the sugar from the fiber. The separated sugar is then fermented with special bacterial microorganisms to beer containing ethanol, water and other residues. After fermentation, the micropurifier evaporates the beer so that the ethanol vapor rises through the distillation tube and separates the ethanol from the water. Vapor from the distillation tube is treated with a porous filter used to separate ethanol vapor from any remaining water vapor as described above.

  In another embodiment, different processes are used to separate glucose and non-glucose sugars. The mixture of glucose sugar and non-glucose sugar is separated by mixing the cellulosic material with an acid solution of about 25-90% by weight. The acid at least partially degrades the cellulosic material and converts the material into a gel that includes a solid material and a liquid portion. The gel is then diluted from about 20% to about 30% by weight and the gel is heated, thereby at least partially hydrolyzing the cellulose contained in the material. The liquid portion is then separated from the solid material, thereby obtaining a mixed liquid comprising sugar and acid. Subsequently, the sugar is separated from the acid in the mixed liquid by resin separation to produce a mixed sugar liquid containing a total of 15% by weight or more of sugar and an acid content of less than 3% by weight.

  The method of obtaining a mixed sugar further comprises mixing the separated solid material with an about 25-90% by weight sulfuric acid solution, thereby further decomposing the solid material to produce a second solid material and a second solid material. Forming a second gel comprising a liquid portion. The second gel liquid is diluted to an acid concentration of about 20% to about 30% by weight. The diluted second gel liquid is then heated to a temperature of about 80 ° C. to 100 ° C., thereby further hydrolyzing the cellulose remaining in the second gel. Separating the second liquid portion from the second solid material yields a second liquid containing sugar and acid. A liquid mixture is formed by combining the first liquid and the second liquid. The glucose separation process is described in more detail in US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 485,285, filed Jan. 26, 2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The described process for producing ethanol from cellulosic material has many advantages. Wood residues, mowing lawns and other plant debris are usually disposed of in landfills. By using these materials to produce ethanol, the landfill created is greatly reduced, the raw material source for the microrefiner is virtually eliminated, and less greenhouse gas is produced.

  The requirement for fermentation is proper temperature control to keep the ingredients in the proper fermentation temperature range. If the yeast temperature is too low, the yeast can become dormant, fermentation slows, and if the temperature is too high, the yeast can die. There are various types of yeast, some of which have a high temperature tolerance. In order to maintain the yeast culture life, the internal temperature of the fermentation tank 103 should be about 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In order to increase the rate of fermentation, the temperature can be maintained at the upper limit of the acceptable temperature range of the yeast.

  In one embodiment, the system 101 also includes a thermoelectric mechanism 113 that can be coupled to the fermentation tank 103. The thermoelectric mechanism 113 is powered by a DC power supply and maintains the inside of the tank 103 at an optimum processing temperature. A plurality of thermoelectric mechanisms 113 can be attached to various sections of the tank 103 to control the temperature uniformly. In one embodiment, the system controller 151 is coupled to the thermoelectric mechanism 113 and a temperature converter is mounted in the fermentation tank 103. The system controller 151 receives a signal corresponding to the internal tank temperature from the temperature converter to determine whether the fermentation tank 103 is in the proper temperature range or whether the batch needs to be heated or cooled. As mentioned above, the fermentation process generates heat, which may not require heating or cooling of the tank 103 in some cases. When the system detects that the fermentation tank 103 is too cold, the system controller 151 applies DC power to the thermoelectric mechanism 113 in the heating operation mode. When the temperature of the fermentation tank 103 is too hot, the temperature of the tank 103 can be lowered by switching the thermoelectric mechanism 113 to the cooling mode and inverting the polarity of the electric power of the thermoelectric mechanism 113. In addition, the system controller 151 can turn off the thermoelectric mechanism 113 when the temperature of the fermentation tank 103 is suitable for fermentation or in an optimum temperature range. The optimum temperature depends on the specific type of yeast being fermented, but is typically about 25 ° C to 30 ° C.

  In another embodiment, the system can utilize a pump 119 that pumps the batch through a thermoelectric radiator 117 that is separated from the fermentation tank and then returns the batch to the fermentation tank. If the system controller 151 detects that the batch is too cold, the pump 119 is activated to pump the batch through the thermoelectric radiator 117 controlled by the controller 151 and the batch is heated. Alternatively, if the system controller 151 detects that the batch is too hot, the pump 119 is activated to pump the batch via a thermoelectric radiator 117 controlled by the controller 151 and the batch is cooled. The outlet of the thermoelectric radiator 117 can be coupled to the fermentation tank 103 so that all of the heat-treated batch material returns to the fermentation tank 103.

  In one embodiment, the system can be used in a wide range of environments and has the ability to produce ethanol over a wide range of ambient conditions. For this, it is necessary to cool the fermentation tank in a hot region in a hot region and to heat the fermentation tank 103 in a cold region in a cold season. Numerous thermoelectric mechanisms 113 can be used in systems installed at more extreme ambient temperatures. In one embodiment, the user need only purchase and install an additional thermoelectric mechanism 113 to compensate for higher or lower temperatures. It is also possible to reduce the influence of extreme ambient temperatures by placing the micropurification system in a protective enclosure and adding an insulator to the micropurification system.

  Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the thermoelectric heating and cooling mechanism 113 can include two metal plates 205 and 207 that surround the ceramic core 209. When charged, the plates 205 and 207 oscillate, and a low temperature surface 205 and a high temperature surface 207 are generated. In one embodiment, the two plates 205 and 207 are always maintained such that the temperature difference between the two faces 205 and 207 is 69 degrees. A voltage is applied to the plates 205 and 207 by a DC power source 203 controlled by the system controller 151. The heating output and cooling output of the thermoelectric mechanism 113 can be controlled by reversing the polarity of the power applied from the power source 203. Since the size of the thermoelectric mechanism 113 is as small as about 2 to 4 inches in diameter, the thermoelectric mechanism 113 is ideal for small cooling and heating applications such as batch materials in fermentation tanks.

  The thermoelectric mechanism 113 may be mounted on the wall of the fermentation tank 103, or the thermoelectric mechanism may be configured as a thermoelectric radiator 117 as described above with reference to FIG. The fermentation liquid can be pumped through the thermoelectric radiator 117 and heated and cooled. Therefore, the thermoelectric heating / cooling mechanism 113 and the thermoelectric radiator 117 cool the batch fermentation tank or heat the batch via the system controller 151 by inverting the DC polarity applied to the thermoelectric mechanism 113 and the thermoelectric radiator 117. Can be.

  In a preferred embodiment, the fermentation tank 103 holds about 200 gallons of liquid. The thermoelectric mechanism 113 is practical for fermentation batches with a small liquid volume range, but not enough thermal energy to perform thermal control of a larger commercial fermentation process. For these reasons, a thermoelectric mechanism can be used with the system of the present invention to control the temperature of a liquid of about 200 gallons, but to control the temperature of a larger commercial fermentation process tank of over 1,000 gallons. Is not preferred.

The problem with the fermentation process is that it is not always a predictable process. The time required to complete the fermentation process varies depending on sugar and yeast purity and batch temperature. One way to monitor the fermentation process is by monitoring changes in the weight of the fermentation liquid. During the fermentation, the sugar is converted into ethanol and CO _2, CO ₂ is exhausted from the fermentation tank 103. Therefore, the weight of the batch is reduced as a result of the CO ₂ being evacuated. In one embodiment, force sensor 105 is used to periodically or continuously check the weight of the batch during the fermentation process. As CO ₂ is evacuated from the fermentation tank 103, the batch becomes lighter. The system can monitor the progress of batch fermentation by monitoring batch weight changes. The initial weight of the batch can be determined and stored in memory. Change of batch weight converts sugars to CO _2, CO ₂ is caused by being exhausted from the fermentation tank 103. The system controller 151 can determine that the fermentation process is complete when the weight of the batch has been reduced by a known percentage. Alternatively, the system controller 151 can determine that the fermentation process is complete when the rate at which the weight is reduced slows or stops. It is also possible to combine the CO ₂ sensor in the fermentation tank. Since CO ₂ is evacuated, a low level of CO _{2 in} tank 103 indicates that little CO ₂ is being produced by the batch.

  As described above, the force sensor 105 can be used to detect the initial starting weight of sugar, raw material and water that is filled into the tank 103 at the beginning of the fermentation process. Then, the weight can be periodically detected by sampling the force sensor 105 at predetermined time intervals. By monitoring the weight of the batch over time, the rate of weight change over time can be used to determine the stage of the batch during the fermentation process. For example, referring to FIG. 3, a graphical representation of batch weight over time is shown. At the beginning of the process, the weight of the batch drops very quickly. As the conversion of sugar to ethanol proceeds, the rate at which the weight decreases decreases. Eventually, the weight will not change much, indicating that the fermentation process is complete.

  In addition to detecting the weight of the batch, the system can also perform chemical detection of the batch material. In one embodiment, the micropurification device includes a batch inspection mechanism 171 that can detect the chemical components of the batch shown in FIG. 1, wherein the batch inspection mechanism is an optical sensor, an electrical sensor, a chemical sensor, or any other Types of chemical sensors. The delivery mechanism can include a tube 175 that is coupled to a pump 173 to deliver a batch of samples to the testing mechanism 171. The inspection mechanism 171 can be coupled to the controller 151, which can be used to check the chemical balance of the batch during the fermentation process. The amount or ratio of the detected batch component from the inspection mechanism 171 is compared to an optimal value that can be stored in a look-up table or provided by other sources. The optimal ratio of batch components may change during fermentation. If the difference between the measured value and the optimum value is large, the controller 151 can send a signal indicating a problem and / or the controller 151 can ferment chemical components to rebalance the batch. It can be automatically added to the tank 103. By inspecting and adjusting the batch continuously throughout the fermentation process, ethanol production from the batch can be maximized. More specific examples and descriptions of sensors used in the chemical inspection mechanism will be described later.

  Although described above with respect to fermentation tank 103 for fermenting sugar and raw materials, the system of the present invention also has the ability to process different materials, such as ethanol from recycled alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and other alcohol products. Can be extracted. The user can select the function of the micropurification system as either a sugar fermentation tank or a discarded alcohol treatment device. In the sugar fermentation mode, the micropurification system ferments sugar to produce alcohol as described above. Also, in the alcohol recycle mode, the alcohol product is placed in a fermentation tank before being processed by a distillation system for conversion to ethanol. The multi-function design provides a market advantage for recycling either sugar or discarded alcohol, commonly found in bars and wineries.

  It is possible to add alcohol liquor to the fermentation tank after or during the fermentation of sugar. The processing device can indicate when an alcoholic beverage can be added. In one embodiment, the controller can activate a locking mechanism coupled to the lid 111 to prevent the user from adding material to the fermentation tank 103. Since most of the liquid is converted to carbon dioxide by the yeast reaction, the volume of the liquid in the fermentation tank 103 decreases after the fermentation is complete, thereby leaving room for recycling the alcoholic beverage. The micropurifier then separates the ethanol from the batch and the alcohol from the discarded beverage and other liquid components.

  By treating the fluid in a distillation system, ethanol is separated from water and other liquids. In one embodiment, the distillation system of the present invention includes a pump 127, a heater 128, a distillation tube 131, and a gimbal mechanism 139 used to position the distillation tube 131 in a vertical orientation. Vertical orientation can be maintained by a gyroscope 132 attached to the distillation tube 131. The gyroscope 132 includes a rotor that can be aligned with the vertical axis of the distillation tube and a motor that rotates the rotor. The rotation of the rotor stabilizes the gyroscope 132 and distillation tube from any rotational movement. The control system 151 controls the pump 127 to pump the liquid in the fermentation tank 103 through the heater 129 to boil and vaporize water and ethanol. The vaporized liquid is directed to the bottom of the distillation tube 131. As the vapor travels higher through the distillation tube 131, ethanol molecules separate from the water molecules and exit from the top of the column. When water and other non-ethanol liquids are vaporized, they are cooled in the distillation tube 131, so that these vapors tend to condense on the side of the distillation tube. Next, the condensed liquid does not exit from the top of the distillation tube 131 but may adhere to the inner wall of the distillation tube 131 or may drip from the inner wall. The distillation system can also include one or more temperature sensors that monitor the steam temperature and control the heater 128 to produce steam at an optimal separation temperature. Excessive heat results in a higher vapor velocity, resulting in more water coming out of the distillation tube 131, but a lower steam temperature results in less ethanol flow from the distillation tube 131.

  The distillation process requires a distillation tube 131 with perfectly vertical alignment. The steam slowly rises vertically and travels up through the middle of the distillation tube 131 and exits from the top so that the flow path is not disturbed at the side walls. If the distillation tube 131 is not aligned, the rising vapor flows to the side of the tube 131, resulting in condensation of the ethanol vapor, reducing the efficiency of the distillation system. Similarly, water vapor rising on a side wall that is tilted away from the vertical cannot condense on the side wall, reducing the separation of water and ethanol. Therefore, a perfectly vertical alignment is necessary for high efficiency distillation.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the gimbal mechanism 139 supports the distillation tube 131 and allows the tube 131 to rotate naturally into a vertical alignment. In one embodiment, the gimbal mechanism 139 includes an inner pivot 305 that couples the tube 131 to an annulus 309 that surrounds the distillation tube 131, and an outer pivot 307 that couples the annulus 309 to a fixed support 311 that is coupled to a frame. Pivots 307 and 309 can include low friction bearings or bushings, which allow pivots 307 and 309 to rotate with very low friction. The gimbal mechanism 139 is mounted above the center of gravity of the distillation tube 131 so that the tube 131 itself automatically aligns in the vertical orientation by the weight of the distillation tube 131 below the gimbal mechanism 139. When the fixed support 311 is firmly attached to the frame, the distillation tube 131 automatically rotates to a vertical alignment.

  In one embodiment, the gyroscope 132 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the bottom of the distillation tube 131. The gyroscope 132 includes a rotor and a motor that rotates the rotor. Since the weight of the gyroscope 132 is supported by the distillation tube 131, the center of gravity of the gyroscope 132 can be aligned with the vertical central axis of the distillation tube 131 so that misalignment does not occur in the weight. The rotation axis of the rotor can be aligned with the vertical axis of the distillation tube, so that any angular movement of the micropurifier does not change the vertical alignment of the distillation tube while the rotor is rotating. 132 and distillation tube 131 are stabilized. In one embodiment, the gyroscope is switched on and the distillation tube 131 is vertically aligned before the rotor begins to rotate.

  The distillation tube 131 may be easily damaged, and in some cases, it is desirable to lock the distillation tube 131 in place so that it does not move. In one embodiment, the vertical alignment system includes a locking mechanism that prevents the distillation tube from rotating. In one embodiment, the system can detect ambient conditions by sensors such as anemometers and / or accelerometers coupled to the housing. If the wind speed is very high, the system may move, causing the distillation tube to move out of vertical alignment. Rather than risking damage to the distillation tube, the system can have a “safe” mode that can be activated when a predetermined wind speed or acceleration motion is detected. For example, if the detected wind is detected to exceed 40 MPH, or an earthquake greater than 5.0 is detected, the microrefiner will cause the distillation tube and other fragile system components to engage in a safe position. It becomes the safety mode to be stopped. The system can also respond to storm alerts by receiving weather alerts regarding its geographic location from external sources such as Internet weather information services and scheduling safe mode times. The controller can also shut down power and / or provide surge protection so that electrical components are not damaged due to power surges or power outages.

  In one embodiment, the distillation tube can be filled with a material packing or horizontal perforated plate used to remove vaporized beer from alcohol. Ideally, the vaporized beer and ethanol enter from the bottom of the distillation tube and the mixed steam travels up the tube. Water and other heavier materials are blocked by packing or plates. Conversely, ethanol tends to remain in vapor form and continues to move up the distillation tube. This helps to separate water and other contaminants from ethanol vapor. Horizontal perforated plates can be oriented horizontally inside the tube, and multiple plates can be placed over the length of the distillation tube. A potential problem arises when the micropurifier temporarily stops production. The water condenses and vaporizes and the beer remains on the packing or perforated plate, causing clogging of the perforated plate or packing when the system is used again. It may be necessary to clean the entire condensation tube before using the system again.

  In order to reduce this problem, the perforated plate 403 can be mounted inside the distillation tube 131 at a certain angle. FIG. 5 is a top view of the plate assembly 401 showing some of the holes 405 formed in the tilted plate 403. FIG. 6 is a side view of assembly 401 showing the possible angles of plate 403. As water and beer vapor condense on the plate 403, gravity tends to draw these liquids toward the lower edge of the plate 403. Since the beer liquor tends to move away from the hole 405 toward the lower edge of the plate 403, damage to the distillation tube and plate 403 due to dry contaminants is unlikely to occur. When installed in the distillation tube, the ring 407 can fit closely inside the inner diameter of the distillation tube. The assembly can also have an upper ring 407 and a lower ring 407 that hold the components together as a single piece unit that can be easily installed or removed for repair or maintenance. The assembly 401 can be made of any suitable material including metals such as stainless steel or plastics. The assembly 401 can also be coated or painted with a protective finish that prevents corrosion and oxidation. In other embodiments, the plate 403 is shown as a flat structure, but the plate 403 may be non-planar. For example, the plate may have an inverted “V” shape so that the condensed liquid can easily flow on the opposite lower sides of the plate.

  Referring to FIG. 7, a side view of one embodiment of distillation tube 131 and associated hardware components is shown. In one embodiment, the distillation tube 131 is a multi-piece unit that can be broken down into multiple parts. In this example, three couplings 421 are used to secure the various sections of the distillation tube 131 together. However, it is contemplated that any number of distillation tube sections and couplings 421 can be used. The coupling 421 can be released to allow the distillation tube 131 to be disassembled. This is particularly useful when the plate or packing has to be replaced or repaired, or when the inner surface has to be accessed for cleaning. Thereby, the required time can be shortened from several hours to several minutes. Also, the multi-piece configuration allows replacement of the defective portion rather than the entire tube 131 as needed, making it easier to transport the distillation tube 131 for field service and repair. To further simplify removal from the system, the distillation tube can have a quick detachment fitting 425 that is secured to the outer diameter of the distillation tube 131. The fitting 425 can be used for temperature and pressure sensors, and for fluid inlets and outlets.

  Details of one embodiment of the coupling 421 are shown in FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the coupling 421 in a coupled state. The coupling 421 includes a plurality of pins 427 and hooks 429 that are attached to an annulus 423 that is coupled to the outer diameter of the distillation tube 131 to provide structural support. Pins 427 and hooks 429 are distributed around ring 423. By rotating the section of the distillation tube 131, the hook 429 is fixed to the pin 427 and the sections of the distillation tube are fixed together. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism 426 is used to prevent the ring 423 from rotating and prevent a portion of the distillation tube 131 from being separated.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when the distillation tube 131 has to be disassembled, the section is rotated so that the pin 427 comes off the hook 429. As shown in FIG. 10, when the pin 427 is separated from the hook 429, the sections of the distillation tube 131 can be separated from each other. In other embodiments, various other types of coupling mechanisms can be used to secure the sections of the distillation tube together.

  During normal operation of the micropurifier, hot ethanol vapor and water vapor exit the distillation tube 131 and travel through a membrane system 135 that separates water molecules from ethanol molecules. The membrane system 135 includes a porous separation membrane that can be made of ceramic, glass or a very coarse material. Referring to FIG. 11, membrane 606 has many small pores 607 that allow water molecules 609 to pass through but are too small for ethanol molecules 611 to pass through. With higher vapor pressure, smaller water molecules 609 will flow through the holes 607. As the vapor passes through membrane 606, water molecules 609 are separated and substantially pure ethanol molecules 609 exit the membrane system. Therefore, the hole 607 is larger than the diameter of water vapor and smaller than the diameter of ethanol vapor. In one embodiment, the diameter of the hole 607 can be about 2 to 40 Angstroms.

  A potential problem with porous membrane systems is that the membrane material may be susceptible to this thermal damage. In particular, when the temperature of the ethanol vapor is significantly higher than the membrane, “thermal damage” of the membrane can occur. For example, the membrane may be at ambient temperature and then suddenly exposed to hot ethanol vapor, resulting in damage. To prevent thermal damage to the membrane, a micro-control alert system is used to preheat the membrane to ensure that the membrane temperature is suitable for processing hot steam. In one embodiment, the temperature of the membrane is detected by a thermocouple attached to the membrane system. Since the control system is directed to the fluid flow exiting the fermentation tank through the heater and distillation tube, the temperature of the membrane is detected before the hot steam is directed to the distillation tube. Referring to FIG. 1, when the membrane is cold, the system controller 151 can activate the heating element and monitor the membrane temperature. The control system can have an automatic temperature control setting that prevents the heater from overheating the membrane as the membrane temperature increases. Once the membrane temperature is preheated to a safe temperature, the system controller 151 can allow hot steam to flow through the distillation tube 131 to the membrane. As hot steam flows through the membrane, it can heat the membrane and remove the force applied to the heating element. To assist the ethanol and water separation process, vacuum 143 can be used to draw water vapor through the porous membrane.

  In one embodiment, the membrane system 135 can have a backup membrane 135. If one membrane system 135 is damaged, the controller detects a failure and the controller 151 can activate the valve 136 to change the flow of water vapor and ethanol vapor from the distillation tube 131 to the backup membrane system 135. The controller 151 can send a signal to the operator or maintenance group via the transceiver 197 indicating that the membrane 135 has been damaged. The damaged membrane system 135 can then be replaced while water vapor and ethanol vapor are separated by the backup membrane system 135.

  After passing through the membrane system 135 and the vacuum 143, the water condenses and can flow to the water storage tank 181 before being used again in the fermentation tank 131. The separated ethanol exits the membrane system 135 and then flows through the thermoelectric cooler 166 to condense the ethanol into a liquid. Liquid ethanol then flows to storage tank 145 where it is stored until mixed with gasoline. An ultrasonic sensor or other liquid sensor coupled to the storage tank 145 can detect the liquid ethanol level in the storage tank 145 and provide this ethanol production information to the system controller 151. In one embodiment, the system controller 151 can detect when the ethanol storage tank 145 is full and stop the distillation process until space is available in the storage tank 145.

  In one embodiment, the micro-purification device of the present invention mixes ethanol stored in the ethanol storage tank 145 with gasoline stored in the gasoline storage tank 155 at any ratio set by the user via the system controller 151. can do. The control system includes a user interface that allows the user to select a desired fuel blend ratio. The system can include a lock that prevents the fuel mix setting from exceeding a vehicle's maximum or minimum allowable ethanol rate. Once fuel mixing is selected, the user can use the functions of a micro refining device such as a normal gasoline pump. The user removes the nozzle 163 from the cradle on the micro refining device 101 and places it in the tank inlet of the vehicle. A lever coupled to nozzle 163 is actuated to start pump 149 that causes fuel to flow from tanks 145 and 155 through hose reel 157, hose 161 and nozzle 163 to the tank inlet of the vehicle. The system operates the ethanol pump 149 and the gasoline pump 149 at various flow rates to achieve a specific fuel ratio. The nozzle 163 detects when the vehicle tank is full and automatically stops the flow of fuel through the nozzle 163. When the vehicle tank is full, the user returns the nozzle 163 to the cradle and returns the fuel inlet cap to finish the filling process. Once at least partially drained from the ethanol tank 145, the system begins to produce more ethanol.

  The mixing ratio of ethanol to gasoline or other fuel can depend on the type of vehicle being fueled. Pure ethanol can be used in an internal combustion engine only if the engine is designed or modified for that application. However, ethanol can be mixed with gasoline in various ratios for use in unmodified automobile engines. In the United States, a regular car designed to run on gasoline may only be able to use a blended fuel containing up to 15% ethanol. In contrast, US flex fuel vehicles can use blends containing less than 20%, or up to 85% ethanol. Ethanol fuel blends are typically shown with the percentage of ethanol after the letter “E”. For example, typical ethanol fuel names include E5, E7, E10, El5, E20, E85, E95, and E100, where E5 is 5% ethanol and 95% gasoline.

  Also, the micropurification system can be cleaned after the processing performed by each micropurification system is complete. In one embodiment, the micropurifier includes a cleaning mechanism that can spray pressurized soap and water into the fermentation tank, thereby removing particles from the tank and other components. Removed. The system can then rinse the system components to remove soap and other residues. In one embodiment, the drain valve is opened to allow waste liquid from the fermentation tank and distillation system to be drained from the system through a drain hose. The system can include an automatic cleaning system that utilizes a valve coupled between the water supply and a spray nozzle that discharges high pressure water and is activated by a system controller. Spray can be sprayed towards the fermentation chamber wall to remote the deposited material. When volatile material is removed from the internal surface of the micropurifier, the drain valve can be opened and the waste material can flow to a public drainage system.

  Because the micropurifier is a complex mechanism, sensors and controls are used to automate the operation and optimize the performance of ethanol production. The micropurifier monitors the operating status of processing systems including fermentation tanks, load cell weight detection systems, temperature control systems, mixing agitators for fermentation tanks, distillation systems, membrane separation systems, storage tanks and blend / pump systems Includes various sensors. All of these systems include a sensor coupled to the controller. Referring to FIG. 12, a simplified block diagram of the system controller 151 is shown. The controller 151 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 601, a visual display 603 that can be used as an input device, and a user input mechanism 609 such as buttons and keypads. In order for the CPU 601 to communicate with analog devices such as motors and sensors, an analog-digital converter 611 and a digital-analog converter 613 are required. An analog-digital converter 611 is used to convert an analog data signal into a digital data signal that can be interpreted by the CPU 601, and a digital-analog converter 613 is used to convert a digital control signal sent from the CPU 601 to an analog device. To do. CPU 601 can also be coupled to electronic memory 605. In one embodiment, controller 151 is coupled to various sensors 305-313 that detect the operation of the micropurifier and system components and controllers 314-317 that control the operation of the micropurifier.

  In one embodiment, the controller 151 can interpret detected sensor 205 information that can emit an audio status indicator or a visual status indicator. The controller 151 can also be coupled to an illumination 199 that provides an indication of the status of the micropurifier. The system status can be indicated by the color of the light. A green light can indicate that everything is OK, a yellow light can indicate that the system needs attention, and a red light can indicate that the system has been shut down. it can. As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination 199 can be mounted on the upper surface of the micropurification device 101 for best viewing. If the micro-purification device 101 is installed away from the others, a status indicator light 199 may be attached to the pole so that the user can easily see the status indicator from a distance. In other embodiments, an audible alarm can be sounded when the system needs attention or in an emergency where the system is shut down.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing communication connections between the micro refining apparatus 101 and other system components. The controller 151 can also be coupled to a transceiver 197 that can send and receive information via wired or wireless communications. For example, the micropurifier can communicate with a computer network that allows the computer to monitor the operation of the micropurifier and the processing of materials. The controller 151 can send the micropurifier operating information via the transceiver 197, for example, the detected sensor and production information to various other computers or servers 223 via the computer network. In addition, the controller 151 can receive control commands from other computers and the server 223 for the operation of the micro refining device based on the detected operating state.

  The transceiver 197 allows the system controller 151 to transmit detected operation information such as sensor output data and receive an operation command from an external source. The transceiver can be a wired unit or a wireless unit that communicates with a network coupled to a personal computer or other computer 223. In addition, a hard-wired communication cable can connect between the operator's computer 223 and one or more micro-purification devices 101. Communication between the micropurifier 101 and the computer 223 or network can be through a variety of different modes including radio frequencies such as WiFi, cellular or satellite or optical such as IR. For example, the communication type can be based on the location of the micropurifier. An operator computer 223 near a private residence or commercial building can have a WiFi communication system. A micro refining device that is outside the wireless communication range from the user's computer 223 may require a cellular or satellite communication system.

  The micropurification system information detected by the sensor can be sent to the microprocessor 601 and stored in memory and / or can then be transferred to a transceiver and sent to a computer network such as the Internet. The transmission type can be based on the location of the micropurifier. A computer 223 near a private residence or commercial building can have a WiFi communication system. In contrast, a computer 223 located in a more remote area may require a cellular or satellite communication system, or a communication path such as multiple computers 223 and multiple wireless networks or wired networks. May be required.

  Using the communication system, the micropurifier can send and receive information to and from the user's personal computer, system maintenance service, group administrator, service group, supply supplier, government agency or other micro-other micropurifier. . In some cases, information can be transmitted from the micropurifier to the user's personal computer. The user can interpret the information and send the information from the personal computer to the server or other computer. By adding a communication network, remote communication is possible using either a wired LAN, a wireless network such as WiFi, a cellular connection or a satellite connection, and the micropurifier can be monitored remotely. Information transmitted through the communication system can be used for a variety of purposes including system operation monitoring, diagnostics, operation optimization, ethanol production accounted for by government agencies, material stockpiling monitoring and material ordering. The transmitted data can depend on the reception of information. For example, the regulatory body need only know the ethanol output from the micropurifier. In contrast, the user or maintenance contractor must be aware of operating conditions or any processing errors. Thus, typically more sensor information is sent to the user or maintenance company rather than the government agency.

Also, the communication system for the micro-purification device can be used for other purposes. For example, in one embodiment, the communication system is used in conjunction with the carbon credit program discussed in copending US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 110,242, “Method For Using Carbon Credits With Micro Refineries,” incorporated herein. can do. The carbon credit program can issue coupons with value based on the reduction in CO ₂ emissions resulting from using ethanol produced by this micro-purifier instead of the same or equivalent volume of gasoline . Carbon credits can have value based on the reduction in CO ₂ emissions when assuming that ethanol produced by this micro-purifier is used instead of the same or equivalent volume of gasoline. The ethanol to gasoline CO ₂ emissions can be directly quantified and the reduction in CO ₂ emissions can be accurately determined by a sensor that measures the volume of ethanol flowing in the storage tank 145. The system can automatically send volumetric measurements of ethanol generated by the micropurifier so that the corresponding carbon credits can be recorded for the owner of the micropurifier.

  Communication systems can also trade using carbon credits. Carbon credit buyers can be individuals or business entities that may want to improve the world by reducing their carbon footprint. Buyers also need to reduce carbon emissions to comply with recent government regulations that limit carbon emissions. Carbon credits can be sold to buyers electronically via a computer network based sales system or an internet based sales system. The micro refining device indicates the amount of carbon credits available and can sell one or all of the carbon credits at a specific price. Alternatively, the micropurifier can use an auction website to sell some or all of the carbon credits to the highest bidder at an auction. In some cases, micropurifiers may have only a small amount of carbon credits, and many micropurifiers can be sold in combination with accumulated carbon credits.

  In a preferred embodiment, the transceiver of the micropurifier communicates with a user computer and / or other server computer that can assist in monitoring and maintaining the micropurifier over a network such as the Internet. be able to. The micro refining device shares operating information with the user's personal computer, and the user may order raw materials, perform maintenance, and be notified of any system malfunctions based on data from the micro refining device. it can. Receiving micropurifier information occurs based on the type of data being generated. The user's computer can transfer operational information to a variety of other entities such as system maintenance service groups, micropurifier group administrators, micropurifier supply suppliers, and government agencies. In some cases, multiple micropurifiers share information. For example, multiple micropurifiers installed in the same region can compare ethanol production outputs to help identify the optimal operating conditions for the region. Also, micropurifiers in the same region can share supply information so that a large amount of supplies can be ordered together and that the micropurifiers in that region can share the transportation costs.

  For proper operation, raw materials may have to be input continuously or periodically into the micropurifier. By using force sensors in the raw material storage area, the feed weight of the raw material can be monitored. The system can be configured to automatically fill the processing tank with raw materials as they are consumed. The system can also detect the weight / amount of raw materials and other batch components or additives in the storage area. When the supply of raw materials or batch components in the storage area is low, the system can inform the user, system maintenance service provider or supply distributor that the batch material needs to be replenished.

  Under perfect processing conditions, the batch need not be continuously rebalanced with chemical components. However, if there are variations in processing conditions or if the micropurifier is used simultaneously to process batches and discarded alcoholic beverages, the system continuously checks and checks the content of the batch in the fermentation tank. May need to be adjusted. Alcoholic beverages with a high sugar content can provide sugar to the batch. Also, the required raw materials can vary depending on the amount of ethanol produced from the discarded alcoholic beverage. As more ethanol is produced from an alcoholic beverage, less raw material is needed to produce the required volume of ethanol.

  In yet another embodiment, the system can include a sensor that detects the amount of processed ethanol in the storage tank. If the storage tank is almost full, the system can reduce ethanol production, and if the storage tank is full, the system can stop ethanol production. Thus, if the system detects that the ethanol storage tank is nearly empty, the system can increase production. Production can be controlled by slowing or stopping the distillation process. By monitoring the user's ethanol demand and batch content, the system can predict material requirements and have the necessary materials available for processing. The micropurification system does not need to stop production because the necessary materials are always present in the field when needed.

  The raw material notification can be sent to the user via various communication means, and the electronic signal displayed as an indicator in the graphical user interface signal sent from the micro refining device over the network to the user's computer. Including. Alternatively, the raw material notification can be sent to the user's computer or phone as an email notification, text or voice message. In other embodiments, the user can automatically contact the raw material supplier and, when the raw material supply is low, authorize the system to request additional raw materials or configure the system to do so. A signal can be sent when the amount of raw material in the storage reaches a predetermined amount so that the user has the opportunity to replenish the supply before the system runs out of material.

  In other embodiments, the delivery of raw materials is scheduled and performed periodically. The system can detect production requirements or raw material consumption rates and adjust orders to compensate for more or less than expected ethanol production. For example, production requirements can be based on the volume of ethanol stored in the system. The system can automatically increase the raw material order when the reserve is low and reduce the raw material order when the storage volume is almost full. In addition, the order quantity of raw materials can be adjusted based on the planned consumption rate.

  In one embodiment, the system can also be used to detect micropurifier operating errors. Field problems may result in equipment downtime and costly in-situ service repairs due to equipment malfunction and extreme weather conditions. In order to detect equipment problems, the micropurifier can include a number of sensors that detect system malfunctions. Referring to FIG. 13, by remotely monitoring the micropurifier and environmental conditions, the system can inform the user computer 223 when there is a problem with the system. The operator may then be able to inspect the system and repair the problem. If the user is unable to fix the problem, the user can call the service center and a repair person may be sent to the micro refining device 101. In some cases, the micropurifier 101 can perform a self-diagnosis and determine a problem. This diagnostic information can be transmitted to the user computer 223, the service server computer 223 and / or the service center 223.

  In some installations, the user may not want to manage the operation of the micro refining device 101 and instead may have a maintenance contractor maintain the micro refining device. All information can be sent to the system maintenance service server 223 or the micropurifier group administrator computer 223. The user computer 223 can receive basic information such as status from the micro-purification device 101 and service updates from the maintenance company 223 in a graphical format that is easily interpreted by the user. Therefore, the micro refining apparatus 101 can be configured to transmit various information in various formats to various computers 223.

  In one embodiment, the owner of the micro refining device can give access to a maintenance company for remote system assistance, and sensor data from the micro refining device 101 is monitored for operation of the micro refining device 101. It can be transmitted to the maintenance company server 223. Since the maintenance company is not interested in the appearance of the display, the data output from the micro refining device 101 should be in a “service output mode” that can be the first raw data with little or no data formatting. Can do. This raw data can reduce the size of the data transmission that enables many micropurifiers 101 to be monitored remotely by a maintenance company. If a problem is detected for any of the micropurifiers 101, the maintenance company server 223 can provide digital instructions to the micropurifier 101 and if the problem needs to be adjusted manually, The service technician can go to the micropurifier 101 for service or maintenance.

  In one embodiment, the micro refining device 101 can be programmed to send a basic service request to the user computer 223, and if the problem requires a trained technician, The service center computer 223 can be contacted so that a technician can be requested immediately. In addition, the micro refining apparatus 101 may be able to identify a component that may have a failure or a defect and request the service center computer 223 for the necessary component.

  In one embodiment, some of the system maintenance can be performed automatically. For example, referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the micropurifier can have a backup porous membrane 135 that is used to separate ethanol from water. If the porous membrane is damaged, the micropurifier 101 can detect the problem and then automatically switch from the valve 161 at the outlet of the distillation tube to the backup porous membrane 135, thereby reducing ethanol production. Can continue. The micropurifier 101 can then request a service to repair the damaged or defective porous membrane 135. Various other system components can have backup units that can be used automatically in the event of a failure.

  As the number of micropurifiers operated by businesses and individuals increases, governments or regulatory bodies that monitor ethanol production may be required. Under commercial fuel regulations, government regulators can access refined production information and commercial fuel producers are required by law to report fuel sales to government agencies for tax purposes. Sometimes. Similar fuel production reports may be a requirement for personally owned and operated micro-purifiers. However, as personal micropurifiers are deployed in various remote locations around the world, government agencies can use their traditional methods designed to monitor large refining equipment. Production is difficult to monitor.

  Many micropurification systems are owned and operated by individuals who do not know how to report the ethanol produced by their systems. In order to automatically communicate the required information to the regulatory body, the micropurifier can be configured to automatically transmit the generated information to the institutional accounting system periodically. In other embodiments, the micropurifier can store the generated information and the regulatory body may be able to access the generated information. By coupling the micropurifier control to the computer network, the generated information can be easily transmitted to any regulatory entity that requires this information. By electrically transmitting the micropurifier data, the user does not have to manually obtain ethanol production information and send it to the regulatory body. By enabling electronic communication with the micropurifier, administrative costs for monitoring the ethanol production of the micropurifier are also minimized.

  In one embodiment, ethanol production can be monitored by a fuel flow sensor in the micropurifier 101. The microrefiner 101 can be coupled via a remote broadband interface to an associated government agency computer 223 that can monitor a person's fuel production and / or consumption. Data can be sent along with the identification information so that the government can associate the ethanol production information with the appropriate micropurifier. This tax revenue can be advantageous to local, state, and federal agencies when ethanol production from the micropurifier 101 is taxed.

  In one embodiment, the micropurification device 101 can also include remote control features. In this embodiment, the system includes a plurality of actuators that control the operation of the micropurification device 101. Remote control can be accessible from users as well as regulatory agencies. When the regulatory body determines that a government rule has been violated, the violating micro-purification apparatus 101 may be remotely blocked by an authorized government agency. For example, the regulatory body can have a remote control of an actuated valve that controls the flow of ethanol from the micropurifier 101. By shutting off the valve, the system can process the ethanol in the tank, but cannot remove the ethanol in the storage tank from the micropurifier 101. In other embodiments, the government control of the microrefiner can include the progression of activities including first sending a message to the micropurifier owner and / or owner computer 223 regarding compliance requirements. If compliance with regulations is not corrected within a predetermined time interval, the regulatory body can begin to control the operation of the micro refining device 101 and ultimately if the operator continues to violate regulatory requirements, the micro refining The operation of the device 101 can be completed.

  As described above, the micropurification device can include a number of sensors that detect various operating characteristics of the micropurification device. By monitoring the sensor data and adjusting based on the sensor data, the micropurifier can be maintained properly and operate with optimum efficiency. One of the main factors affecting the fermentation process is the batch temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature of the batch is monitored by a temperature transducer coupled to the controller. Referring to FIG. 1, the controller controls the electrical energy applied to the thermoelectric mechanism 113 and uses the thermoelectric mechanism 113 to adjust the temperature of the batch so that the batch temperature is maintained within the optimum temperature range. The system can maintain the batch at a set temperature within some set temperature range, which can be about 25 ° C. to 30 ° C. The temperature can be the most lethal during fermentation. After completion of the fermentation process, the system can allow the ethanol temperature to change with atmospheric conditions. This allows the system to save energy when batch heating and cooling is no longer needed.

  In one embodiment, the system can also monitor the fermentation progress by comparing the detected weight of the batch with the predicted weight based on the fermentation time. Ideally, the change in weight should be predictable over time during the fermentation and should be within the expected range. Deviations from expected weight loss rates can indicate potential fermentation processing problems. For example, a loss that is higher than the weight loss expected at a particular point during fermentation may be caused by water loss from the fermentation tank due to leakage or evaporation. If the weight loss is lower than expected, this may indicate a problem with the fermentation process. If the weight loss rate of the batch is not appropriate, the system can perform additional checks to determine if there is a problem with the batch. In one embodiment, a sample of the batch can be examined to determine if the yeast or other batch component is at an appropriate concentration, and whether the sugar is being processed.

  In one embodiment, the micropurifier can detect chemical components within the batch mix, and the system controller provides feedback and corrects if a chemical imbalance is detected. . Chemical detection may be particularly useful when a user mixes a new raw material that includes discarded alcoholic beverages or an unbalanced blend of ingredients to maximize ethanol output. For example, a user may process a discarded beer that contains a large amount of yeast but no sugar. Insufficient sugar may prevent an increase in the rate of alcohol fermentation. In addition, lack of sugar may hinder the growth of algae and microbial cellulose materials used for ethanol treatment. The system can detect these chemical imbalances and make the necessary corrections. In another example, if the system controller detects that too much sugar has been added, the system can compensate for this error by increasing the yeast and raw materials needed to handle excess sugar. Can do. The micropurifier can include sensors that measure the ratio of water, alcohol, sugar, yeast and other chemicals, so that appropriate formulation components can be added to maximize ethanol production output.

  In order to detect the appropriate concentration of the chemical, the controller compares the detected amount or ratio of the chemical with the predicted component measurements listed in a lookup table stored in electronic memory. Can do. As described above, the fermentation tank can be coupled to a weight sensor and a chemical property sensor. A chemical property sensor can detect the concentration of one or more chemicals in a batch. By knowing the ingredients and amount of material in the batch, the system can determine whether the batch is optimally mixed for maximum ethanol production.

The look-up table can be a database of chemical components and their relative concentrations. For example, a batch is a batch composed of 80% to 90% sugar such as glucose, 10% to 20% water, and 0.5% yeast such as Clostridium sporogenes. Can start. As the fermentation process is performed, the sugar content decreases and the ethanol content increases. During the fermentation process, the relative weight of the material changes. An example of a lookup table is shown in Table 1 below. The system can utilize a look-up table with a variety of different component values that can depend on ambient conditions and / or the particular material being processed. In addition to the materials listed in Table 1, the lookup table can also include various other batch processing components such as O ₂ and CO ₂ .

  The look-up table may include optimal data regarding batch property measurements that are detected for a point in the course of the fermentation process. If the proper proportion of chemical components are present in the batch, the system can continue to ferment without changing the batch mixing. However, if the batch is chemically imbalanced, one or more components can be added to the batch to correct the chemical imbalance. As sugar is converted to ethanol, the proportion of sugar in the batch goes down until all is converted to ethanol.

As described above, generation of ethanol, CO ₂ is also produced. Thus, as CO ₂ gas is released by the batch and exhausted to the atmosphere, the weight of the batch also decreases. The batch is preferably fermented at a predetermined rate, and the fermentation rate can be detected using a sensor. If the fermentation rate falls before the batch is fully processed, this can indicate that the batch has a problem that prevents the fermentation from occurring. In response, the system can confirm all operating conditions and send alerts to the system operator. The fermentation rate is also reduced when the batch fermentation process is complete. Reduction of the sugar content, by monitoring the decrease in the weight of CO ₂ emission and batch, the system can identify the status of the batch processing. For example, the system can determine whether a batch is 10%, 40%, 80% or any degree of completion of processing. In one embodiment, the system can continuously add sugar and water to the batch to maintain a stable batch volume and maximize the fermentation rate.

  Based on the percent completion of the fermentation process, the look-up table can include optimal chemical composition and physical characteristics for the batch. Since the chemical composition of the batch changes with fermentation, the relative amount of batch chemical also changes over time. The look-up table can be stored in a memory in the micropurifier or in an operator computer connected to the micropurifier via a communication network. The micropurifier also stores various programmed raw material formulations and corresponding look-up tables to help optimize and control the fermentation process, depending on ambient conditions to consider, such as average temperature, humidity, etc. Can do.

  Once the proper formulation and% of fermentation is determined, the corresponding optimal chemical composition and physical properties are found on the look-up table. The system can compare the detected chemical composition with the optimal chemical composition. If an appropriate ratio of chemicals for the current process state is not detected, the system can add any missing material to correct the chemical ratio. Thus, if an excess of chemical concentration is detected, one or more other batch components can be added to rebalance the mixing.

  In one embodiment, the micropurifier can compare the detected chemical concentration with the optimal number, but a tolerance deviation from the number in the table is possible. For example, an acceptable amount of chemical constituents can be in the range of optimal concentrations. If the system identifies an unacceptable chemical component, one or more required chemical components to be added to the batch are identified and the respective amount of material required is calculated.

  The estimated amount of material added can be determined by an algorithm. For example, the amount by weight of the material to be added to the batch can be determined by the equation, amount (Q) = (ΔC) (W). Where ΔC is the difference between the detected chemical concentration and the ideal chemical concentration, and W is the weight of the batch. In one example, the look-up table should indicate that the chemical component “A” should be 5% by weight of the batch, the measured amount of component A is only 4% of the batch, and the batch weight is 100 lbs. Identify that there is. The amount Q of component A to be added to the batch is determined by multiplying (ΔC) by the weight of the batch (W), where Q = (5% -4%) (100 lbs) = 1 pound of component A Should be added to the batch.

  This batch modification information can be displayed on the display screen of the system or transmitted to an operator computer and / or a service computer. The user can then manually add the necessary components to the batch, or the system may automatically add the necessary components. As described above, in one embodiment, the system can include a container for the components, allowing the valves to be controlled so that measured amounts of the components can be automatically mixed into the batch. . If the component is lacking, the system can automatically add the ingredients to the batch. Similarly, if the concentration of the component is too high, the system can add other compounding ingredients to modify and optimize batch mixing. The system can continue to monitor the batch chemical throughout the fermentation process and determine if the batch needs to be modified.

  In one embodiment, the system may be controlled by a user, or alternatively, the system may be programmed to operate automatically to make material mix modifications. Since the micropurifier is coupled to a computer network, these formulations can be updated by a remote dashboard communication system or provided via online support assistance. The appropriate or optimal formulation can vary depending on ambient conditions and the raw material formulation components used. As described above, an inspection mechanism can be used to detect water, ethanol, sugar, yeast and other chemical errors in the batch. In response, the system can automatically correct the stoichiometry or ratio by adding one or more of the ingredients to the batch. Alternatively, in response, the system can send a data signal indicating that the batch material must be adjusted. The user can then control the micropurifier controller to adjust the batch material.

  To detect batch characteristics, the inspection mechanism 171 shown in FIG. 1 can include various sensors used to measure specific characteristics of the batch, such as the sugar content of the batch. Referring to FIG. 6, sugar in the batch can be detected using an electrochemical sensor 505. The sensor 505 is coupled to a fluid container holding a specific amount of batch, a reference electrode 509, and an enzyme electrode 507 that includes glucose oxidase. The enzyme is reoxidized with excess ferrocyanide ions on the enzyme electrode 507. The total charge passing through electrode 507 is measured using ammeter 509, and the total charge is proportional to the concentration of glucose in the batch. The amount of charge can be measured over a defined time, or alternatively, the total charge can be measured when the reaction is complete. The ammeter 509 is coupled to a controller 513 that calculates the concentration of glucose in the batch and compares the detected glucose to the target concentration. If the glucose concentration is not within the expected range, the controller 513 can adjust the batch or operating conditions.

  In one embodiment, the detection system can include an optical system that exposes a batch of samples. Referring to FIG. 14 in one embodiment, the optical detection system 307 can include a light source such as a xenon lamp 701, filters 703 and 705, and a CCD spectrometer 707. Both yeast culture fluorescence and cell concentration in batch 711 can be monitored. The transmitted light illuminates the yeast in batch 711 in front of CCD spectrometer 707. Fermenting yeast responds to light by emitting fluorescent radiation that shifts towards wavelengths longer than the light source wavelength. The fluorescence emission is detected by a CCD spectrometer 707. The short pass filter 703 can allow light transmission in the spectral region of 300 to 400 nm that can be fluorescence excited and in the spectral region of 700 to 850 nm that can be a light scattering signal. Filters 703 and 705 can also block the output of the xenon lamp in the 400 to 700 nm region to avoid interference with fluorescent radiation. By detecting the fluorescence and the intensity of the fluorescence, the CCD spectrometer 707 can detect the fermentation process of yeast.

  The batch inspection mechanism can also include a chemical detection system that can determine the chemical components in the batch. In one embodiment, using absorption spectroscopy, a substance present in a sample, which can be a solid, liquid or gas, followed by the transfer of electrons from one energy level to another in the substance. Excitation can be detected. The wavelength at which incident photons are absorbed is determined by the difference in energy levels of the various materials present in the batch sample. Various wavelengths of light can be used to detect chemical composition. In absorption spectroscopy, the absorbed photons are not re-emitted by the batch, and the absorbed energy is transferred to the chemical compound in response to photon absorption.

  It has been found that at a given wavelength, the measured absorbance is proportional to the molar concentration of the light-absorbing batch component. The amount of radiation absorption versus wavelength for a particular compound is known as the “absorption spectrum”. At a wavelength corresponding to the resonance energy level of the sample, some of the incident photons are absorbed, resulting in a decrease in measured transmission intensity and corresponding spectral tilt. An absorption spectrum can be measured by using a spectrometer to know the shape of the spectrum, the optical path length, and the amount of irradiation absorption. By analyzing the absorption spectrum, the chemical constituents and concentrations of the compounds in the batch can be determined.

Referring to FIG. 15, the main components of the gas sensor 308 are an infrared light source 521, a sample chamber or light tube 523, a wavelength filter 525, and a photodetector 527 such as a CCD spectrometer. The gas enters the sample chamber 523 and the concentration of the target component is measured electro-optically by absorption at a specific wavelength in the infrared spectrum. The light 521 is directed through the sample chamber 523 toward the detector 527. The optical filter 525 can be mounted on a detector 527 that removes all light except the wavelengths that the selected gas molecules can absorb. The detected concentration of the target component can be compared to a look-up table value for the target component to determine the status of the batch material. Based on the detected target components, the system can adjust batch processing as needed. In addition to target component detection, the optical system can also monitor the presence of other chemical components in the batch that absorb different wavelengths of light. The system can monitor the detection of these other wavelengths or use a separate optical sensor configured to detect the relative concentration of other chemicals in the batch. In one embodiment, the fermentation batch can be detected by the generation of CO _2. Since CO ₂ is produced during fermentation, the amount of CO ₂ indicates the fermentation rate, if the emission of CO ₂ is stopped, is also completed fermentation.

In another embodiment, the presence of a chemical component in the batch can be detected by a sensor that measures the refraction of light through the batch liquid. Referring to FIG. 16, a refractive detection system 309 is shown that includes a light source 531, a fluid chamber 532, and an array of photosensors 535. A piece of glass can separate the light source 531 from the liquid 501 while allowing light to pass through the fluid chamber 532. The light beam is in contact with the first prescribed angle theta ₁ to the intersection of the glass and the fluid, the light beam is refracted at the intersection, whereby the light beam is bent to the second angle theta _2. To detect the refraction angle θ ₂ , an array of sensors 535 is configured linearly on the opposite side of the fluid chamber 523. Light refraction is explained by Snell's law stating that the angle of incidence is related to the angle of refraction by sinθ ₁ / sinθ ₁ = ν ₁ / ν ₂ = Ν ₁ / Ν ₂ or ₁ sinθ ₁ = Ν ₂ sinθ ₂ . The variables in these formulas are defined as follows: ν _l and ν ₂ are the wave velocities through the corresponding medium, respectively, θ ₁ and θ ₁ are the angles between the plane perpendicular to the interface and the incident wave, respectively, and Ν _l and Ν ₂ are Is the refractive index.

  Different fluids can have different refractive indices. Thus, a fluid that includes a particular chemical component can have a different refractive index than a fluid that does not have that chemical component. In this embodiment, the system detects the appropriate chemical bond based on the detected refractive index. If the refraction angle is not within the required range, the system causes the flow controller to prevent fluid 501 from flowing from the storage container. Since the angle of the refracted light must be detected accurately, the angle of refraction may be measured using a laser light source.

  In one embodiment, the inspection mechanism of the micropurifier also detects the pH level of the batch and keeps the chemicals at a pH level of about 4.0-5.0, which can be the optimum pH level for fermentation. Can be added to the batch. Referring to FIG. 17, in one embodiment, the pH sensor 310 can be used to detect the pH level of the batch. The pH sensor can comprise a pH electrode 651 sealed in an insulating tube containing a solution having a fixed pH value in contact with the silver-silver chloride half-cell. The potential developed across the membrane is compared to a stable reference potential. The pH electrode 651 has a porous constriction that allows the batch fluid to flow into the test sample region. A power source 659 and a voltmeter 655 are coupled to the pH electrode 651. The pH electrode 651 is exposed to the batch liquid and the electrical resistance is proportional to the pH level. The output of the pH electrode 651 is detected by a voltmeter 655.

  The pH level is defined as pH = −log (H +), where H + is the hydrogen concentration in the solution at normal room temperature and is an indicator of whether the batch is acidic or basic. The pH scale ranges from 0 (acid) to 14 (alkali). The output of the pH sensor is coupled to the controller 657 and compares the detected pH value of the batch with the target pH value. In one embodiment, the target pH value of the batch is 4-5, or the target value may be determined based on a lookup table stored in memory. If the pH value is not the target value or range, the system can alert the operator or the pH level can be adjusted automatically by adding an acidic material or substrate. The system can continuously monitor the pH level and adjust as necessary to keep the pH level in the target range.

  In another embodiment, the inspection mechanism can also detect the amount of dissolved oxygen in the batch. For optimal fermentation, the batch will contain a minimal amount of dissolved oxygen. Referring to FIG. 18, an oxygen sensing system 312 is shown. An exemplary technique for measuring dissolved oxygen includes a dissolved oxygen sensor 805 that includes an anode 807 and a cathode 809, where the anode 807 and cathode 809 are immersed in an electrolyte within the sensor body. Oxygen diffuses through the permeable membrane 811 into the sensor and is reduced at the cathode 809, producing a measurable current. The cathode 809 is a hydrogen electrode and carries a negative potential with respect to the anode 807. The oxygen permeable membrane 811 separates the anode 807 and the cathode 809 from the batch liquid to be measured, and oxygen diffuses throughout the membrane 811. In the absence of oxygen, the cathode 809 is polarized with hydrogen to block current flow. As oxygen passes through the membrane, the cathode 809 is depolarized and consumes electrons. The cathode 809 electrochemically reduces oxygen to hydroxide ions, and the anode 807 reacts with the product of depolarization, correspondingly releasing electrons. Oxygen interacts with the internal components of the probe to generate a current. The dissolved oxygen sensor output can be a variable voltage in millivolts, and the current flowing through the circuit is detected by an ammeter 805. The electrode pairs 807 and 811 allow a current to flow in direct proportion to the amount of oxygen entering the sensor. The magnitude of the current is a direct measure of the amount of oxygen entering the probe. The oxygen concentration and current have a linear relationship. The output from the ammeter 805 is coupled to a controller 813 that calculates the dissolved oxygen level based on the detected current.

  The amount of dissolved oxygen in the batch can affect the fermentation rate. In one embodiment, a dissolved oxygen level of 10% or less is acceptable, but higher levels, for example 20%, slow the fermentation rate. Dissolved oxygen can be controlled by aeration or agitation of the batch. The dissolved oxygen level can be lowered by submerging the stirrer in the batch and slowing the rotational speed. In one embodiment, the system can control the dissolved oxygen level of the batch within a predetermined range by monitoring the dissolved oxygen level and adjusting the agitator position and speed.

  The inspection mechanism can also measure the electrical resistivity of the batch. The electrolyte in the batch reduces electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the batch contains a specific concentration of electrolyte. Referring to FIG. 19, a resistivity sensor 313 is in contact with a cuvette 503 holding a batch of samples 501, two electrodes of known length, placed in parallel and separated by a known distance “D”. 507 is included. A voltage 511 is applied to the electrode 507 and the resistivity of the sample of batch material between the electrodes 507 is measured. High purity batch fluid solutions can have high electrical resistivity. However, when a salt such as sodium chloride is dissolved in water, sodium and chloride are temporarily separated. Sodium becomes a positively charged ion and chloride becomes a negatively charged ion. These ions behave as electrolytes when dissolved in water, making the batch fluid more conductive. Therefore, when a voltage is applied to the sensor electrode 507, the resistivity of the batch sample 501 is inversely proportional to the electrolyte concentration. As the concentration increases, the electrical resistivity decreases. The relationship between the voltage and the resistivity is (R) resistance = (V) voltage / (I) current. The sensor includes two electrodes 507, and a fixed voltage is applied to the entire lead wire. The electrode must be made of a conductive material such as a metal and be corrosion resistant. Using an ammeter 509, the resistance of the batch can be determined by measuring the current flowing between the electrodes. The ammeter 509 can be coupled to a controller 513 that can add electrolyte to adjust the resistivity of the batch. For example, if the detected resistivity of the batch is within the target range, the controller 513 allows the micropurifier to continue processing the batch. In contrast, if the test sample in the batch has an electrical resistivity that is higher than the optimal range, the controller 513 can responsively add electrolyte to the batch. If the measured electrical resistivity is below the optimal range, this can be an indicator that the batch contains excess electrolyte, salt, or other impurities that can reduce the fermentation rate. In response to the low resistivity measurement, the system may complete the batch fermentation process and then clean the fermentation tank to remove any impurities before performing any additional fermentation processes. it can. In one embodiment, the look-up table can include optimal values for some or all of the sensor data described above. The system can then monitor the fermentation process by monitoring sensor data and comparing the sensed data to a lookup table. Since there is a significant amount of data, the sensor can be configured to analyze and predict the batch fermentation process as part of the neural network.

  In addition to a sensor for inspecting batches in the fermentation tank, the micropurifier can detect the presence of water mixed with ethanol at the outlet of the membrane separation system and / or in the storage tank. Multiple sensors can also be included. The sensor is coupled to a controller that monitors the moisture content. If the maximum moisture content is exceeded, the micropurifier controller can send a warning signal. The presence of water in ethanol can be problematic when used as a fuel for an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the micropurifier can detect the water contained in the ethanol in the storage tank and treat the ethanol in a way that reduces the water when it is mixed with gasoline before being pumped to the vehicle. . In one embodiment, the maximum ratio of ethanol to gasoline can be based on the percentage of water detected in ethanol. If a high percentage of water is detected in ethanol, a lower percentage of ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to minimize the total percentage of water in the fuel tank. Alternatively, the micropurifier can perform additional processing to remove water from ethanol through further filtration. Conversely, if a very low proportion of water is detected, a higher concentration of ethanol can be mixed with gasoline to avoid excessive use of water.

  As described above, the micro refining device can transmit data to other computers via a network. Sensor data detected by the micropurifier can be processed and output in a variety of different ways. The micropurifier has been described as performing most of the operating data analysis so that the signal output to the computer network includes status information or raw material or repair / maintenance requests. In one embodiment, the system can send all of the raw sensor data over a network to a remote maintenance computer running software to operate the micropurifier. The maintenance computer can analyze the detected data and perform some or all of the calculations to determine the status of various systems and send raw materials or repair / maintenance requests. The maintenance computer can then display the status or raw material or repair / maintenance request.

  In one embodiment, the system can display sensor information in different ways depending on who is the viewer. Raw sensor data can be cumbersome for a user to monitor and understand. However, for highly trained technicians, a visual display containing all raw data can be the best means to solve the problem of micropurification systems. Sensor output can also be displayed in a graphical “dashboard” user mode. The user mode may allow the system to display detected sensor information in a manner that provides basic operating status information in a simple format that is easily understood by the user. This graphical dashboard can be output to the Internet so that you can monitor the micropurifier online anywhere in the world. User mode graphical dashboard data may include raw material level, water level, ethanol level, fermentation timetable for completion, future scheduled schedule and raw material delivery date or service repair date.

  Although the system of the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is understood that additions, deletions, and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the present system. Like. For example, the same process described may be applied to other devices. While the described system includes various components, it will be appreciated that these components and the described configuration may be modified and reconfigured to provide various other configurations.

Claims (7)

A fermentation tank for fermenting a batch comprising water, sugar and yeast;
A distillation tube having a plurality of sections coupled to the fermentation tank for distilling ethanol;
A coupling mechanism for releasably securing the sections of the distillation tube together;
A gimbal mechanism coupled to the distillation tube for aligning the distillation tube in a vertical orientation;
A filtration mechanism coupled to the distillation tube for separating ethanol from water;
A storage tank coupled to the filtration mechanism for storing ethanol;
A micro refining device comprising:   The coupling mechanism includes a plurality of pins and hooks, the plurality of pins and hooks being secured along an outer diameter of the distillation tube and engaging each other for coupling to the section of the distillation tube; The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is disengaged to release the section of the distillation tube.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of perforated plates that are vertically spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other and mounted in an oblique orientation within the distillation tube. A plate assembly coupled to the plurality of perforated plates;
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plate assembly is mounted within the distillation tube.   The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a gyroscope coupled to the distillation tube to maintain vertical alignment of the distillation tube.   6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the axis of rotation of the rotating rotor in the gyroscope is aligned with the vertical axis of the distillation tube. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a porous membrane coupled to the filtration mechanism having a plurality of pores larger than water vapor molecules but smaller than ethanol vapor molecules .

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