Abstract: A downdraft gasifier (1) has an oxidant inlet (3), a biomass injector (2), a grate (9), a gas exit port (7), and an ash removal system (11). A sensor (10) maintains the height of the bed and a rotating paddle (5) maintains the top of the bed (4) at an even height. The grate arrangement (9) is preferably a sliding grate arrangement which actively moves ash material through the grate. An in-bed oxidant distributor (6) injects oxidant within the bed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output composition from a gasification device for use in the gasification of biomass using a gasifier in which the biomass and gas both flow in a downward direction. The method combines the use of steam and oxygen as a mixed oxidation stream to control the processes occurring within the gasifier. The oxidants are introduced into the gasifier using a number of injection rings. Each injection ring is comprised of a number of injection nozzles each radially distributed at the same vertical height and possibly connected to the same supply source. Particularly satisfactory results can be achieved through the use of three injection rings, one at the top of the gasifier, one at the interface of the oxidation and reduction zone and one a small distance below the grate assembly. The produced syngas also contains extremely low concentrations of tar and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method allowing the efficient conduction of highly exothermic, catalyst initiated reactions, particularly ones in which the product spectrum is highly dependant upon the temperature at which the process is conducted and to diffusional resistances within the catalyst particle matrix. The process occurs in a heat transfer device which consists of at least two channels which have at least one wall in common. Preferably two distinct sets of flow channels exist in which the process proceeds in one set of channels and heat transfer fluid passes through the second. The area of contact between the two sets of channels is sufficiently large to allow the efficient transfer of heat. These dimensions are controlled through the use of hollow catalyst particles through which the process gas can diffuse through either the inside or outside.

Abstract: A method for forming compressed matter structures suitable as a fuel source comprising producing a glycerine-rich binding agent by a method comprising (i) providing a feedstock, (ii) mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a reaction product, (iii) obtaining a glycerine-rich phase from the reaction product; providing a carbon-containing material; adding an effective amount of the glycerine-rich phase to the carbon-containing material to form a mixture; and forming compressed material from the mixture. Also provided is a compressed structure produced by the method.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a chemical processing method to thermally contact an endothermic and an exothermic reaction without mixing the two streams, utilizing a thermally coupled monolith reactor (TCMR). A ceramic or metal monolith is modified to produce a structure containing at least two sets of discrete flow paths and which are separated by a number of common walls. Manifolds are arranged such that one reaction mixture flows through one set of channels and a different reaction mixture flows through the second. Catalytic material, which is active for the relevant reaction, is coated onto the inner walls of each of the sets of channels. The two reactions are chosen such that one is exothermic and one is endothermic, such that the energy required by the endothermic process is supplied directly through the dividing wall from the exothermic process occurring on the opposing side. This method of heat transfer completely decouples the gas phase hydrodynamics from the heat transfer process.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output composition from a gasification device for use in the gasification of biomass using a gasifier in which the biomass and gas both flow in a downward direction. The method combines the use of steam and oxygen as a mixed oxidation stream to control the processes occurring within the gasifier. The oxidants are introduced into the gasifier using a number of injection rings. Each injection ring is comprised of a number of injection nozzles each radially distributed at the same vertical height and possibly connected to the same supply source. Particularly satisfactory results can be achieved through the use of three injection rings, one at the top of the gasifier, one at the interface of the oxidation and reduction zone and one a small distance below the grate assembly. The produced syngas also contains extremely low concentrations of tar and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a technique which allows biomass to be utilized as a fuel for the co-production of electrical power and potable water in a most efficient manner. Almost any biomass is suitable as a feedstock and biomass which is locally available may be used to fuel the process. The biomass is fed into a gasification device to produce a gas stream containing appreciable amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas stream is used to fuel an electrical generation system Waste heat from the electrical generation system is recovered and used in the purification of saline, brakish or river and well water to produce highly pure potable water.

Abstract: A method for forming compressed matter structures suitable as a fuel source comprising producing a glycerine-rich binding agent by a method comprising (i) providing a feedstock, (ii) mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a reaction product, (iii) obtaining a glycerine-rich phase from the reaction product; providing a carbon-containing material; adding an effective amount of the glycerine-rich phase to the carbon-containing material to form a mixture; and forming compressed material from the mixture. Also provided is a compressed structure produced by the method.