Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and system configured to convert algal biomass into biofuels, alcohols, nutrients, biochar, chemical building block compounds, and/or other useful by-products. Exemplary methods include an integrated biochemical and thermochemical process that provides high purity biofuels and mixed alcohols, while minimizing waste and/or maximizing efficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and a reactor for safely destroying containers having toxic chemical and biological materials contained therein. The reactor comprises a pressure vessel having an internal reaction chamber and at least one heater disposed on an exterior of the pressure vessel. A fragment-suppression system is also disposed within the internal reaction chamber. The fragment-suppression system is adapted to receive a container therein, such as an energetic chemical munition, and is adapted to receive a charge for opening the container. An injection port is also provided so that oxidants can be injected into said reaction chamber to neutralize the chemical and biological materials after the container has been opened.

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to investigate the reforming of organic compounds (primarily methanol) in supercritical water at 550° C.-700° C. and 27.6 MPa in a tubular Inconel® 625 reactor. The results show that methanol can be completely converted to a product stream that is low in methane and near the equilibrium composition of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The effect of reactor temperature, feed concentration of methanol, and residence time on both conversion and product gas composition are presented.