Abstract: A system for the conversion of carbonaceous feedstocks into useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material includes a dryer into which the carbonaceous feedstock is placed and a reactor chamber in communication with the dryer for receiving dried feedstock and heat carrier for further processing of the feedstock in the generation of useful sources for energy, chemicals, or other material. The system also includes a char separation and recovery mechanism linked to the reactor chamber for separating char produced as a result of processing of feedstock within the reactor chamber from heat carrier, a condenser in communication with the reactor chamber for receiving gas and vapor from the reactor chamber to recover a liquid product, and a furnace linked to the char separation and recovery mechanism for burning char as needed for operation of the present system.

Abstract: A golf tee made from peat moss admixed with a water soluble binder in an amount sufficient to bond the peat moss together in a coherent and rigid body by cold or hot pressure forming is disclosed. The water soluble binder may be a lignosulphonate in an amount up to 50%, preferably about 10 to 30%, by weight of the composition. The composition preferably has a moisture content of 5 to 22%, preferably 9 to 18%, by weight. The water soluble binder may be a water soluble polymer in an amount of 3 to 20%, preferably 5 to 15% and more preferably 8 to 10% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: Peat is provided in the form of pellets for use in absorbing liquids and breaking emulsions. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the pellets may be varied, depending on the manner of drying. Calcium sulphate may be used as a binder, fire-retardant, absorbency enhancement, and emulsion breaker.