Abstract: A torrefaction method comprises forwarding biomass through a process chamber; heating the biomass in the process chamber to a predetermined temperature and pyrolyzing the biomass to release syngas from the biomass, wherein the syngas contains at least 20% of the power contained in the flow of the biomass; and oxidizing the syngas to heat the biomass in the process chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling hot coal is provided, comprising —a cooling structure arranged to receive coal from a process chamber and to cool the coal in an atmosphere impeding ignition; and —a pneumatic conveyor system arranged to move coal by air pressure; wherein the cooling structure is configured to cool the coal to a surface temperature allowing the pneumatic conveyor system to convey the coal across a predetermined distance without the coal igniting.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a regenerative thermal oxidiser is described. The heat exchanger has a heat exchange bed that is disposed within a housing. The heat exchange bed is disposed parallel to the longest axis of the housing. A cavity is formed at either side of the heat exchange bed. Channels in the heat exchange bed link the two cavities. Because the heat exchange bed is disposed parallel to the longest axis of the housing, the area of the heat exchange bed facing the cavities is maximised, and the length of the channels is minimised, this reduces the pressure required to drive gas through the heat exchanger.