Abstract: Asphalt binders are modified using fractional products from waste tire pyrolysis, using an initial step of i) at least partially pyrolyzing, separately from such asphaltic binder, whole rubber articles or size-reduced rubber particles to provide one or more pyrolyzed rubber fractions including a pyrolyzed oil fraction having a selected minimum initial boiling point or flash point, and ii) removing some or all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds from such pyrolyzed oil fraction to provide a reduced-PAH and preferably translucent pyrolyzed oil fraction that may be combined with an asphaltic binder to provide a modified asphalt composition.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed processing device with a catalyst storage and delivery capsule. The processing device is an elongate, tubular container that is hermetically sealed on each end by end plates. The processing device contains a screw conveyor with an arbor concentric about the long axis of the tubular container. The screw conveyor protrudes through each end plate and is mounted within a hermetic seal. The processing device further comprises a feed-stock-input port and a catalyst-input port on an input end of the processing device. Various heat zones as well as internal and surface temperature reading-probes reside along the length of the processing device. The output end of the processing device has a solid matter output port, a gas output port and a vacuum pump to evacuate gases through the gas output port.

Abstract: A reactor for drying and torrefaction, configured for torrefying biomass, including a chamber in which two separate areas are delimited, a mechanism for mixing and transferring biomass from one end of the chamber to the other, a drying device in an upstream area of the chamber configured to dry the biomass introduced into the reactor, a torrefaction device in a downstream area of the chamber configured to torrefy biomass dried in the upstream area, and a transfer and sealing system configured to allow dried biomass to be transferred from the upstream area to the downstream area at time intervals, and to make the two areas mutually sealed during each interval. Such a reactor may, for example, find application to torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: A system is described that includes a pyrolyzer and a primary condenser. The primary condenser is coupled to the pyrolyzer and configured to receive pyrolytic vapors from the pyrolyzer. The primary condenser is further configured to condense the pyrolytic vapors by contacting the pyrolytic vapors with a condensing liquid, to form a bio-oil component mixture having multiple separated phases. At least a portion of the condensing liquid includes a component that is extracted as a separated stable phase from a second bio-oil component mixture resulting from a prior pyrolysis cycle.

Abstract: A coal reforming system includes a drying furnace for drying low-grade coal, a carbonizing furnace for carbonizing the dried low-grade coal, hot air generating furnaces for supplying hot air to the drying furnace or the carbonizing furnace, and a carbonizing gas circulation line for supplying a carbonizing gas, which is generated in the carbonizing furnace, as a fuel for the hot air generating furnaces while the temperature thereof is maintained.

Abstract: A method for the pyrolytic extraction of hydrocarbons such as shale oil from kerogen. Oil shale containing kerogen which has been ground into particulate form, is cascaded downwardly between a plurality of rotating trays within a heated processing chamber. As the hydrocarbons are volatized within the chamber, the volatiles are collected and condensed within a condenser or other suitable recovery apparatus.

Abstract: A system for recycling carbon-containing material is provided. The system includes a reactor for heating the carbon-containing material to produce carbon-containing gases. The system further includes a condenser operably connected to the reactor for condensing a portion of the carbon-containing gases to provide condensed gas and non-condensed gas. The system further includes a conduit arrangement operably connected to the reactor and the condenser wherein the non-condensed gas from the condenser is returned to the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.

Abstract: A method for the pyrolytic extraction of hydrocarbons such as shale oil from kerogen. Oil shale containing kerogen which has been ground into particulate form, is cascaded downwardly between a plurality of rotating trays within a heated processing chamber. As the hydrocarbons are volatized within the chamber, the volatiles are collected and condensed within a condenser or other suitable recovery apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal chunks in a chamber, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chamber, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a unique and novel pyrolysis kiln for separating water vapor from a carbonaceous feedstock early in the pyrolysis process. The kiln structure includes two fans, one located near the proximal end of the kiln, the other near the kiln's distal end. Both fans create a local decrease in pressure at the respective ends with a dead zone in the intermediate region between the two ends of the kiln. At the proximal end, low temperature volatiles are removed, especially water vapor, and directed to a waste water cleanup station. Early removal of the water vapor makes the remaining pyrolysis process substantially more efficient. At the distal end, the high temperature hydrocarbons and other impurities are removed in a conventional manner and directed to a hot gas cleanup unit.

Abstract: A first process step comprises creating a hot gas, containing some molecular oxygen, by burning gas fuel with air and subsequently adding air to the burned gases. A second process step passes these hot oxygen containing gases through a bed of coal chunks, to remove volatile matter from the coal, and partially oxidize some of the volatile matter, as well as to transform the coal chunks into coke chunks. These hot coke chunks are transferred into a coke reaction chamber, where air is passed upward through the coke bed and oxidizes the coke largely to carbon monoxide, a fuel gas. This carbon monoxide fuel gas is combined with the volatile matter gases, and this fuel gas combination can be cleanly burned with addition thereto of overfire air. These process steps create a clean hot gas suitable for use in various apparatus, such as, steam boilers, gas turbines, and cement kilns.

Abstract: A system and a method of decomposing organic waste are provided. The system decomposes organic waste in a decomposition chamber without use of enzymes, additives, or microorganisms. In one embodiment, the system decomposes organic waste within 24 hours and deodorizes the odor of decomposing organic waste during decomposition process. The system provides sufficient heat and operating conditions to evaporate moisture from the organic waste without burning the organic waste. The byproduct of the organic waste after decomposition process by the system is substantially homogeneous material that is reduced in volume compared to the organic waste. In one embodiment, the system reuses or recycles water and heat used in the system for different processes in the system. The system includes a blower that provides flow of the moisture inside the system.

Abstract: This invention provides a carbonizing apparatus for easily carbonizing a material to a desired state of carbonization, which apparatus requires a reduced installation space, and lowers concentration of harmful gases contained in an exhaust gas. The interior of a cylindrical furnace body 82 having a vertical axis is divided by a partition wall 83 into an upper furnace body acting as a combustion section 80 and a lower furnace body acting as a carbonization section 6. The partition wall 83 defines a through hole for supplying distillation gas to the combustion section 80. The carbonization section 6 has a vertical structure, with a supply part 33 disposed in an upper portion for supplying a material under treatment 1, and a carbide take-out part 35 and a first blowoff part 36 of spontaneous combustion air disposed in a lower portion, so that the material under treatment 1 is movable by gravity toward the take-out part 35. An agitating device 39 includes agitating members 43 revolvable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Combustible off-gas(es) produced by the process of pyrolysis are superheated; and a pressurized gaseous mixture including oxygen, normally compressed air, is preheated; before, and by, a burning of the combustible off-gas(es) produced by process of pyrolysis in the presence of stoichiometric oxygen. The burning transpires in a large number of relatively small burner cups having bulbously-shaped and exhaust-constricted combustion chambers. The burner cups are both individually, and collectively, adjustable in their uptake of combustible gases by adjusting the flow of compressed air. The combustion in each burner cup is very complete and efficient nonetheless to having increased area contact with the chamber wall, and nonetheless to the rapidly and turbulent flow of gases, because everything contributing to or touching the combustion reaction is optimally hot, and because the shape of the burner cups holds the combustion optimally long.

Abstract: Pyrolytic apparatus for the rapid and efficient thermal dissociation of matter is disclosed. The apparatus includes a concentric tubular arrangement of high thermal conductivity in a heat sink configuration; inlet members for heat and feedstock; outlet members for solids, gases and heat exhaust; and a plurality of annular passages through which heat is brought into heat transfer relationship with an interior pyrolytic retort section for the dissociation of matter conveyed therein into solid, liquid and gaseous by-products. Provisions are made for the separate liberation of steam produced by the simultaneous interfacing of superheated steam and product gas during pyrolytic decomposition of high moisture content feedstocks. Additional hydrocarbons from the product gas evoluted in the pyrolytic retort section are provided by diversion of the gas to an annulus flanked on either side by adjacent annuli conveying the heat source supply to exit.

Abstract: A pyrolysis unit in which feed materials containing cellulose or oil are subjected to destructive heating to drive off gases and liquid vapors while leaving solid residue in the form of nearly pure carbon. The feed materials are conveyed in succession through horizontal reaction cylinders located at different elevations. Heat is applied by the burning of solid fuel in a firebox of the unit and also by injecting into each cylinder the process gas driven off in the immediately succeeding cylinder. A feeder which delivers both the fuel and feed materials includes drying zones in which combustion gases are directed through the fuel and feed materials to preheat and dry them and to filter the combustion gases.

Abstract: The condensible parts are removed from the distillation gas of oil shale, a portion of the remaining amount of gas is removed and the rest is heated, e.g., by the combustion gas of the distillation residue and used without the addition of any more materials to distill oil shale. The installation for this consists of a distillation cyclone reactor, whose gas outlets are connected to an oil separator and whose tangential feed nozzles are connected by way of a blower and a heat exchanger to the oil separator.

Abstract: A process for preheating oil shale in which the oil shale is partially preheated to 200.degree. F. to 400.degree. F. in a first lift pipe followed by final preheat to temperatures of between 400.degree. F. and 650.degree. F. in a second lift pipe. Hydrocarbons released from the oil shale in both the first and second lift pipes are incinerated in an incinerator/recuperator. In order to provide adequate incineration and combustion of the hydrocarbons released in the first, low temperature lift pipe, the entrainment gas or first gas stream is a low Btu gas preferably produced from conventional gasification of carbonaceous material. The low Btu entrainment gas along with released hydrocarbons is utilized as a fuel in the incinerator/recuperator and also may be utilized for other combustion applications in oil shale pyrolysis processing. In oil shale pyrolysis carried out with ceramic balls as heat exchange bodies, a portion of the low Btu entrainment gas is conveniently utilized to fuel the ball heater.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing fines of carbonaceous materials such as particles or pieces of oil shale of about one-half inch or less diameter which are rejected for use in some conventional or prior surface retorting process, which obtains maximum utilization of the energy content of the fines and which produces a waste which is relatively inert and of a size to facilitate disposal. The system includes a cyclone retort (20) which pyrolyzes the fines in the presence of heated gaseous combustion products, the cyclone retort having a first outlet (30) through which vapors can exit that can be cooled to provide oil, and having a second outlet (32) through which spent shale fines are removed. A burner (36) connected to the spent shale outlet of the cyclone retort, burns the spent shale with air, to provide hot combustion products (24) that are carried back to the cyclone retort to supply gaseous combustion products utilized therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for retorting raw shale comprising the following steps:(1) passing raw shale downwardly through the upper zone of a two-zoned vertical retort;(2) introducing a gas comprising molecular oxygen and flue gas at a temperature of about 590.degree. to about 760.degree. C., and ambient pressure into said upper zone and passing the same upwardly through said upper zone in contact with said raw shale;(3) recovering from an upper part of said upper zone a product comprising shale oil and retort gas;(4) passing the treated shale from a lower part of said upper zone downwardly through the lower zone of said two-zoned retort;(5) introducing molecular oxygen at a temperature of about 25.degree. to about 100.degree. C. and flue gas at a temperature of about 25.degree. to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: The coke forms are produced in four stages, each constituted by a respective oven chamber, and in which the briquets are, respectively, preheated, dehydrated or dried, carbonized and cooled. Hot gas circuits are provided, in which the hot gas is composed substantially of burnt lean gas of the carbonization, and, for each stage, the hot gases are recirculated in a separate respective circuit. In the preheating, dehydrating and carbonization stages, the hot gases are heated and produced, or supplemented, in a respective separate combustion chamber with the recirculating hot gas in the carbonization stage being supplemented with cooled lean gas from this stage. The recirculating hot gases are dedusted separately in a dust settling chamber in which their flow velocity is reduced to approximately 0.2 to 2.0 m/sec, with the dust being collected.

Abstract: A furnace for manufacturing a high-calorific gas and coke from coal, provided with two walls 1 perforated in their upper portion, which form a rectangular chamber 2 filled with a coal charge. These walls are provided with channels 3 with inlet pipes 4 for supplying hot combustion gases and the furnace is furnished in its upper zone with inlet pipes 6 for delivering coal to the furnace and ramming pistons 7 having imparted free reciprocating motions. At the side of the furnace in its upper zone are inlet pipes 8 for supplying a hot circulating gas to the direct heating chamber where a coal charge is directly heated. Inside of the gas chamber 10 of the furnace there is an outlet pipe 9 for withdrawing cold circulating gas to a blower 14, which then becomes successively heated to the required temperature in a heat exchanger 13.

Abstract: Waste, preferably in a pre-dried state, is passed through a carbonizing oven chamber, from the top towards the bottom and is carbonized therein through interaction with a counter flow of heated gas; that gas together with carbonization gas is taken from the chamber and pre-cleaned (to remove condensates); a portion of the pre-cleaned gas is heated and used as carbonization producing and sustaining gas; the remainder of the pre-cleaned gas is washed and used otherwise, for example, as combustion fuel in a heater for the pre-cleaned gas that will then be used as carbonizing agent. The carbonizing oven chamber can be of various construction such as a pit furnace or a revolving oven. Preferred is to commence carbonization of waste in the chamber through a thermo shock.