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 modified dryer operates on a different principle from that used by the prior torrefaction plants. The subject invention utilizes thermal conduction to torrefy the biomass in a vibratory reactor in which a heated solid unperforated plate is sealed in the reactor to separate the biomass above from the gas used to heat the plate below. This permits using inert flue gas to heat the reactor which in turn permits the use of a cool air damping system to prevent thermal runaway. Also syngas evolved from the process is utilized to power a gas engine, the exhaust output of which is recirculated to heat the reactor plate. When the gas engine is coupled to an electric generator, waste energy is recovered for use in other parts of the plant or exported elsewhere.