Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor. The operation of the choke cone may be actively controlled to obtain a coordination with the compressor stages.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. A choke cone maintains pressure in the outfeed from the compressor stages. The reciprocating compressor includes a piston that is driven by a pair of hydraulic rams. The position and operation of the hydraulic rams, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone is monitored by sensors. The reciprocating compressor, the screw conveyor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw conveyor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-treating a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a shell defining a treatment chamber having a lower inner surface. The treatment chamber has an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally apart from the inlet to define an axial length. A conveyance member is housed within the shell and is configured to sweep the lower inner surface. A plurality of injection ports are provided in at least one of the shell and the conveyance member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a loose solid feedstock. The apparatus includes a two stage compressor. The first compression stage is a screw compressor. The second compressor stage is a reciprocating compressor. The reciprocating compressor operates co-axially with, and receives its feed from, the screw compressor. The compressor establishes feedstock plug in a discharge pipe. A choke cone maintains pressure in the plug. The choke cone is actively controlled in response to operation of the compressor. The discharge from the compressor has a cooling jacket, and includes an expanding taper. The reciprocating compressor, the screw compressor, and the choke cone are all adjustable in real time to control the compression of the feedstock according to a pre-programmed schedule that need not have equal compression and retraction strokes. The operation of the screw compressor may be advanced or eased off depending on the motion of the reciprocating compressor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-treating a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise conveying the cellulosic feedstock through an enclosed volume, adding moisture to the cellulosic feedstock simultaneously at multiple spaced-apart moisture injection points as the cellulosic feedstock travels through the volume, and heating the cellulosic feedstock as it travels through the volume to obtain a heated moistened feedstock. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise a shell defining a treatment chamber having a lower inner surface. The treatment chamber has an inlet and an outlet spaced longitudinally apart from the inlet to define an axial length. A conveyance member is housed within the shell and is configured to sweep the lower inner surface. A plurality of injection ports are provided in at least one of the shell and the conveyance member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a loose fibrous solid organic feedstock. The apparatus includes a reactor vessel and a compressor operable to introduce feedstock at elevated pressure into the reactor chamber. The apparatus includes means for controlling and modulating moisture level within the reactor. The apparatus includes an outflow or discharge assembly that has its own feeder or drive for packing feedstock into a discharge accumulator. The discharge accumulator feeds an outflow valve, in this case a uni-directional rotation ball valve operated by a servo motor. Discharge from the valve may be carried through a diffuser into a settling cyclone. In operation the ball valve is rotated to open and close the outflow passageway, the rate of rotation being variable in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.