Abstract: A combined anaerobic digester system and gas-to-liquid system is disclosed. The anaerobic digester requires heat, and produces methane. The gas-to-liquid system produces heat, and converts methane to higher-value products, including methanol and formaldehyde. As such, the combination of the two systems results in significant savings in terms of capital and operating expenses. A process for producing bio-formaldehyde and bio-formalin from biogas is also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved biomass-gasification methods and apparatus are described, for cooling hot syngas without relying on recycling cool syngas. In some variations, methods are provided for producing cooled syngas from a carbon-containing feedstock, comprising: gasifying the feedstock; feeding hot gas along with liquid water to a cooling device to accomplish humidification, thereby reducing the temperature (but not the enthalpy) of the hot gas; and then feeding the stream to a waste-heat recovery unit to recover energy and produce cool syngas. The invented methods and apparatus can prevent fouling of waste-heat recovery units. Additionally, these methods allow for effective management of tars produced during biomass gasification as well as improved water management.

Abstract: The present invention provides useful cooking and/or heating fuel compositions which may be produced substantially from renewable resources, such as biomass, to provide green fuel compositions, methods, and systems. The fuel compositions include gases stored under pressure, liquids, and gels/gelled waxes. Gases and liquids can include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger alcohols, or can include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger hydrocarbons. Gels and gelled waxes can include dimethyl ether and/or one or more C1-4 alcohols and wax or a gel. Methods of making these fuel compositions, particularly from biomass-derived syngas, are also described. Various applications and methods of using the fuel compositions, such as portable cylinder fuels for camping, are disclosed. Additionally, principles of burner design for these fuel compositions are disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: The present invention provides useful fuel compositions which may be produced substantially from renewable resources, such as biomass, to provide green fuel compositions, methods, and systems. In some embodiments, fuel compositions include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger alcohol, such as ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, or tent-butanol. In some embodiments, fuel compositions include dimethyl ether and one or more C2 or larger hydrocarbons, such as propane, propylene, propyne, and propadiene, n-butane, isobutane, isobutylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, or 1,3-butadiene. Methods of making these novel DME-based fuel compositions, particularly from biomass-derived syngas, are described. Various applications and methods of using the fuel compositions, such as portable cylinder fuels for camping, are disclosed. Additionally, principles of burner design for these fuel compositions are disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.