Abstract: The invention is a method of processing tarry or resinous liquids. Tarry liquids include wet scrubber liquids containing tars and chars derived from gasification, pyrolysis or drying of biomass. Resinous liquids include those derived from processing coniferous biomass. Tarry or resinous liquid is processed by a horizontal axis centrifuge having a discharge chamber containing a scraper to prevent centrifuge clogging or fouling. The removed tar and char can be used as solid fuel or recycled to the gasification or pyrolysis process. Polymers, for instance cationic polymers, can be added to the tarry or resin containing liquid prior to centrifugation to assist in solids/liquids separation. Removed resin can be recycled for further use. Tar, char or resin depleted wet scrubber liquid can be recycled for further use or more easily treated prior to disposal.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for processing tarry or resinous liquid suspensions derived from gasification, pyrolysis or drying of biomass. The suspensions are processed by a horizontal axis centrifuge having a discharge chamber containing a scraper to prevent centrifuge clogging or fouling, a volatiles exhaust system utilizing suction, and a means to isolate the gas and light solids radially of the inner liquid surface and thereby enabling the gas and light solids to be extracted continuously to a location outside the centrifuge bowl. The removed tar, char and volatiles can be used as fuel or recycled as feedstock. Polymers can be added prior to centrifugation to assist in solids/liquids separation. Tar, resin, char or volatiles depleted wet scrubber liquid can be recycled for further use or easily treated prior to disposal.