Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of continuous hydrothermal carbonization of wet biomass, such as manure. A disclosed system uses both inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate simultaneously to regulate the reaction time for continuous production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of converting waste, such as wet biomass, to a clean product and energy, including heat, and/or power. The disclosed method combines hydrothermal processing, also known as anaerobic hydrothermal carbonization, followed by wet air oxidation, adding sufficient oxygen to ensure rapid and complete destruction of organics.

Abstract: A process for increasing the energy density of a biomass, which includes establishing a temperature and pressure within a reaction chamber that includes water and is at or above a desired reaction condition wherein the desired reaction condition is sufficient to increase the energy density of a reacted biomass; introducing a biomass into the reaction chamber such that the desired reaction condition is maintained or equilibrates thereto; and subjecting the biomass to the desired reaction condition for an amount of time effective to increase the energy density of the reacted biomass relative to the biomass prior to reaction.

Abstract: A reactor system includes plural batch-cyclic reduction/oxidation (redox) reactors. One reactor is operated in fuel mode while another is operated in air mode, and vice-versa. For each reactor in air mode, air is introduced via air-only tuyeres and via fuel-air tuyeres to oxidize oxidation particles. For each reactor in fuel mode, fuel is introduced via the reactor's fuel-air tuyeres and not via its air-only tuyeres. As a result, air is introduced at a higher rate than fuel is introduced so that the oxidation rate can match the reduction rate. Thus, for example, as few as two reactors can be used for continuous power generation without having to shuttle oxidation particles between reactors.

Abstract: A reactor system which selectably produces from carbonaceous fuel, combined heat and power (CHP) or syngas and CHP, and in either mode a stream of greater than 95% CO2 for sale or sequestration. Also included are plurality of reactors, ash separation system, and feedback control system. The reactors comprise 1) a fuel reactor selectably operated in full oxidation mode for production of CHP, or in partial oxidation mode to produce syngas to produce biofuels and CHP; 2) a burn-off reactor fully oxidizes char or carbon from the fuel reactor producing CO2; and 3) an optional regeneration reactor reoxygenating oxygen carrier from the first two reactors which is returned to the fuel reactor. The feedback control system comprises an accumulator and controllable elements to apportion oxygen carrier between fuel and burn-off reactors and extract oxygen carrier and heavy ash. This ash and ash from the regenerator products are sold or disposed.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.

Abstract: A process for increasing the energy density of a biomass, which includes establishing a temperature and pressure within a reaction chamber that includes water and is at or above a desired reaction condition wherein the desired reaction condition is sufficient to increase the energy density of a reacted biomass; introducing a biomass into the reaction chamber such that the desired reaction condition is maintained or equilibrates thereto; and subjecting the biomass to the desired reaction condition for an amount of time effective to increase the energy density of the reacted biomass relative to the biomass prior to reaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for drying a biosolid or sludge, such as wastewater sludge. The system and method include a fluidized bed dryer in which the sludge is dried. The fluidized bed includes bed media. In particular examples, the bed media is different than the sludge. The system and method can include additional features, such treating the sludge using a thermochemical process in a thermochemical reactor, such as a gasifier, to produce a fuel. The fuel is then combusted to produce energy and heat. The heat is recycled to the drier to help dry sludge. In particular examples, sludge input to the dryer is not first treated using a high-pressure dewatering technique. In some embodiments, the system and method include an anaerobic digester coupled to a combustion unit coupled to the dryer.