Patents by Inventor Daren Daugaard
Daren Daugaard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220228082Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a biocarbon pellet comprising: 35 wt % to 99 wt % of a biogenic reagent, wherein the biogenic reagent comprises, on a dry basis, at least 60 wt % carbon; 0 wt % to 35 wt % water moisture; and 1 wt % to 30 wt % of a binder, wherein the biocarbon pellet is characterized by an adjustable Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) from about 30 to about 120, as shown in the Examples. The pellet HGI is adjustable by controlling process conditions and the pellet binder. The binder can be an organic binder or an inorganic binder. The carbon is renewable as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Many processes of making and using the biocarbon pellets are described. Applications of the biocarbon pellets include pulverized coal boilers, furnaces for making metals such as iron or silicon, and gasifiers for producing reducing gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack, Forrest S. Graham
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Publication number: 20220228081Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a biocarbon pellet comprising: 35 wt % to 99 wt % of a biogenic reagent, wherein the biogenic reagent comprises, on a dry basis, at least 60 wt % carbon; 0 wt % to 35 wt % water moisture; and 1 wt % to 30 wt % of a binder, wherein the biocarbon pellet is characterized by an adjustable Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) from about 30 to about 120, as shown in the Examples. The pellet HGI is adjustable by controlling process conditions and the pellet binder. The binder can be an organic binder or an inorganic binder. The carbon is renewable as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Many processes of making and using the biocarbon pellets are described. Applications of the biocarbon pellets include pulverized coal boilers, furnaces for making metals such as iron or silicon, and gasifiers for producing reducing gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack, Forrest S. Graham
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Publication number: 20220228080Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a biocarbon pellet comprising: 35 wt % to 99 wt % of a biogenic reagent, wherein the biogenic reagent comprises, on a dry basis, at least 60 wt % carbon; 0 wt % to 35 wt % water moisture; and 1 wt % to 30 wt % of a binder, wherein the biocarbon pellet is characterized by an adjustable Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) from about 30 to about 120, as shown in the Examples. The pellet HGI is adjustable by controlling process conditions and the pellet binder. The binder can be an organic binder or an inorganic binder. The carbon is renewable as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Many processes of making and using the biocarbon pellets are described. Applications of the biocarbon pellets include pulverized coal boilers, furnaces for making metals such as iron or silicon, and gasifiers for producing reducing gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack, Forrest S. Graham
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Publication number: 20220162077Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220162064Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220162726Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220162076Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220162725Abstract: Improved processes and systems are disclosed for producing renewable hydrogen suitable for reducing metal ores, as well as for producing activated carbon. Some variations provide a process comprising: pyrolyzing biomass to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas; converting the pyrolysis off-gas to additional reducing gas and/or heat; reacting at least some of the biogenic reagent with a reactant to generate a reducing gas; and chemically reducing a metal oxide in the presence of the reducing gas. Some variations provide a process for producing renewable hydrogen by biomass pyrolysis to generate a biogenic reagent, conversion of the biogenic reagent to a reducing gas, and separation and recovery of hydrogen from the reducing gas. A reducing-gas composition for reducing a metal oxide is provided, comprising renewable hydrogen according to a hydrogen-isotope analysis. Reacted biogenic reagent may also be recovered as an activated carbon product. Many variations are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2021Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220098685Abstract: Some variations provide a composition for reducing a metal ore, the composition comprising a carbon-metal ore particulate, wherein the carbon-metal ore particulate comprises at least about 0.1 wt % to at most about 50 wt % fixed carbon on a moisture-free and ash-free basis, and wherein the carbon is at least 50% renewable carbon as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Some variations provide a process for reducing a metal ore, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the feedstock to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas comprising hydrogen or carbon monoxide; obtaining a metal ore comprising a metal oxide; combining the carbon with the metal ore, to generate a carbon-metal ore particulate; optionally pelletizing the carbon-metal ore particulate; and utilizing the pyrolysis off-gas to chemically reduce the metal oxide to elemental metal, such as iron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220098701Abstract: Some variations provide a composition for reducing a metal ore, the composition comprising a carbon-metal ore particulate, wherein the carbon-metal ore particulate comprises at least about 0.1 wt % to at most about 50 wt % fixed carbon on a moisture-free and ash-free basis, and wherein the carbon is at least 50% renewable carbon as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Some variations provide a process for reducing a metal ore, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the feedstock to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas comprising hydrogen or carbon monoxide; obtaining a metal ore comprising a metal oxide; combining the carbon with the metal ore, to generate a carbon-metal ore particulate; optionally pelletizing the carbon-metal ore particulate; and utilizing the pyrolysis off-gas to chemically reduce the metal oxide to elemental metal, such as iron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Publication number: 20220098700Abstract: Some variations provide a composition for reducing a metal ore, the composition comprising a carbon-metal ore particulate, wherein the carbon-metal ore particulate comprises at least about 0.1 wt % to at most about 50 wt % fixed carbon on a moisture-free and ash-free basis, and wherein the carbon is at least 50% renewable carbon as determined from a measurement of the 14C/12C isotopic ratio. Some variations provide a process for reducing a metal ore, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock; pyrolyzing the feedstock to generate a biogenic reagent comprising carbon and a pyrolysis off-gas comprising hydrogen or carbon monoxide; obtaining a metal ore comprising a metal oxide; combining the carbon with the metal ore, to generate a carbon-metal ore particulate; optionally pelletizing the carbon-metal ore particulate; and utilizing the pyrolysis off-gas to chemically reduce the metal oxide to elemental metal, such as iron.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: James A. Mennell, Daren Daugaard, Dustin Slack
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Patent number: 9909067Abstract: Various biomass reactors systems and methods of pyrolyzing biomass are disclosed. One type of biomass reactor system comprises a plurality of biomass processing stations configured in series, each station comprising an auger reactor including an auger inlet for receiving biomass and a transfer screw for conveying the biomass through the auger reactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: COOL PLANET ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Daren Daugaard, Davy Tong, Vern S. Traxler, Vital Aelion, Gary Podrebarac, James Hillier, Michael C. Cheiky
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Publication number: 20160304787Abstract: A method is described for reducing the carbon footprint of any commercially important industrial conversion process. The output of this conversion process can be combustible fuels, chemicals, electricity or heat energy. In its broadest form, a carbon negative module outputs energy to a conversion energy and this energy replaces conventional fossil-fuel based energy. A sequesterable carbonaceous solid is produced by the carbon negative process which represents a net carbon withdrawal from the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Vital AELION, Daren DAUGAARD, Wilson HAGO
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Patent number: 9260666Abstract: A method is described for reducing the carbon footprint of any commercially important industrial conversion process. The output of this conversion process can be combustible fuels, chemicals, electricity or heat energy. In its broadest form, a carbon negative module outputs energy to a conversion energy and this energy replaces conventional fossil-fuel based energy. A sequesterable carbonaceous solid is produced by the carbon negative process which represents a net carbon withdrawal from the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Cool Planet Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vital Aelion, Daren Daugaard, Wilson Hago
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Publication number: 20140183022Abstract: Various biomass reactors systems and methods of pyrolyzing biomass are disclosed. One type of biomass reactor system comprises a plurality of biomass processing stations configured in series, each station comprising an auger reactor including an auger inlet for receiving biomass and a transfer screw for conveying the biomass through the auger reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: COOL PLANET ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Daren DAUGAARD, Davy TONG, Vern S. TRAXLER, Vital AELION, Gary PODREBARAC, James HILLIER, Michael C. CHEIKY
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Publication number: 20140109638Abstract: A method is described for reducing the carbon footprint of any commercially important industrial conversion process. The output of this conversion process can be combustible fuels, chemicals, electricity or heat energy. In its broadest form, a carbon negative module outputs energy to a conversion energy and this energy replaces conventional fossil-fuel based energy. A sequesterable carbonaceous solid is produced by the carbon negative process which represents a net carbon withdrawal from the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Cool Planet Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Vital AELION, Daren DAUGAARD, Wilson HAGO
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Patent number: 8183422Abstract: Described is a process for converting pyrolysis oil obtained by pyrolysis of biomass into fuel range hydrocarbon by alcoholysis of pyrolysis oil with subsequent hydrotreatment. A straightforward methodology to prepare upgradeable pyrolysis oil via alcoholysis. A method hydrotreating technology for oxygen removal and hydrocarbon production. The resulting hydrocarbon products are 100% fungible with conventional transportation fuels.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Edgar Lotero Alegria, Kristi Fjare, Daren Daugaard, Alexandru Platon
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Publication number: 20120035404Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting pyrolysis oil obtained by pyrolysis of biomass into fuel range hydrocarbon by alcoholysis of pyrolysis oil with subsequent hydrotreatment. The current invention provides straightforward methodology to prepare upgradable pyrolysis oil via alcoholysis. The invention uses hydrotreating technology for oxygen removal and hydrocarbon production. The resulting hydrocarbon products are 100% fungible with conventional transportation fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Edgar Lotero ALEGRIA, Kristi FJARE, Daren DAUGAARD, Alexandru PLATON