Abstract: Liquefaction processes are provided that can include: providing a biomass slurry solution having a temperature of at least 300° C. at a pressure of at least 2000 psig; cooling the solution to a temperature of less than 150° C.; and depressurizing the solution to release carbon dioxide from the solution and form at least part of a bio-oil foam. Liquefaction processes are also provided that can include: filtering the biomass slurry to remove particulates; and cooling and depressurizing the filtered solution to form the bio-oil foam. Liquefaction systems are provided that can include: a heated biomass slurry reaction zone maintained above 300° C. and at least 2000 psig and in continuous fluid communication with a flash cooling/depressurization zone maintained below 150° C. and between about 125 psig and about atmospheric pressure. Liquefaction systems are also provided that can include a foam/liquid separation system.

Abstract: A NOx reduction method includes treating a first gas containing NOx, producing a second gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second gas to N2, and producing a third gas containing less NOx than the first gas, substantially all of the third gas NOx being NO. The method also includes treating the third gas, producing a fourth gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the fourth gas to N2, and producing a fifth gas containing less NOx than the third gas, substantially all of the fifth gas NOx being NO. Treating the first and/or third gas can include treatment with a plasma. Reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second and/or fourth gas can include reducing with a catalyst. The method can further include controlling energy consumption of the plasmas independent of each other.

Abstract: A NOx reduction method includes treating a first gas containing NOx, producing a second gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second gas to N2, and producing a third gas containing less NOx than the first gas, substantially all of the third gas NOx being NO. The method also includes treating the third gas, producing a fourth gas containing NO2, reducing a portion of the NO2 in the fourth gas to N2, and producing a fifth gas containing less NOx than the third gas, substantially all of the fifth gas NOx being NO. Treating the first and/or third gas can include treatment with a plasma. Reducing a portion of the NO2 in the second and/or fourth gas can include reducing with a catalyst. The method can further include controlling energy consumption of the plasmas independent of each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a reactor for combustion synthesis of inorganic powders. The reactor includes a reaction vessel having a length and a first end and a second end. The reaction vessel further has a solution inlet and a carrier gas inlet. The reactor further has a heater for heating both the solution and the carrier gas. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction vessel is heated and the solution is in contact with the heated reaction vessel. It is further preferred that the reaction vessel be cylindrical and that the carrier gas is introduced tangentially into the reaction vessel so that the solution flows helically along the interior wall of the reaction vessel. As the solution evaporates and combustion produces inorganic material powder, the carrier gas entrains the powder and carries it out of the reactor.

Abstract: Ceramic precursor mixtures containing a metal cation, a carbohydrate, and an anion capable of participating in an anionic oxidation-reduction reaction with the carbohydrate for continuous or batchwise drying and pyrolyzing to provide ceramic powders.