Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses, such as small and medium scale processing plants, for conversion of biomass into methane and other high-grade products such as fertiliser. The present invention further relates to methods and uses of the present apparatuses for conversion of biomass into methane and other high-grade products such as fertiliser. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for conversion of biomass, the apparatus comprises: a) an acidification reactor (1) of a mixed fluid type reactor for microbial hydrolysis and acidification of biomass b) a methane synthesis reactor (2) of a solid bed reactor type for the anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified biomass into c) a methane synthesis reactor (3) of a mixed fluid type reactor for anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified liquid biomass d) a nitrification reactor (4) for aerobic microbial conversion of NH4+ into NO3?.

Abstract: A system for processing biomass using anaerobic digestion includes an anaerobic acidification reactor having an inlet for biomass and an outlet for acidified biomass, and an anaerobic settling chamber having an inlet for receiving the acidified biomass from the anaerobic acidification reactor wherein an acidified liquid biomass and a sludge biomass is formed. The anaerobic settling chamber includes a first outlet for the acidified liquid biomass, a second outlet for the sludge biomass and a third outlet for gaseous biogas effluent. The system further includes an anaerobic methane synthesis reactor for anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified liquid biomass into biogas and processed liquid biomass, having an inlet for receiving the acidified liquid biomass and a first outlet for gaseous biogas effluent and a second outlet for the processed liquid biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermal conversion of carbon based materials into combustible oil and/or gas. More specifically, said system comprises: a first fluid bed reactor, a second vapour wash reactor, a third fractionation reactor, a fourth moving bed reactor, a fifth fluid bed reactor and a sixth gasification reactor.

Abstract: Sulphur oxides are generated from a liquid stream of hydrogen sulphide by feeding the liquid stream to a vacuum stripper where the stream is contacted with a stripping gas including steam under reduce pressure. Hydrogen sulphide is transferred to the stripping gas, whereby a loaded stripping gas is obtained. Water in the loaded stripping gas is condensed producing a H2S rich stream. The H2S is then burned in the stream to produce a stream rich in oxides of sulphur.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the recovery of sulphuric acid from a mixture comprising sulphuric acid and hydrocarbons, in particular carbohydrates. In accordance with the present invention the mixture comprising sulphuric acid and carbohydrates, is contacted with an anion selective membrane, thus producing a sulphuric acid rich filtrate stream and a stream depleted in sulphuric acid.

Abstract: A Method for purifying gas loaded with dust particles of various sizes, which method includes the following steps: (a) the gas loaded with dust particles is subjected to wet gas scrubbing at or above the dew point, during which operation any acid gaseous components present in the gas are absorbed and the major proportion of coarse dust particles having a size of ≧50 &mgr;m is removed by a scrubbing liquid, after which (b) the remaining dust particles present in the gas are collected at or above the dew point in an installation for removing dust from gas, purified gas being obtained.

Abstract: Method for purifying gas loaded with dust particles of various sizes, which method comprises the following steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing waste or biomass material into valuable products such as, for example, combustible gases, which is characterized in that(a) the waste or biomass material is subjected to a pyrolysis at a temperature of 350-650.degree. C., advantageously 450-550.degree. C.;(b) the gas released in the course of the pyrolysis is subjected--without condensation--to a cracking treatment at a temperature of 1100-1600.degree. C., advantageously 1200-1400.degree. C., under the influence of oxygen-rich gas introduced from outside and possibly of steam;(c) the residue liberated in the course of the pyrolysis is gasified under a pressure of 0.5-1.5 bar, advantageously 0.8-1.2 bar, at a temperature of 1200-1700.degree. C., advantageously 1400-1600.degree. C.