Abstract: A torrefaction reactor includes a preheater section and a torrefaction section arranged to receive the biomass material from the preheater section. The preheater section includes a plurality of preheater plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the preheater plates by the force of gravity, each of the preheater plates facilitates a flow of a preheater fluid through the preheater plate for heating the biomass material. The torrefaction section includes a plurality of torrefaction plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the torrefaction plates by the force of gravity, each the torrefaction plates facilitates a flow of a torrefaction fluid through the torrefaction plate for heating the biomass material to the torrefaction temperature, and a first and second torrefaction purge gas openings to facilitate a flow of a torrefaction purge gas for providing an oxygen-depleted environment within the torrefaction section.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing including an inlet for receiving bulk solids, and an outlet for discharging the bulk solids, a plurality of spaced apart, substantially parallel heat transfer plate assemblies disposed within the housing, between the inlet and the outlet for heating the bulk solids that flow from the inlet, through spaces between the heat transfer plate assemblies, and at least two gas handling zones including a first gas handling zone and a second gas handling zone spaced from the first gas handling zone, the two gas handling zones disposed between the inlet and the outlet for entry of a pulsed flow of air into the housing and around the bulk solids and for exit of the pulsed flow of air from the housing.

Abstract: A torrefaction reactor includes a preheater section and a torrefaction section arranged to receive the biomass material from the preheater section. The preheater section includes a plurality of preheater plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the preheater plates by the force of gravity, each of the preheater plates facilitates a flow of a preheater fluid through the preheater plate for heating the biomass material. The torrefaction section includes a plurality of torrefaction plates arranged to facilitate the flow of the biomass material between the torrefaction plates by the force of gravity, each the torrefaction plates facilitates a flow of a torrefaction fluid through the torrefaction plate for heating the biomass material to the torrefaction temperature, and a first and second torrefaction purge gas openings to facilitate a flow of a torrefaction purge gas for providing an oxygen-depleted environment within the torrefaction section.