Abstract: A method for forming compressed matter structures suitable as a fuel source comprising producing a glycerine-rich binding agent by a method comprising (i) providing a feedstock, (ii) mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a reaction product, (iii) obtaining a glycerine-rich phase from the reaction product; providing a carbon-containing material; adding an effective amount of the glycerine-rich phase to the carbon-containing material to form a mixture; and forming compressed material from the mixture. Also provided is a compressed structure produced by the method.

Abstract: A method for controlling the output composition from a gasification device for use in the gasification of biomass using a gasifier in which the biomass and gas both flow in a downward direction. The method combines the use of steam and oxygen as a mixed oxidation stream to control the processes occurring within the gasifier. The oxidants are introduced into the gasifier using a number of injection rings. Each injection ring is comprised of a number of injection nozzles each radially distributed at the same vertical height and possibly connected to the same supply source. Particularly satisfactory results can be achieved through the use of three injection rings, one at the top of the gasifier, one at the interface of the oxidation and reduction zone and one a small distance below the grate assembly. The produced syngas also contains extremely low concentrations of tar and low molecular weight hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for producing a gasifier feedstock with uniform gasification characteristics from a number of biomass sources which each exhibit differences in their drying, pyrolysis, devolatization or gasification characteristics. The method allows biomass from a wide range and sources and with a wide range of gasification characteristics to be utilized within a gasifier without modification of the gasifier unit. The method produces a fuel pellet with controllable size, density and moisture content. The method smoothes any changes in calorific value which may exist between different feedstocks. It has been found that the gasification characteristics of a pellet formed in this way is strongly dependant upon the shape, moisture content and density of the pellet formed and less sensitive to the origin of the biomass feedstock.

Abstract: A method for recycling the waste heat generated from an external process, which is fuelled by syngas, into a gasification process to enhance the energy density of the syngas produced as well as the overall gasification efficiency of the system. A method is provided for utilizing the waste heat contained in a stream exiting in the syngas fueled process to vaporize water and produce steam. The steam is then upgraded by first exchanging energy with the hot syngas exiting the gasifier and then within the gasifier itself to a temperature where significant steam gasification of the biomass occurs. The process within the gasifier is driven by introducing a small amount of air into the gasifier such that some biomass is directly combusted to provide the heat required by the process.

Abstract: A method allowing the efficient conduction of highly exothermic, catalyst initiated reactions, particularly ones in which the product spectrum is highly dependant upon the temperature at which the process is conducted and to diffusional resistances within the catalyst particle matrix. The process occurs in a heat transfer device which consists of at least two channels which have at least one wall in common. Preferably two distinct sets of flow channels exist in which the process proceeds in one set of channels and heat transfer fluid passes through the second. The area of contact between the two sets of channels is sufficiently large to allow the efficient transfer of heat. These dimensions are controlled through the use of hollow catalyst particles through which the process gas can diffuse through either the inside or outside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the continuous production of biofuel by the transesterification of a triglyceride. The apparatus comprises a high shear homogenizer; a reaction chamber; a gravity driven separation device; an evacuated packed thin film stripper; a counter current pack water contactor; and, an evacuated packed spray drier, wherein each component operates with minimal heat and mass transfer resulting in a high capacity process with a reduced footprint.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a chemical processing method to thermally contact an endothermic and an exothermic reaction without mixing the two streams, utilizing a thermally coupled monolith reactor (TCMR). A ceramic or metal monolith is modified to produce a structure containing at least two sets of discrete flow paths and which are separated by a number of common walls. Manifolds are arranged such that one reaction mixture flows through one set of channels and a different reaction mixture flows through the second. Catalytic material, which is active for the relevant reaction, is coated onto the inner walls of each of the sets of channels. The two reactions are chosen such that one is exothermic and one is endothermic, such that the energy required by the endothermic process is supplied directly through the dividing wall from the exothermic process occurring on the opposing side. This method of heat transfer completely decouples the gas phase hydrodynamics from the heat transfer process.

Abstract: The invention provides a thin film tube reactor, including an elongate tube that is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A mixing plate rotatable about the tube's longitudinal axis may be positioned within the tube near the inlet. A plurality of fluid process components are fed into the tube and directed toward the mixing plate. In the absence of the mixing plate, the process components are directed toward the inner surface of the tube. Heating and cooling elements surround the tube to control the process temperature at particular points along the tube. A structured surface that is integral with or affixed to the inner surface of the tube immobilizes a catalyst slurry applied to the inner surface. A separation reservoir includes an end plate with a plurality of radially spaced outlet ports for controlling the output of the products from said separation reservoir.