Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products are produced from biomass using indirect gasification of the biomass to produce a syngas containing CO2, CO, H2 and methane that passes the syngas without substantial removal of the methane to a fermentation zone for the conversion of the CO and CO2 and H2 to ethanol and the production of a methane rich stream followed by the methane reforming of the methane rich stream to produce additional CO and CO2 and H2 that passes to the fermentation zone.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohol from syngas integrates the alcohol recovery with the removal of CO2 from syngas. A syngas feed containing CO, H2, and CO2 contacts an aqueous alcohol stream to remove CO2 from the syngas that then passes to bioreactor containing microorganisms for conversion to alcohol and other liquid products. Flashing of the scrubbing liquid releases the CO2 and simultaneously concentrates alcohol in the overhead flash vapor. Condensation of the flash vapor provides an enriched alcohol stream for enhanced recovery of the ethanol product in a product separation zone. The remainder of the scrubbing liquid along with make-up alcohol and water from the process gets returned for continued contact with the syngas feed.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohol from syngas integrates the alcohol recovery with the removal of CO2 from syngas. A syngas feed containing CO, H2, and CO2 contacts an aqueous alcohol stream to remove CO2 from the syngas that then passes to bioreactor containing microorganisms for conversion to alcohol and other liquid products. Flashing of the scrubbing liquid releases the CO2 and simultaneously concentrates alcohol in the overhead flash vapor. Condensation of the flash vapor provides an enriched alcohol stream for enhanced recovery of the ethanol product in a product separation zone. The remainder of the scrubbing liquid along with make-up alcohol and water from the process gets returned for continued contact with the syngas feed.

Abstract: Ethanol and other liquid products are produced from biomass using indirect gasification of the biomass to produce a syngas containing CO2, CO, H2 and methane that passes the syngas without substantial removal of the methane to a fermentation zone for the conversion of the CO and CO2 and H2 to ethanol and the production of a methane rich stream followed by the methane reforming of the methane rich stream to produce additional CO and CO2 and H2 that passes to the fermentation zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing end effect on a preform assembly during manufacture of optical fiber. The present invention provides apparatus and methods that apply a first vacuum pressure to a preform assembly during a first portion of the draw of optical fiber from the preform assembly and a second lesser vacuum pressure during a second portion of the draw. The second vacuum pressure may be a step down pressure or a gradual or an incremental decrease in pressure over time. The present invention further provides apparatus and methods that use an intermediate rod such as a dummy preform core rod and/or a support rod placed at the back of the preform core rod, wherein the preform end effect occurs on the dummy preform core rod, as opposed to the core rod of the preform assembly or is eliminated altogether by the support rod.