Patents by Inventor Renus Kelfkens

Renus Kelfkens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230303937
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to drying a wet coated seed material stream comprising an incoming wet granular biosolids stream mixed with a controlled size dried seed material recycling stream to produce a moist air and pellet stream, separating an uncontrolled size dried pellet stream from the moist air and pellet stream, diverting a recycle portion of the uncontrolled size dried pellet stream to be recycled, diverting the remainder of the uncontrolled size dried pellet stream to an outlet, resizing oversized pellets from the recycle portion of the uncontrolled size dried pellet stream to produce the controlled size dried seed material recycling stream, and mixing the controlled size dried seed material recycling stream with the incoming wet granular biosolids stream to produce the wet coated seed material stream. Oversized pellets may be selected using a screen. The oversized pellets may be resized using a crusher inline with the recycle stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Joseph Mikhail, Matthew Newman
  • Publication number: 20230242826
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids through fluidized bed gasification. The gasifier decomposes the PFAS in the biosolids at temperatures of 900-1800° F. Syngas exits the gasifier which is coupled to a thermal oxidizer and combusts at temperatures of 1600-2600° F. This decomposes PFAS in the syngas and creates flue gas. Heat is recovered from the flue gas by cooling the flue gas to temperatures of 400-1200° F. in a heat exchanger coupled with the thermal oxidizer. Various methods inject moisture into the gas stream, controlling temperature through evaporative cooling and/or injecting chemicals that react with gas stream components. Cooled flue gas mixes with hydrated lime capturing decomposed PFAS molecules with spent lime filtered from the cooled flue gas using a filter system that may incorporate catalyst impregnated filter elements, eliminating PFAS from wastewater biosolids and controlling emissions in the resulting flue gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Newman, Joel Thornton, Brandon Davis, Renus Kelfkens, Ron Hudson, Mark Robertson
  • Patent number: 11661559
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus or method implementations for a universal feeder system configured with a transfer screw feeder within a multi-section clamshell pipe permitting access to the feed screw and pipe interior for inspection, maintenance and/or cleaning during production, without disassembly or screw removal. The clamshell screw feeder pipe provides access to the screw by opening or removing the multi-section top portion of the clamshell pipe. The top pipe section is bolted and or hinges to the bottom portion of the clamshell pipe. The number of segmented multiple clamshell top sections depends on the length of the screw. One or more clamshell top sections may be configured with an inspection port. The universal feeder system configured with a transfer screw feeder within a multi-section clamshell pipe transfers feedstock feed from one or more feed vessels to one or more reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Joseph Mikhail, Matthew Newman
  • Patent number: 11639478
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods to eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids through fluidized bed gasification. The gasifier decomposes the PFAS in the biosolids at temperatures of 900-1800° F. Synthesis gas (syngas) exits the gasifier which is coupled to a thermal oxidizer and is combusted at temperatures of 1600-2600° F. This decomposes PFAS in the syngas and creates flue gas. Heat can be recovered from the flue gas by cooling the flue gas to temperatures of 400-1200° F. in a heat exchanger that is coupled with the thermal oxidizer. Cooled flue gas is mixed with hydrated lime, enhancing PFAS decomposition, with the spent lime filtered from the cooled flue gas using a filter system that may incorporate catalyst impregnated filter elements. The apparatus and methods thereby eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids and control emissions in the resulting flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Newman, Joel Thornton, Brandon Davis, Renus Kelfkens, Ron Hudson, Mark Robertson
  • Publication number: 20230059322
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods to eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids through fluidized bed gasification. The gasifier decomposes the PFAS in the biosolids at temperatures of 900-1800° F. Synthesis gas (syngas) exits the gasifier which is coupled to a thermal oxidizer and is combusted at temperatures of 1600-2600° F. This decomposes PFAS in the syngas and creates flue gas. Heat can be recovered from the flue gas by cooling the flue gas to temperatures of 400-1200° F. in a heat exchanger that is coupled with the thermal oxidizer. Cooled flue gas is mixed with hydrated lime, enhancing PFAS decomposition, with the spent lime filtered from the cooled flue gas using a filter system that may incorporate catalyst impregnated filter elements. The apparatus and methods thereby eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids and control emissions in the resulting flue gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Newman, Joel Thornton, Brandon Davis, Renus Kelfkens, Ron Hudson, Mark Robertson
  • Patent number: 11566191
    Abstract: A method and system for continuous production of contaminant free and size specific biochar using downdraft gasification of variable quality feedstock. The system and process of the present invention includes the transfer of biochar from a gasifier after gasification to a temperature-controlled cooling screw conveyor, into a drum magnet for ferrous metal removal into multiple diverters to separate and remove ungasified materials and non-ferrous metal contaminants, then transferred into a granulator for grinding and screening the biochar to a pre-selected size. By directly attaching a novel and continuous product treatment process to the biochar stream as it exits the gasifier, the particle size, moisture content, carbon content and yield of a contaminant free biochar product can be narrowly controlled and improved to meet strict product quality specifications required by specialty applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Matthew Newman
  • Publication number: 20220169932
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus or method implementations for a universal feeder system configured with a transfer screw feeder within a multi-section clamshell pipe permitting access to the feed screw and pipe interior for inspection, maintenance and/or cleaning during production, without disassembly or screw removal. The clamshell screw feeder pipe provides access to the screw by opening or removing the multi-section top portion of the clamshell pipe. The top pipe section is bolted and or hinges to the bottom portion of the clamshell pipe. The number of segmented multiple clamshell top sections depends on the length of the screw. One or more clamshell top sections may be configured with an inspection port. The universal feeder system configured with a transfer screw feeder within a multi-section clamshell pipe transfers feedstock feed from one or more feed vessels to one or more reactor vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Joseph Mikhail, Matthew Newman
  • Patent number: 11339337
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods to eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids through fluidized bed gasification. The gasifier decomposes the PFAS in the biosolids at temperatures of 900-1800° F. Synthesis gas (syngas) exits the gasifier which is coupled to a thermal oxidizer and is combusted at temperatures of 1600-2600° F. This decomposes PFAS in the syngas and creates flue gas. Heat can be recovered from the flue gas by cooling the flue gas to temperatures of 400-1200° F. in a heat exchanger that is coupled with the thermal oxidizer. Cooled flue gas is mixed with hydrated lime, enhancing PFAS decomposition, with the spent lime filtered from the cooled flue gas using a filter system that may incorporate catalyst impregnated filter elements. The apparatus and methods thereby eliminate PFAS from wastewater biosolids and control emissions in the resulting flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Newman, Joel Thornton, Brandon Davis, Renus Kelfkens, Ron Hudson, Mark Robertson
  • Publication number: 20220112436
    Abstract: A method and system for continuous production of contaminant free and size specific biochar using downdraft gasification of variable quality feedstock. The system and process of the present invention includes the transfer of biochar from a gasifier after gasification to a temperature-controlled cooling screw conveyor, into a drum magnet for ferrous metal removal into multiple diverters to separate and remove ungasified materials and non-ferrous metal contaminants, then transferred into a granulator for grinding and screening the biochar to a pre-selected size. By directly attaching a novel and continuous product treatment process to the biochar stream as it exits the gasifier, the particle size, moisture content, carbon content and yield of a contaminant free biochar product can be narrowly controlled and improved to meet strict product quality specifications required by specialty applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Matthew Newman
  • Patent number: 11279894
    Abstract: A universal feeder system that combines with a fluidized bed gasification reactor for the treatment of multiple diverse feedstocks including sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, wood waste, refuse derived fuels, automotive shredder residue and non-recyclable plastics. The invention thereby also illustrates a method of gasification for multiple and diverse feedstocks using a universal feeder system. The feeder system comprises one or more feed vessels and at least one live bottom dual screw feeder. The feed vessel is rectangular shaped having three vertical sides and an angled side of no less than 60 degrees from the horizontal to facilitate proper flow of feedstock material that have different and/or variable flow properties. The feedstocks are transferred through an open bottom chute to a live bottom dual screw feeder and through another open bottom chute to a transfer screw feeder that conveys feedstock to the fuel feed inlets of a gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: ARIES GASIFICATION, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis
  • Patent number: 11242494
    Abstract: A method and system for continuous production of contaminant free and size specific biochar using downdraft gasification of variable quality feedstock. The system and process of the present invention includes the transfer of biochar from a gasifier after gasification to a temperature-controlled cooling screw conveyor, into a drum magnet for ferrous metal removal into multiple diverters to separate and remove ungasified materials and non-ferrous metal contaminants, then transferred into a granulator for grinding and screening the biochar to a pre-selected size. By directly attaching a novel and continuous product treatment process to the biochar stream as it exits the gasifier, the particle size, moisture content, carbon content and yield of a contaminant free biochar product can be narrowly controlled and improved to meet strict product quality specifications required by specialty applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: ARIES CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Matthew Newman
  • Publication number: 20200332205
    Abstract: A universal feeder system that combines with a fluidized bed gasification reactor for the treatment of multiple diverse feedstocks including sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, wood waste, refuse derived fuels, automotive shredder residue and non-recyclable plastics. The invention thereby also illustrates a method of gasification for multiple and diverse feedstocks using a universal feeder system. The feeder system comprises one or more feed vessels and at least one live bottom dual screw feeder. The feed vessel is rectangular shaped having three vertical sides and an angled side of no less than 60 degrees from the horizontal to facilitate proper flow of feedstock material that have different and/or variable flow properties. The feedstocks are transferred through an open bottom chute to a live bottom dual screw feeder and through another open bottom chute to a transfer screw feeder that conveys feedstock to the fuel feed inlets of a gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: ARIES GASIFICATION, LLC
    Inventors: Renus KELFKENS, Brandon DAVIS
  • Patent number: 10738249
    Abstract: A universal feeder system that combines with a fluidized bed gasification reactor for the treatment of multiple diverse feedstocks including sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, wood waste, refuse derived fuels, automotive shredder residue and non-recyclable plastics. The invention thereby also illustrates a method of gasification for multiple and diverse feedstocks using a universal feeder system. The feeder system comprises one or more feed vessels and at least one live bottom dual screw feeder. The feed vessel is rectangular shaped having three vertical sides and an angled side of no less than 60 degrees from the horizontal to facilitate proper flow of feedstock material that have different and/or variable flow properties. The feedstocks are transferred through an open bottom chute to a live bottom dual screw feeder and through another open bottom chute to a transfer screw feeder that conveys feedstock to the fuel feed inlets of a gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis
  • Publication number: 20200239793
    Abstract: A method and system for continuous production of contaminant free and size specific biochar using downdraft gasification of variable quality feedstock. The system and process of the present invention includes the transfer of biochar from a gasifier after gasification to a temperature-controlled cooling screw conveyor, into a drum magnet for ferrous metal removal into multiple diverters to separate and remove ungasified materials and non-ferrous metal contaminants, then transferred into a granulator for grinding and screening the biochar to a pre-selected size. By directly attaching a novel and continuous product treatment process to the biochar stream as it exits the gasifier, the particle size, moisture content, carbon content and yield of a contaminant free biochar product can be narrowly controlled and improved to meet strict product quality specifications required by specialty applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Matthew Newman
  • Patent number: 10696913
    Abstract: A large-scale fluidized bed biogasifier provided for gasifying biosolids. The biogasifier includes a reactor vessel with a pipe distributor and at least two fuel feed inlets for feeding biosolids into the reactor vessel at a desired fuel feed rate of more than 40 tons per day with an average of about 100 tons per day during steady-state operation of the biogasifier. A fluidized bed in the base of the reactor vessel has a cross-sectional area that is proportional to at least the targeted fuel feed rate such that the superficial velocity of gas is in the range of 0.1 m/s (0.33 ft/s) to 3 m/s (9.84 ft/s). In operation, biosolids are heated inside the fluidized bed reactor to a temperature range between 900° F. (482.2° C.) and 1600° F. (871.1° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Paul Cairney, Gerald M. Cox, William P. Jepson, Douglas R. Bull, Ross Patten
  • Publication number: 20200190416
    Abstract: A universal feeder system that combines with a fluidized bed gasification reactor for the treatment of multiple diverse feedstocks including sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, wood waste, refuse derived fuels, automotive shredder residue and non-recyclable plastics. The invention thereby also illustrates a method of gasification for multiple and diverse feedstocks using a universal feeder system. The feeder system comprises one or more feed vessels and at least one live bottom dual screw feeder. The feed vessel is rectangular shaped having three vertical sides and an angled side of no less than 60 degrees from the horizontal to facilitate proper flow of feedstock material that have different and/or variable flow properties. The feedstocks are transferred through an open bottom chute to a live bottom dual screw feeder and through another open bottom chute to a transfer screw feeder that conveys feedstock to the fuel feed inlets of a gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis
  • Patent number: 10662386
    Abstract: A downdraft gasifier and method of gasification with high yield biochar that utilizes a plurality of high throughput, vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. A rotating and vertically adjustable rotating grate is located beneath the reduction zone of the gasifier. In addition, a drying zone is located above the pyrolysis zone so the heat of the gasifier can be used to dry feedstock before it enters the gasifier. By optimizing the grate height and rpm, feedstock retention time in the drying zone, the drying zone temperature and feedstock moisture content, the result is gasification of biomass with a high yield and continuous biochar production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Matthew Newman, Deon John Potgieter, Billy Freeman Hopper, Jeffrey Scott Brown, Mark Oliver Loftin
  • Publication number: 20200140768
    Abstract: A large-scale fluidized bed biogasifier provided for gasifying biosolids. The biogasifier includes a reactor vessel with a pipe distributor and at least two fuel feed inlets for feeding biosolids into the reactor vessel at a desired fuel feed rate of more than 40 tons per day with an average of about 100 tons per day during steady-state operation of the biogasifier. A fluidized bed in the base of the reactor vessel has a cross-sectional area that is proportional to at least the targeted fuel feed rate such that the superficial velocity of gas is in the range of 0.1 m/s (0.33 ft/s) to 3 m/s (9.84 ft/s). In operation, biosolids are heated inside the fluidized bed reactor to a temperature range between 900° F. (482.2° C.) and 1600° F. (871.1° C.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Paul Cairney, Gerald M. Cox, William P. Jepson, Douglas R. Bull, Ross Patten
  • Publication number: 20200109342
    Abstract: A downdraft gasifier and method of gasification with high yield biochar that utilizes a plurality of high throughput, vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. A rotating and vertically adjustable rotating grate is located beneath the reduction zone of the gasifier. In addition, a drying zone is located above the pyrolysis zone so the heat of the gasifier can be used to dry feedstock before it enters the gasifier. By optimizing the grate height and rpm, feedstock retention time in the drying zone, the drying zone temperature and feedstock moisture content, the result is gasification of biomass with a high yield and continuous biochar production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Matthew Newman, Deon John Potgieter, Billy Freeman Hopper, Jeffrey Scott Brown, Mark Oliver Loftin
  • Publication number: 20200040268
    Abstract: A downdraft gasifier and method of gasification with high yield biochar that utilizes a plurality of high throughput, vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. A rotating and vertically adjustable rotating grate is located beneath the reduction zone of the gasifier. In addition, a drying zone is located above the pyrolysis zone so the heat of the gasifier can be used to dry feedstock before it enters the gasifier. By optimizing the grate height and rpm, feedstock retention time in the drying zone, the drying zone temperature and feedstock moisture content, the result is gasification of biomass with a high yield and continuous biochar production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Aries Gasification, LLC
    Inventors: Renus Kelfkens, Brandon Davis, Matt Newman, Deon John Potgieter, Billy Freeman Hopper, Jeffrey Scott Brown, Mark Oliver Loftin