Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to alcohols. The alcohols can be subjected to drying to produce an intermediate alcohol product, followed by distilling the intermediate product to produce a purified ethanol product for use in liquid fuels.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to form syn gas from carbonaceous materials such as coal includes a devolatilization reactor in combination with a reformer reactor which subsequently forms syn gas. The reformer reactor, in turn, is in communication with a particulate separator. The devolatilization reactor is fed with material using a compression feeder which drives air from the feed material, compresses it in a feed zone forming a seal between the feed hopper and the devolatilization reactor. The reformer reactor, as well as the particulate separators, are maintained in a heated furnace so that the temperature of the formed syn gas does not decrease below the reaction temperature until particulate material has been separated.

Abstract: An apparatus designed to form syn gas from carbonaceous materials such as coal includes a devolatilization reactor in combination with a reformer reactor which subsequently forms syn gas. The reformer reactor, in turn, is in communication with a particulate separator. The devolatilization reactor is fed with material using a compression feeder which drives air from the feed material, compresses it in a feed zone forming a seal between the feed hopper and the devolatilization reactor. The reformer reactor, as well as the particulate separators, are maintained in a heated furnace so that the temperature of the formed syn gas does not decrease below the reaction temperature until particulate material has been separated.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, a catalyst is derived from the ash content of the feed material, and this catalyst is used to enhance syngas formation. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in a first reaction zone, and residual syngas from the first reaction zone is then catalytically converted to ethanol in a second reaction zone. Also, in some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in high yield in a first reaction zone, and the methanol is then converted (optionally, with additional syngas) to ethanol in a second reaction zone.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to alcohols. The alcohols can be subjected to drying to produce an intermediate alcohol product, followed by distilling the intermediate product to produce a purified ethanol product for use in liquid fuels.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. Some variations employ eductors for facilitating flow of solid and gas phases in the processes of the invention. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: A method of producing syn gas from biomass or other carbonaceous material utilizes a controlled devolatilization reaction in which the temperature of the feed material is maintained at less than 450° F. until most available oxygen is consumed. This minimizes pyrolysis of the feed material. The method and apparatus utilizes the formed synthesis gas to provide the energy for the necessary gasification. This provides for a high purity syn gas and avoids production of slag.

Abstract: A method of producing syn gas from biomass or other carbonaceous material utilizes a controlled devolatilization reaction in which the temperature of the feed material is maintained at less than 450° F. until most available oxygen is consumed. This minimizes pyrolysis of the feed material. The method and apparatus utilizes the formed synthesis gas to provide the energy for the necessary gasification. This provides for a high purity syn gas and avoids production of slag.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay device for detecting the presence of Chlamydia antigen in patient's samples comprises a flow matrix including a labelling zone and a capture zone. Labelling complex comprising antibodies specific for an epitope on the lipopolysaccharide antigen of Chlamydia is present within the labelling zone. Immobilized antibody specific for the same or another epitope of the lipopolysaccharide antigen of Chlamydia is located in the capture zone. The sample containing the Chlamydia antigen will flow first through the labelling zone, where it complexes with the labelling complex, and then to the capture zone, where it is captured by the immobilized antibody. Chlamydia antigen may be extracted from a patient sample, such as a endocervical swab, by first extracting the antigen in a strong base followed by neutralization with a zwitterionic detergent and a blocking protein present in a zwitterionic buffer.