Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in drying biomass particles provide a dryer having a chamber for a predetermined volume of biomass particles with apertures distributed throughout one boundary of the chamber enabling hot gas to be introduced and forced through the particles to exit from the opposite boundary. The gas stream to the chamber is so regulated that a layer of particles adjacent the opposite boundary functions as a relatively cool filter bed operable to prevent, to a desired extent, noxious liquids, gaseous, or particulate emissions from exiting from the dryer.

Abstract: Biomass is prepared for use as a fuel or chemical feed stock either by processing biomass to provide particles or by utilizing such particles that have been independently produced, in either case at a location remote from consuming sites. At a thus situated location, particles are delivered to at least one gas producing section and to a drying section with hot producer gas utilized in the drying section in a manner to so reduce the moisture content of the particles as to render the particles a more efficient fuel or chemical feed stock.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of a drum of a steam heated drum dryer utilizes air and steam, the air under a pressure control and the steam under a temperature control. The temperature control is responsive to the temperature of the fluids discharged from the drum which are under a control such that the sensed temperature is always substantially the same as that of the interior of the drum and the air and steam is utilized in a manner minimizing fluctuations in the drum temperature as the controls are operated in response to sensed temperature.