Abstract: A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex.

Abstract: A ?-glucosidase exhibits high activity in the presence of biomass and has high thermal stability compared to conventional enzymes. The ?-glucosidase includes substitutions and/or deletions of amino acids, at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of Glu39, Asp169, Arg170, Arg220, Tyr227, and Glu330, of the parent ?-glucosidase with other amino acids and exhibits a decomposition activity.

Abstract: A method for producing a mutant glucosidase includes introducing DNA encoding a secretion signal sequence and DNA encoding Asn-X-Ser or Asn-X-Thr into DNA encoding a glucosidase derived from a thermophile, and introducing the resulting DNA into a eukaryotic microorganism and expressing it as a secretory protein. An enzyme composition contains the mutant glucosidase.

Abstract: A ?-glucosidase exhibits high activity in the presence of biomass and has high thermal stability compared to conventional enzymes. The ?-glucosidase includes substitutions and/or deletions of amino acids, at least three amino acids selected from the group consisting of Glu39, Asp169, Arg170, Arg220, Tyr227, and Glu330, of the parent ?-glucosidase with other amino acids and exhibits a decomposition activity.

Abstract: A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex.

Abstract: A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex.

Abstract: A system for producing superior quality synthesis gas (“syngas”) consisting of a series of chambers in which the gasification stages of reaction, homogenization and activation occur. The first stage reaction stage agitates and combines the reactants, consisting primarily of organic matter, oxidizer and steam, to initiate gasification of the organic and volatile fraction and to transport the inorganic residue to continuous removal. In the homogenization chamber, turbulence is induced by injecting gaseous species. The gas mixture emerging from the homogenization chamber is accelerated via a third stage communicating duct and is introduced tangentially into the fourth stage activation chamber inducing a cyclonic motion wherein a high intensity radiant heat source is introduced along the central axis of the gas vortex.

Abstract: The safe operation of pyrolytic-based, hazardous waste processing systems is accomplished by rapidly controlling an oxygen to product gas ratio and pressures within such systems.

Abstract: Hazardous waste can be processed using novel, ruggedized and flexible methods and systems. Such novel methods and systems comprise a survivable processing vessel designed to withstand shock, vibration and stresses encountered when, for example, the system is moved from one hazardous waste site to another and a carbon conversion unit which essentially prevents the release of pollutants into the surrounding environment by substantially reducing the amount generated. In addition, such methods and systems provide the ability to switch a supply of gas to dual plasma arc torches from air to an inert gas or vice-versa in order to maintain a critical oxygen ratio under a certain threshold as different types of waste are destroyed. The lack of water at certain sites is overcome by recirculating water and by using a closed-loop cooling system. Similarly, the lack of certain fuels to run the system is overcome by utilizing a single fuel.