Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrocarbon material recovery include injecting a monomer-containing solution into a subterranean formation that contains some amount of a hydrocarbon material. The monomer-containing solution includes at least one monomer that may polymerize into a polymer when exposed to a temperature above a monomer polymerization temperature. The subterranean formation may be at a temperature about equal to or greater than the polymerization temperature. Thus, the monomer-containing solution may polymerize in the formation based on temperature. Additional chemical polymerization agents may not be needed for polymerization.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for use in a combined acidizing and proppant fracturing treatment, the treatment fluid comprising: (A) an emulsion comprising: (i) a continuous oil phase; (ii) an internal aqueous phase comprising: (a) water; (b) a source of hydrofluoric acid; and (c) a source of acid other than hydrofluoric acid; and (iii) an emulsifier; and (B) a proppant. A method of fracturing a treatment zone of a well, the method comprising the steps of: (I) forming a treatment fluid; and (II) introducing the treatment fluid into the zone at a rate and pressure greater than the fracture gradient of the zone.

Abstract: A breaker system for a fracturing fluid having a polymer, includes an oxidative polymer breaker which includes water, a persulfate and a transition metal chelate having more than one accessible oxidation state, which inhibits or delays the break of the polymer by the breaker.

Abstract: The aqueous dispersion of the present invention is an aqueous dispersion in which a biodegradable resin composition (C) in the form of a fine solid is dispersed in an aqueous medium, and the biodegradable resin composition (C) comprises a copolymer (A) comprising a constituent unit (a-1) derived from a polyvalent carboxylic acid and a constituent unit (a-2) derived from a hydroxycarboxylic acid, and a biodegradable resin (B), and wherein the mass composition ratio [(A)/(B)] of the copolymer (A) to the biodegradable resin (B) is 1/99 to 100/0 provided that the total amount of the copolymer (A) and the biodegradable resin (B) is 100.

Abstract: A method for acidizing subterranean formations may include providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous carrier fluid, an acid, and a chelating agent comprising N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, the treatment fluid having a pH at or below that at which carboxylic or phosphonic acid groups of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid are protonated and the chelating agent is ineffective for complexing a metal ion; introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprising a carbonate mineral; reacting the acid with the carbonate mineral in the presence of the chelating agent, such that the acid at least partially spends as the pH of the treatment fluid rises; and complexing a metal ion with the chelating agent once the pH of the treatment fluid rises above a pKa value for one or more of the carboxylic or phosphonic acid groups of the N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid.

Abstract: A method for making proppant particles is provided. The method can include providing a slurry of ceramic raw material, the slurry containing a reactant including a polycarboxylic acid, and flowing the slurry through a nozzle in a gas while vibrating the slurry to form droplets. The method can also include receiving the droplets in a vessel containing a liquid having an upper surface in direct contact with the gas, the liquid containing a coagulation agent. The method can further include reacting the reactant with the coagulation agent to cause coagulation of the reactant in the droplets. The droplets can then be transferred from the liquid and dried to form green pellets. The method can include sintering the green pellets in a selected temperature range to form the proppant particles. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the reactant can be or include a PMA:PAA copolymer.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation by fracturing the subterranean formation is disclosed. The method may include injecting a fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the fluid comprises a blend of a sintered ceramic rod-shaped proppant and a substantially spherical proppant.

Abstract: Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles.

Abstract: A wellbore subassembly is provided that includes a device having a production flow path toward a production tubing. The production flow path can include a superhydrophobic coating for restricting the production of an unwanted fluid towards the production tubing.

Abstract: Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces.

Abstract: Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces.

Abstract: A composition for improved hydrocarbon recovery from a formation due to cleanup of a residual viscous material is provided. The composition comprises an acid precursor, the acid precursor operable to trigger an exothermic reaction component; and the exothermic reaction component operable to generate heat, where the heat is operable to reduce a viscosity of the residual viscous material to create a reduced viscosity material, the reduced viscosity material operable to flow from the fractures.

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting device (1) comprising (a) a light source (10) configured to generate light source light (11), and (b) a light converter (100) configured to convert at least part of the light source light (11) into visible converter light (111), wherein the light converter (100) comprises a matrix (120) containing a luminescent material (140) based on derivatives of benzimidazoxanthenoisoquinolinone. The lighting device may further comprise a further luminescent material (130).

Abstract: This invention relates to new phosphor materials exhibiting luminescence and methods for their production. More particularly, the invention relates to new europium-doped zinc sulfide-manganese (ZnS:Mn,Eu) phosphors and use thereof for radiation detection.

Abstract: The invention relates to europium-doped silicate phosphors comprising a coating of aluminum oxide, to a process for the preparation of these compounds, and to the use thereof as conversion phosphors or in lamps.

Abstract: Red-emitting phosphors may comprise a nitride-based composition represented by the chemical formula MaSrbSicAldNeEuf, wherein: M is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, Li, Na, K and Zn, and 0<a<1.0; 1.5<b<2.5; 4.0?c?5.0; 0?d?1.0; 7.5<e<8.5; and 0<f<0.1; wherein a+b+f>2+d/v and v is the valence of M. Furthermore, nitride-based red-emitting phosphor compositions may be represented by the chemical formula MxM?2Si5-yAlyN8:A, wherein: M is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, Li, Na, K and Zn, and x>0; M? is at least one of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn; 0?y?0.15; and A is at least one of Eu, Ce, Tb, Pr, and Mn; wherein x>y/v and v is the valence of M, and wherein the red-emitting phosphors have the general crystalline structure of M?2Si5N8:A.

Abstract: A glass having from greater than or equal to about 0.1 mol. % to less than or equal to about 20 mol. % Ho2O3, and one or more chromophores selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Se, Pr, Nd, Er, Yb, and combinations thereof. The amount of Ho2O3 (mol. %) is greater than or equal to 0.7 (CeO2 (mol. %)+Pr2O3 (mol. %)+Er2O3 (mol. %)). The glass can include one or more fluorescent ions selected from Cu, Sn, Ce, Eu, Tb, Tm, and combinations thereof in addition to, or in place of the chromophores. The glass can also include multiple fluorescent ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium which comprises at least one compound of the formula IA, IB, IC, ID and/or IE, in which Z1 denotes a single bond, —CH2CH2—, —CH?CH—, —CH2O—, —OCH2—, —CF2O—, —OCF2—, —COO—, —OCO—, —C2F4—, —C?C—, —CF?CF— or —CH?CHCHO—, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the VA, PSA, PS-VA, PALC, FFS, UB-FFS, PS-FFS, PS-IPS or IPS effect.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium which contains at least one compound of formula IA, and in addition at least one compound of formula CC-n-V and/or CC-V-V1, where the percentage proportion of the compound(s) of formula IA is greater than or equal to the percentage proportion of CC-n-V, and/or the percentage proportion of the compound(s) of formula IA is greater than the percentage proportion of CC-V-V1, where the percentage proportion is based on the liquid-crystalline medium, and the use thereof in active-matrix displays, in particular based on the VA, PSA, PVA, PS-VA, SS-VA, SA-VA, PA-VA, PALC, FFS, PS-FFS, PS-IPS or IPS effect.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal aligning agent to obtain a liquid crystal alignment film which is excellent in the adhesion to a sealing agent and a substrate of a liquid crystal display device, and of which a decomposed product formed after irradiation with ultraviolet rays will easily be removed. A liquid crystal aligning agent containing at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyimide precursor having a bond represented by the following formula (1) in its main chain and an imidized polymer of the polyimide precursor: wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 which are independent of one another, is a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 monovalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, and D is a protecting group to be replaced with a hydrogen atom by heat.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical technologies, specifically nanoparticles of flame retardant magnesium hydroxide, and a process for the preparation thereof. The present nanoparticles of flame retardant magnesium hydroxide, including surface-processed nanoparticles, have a hexagonal plate-like structure with a specific surface area of up to 20 m2/g, an average diameter of the secondary particles of up to 2 ?m, a diameter of 10% of the secondary particles of up to 0.8 ?m, a diameter of 90% of the secondary particles of up to 5 ?m, with a longitudinal size of the primary particles of from 150 to 900 nm, and a thickness of from 15 to 150 nm.

Abstract: A coal upgrade plant includes: a dryer 1 that heats and dries coal before pyrolyzing the coal; a scrubber 32 that treats a carrier gas discharged from the dryer 1 while catching a desorbed component desorbed from the coal when the coal is dried by the dryer 1; a waste water treatment equipment 40 that treats waste water collected from the scrubber 32; and the scrubber 32 that uses recycled water treated in the waste water treatment equipment 40. Thus, water supplied to the coal upgrade plant from outside can be reduced as much as possible.

Abstract: Coke oven corbel structures include an assembly of multiple stacked tiers of refractory blocks defining a plurality of substantially vertically oriented central flues. A first tier of refractory blocks in the assembly includes a series of lower cradle blocks defining respective lower semi-circular surfaces extending from one end to another end of the corbel structure. A second tier of the refractory blocks in the assembly includes a series of upper crown blocks defining respective upper semi-circular surfaces extending from one end to another end of the corbel structure. At least one set of the upper crown blocks in the second tier of refractory blocks defines respective substantially vertical segments of the vertically oriented central flues of the corbel structure which is in fluid communication with a cylindrical channel of the corbel structure.

Abstract: A pyrolyzed coal quencher includes: a first water spray tube 79 that sprays water on pyrolyzed coal having a temperature of 300° C. or more obtained after pyrolyzing coal; a first cooling tube 80 that performs indirect cooling on the pyrolyzed coal obtained after spraying water by the first water spray tube 79 to a temperature of 100° C. or more; a second water spray tube 82 that sprays water on the pyrolyzed coal cooled by the first cooling tube 80 such that the pyrolyzed coal has a desired water content; and a second cooling tube 83 that performs indirect cooling on the pyrolyzed coal cooled by the first cooling tube 80 to a desired temperature of less than 100° C. Thus, the pyrolyzed coal can be promptly cooled and adjusted to a desired water content.

Abstract: Provided is an externally heated carbonization furnace that includes a plurality of rotary kilns connected in series, each of which includes an outer cylinder, a kiln inner cylinder that rotate relative to the outer cylinder, and a heater that supplies heating gas to a section between the outer cylinder and the kiln inner cylinder. The externally heated carbonization furnace further includes a drive device that rotates at least one of the kiln inner cylinders and the kiln inner cylinder different from the at least one of the kiln inner cylinders and a control device that controls the drive device according to moisture content of a treated object in the kiln inner cylinder.

Abstract: An oil forming composition and a method of producing a synthetic crude oil are provided. The oil forming composition includes a mixture of an organic material selected from the group consisting of a member of the lactuca genus, nuts, nut derivatives, vegetable oils, pine tree derivatives, animal protoplasm, and combinations thereof; and a mineral aggregate selected from the group consisting of a silica containing mineral aggregate and a quartz containing mineral aggregate. The method of producing synthetic crude oil includes positioning a first heating enclosure adjacent to a heating surface, providing an oil forming composition within the first heating enclosure, positioning a lid over the oil forming composition, simultaneously applying pressure to the lid and heating the oil forming composition, cooling the oil forming composition to form a pre-volatile oil product, and heating the pre-volatile oil product while exposed to air to form the synthetic volatile fuel.

Abstract: A robust integrated process for the conversion of waste plastics to high value products. The robust integrated process allows for operation with a single hydroprocessing reactor which provides simultaneous hydrogenation, dechlorination, and hydrocracking of components of a hydrocarbon stream to specifications which meet steam cracker requirements, with the option to further dechlorinate the treated hydrocarbon stream in a polishing zone.

Abstract: This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The process comprises thermally treating the ligno-cellulosic biomass and then subjecting the thermally treated ligno-cellulosic biomass to a step of fiber shives reduction to produce a low viscosity slurry. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create slurry, raise the slurry to ultra high pressures, deoxygenate the lignin in a reactor over a catalyst which not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing a C6-C10 alkane, and mixture thereof. The methods include forming a reaction mixture containing an angelica lactone dimer, a catalyst, and a hydrogen source under conditions sufficient to reduce the angelica lactone dimer, thereby preparing the alkane. The methods can be used to prepare branched alkanes useful for fuels. Methods for preparing an angelica lactone, methods for preparing an angelica lactone dimer, and methods for reducing a lactone to an alkane are also described.

Abstract: Short chain hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane and propane are upgraded by liquefying the hydrocarbons, subjecting the resulting liquids to cavitation to create free alkyl radicals and hydrogen ions, and allowing the free alkyl radicals and hydrogen ions to recombine to form longer chain hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Heavy oils containing metalloporphyrins principally of nickel and vanadium are demetallized using an oxidizing agent such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide and catalytic amounts of phosphoric acid, preferably with tungstic acid in combination with a phase transfer agent. Up to 99% of the Ni and V are deposited in the aqueous phase and are removed from the oil. The homogenous, water soluble reactants and catalyst have the advantage of being separated more easily from the Ni and V dissolved in the aqueous phase than the same metals deposited on solid phase heterogeneous catalysts.

Abstract: Process for preparing a hydrotreating catalyst comprising of from 5 wt % to 50 wt % of molybdenum, of from 0.5 wt % to 20 wt % of nickel and of from 0 to 5 wt % of phosphorus, all based on total dry weight of catalyst, which process comprises (a) treating alumina carrier with molybdenum and nickel and of from 1 to 60% wt of gluconic acid, based on weight of carrier, and op tionally phosphorus, (b) optionally drying the treated carrier at a temperature of from 40 to 200° C., and (c) calcining the treated and optionally dried carrier at a temperature of from 200 to 650° C. to obtain the calcined treated carrier.

Abstract: A process for dechlorination of a hydrocarbon stream includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to yield a hydrocarbon product which meets steam cracker requirements for chloride content, and in additional embodiments, requirements for olefin content.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for selectively hydrogenating a hydrocarbon charge containing at least two carbon atoms per molecule, having a final boiling point which is less than or equal to 250° C., and comprising at least one polyunsaturated compound, wherein the charge, in the presence of hydrogen, is brought into contact with at least one catalyst comprising a carrier and an active metal phase deposited on the carrier, the active metal phase comprising iron and at least one metal selected from zinc and copper in a molar ratio of Fe:(Zn and/or Cu) of between 0.35 and 0.99.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for selective hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feedstock that contains at least 2 carbon atoms per molecule and that has a final boiling point that is less than or equal to 250° C. and that comprises at least one polyunsaturated compound, in which in the presence of hydrogen, said feedstock is brought into contact with at least one catalyst that comprises a substrate and an active metal phase deposited on said substrate; said active metal phase comprises copper and at least one metal that is selected from between nickel and cobalt in a molar ratio of Cu:(Ni and/or Co) of greater than 1.

Abstract: A process for hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon stream includes contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to yield a hydrocarbon product which meets steam cracker requirements for boiling end point, and in additional embodiments, chloride content and olefin content.

Abstract: A process for activating and maintaining a catalyst for use in hydrocracking a hydrocarbon stream includes continuously contacting a hydrocarbon stream with a hydroprocessing catalyst in the presence of hydrogen. Sulphides and chloride compounds in the hydrocarbon stream are used such that the hydroprocessing catalyst has the ability to hydrogenate, dechlorinate, and hydrocrack components of the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: An integrated process for the conversion of waste plastics to high value products. The integrated process allows for operation with a hydroprocessing reactor which provides simultaneous hydrogenation, dechlorination, and hydrocracking of components of a hydrocarbon stream to specifications which meet steam cracker requirements.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is for recycling LCO and/or HCO to an FCC unit to recover additional distillate. Spent catalyst recycle in the FCC unit may be used to improve distillate yield. A hydroprocessing zone may saturate cycle oil aromatics for cracking in an FCC unit. The recycle cracked stream may be recycled to a downstream hydroprocessing zone to avoid a first hydroprocessing zone for hydrotreating feed to the FCC unit. Additional recovery of cycle oil for recycle is obtained by heating slurry oil prior to vacuum separation.

Abstract: A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes functionalizing a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a terminal group having one or more anhydride units, and reacting the anhydride units with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes functionalizing a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a terminal group having one or more anhydride units, and reacting the anhydride units with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a high quality biodiesel fuel having excellent oxidation stability and few low-temperature deposits. This purpose can be achieved by the following: hydrogenating a biodiesel fuel so as to selectively convert unsaturated fatty acid monoglycerides and then removing fatty acid monoglycerides through precipitation; or using an adsorbent to further remove fatty acid monoglycerides to a high degree from the biodiesel fuel produced using the method mentioned above.

Abstract: To provide a pyrolyzed coal finisher capable of deactivating pyrolyzed coal within a short time without causing a cost increase. A pyrolyzed coal finisher includes: a mixer 86 that forms slurry by mixing particulate pyrolyzed coal that is pyrolyzed coal into a chemical solution having an oxygen blocking function after being solidified; and a belt filter device 88 that filters the slurry formed in the mixer 86 in a state in which each particle of the pyrolyzed coal is coated with the chemical solution. The pyrolyzed coal finisher further includes a chemical solution circulation path 94 that guides the chemical solution separated from the pyrolyzed coal by the belt filter device 88 to the mixer 86.

Abstract: A method for removing hazardous air pollutants and contaminants from a wood product is disclosed. In a first step, a contaminated wood product is placed in a treatment vessel. This wood product includes an initial amount of an absorbed contaminant, selected from the group consisting of creosote, a mixture of pentachlorophenol and a carrier oil, a mixture of copper naphthenate and a carrier oil, and combinations thereof. In a second step, the wood product is heated to a treatment temperature sufficient to evaporate at least a portion of the absorbed contaminant from the wood product but insufficient to pyrolyze the wood product. The wood product is then maintained at the treatment temperature for a period of time sufficient to reduce the absorbed contaminant in the wood product to a final amount which is less than about 20% of the initial amount. A decontaminated wood product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present comprises: a first coal dryer; a second coal dryer; and a third dryer, by removing moisture remaining inside and outside of coal, which is used for fueling thermal power plants, in the multiple coal dryers using reheat steam at a high temperature, incomplete combustion of coal can be prevented, thereby enhancing heat capacity of the coal, minimizing release of pollutants, preventing corrosion and enhancing the durability of a system, reducing the rate of spontaneous combustion due to reduced moisture, improving crushing efficiency of a coal pulverizer and heat distribution of a power boiler when coal is combusted, resolving the issue of clogging of a moving pathway when coal is transported, and improving coal supply stability by increasing utilization of low-quality coal for which demand is low.

Abstract: A method of drying a moisture-containing or water-laden biomass material is provided that includes the steps of sending the biomass material into an apparatus having a feeding device, a rotary biomass dryer, a reflux condenser, an aftercooler, and an exit mechanism. The biomass material may be pretreated, and then heated in order to separate the moisture-containing or water laden biomass material into steam and dry biomass material. The steam is removed as the steam and the dry biomass material passes through the reflux condenser, the dry biomass is cooled in the aftercooler stage, and the dry biomass material is collected after exiting the apparatus through the exit mechanism.