Abstract: A system and method for converting biomass into fluid hydrocarbon products to minimize the use of fossil fuels, provide energy and chemical feedstock security, and sustainable and/or carbon neutral electric power, are disclosed. For example, fast pyrolysis can be performed on biomass to produce pygas and char using a maximum processing temperature of about 650° C. The pygas is provided to an independent reactor without the addition of an oxidizing agent for catalytically converting the pygas to hydrocarbons using a maximum processing temperature of about 650° C. A system comprising fast pyrolysis means producing a pygas and char, independent catalytic conversion means downstream of the fast pyrolysis for converting the pygas to hydrocarbons, and a hydrogen source, external to the system and/or produced by a steam reformer by steam reformation of at least a portion of the hydrocarbons, coupled to catalytic conversion means, also are described.

Abstract: A process and system for separating a light fraction, a bio-distillate fraction, and a heavy fraction from a bio-oil, and for producing a renewable distillate including at least in part the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive, is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into light, bio-distillate, and heavy fractions based on their boiling points. At least a portion of the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive are blended with a petroleum-derived-diesel-range stream, without any prior hydrotreatment, to thereby provide a renewable distillate composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are described to decompose plastic to form a fuel for use in generating energy such as electricity.

Abstract: A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, including providing a chamber, feeding the solid carbon based material into the chamber, rotating the chamber, heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. In an embodiment, the material includes a whole tire. The tire is heated in the chamber causing the tire to collapse and liquefy, exposing the metal in the tire which aids in grinding the carbon material in the tire as it tumbles, collecting solid residue, for example tire carbons, and collecting vapor, for example vaporized oil, and benzene and methane gas from the chamber and converting the oil. The chamber may be heated to a temperature from about 350° F. to about 1100° F. using gases reclaimed from the material.

Abstract: A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, including providing a chamber, feeding the solid carbon based material into the chamber, rotating the chamber, heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. In an embodiment, the material includes a whole tire. The tire is heated in the chamber causing the tire to collapse and liquefy, exposing the metal in the tire which aids in grinding the carbon material in the tire as it tumbles, collecting solid residue, for example tire carbons, and collecting vapor, for example vaporized oil, and benzene and methane gas from the chamber and converting the oil. The chamber may be heated to a temperature from about 500° F. to about 1000° F. using gases reclaimed from the material.

Abstract: Biomass based feeds are processed under hydrothermal treatment conditions, e.g., to produce a hydrocarbon liquid product and a solids portion. The hydrothermal treatment can be performed in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst particles that can optionally include a catalyst metal or metal salt. The presence of the heterogeneous catalyst can modify the nature of the hydrocarbon products produced from the hydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: A method of fractionating bio-oil vapors which involves providing bio-oil vapors comprising bio-oil constituents is described. The bio-oil vapors are cooled in a first stage which comprises a condenser having passages for the bio-oil separated by a heat conducting wall from passages for a coolant. The coolant in the condenser of the first stage is maintained at a substantially constant temperature, set at a temperature in the range of 75 to 100° C., to condense a first liquid fraction of liquefied bio-oil constituents in the condenser of the first stage. The first liquid fraction of liquified bio-oil constituents from the condenser in the first stage is collected. Also described are steps for subsequently recovering further liquid fractions of liquefied bio-oil constituents. Particular compositions of bio-oil condensation products are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by recirculated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler.

Abstract: A reactive distillation process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. In the process a slurry of aquatic biomass is contacted with a particulate inorganic material. The mixture is heated to or above its boiling point. During the heating step biomass is converted to bio-oil. In a preferred embodiment water vapors emanating from the slurry are collected and condensed. The fresh water obtained may be used for irrigation, in human domestic uses, and for human consumption.

Abstract: A method for producing a vapor stream from waste plastic comprises providing a waste plastic feedstock into a reactor containing one or more residues produced from a previously heated source of waste plastic, and heating the waste plastic feedstock in the reactor to a temperature from about 125° C. to 500° C. to generate a vapor containing one or more hydrocarbons. The waste plastic feedstock can be heated in the reactor without any added external catalyst. The waste plastic feedstock can have a calcium to sodium mass ratio from about 0.0001 to 400 as measured by inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry. The catalytic activity in the reactor may be provided through one or more constituent elements in the waste plastic feedstock or the one or more residues produced from the previously heated source of waste plastic.

Abstract: Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely.

Abstract: A carbonization process of rubber products, such as shredded waste tires, in a sealed carbonizing vessel whose operating pressure is below atmospheric pressure and under controlled high temperature environment while continuously being moved in a defined path at a controlled speed thus enabling the shredded tires to be fed constantly into the vessel while the by-products of the carbonization process are continually discharged.

Abstract: A reactor is provided for converting organic material to charcoal, with the reactor having a furnace and a retort extending through the furnace. The retort has an auger extending therethrough, with the auger having a flight with gaps therein. Members project inwardly from the walls of the retort at the gaps in the flight to unplug blockages in the retort. A gas collection system is provided which has a branched portion having two or more venting tubes, each with valves so that each may be shut off independently to allow to off-line cleaning without requiring shutdown of the system. A method for converting organic material may be practised by introducing combustible materials into the reactor.

Abstract: A method and a device for the thermal decomposition of an initial material, in particular, for the decomposition of meat and bone meal, oil sludges, for example, from cleaning tankers, autofluff (also called autofluffy), basic glycerin, for example, from biodiesel production, paint sludges from paint shops, contaminated soils, coated wood, and plastics such as plexiglass. According to the present method, organic initial materials are thermally decomposed very completely in nearly all cases. The very complete decomposition is achieved by adding foreign particles such as metal spheres to the initial material which is being thermally decomposed.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for converting sewage, sludge, wet feedstock, animal waste, municipal trash, and/or other biomasses into combustible fuels. According to various embodiments, sewage is dewatered, pulverized, desiccated, pelletized, and/or subjected to pyrolysis in order to produce bio-fuels, combustible gases, and/or chars. Bio-fuels, gases and/or chars may be collected during and/or after pyrolysis for use as combustible fuels. According to various embodiments, the collected bio-fuels, gases and/or chars may be transported for later use as a fuel. The collected gases may be liquefied and transported for later use as a fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by re-circulated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biofuel from biomass material, comprising the steps of (a) pyrolysing a first fraction of the biomass material having a pyrolysis temperature that is lower relative to the pyrolysis temperature of a second fraction of the biomass material to thereby produce a primary volatile fraction, and (b) separating the primary volatile fraction from the biomass material before pyrolysing the second fraction, to thereby produce biofuel.

Abstract: To provide a method for catalytically cracking waste plastics wherein the efficiency in decomposition is high; even polyethylene composed of linear chain molecules difficult in decomposition is decomposable at a low temperature and decomposed residue is hardly produced; the process is simple since dechlorination can be achieved at the same time with catalytically cracking waste plastics in one reaction vessel; and oil fractions can be recovered at 50% or more on a net yield basis. The method for catalytically cracking waste plastics of the present invention has a constitution in which waste plastics are loaded as a raw material into a granular FCC catalyst heated to a temperature range from 350° C. to 500° C. inside a reaction vessel, thereby decomposing and gasifying the waste plastics in contact with the FCC catalyst.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus and method for pyrolyzing plastic wastes to form a fuel and generating energy is described.

Abstract: A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, wherein the system and method includes providing a chamber, feeding tires or other solid carbon based material or both into the chamber, rotating the chamber and heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. The chamber has an interior surface and can include one or more ribs on the interior surface for rotating and tumbling the material in the chamber while heating the material.

Abstract: A process for producing bio-fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes processing the mean particle diameter of the biomass by mechanical processing to a size ranging from 1 ?m to 1000 ?m to form particulated biomass. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a suspension, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is heated to a temperature between 50° C. and 550° C. The heated suspension is fed into a unit selected from the group consisting of a pyrolysis reactor, a fluid catalytic cracking unit, a delayed coker, a fluid coker, a hydroprocessing unit, and a hydrocracking unit; and then at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the heated suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel by cracking a plastics-derived liquid, which is obtained from a pyrolysis process, using a dolomite catalyst. The plastics-derived liquid is produced by the pyrolysis of plastic waste, such as of one or more of polyethylene, polystyrene or polypropylene. The plastic-derived liquid is first subjected to a semi-batch catalytic cracking reaction over a very low cost dolomite catalyst to obtain high quality oil for fuel, which comprises mainly light and heavy naphtha. Moreover, the catalytic cracking reaction is conducted at operating temperatures lower than 320° C.

Abstract: A method of treating biomass material, particularly plant-derived biomass material, to produce pyrolysis thereof, comprising subjecting the biomass material to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwave radiation, while the material is being agitated, under suitable conditions to produce a desired degree of pyrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for carbonification of crop straws and a device thereof. Pyrolysis process is controlled by regulating the feeding of oxygen during said pyrolysis process, and pyrolysis and carbonification are respectively conducted in separate pyrolysis and carbonification pools, wherein the straws are pyrolyzed in said pyrolysis pool and entered into said carbonification pool to be carbonified. The present invention can quickly raise the temperature of the pyrolysis process, shorten the time of the pyrolysis process, and improve the pyrolysis carbonification efficiency.

Abstract: A pyrolysis process is provided. The process includes the steps of: depositing a quantity of waste into a porous container, the porous container adapted to allow a convective stream of substantially anaerobic gas to flow therethrough; inserting the porous container into a pyrolysis thermal processor; sealing the thermal processor; circulating the convective stream of gas through the pyrolysis thermal processor; heating the waste according to a first time-temperature profile to pyrolyze the waste and form a carbonaceous char; and cooling the carbonaceous char by circulating the convective stream of gas through a cooler. An oil product and a gaseous hydrocarbon product are produced during the pyrolysis. The carbonaceous char is further processed to form a carbon black product and a recyclable metal product.

Abstract: Autothermal torrefaction devices, which can be either stationary of mobile, are provided and include a torrefaction chamber having a chamber inlet for receiving biomass and at least one chamber outlet. The torrefaction chamber can be substantially surrounded by an exterior housing defining an outer jacket and having a jacket inlet and a jacket outlet. The outer jacket and torrefaction chamber define a space therebetween such that a burner unit including an inlet operatively connected to the chamber outlet and an outlet operatively connected to the jacket inlet allows vapors produced or released from within the torrefaction chamber to travel into the burner unit for combustion of at least a portion of the vapors and subsequently travel through the space between the jacket and the torrefaction chamber to provide heat necessary for autothermal torrefaction of biomass.

Abstract: The invention provides for torrefaction apparatus which includes a drum (14) having a biomass inlet (18) and a torrefied material outlet (20), furnace means (16) external of the drum (14) for heating the drum (14) so that torrefaction temperature is achieved in the drum, and a gas inlet conduit (42) leading to the drum (14) from a source of inert gas, thereby to create an torrefaction atmosphere in the drum (14).

Abstract: A process is described for treating waste plastics material to provide at least one on-specification fuel product. Plastics material is melted and then pyrolysed in an oxygen-free atmosphere to provide pyrolysis gases. The pyrolysis gases are brought into contact with plates in a contactor vessel so that some long chain gas components condense and return to be further pyrolysed to achieve thermal degradation. Short chain gas components exit the contactor in gaseous form and proceed to distillation to provide one or more on-specification fuel products. A pipe directly links the pyrolysis chamber to the contactor, suitable for conveying upwardly-moving pyrolysis gases and downwardly-flowing long-chain liquid for thermal degradation.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the apparatus are described to decompose plastic to form a fuel for use in generating energy such as electricity.

Abstract: Far infrared ray heating technology is used to breakdown waste plastic and resultant heavy oils into usable products. Waste plastics may thus be processed into petroleum products and used to generate energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a raw coke having such a structure that the graphitized product resulting from graphitization of the raw coke at a temperature of 2800° C. under an inactive gas atmosphere will have ratios of the crystallite size to the lattice constant of 360 or less in the (002) plane and 1500 or less in the (110) plane, as a raw coke providing active carbon produced by alkali-activating the raw coke, which is reduced in remaining alkali content and can simplify washing operation because washing liquid can easily pass through the activated carbon, or as a raw coke for the production of needle coke.

Abstract: A continuous dechlorination process, including: heating and extrusion transport of materials, followed by a loose handling and exhausting gases. Then, the solid material is discharged through the discharge port. A continuous dechlorination equipment, including: a cylinder unit with inlet and discharge port is equipped with a heating body. The cylinder unit is designed with the extruding and conveying mechanism (3), which is equipped with a loose handling body (4) with outlet (5) in the rear.

Abstract: Improved, fuel-efficient systems are provided for the processing of biomass, such as wood or crop residues, food waste or animal waste in order to selectively obtain thermally processed final products, such as a combination of torrefied and carbonized final products. The processes involve thermally drying incoming biomass using a dryer employing the hot gas output of a fuel-operated burner. Next, the dried product is torrefied in an indirect torrefaction reactor so as to evolve light volatile organic compounds which are used as a gaseous fuel source for the burner. Some or all of the torrefied product can be recovered, or some or all of the torrefied product is then directed to a separate carbonization reactor coupled with a reactor burner. Carbonization serves to remove most of the remaining VOCs which are used as a gaseous fuel input to the dryer.

Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon using less thermal energy is disclosed. Crystalline cellulose and acidic electrolyzed water are introduced into a reaction vessel. The mixture is heated until it reaches a predetermined temperature (230° C. to 250° C.) while being stirred. When the mixture reached the predetermined temperature, this temperature is maintained, and the mixture is kept heated while being stirred for a predetermined period of time (30 minutes). Thereby, carbon is produced in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to methods of continuously cracking waste rubber or plastics and apparatuses related to the same, to produce oil from waste rubber or plastics. Raw materials comprising a catalyst and rubber or plastics may be extruded in order to separate the air or to prevent oxidization. The raw materials are transported into the cracking chamber, and moved from the inlet to the discharge hole. After the cracking process is finished, the products are discharged automatically through the discharge hole. The separation of air and oxygen in the inlet and discharge hole of the cracking chamber can avoid dangers caused by oxygen entering the cracking chamber, and realize industrial production with continuous feedings. The ratio of the oil can be raised from 19% to 45%-48%, and the loss of production equipment reduced. Production costs are reduced, safety measurements improved, and continuous production is realized.

Abstract: A retort apparatus includes a primary rotating pipe within a second rotating pipe within a fixed pipe (27). The interior area of the primary rotating pipe is bounded by a heated pipe. A first annulus is formed between the primary and second rotating pipes. A second annulus is formed between the second rotating pipe and the heated pipe. A third annulus is formed between the primary rotating pipe and the fixed pipe. A heater is positioned within the interior area of said primary rotating pipe. In one embodiment, an inlet gate is provided for introducing a liquid and solid mixture into the first annulus proximate the second end thereof. A first conveyor is provided to move the mixture toward the hot end of the primary rotating pipe.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is apparatus and method for thermolysis of waste plastics especially for receiving of hydrocarbon products. Apparatus for thermolysis of waste plastics consisting feeding system, thermolysis reactor, external circulation loop and product collecting system according to the invention is characterized in that collecting and two-step product separation system is involving condenser (6), product cooling system (3), light fraction receiver (26) with gaseous product removing system (27), crude heavy fraction receiver (21) and vacuum evaporator (7).

Abstract: A pyrolysis process and reactor converts various hydrocarbons such as waste materials, for example, scrap polymers, tires, etc., into various chemical components or amounts thereof, not otherwise produced by conventional pyrolytic processes. A large reactor size is utilized in association with a low heat input per unit weight of charge. A thick pyrolyzate/“char” layer is formed during pyrolysis. The product or various components thereof can be utilized as a fuel or octane additive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely.

Abstract: A process and system for separating water from bio-oil by using a partial condenser. The process comprises partially condensing vapor conversion products from a biomass conversion reaction to produce a water-rich overhead stream and a water-depleted stream comprising condensed bio-oil. The partial condenser removes a substantial portion of the water from the bio-oil, while providing an effective and flexible process for producing bio-oil.

Abstract: Disclosed a method for recycling waste tires. The method comprises the steps of: sealing the inside of a pyrolysis furnace into which waste tires are inserted and injecting a carrier gas thereinto; pyrolyzing the waste tires by direct heating of the waste tires by the carrier gas injected into the pyrolysis furnace; and collecting oil by passing vapor generated in the pyrolysis step through at least one oil collection factor such as cooling, condensation, or centrifugal force. The method for recycling waste tires enables pyrolysis of the waste tires through circulatory supply of the carrier gas and direct heating, and thus prevents danger of explosion caused by conventional direct heating, secures safety, and improves oil collection rate via the direct heating.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for recovery of energy and by-products from automobile and truck tires. The tires are heated in an oxygen poor environment, and the off gases are condensed to recover a liquid oil product and compressible natural gas. The tires are reduces to ash and steel, both of which can be feed streams for other processes. The apparatus includes a condenser with cooled plates, and oil recovery structures.

Abstract: Waste processing system, for performing a waste processing process, the system including a shredder, a grinder and a steam explosion device such as a cooking extruder. The waste processing system is used to process raw waste, such as consumer waste, into an end product such as pellets. The waste processing includes an acid treatment step to sanitize, purify and/or increase a cellulose content of the waste. The acid is preferably a weak acid and/or an organic acid.

Abstract: A process and system for converting organic waste into reusable hydrocarbon is described wherein the process includes feeding an organic waste into a pyrocatalytic reactor which is essentially free of halogenated synthetic resinous material into a molten lead bath which is confined in a reactor in an substantially oxygen-free atmosphere which is admixed with a catalytic material comprising particulate aluminum oxide and aluminum powder. The waste is thermally and catalytically converted with at least 50% effectiveness to produce a reusable hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides feedstock compositions for use of the production of an activated carbon for electric double layer capacitor electrodes or the production of needle coke, comprising a first heavy oil with an initial boiling point of 300° C. or higher, an asphalten content of 12 percent by mass or less, a saturate content of 50 percent by mass or more and a sulfur content of 0.3 percent by mass or less, produced as a residue resulting from vacuum-distillation of a petroleum-based oil and a second heavy oil with an initial boiling point of 150° C. or higher and a sulfur content of 0.5 percent by mass or less, produced by subjecting a hydrocarbon oil to fluidized catalytic cracking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a raw coke having such a structure that the graphitized product resulting from graphitization of the raw coke at a temperature of 2800° C. under an inactive gas atmosphere will have ratios of the crystallite size to the lattice constant of 360 or less in the (002) plane and 1500 or less in the (110) plane, as a raw coke providing active carbon produced by alkali-activating the raw coke, which is reduced in remaining alkali content and can simplify washing operation because washing liquid can easily pass through the activated carbon, or as a raw coke for the production of needle coke.