Abstract: A process or a system for converting a solid biomass material is provided, comprising contacting the solid biomass material with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products. The riser reactor contains: a riser reactor pipe, which riser reactor pipe has a diameter that increases in a downstream direction; and a bottom section connected to the riser reactor pipe, which bottom section has a larger diameter than the riser reactor pipe.

Abstract: A biochar generator may include a pyrolysis chamber, a heater connected to the pyrolysis chamber and a biochar collection chamber in communication with the pyrolysis chamber. A biochar collection chamber sensor may sense a composition of the biochar collected in the biochar collection chamber to define a sensed composition of the biochar. A controller in electrical communication with the biochar collection chamber sensor may utilize the sensed composition of the biochar to dynamically alter conditions in the pyrolysis chamber to alter the composition of the biochar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurising said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: A liquid fuel production process from Cellulosic biomass and coal comprises providing a mixture of Cellulosic biomass and coal, subjecting the mixture to gasification to obtain synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas to a liquid fuel under the presence of catalyst. The catalyst includes molybdenum sulfide, alkali metal compound and a component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product, wherein the alkali metal compound is selected from the group of salts of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, the component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product is selected from Mo, V, Os, Re, Ir, Pt, Pd, Co, Rh, Ni and their mixture. Additionally, co-gasification of Cellulosic biomass and coal can reduce the ash fusion temperature of coal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an auto-combustible log comprising at least one air intake connected to a chimney wherein the log is made of wood, wood particle or wood residues wherein the wood, wood particles or wood residues have been treated to destroy any invasive pests, such as insects and fungi.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of generating hydrogen from a bio-oil, comprising hydrogenating a water-soluble fraction of the bio-oil with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, and reforming the water-soluble fraction by aqueous-phase reforming in the presence of a reforming catalyst, wherein hydrogen is generated by the reforming, and the amount of hydrogen generated is greater than that consumed by the hydrogenating. The method can further comprise hydrocracking or hydrotreating a lignin fraction of the bio-oil with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst wherein the lignin fraction of bio-oil is obtained as a water-insoluble fraction from aqueous extraction of bio-oil. The hydrogen used in the hydrogenating and in the hydrocracking or hydrotreating can be generated by reforming the water-soluble fraction of bio-oil.

Abstract: Non-hydrotreated biocomponent feeds can be mixed with mineral feeds and processed under catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions. The catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions can be selected to advantageously also substantially deoxygenate the mixed feed. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced.

Abstract: A solid fuel molded out of a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm and thermoplastic resin, wherein the mixture contains 80 to 95 parts by weight of the total of the wood pieces and the paper pieces and 5 to 15 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, and the weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces is 20:80 to 90:10. The solid fuel which generates a stable amount of heat is manufactured by using waste wood, waste paper and waste thermoplastic resin in a well-balanced ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent. Further in another example, the fuel pellet may include iron oxide catalyst increasing the capture of SO2.

Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing noxious emissions from the combustion of coal or other solid fuels wherein a suspension and/or a dispersing agent is combined with a catalyst having a high surface area to mass ratio so as to optimize the reduction of emissions such as NOx. In addition, the agent and/or catalyst is applied on the surface of the fuel in an evenly distributed manner so as to maximize the contact between the agent and/or catalyst and combustion gases and further maximize reduction of emissions.

Abstract: Feeds containing a hydrotreated biocomponent portion, and optionally a mineral portion, can be processed under catalytic conditions for isomerization and/or dewaxing. The sulfur content of the feed for dewaxing can be selected based on the hydrogenation metal used for the catalyst. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for producing a pyrolysis liquid, wherein the pyrolysis liquid is formed by means of pyrolysis from a raw material by forming, and a pyrolysis reactor, a gaseous pyrolysis product by pyrolysis and condensing it in a condenser into a pyrolysis liquid, and feeding circulation gas into the pyrolysis reactor. The circulation gas is conducted by a liquid ring compressor into the pyrolysis reactor and purified before being conducted into the pyrolysis reactor, and the pyrolysis liquid is used as the liquid layer in the liquid ring compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a solid material, which may be a high performance solid fuel, are presented. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: A composite wood product adapted for burning includes a compacted mixture of lignosulfonate, wood particles, and ground corn. A method of manufacturing the composite wood product includes: (i) providing and mixing the lignosulfonate, the wood particles, and the ground corn to form a mixture having a moisture content from about 6 wt. % to about 18 wt. %; compacting the mixture at high pressure; and drying the mixture to obtain an optimum moisture level for burning. The composite wood product may be provided in a kit that includes log-shaped pieces and starter pieces.

Abstract: A manufacturing process is disclosed for preparing torrefied biomass having a reduced inorganic content which comprises passing crude torrefied biomass through one or more selective separation devices capable of separating inorganic particulate matter from the torrefied biomass.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coal to form a paste that can be used as a fuel or incorporated with other fillers to form pellets or briquettes. The paste is formed from crushed or powdered coal mixed in a liquid fuel and may be used as is or may be mixed with a carrier fuel prior to combustion or it could be mixed with other biomass fillers to produce a solid fuel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for converting biomass-derived streams of hydrocarbon diols into products suitable for use as a biomass-derived fuel additive. These methods involve the condensation of diols comprising five or six carbon atoms to form condensation products containing at least ten carbon atoms. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the condensation products are optionally modified to decrease overall polarity of the products, and improve miscibility with liquid hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for biomass conversion in a catalytic pyrolysis reactor to convert such to liquid hydrocarbons which includes conditions which favor increased olefin production; wherein the olefins are then upgraded alone or with the produced bio-oil to fuel range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: A fire log has one or several longitudinal incisions, which penetrate the log but do not reach the side surface and intersect in the log's midsection. A lower part of the log has at least one air duct from the side surface to the log's midsection in case the log is set on a surface which obstructs airflow to the log's lower part. The log's midsection contains an ignition device, which can be an ignition strip, tablet, briquette or other that has been permeated with an ecologically friendly flammable substance that burns fast and evenly.

Abstract: A biofuel that includes a blend of municipal solid waste, selected recyclables, and/or construction and demolition waste including about 40% to 60% wood, about 10% to 20% paper, about 10% to 20% cardboard, about 5% to 10% non-chlorinated plastics, about 5% to 10% rags, about 5% to 10% rugs, and an emission reducing agent, the emission reducing agent being one or more of urea, calcium hydroxide, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and an ammonium compound.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a fatty acyl mixture comprising: (i) a C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 30 wt. % wherein at least 80% of the C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chains are saturated; and (ii) a C18-C22 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 20 wt. % wherein at least 50% of the acyl C18-C22 carbon atom chains contain at least one double bond; hydrolyzing the mixture to yield a quantity of C10-C16 saturated fatty acids and C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids; separating the C10-C16 saturated fatty acids from the C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids; hydrotreating the C10-C16 saturated fatty acids to yield a quantity of diesel fuel blendstock; oligomerizing at least some of the C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids to yield a quantity of C36+ fatty acid oligomers; and hydrotreating the C36+ fatty acid oligomers to yield a quantity of C36+ alkanes.

Abstract: A method for production of fuel pellets from a biological material, preferably saw dust, wood or similar, where the method comprises the following steps: supplying the material to a drying step (1) and dry the material to a relative humidity from 40-65 weight-percent to 30-45 weight-percent; supplying the material from the dryer step (1), optionally via an intermediate storage step (2), to a reactor step (3, 3?) and heat the material to 200-300° C. by supply of steam; keeping the material in the reactor at the achieved temperature in sufficient time to soften the material; reducing the pressure of the reactor step (3, 3?) in at least two steps, in order to defibrate the material and release of lignin, and supply the material from the reactor step (3, 3?) to an additional drying step (5), optionally via an intermediate storage step (4), and optionally pelletizing of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of engineered fuel feedstocks to control the emission of sulfur-based, chlorine-based, nitrogen-based, or mercury-based pollutants, such as SO2, SO3, H2SO4, NO, NO2, HCl, and Hg that are generated during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal. Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feedstocks, feedstocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feedstocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feedstocks, and methods of generating electricity from the fuel feedstocks.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a purified renewable diesel product from a biofeedstock includes filtering the biofeedstock, heating the biofeedstock to about 520° F., introducing hydrogen into the biofeedstock, and treating the biofeedstock in a reactor to generate a renewable diesel product. Additionally, the method includes cooling the renewable diesel product wherein the renewable diesel product comprises a liquid, separating vapors from the liquid, and distilling the liquid in a distillation column to generate the purified renewable diesel product. In at least one embodiment the biofeedstock comprises at least one of waste grease, tallow, algae, algal oil, vegetable oil, and soybean oil.

Abstract: Process for producing hydrocarbons from a carboxylic acid by feeding hydrogen and a reaction composition containing a carboxylic acid to a reactor, maintaining reaction conditions such that the hydrogen reacts with the carboxylic acid to produce a C1 compound including CO, CO2 and CH4, and one or more product hydrocarbons derived from the carboxylic acid. The reaction between hydrogen and the carboxylic acid is catalysed. A product stream is removed from the reactor including unreacted hydrogen, at least one C1 compound, and at least one product hydrocarbon. One or more parameters of the reaction are controlled such that the molar ratio of C1 compounds produced by the reaction to the carboxylate groups present in the carboxylic acid in the reaction composition is maintained above a value of 0.37:1, and the mole ratio of carbon dioxide to the sum of carbon monoxide and methane is maintained above a value of 0.58:1.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for fluid catalytic cracking of oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds such as glycerol and bio-oil. In the process the oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds are contacted with a fluid cracking catalyst material for a period of less than 3 seconds. In a preferred process a crude-oil derived material, such as VGO, is also contacted with the catalyst.

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: A lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the biomass material with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass material from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the biomass material into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the lignocellulose biomass material, so converting the biomass material into liquid transportation fuel precursors.

Abstract: A pyrolysis oil derived from a lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass oil from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the oil into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the oil, so converting it into liquid transportation fuel precursors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for converting biomass-derived streams of hydrocarbon diols into products suitable for use as a biomass-derived fuel additive. These methods involve the condensation of diols comprising five or six carbon atoms to form condensation products containing at least ten carbon atoms. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the condensation products are optionally modified to decrease overall polarity of the products, and improve miscibility with liquid hydrocarbon mixtures.

Abstract: Biomass pyrolysis oil is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the components of the oil and form the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPA providing the capability for fast conversion rates.

Abstract: Described is a methodology aiming to the removal of harmful ash constituents from the ash of biomass, such as alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur, prior to is thermochemical conversion, in order to minimize/eliminate the ash-related corrosion, deposition and agglomeration problems, as well as the emissions of alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur. This removal is achieved by a combined pre-treatment which includes prepyrolysis of biomass at temperatures varying in the range of 200-300° C. and for a period of 5 min up to 2 h, followed by the leaching of the biomass materials using water with a solid/water mass ratio varying from 33 g/L up to 300 g/L with water temperature varying from 13° up to 55° C. and residence time varying from 5 min up to 24 h.

Abstract: A method for reducing the mechanical strength of solid biomass material, in particular lignocellulosic biomass, comprises mixing the solid biomass material with an inorganic material and heating the solid biomass material mixture to a toasting temperature in the range of 105° C. to 140° C. during an exposure time of from 1 minute to 12 hours. Before or after the heat treatment, which is referred to as “toasting”, the biomass material mixture is subject to flash heating. The treatment significantly reduces the mechanical energy required for reducing the particle size of the solid biomass material and is suitable as a pretreatment prior to a conversion reaction of the solid biomass material.

Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.

Abstract: Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of mono-oxygenated hydrocarbons to aromatics and gasonline range hydrocarbons where the oxygenated hydrocarbons are derived from biomass.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of wood which includes providing a first endless conveyor belt; heating the first endless belt; and positioning a planar wood product on the first belt to heat the wood product by conduction to achieve torrefaction. Other forms provide a second endless belt that disposed in sandwich relation to wood to be torrefied. Some embodiments of the method provide a metal chamber having opposed planar sides dimensioned and configured for receiving a wood sheet with the respective opposed sides of the wood sheet in intimate thermal contact with respective opposed sides of the metal chamber. Other embodiments include the apparatus for torrefaction of an associated wood sheet.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for management of fuel production from diverse type of biomass are described. The systems and methods of the present invention are capable of satisfying demands for fuel having a desired fuel property (e.g., a desired value of higher heating value on a dry basis). These systems and methods rely on strong correlations between various fuel properties in a dry, ash-free regime developed by the present invention. These correlations are surprising and unexpected because these fuel properties do not correlate in a dry regime, where fuel properties are typically specified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the torrefaction of a biomass feedstock for the production of a biofuel, the process comprising: (i) torrefaction of a biomass feedstock in a toroidal bed reactor, wherein the toroidal bed reactor comprises a reaction chamber with a substantially circumferentially directed flow of fluid generated therein to cause the biomass feedstock to circulate rapidly about an axis of the reaction chamber in a toroidal band, and to heat the biomass feedstock, wherein the fluid comprises gas or gases introduced into the reaction chamber and wherein the chamber is maintained under an oxygen-depleted atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered.

Abstract: A composition of biomass material is disclosed. The composition includes: (i) a lignocellulosic material; and (ii) at least one member selected from a group consisting of potassium, sodium and chlorides, wherein said at least one member comprising not more than about 0.01% (by weight) of said composition. The composition may not include more than 10% of water.

Abstract: A fire log includes a single fire log cut in a specific design to enable easy ignition and sustenance of a self-contained campfire. The single log is designed to stand vertically and may range from twenty-four to seventy-two inches in height depending on diameter. In most instances, four vertical, diametrical cuts are made in the log forming eight pie-slice segments. The cuts extend from the top surface of the log downward toward the base of the log. The vertical cuts stop short of the entire length of the log leaving approximately 25% of the length uncut. The uncut portion forms the base of the log. One of the segments is cut horizontally at its lower end adjacent the top of the base so that the segment can be removed from the log for air flow control.

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.