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: The present invention generally relates to a method for sequestering carbon dioxide. Biomass is converted into paraffinic hydrocarbons. The paraffinic hydrocarbons are steam cracked into olefins. The olefins are polymerized into non-biodegradable polyolefins.

Abstract: A method of generating heat in a boiler such as by combusting a fuel material which includes a plurality of densified fuel pellets is provided. The densified fuel pellets may be formed by a process which includes compacting a mixture which includes about 5 to 15 wt. % molten thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the method are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing thermoset, water repellent binders particularly effective for forming combustible composite materials. The binders include a mixture of an alkaline protein hydrolyzate and a bio-oil or an acidic protein hydrolyzate and a lignin compound. Desirably, the binders and the resulting combustible composite materials are substantially free of formaldehyde.

Abstract: A method is described for generating useful chemical intermediates from biomass using a novel pyrolysis reactor that utilizes the inherent thermal properties of carbon under compression as the biomass is subjected to sequential or concurrent temperature ramps. The ramps are sufficient to volatilize and selectively create different components, while the pressure application aids the selective decomposition of the biomass.

Abstract: Processes and reactor systems are provided for the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons to hydrocarbons, ketones, cyclic ethers and alcohols useful as liquid fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel or diesel fuel, and industrial chemicals. The process involves the conversion of oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, carboxylic acids, diols, triols, and/or other polyols, to C4+ hydrocarbons, cyclic ethers, alcohols and/or ketones, by condensation and/or deoxygenation. The oxygenated hydrocarbons may originate from any source, but are preferably derived from biomass.

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, such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, furans, carboxylic acids, diols, triols, and/or other polyols, to C4+ hydrocarbons, alcohols and/or ketones, by condensation. The oxygenated hydrocarbons may originate from any source, but are preferably derived from biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing pellets from large pieces of renewable fibrous raw materials, such as, in particular, wood, straw, or energy crops, wherein the raw material is chopped up, then dried, and subsequently processed into pellets in a matrix press, characterized in that the material, optionally pre-chopped in choppers or shredders, is chopped in a first matrix press prior to drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the deoxygenation of materials of biological origin and particularly to the removal of oxygen from biomass derived organic compounds with carbon monoxide, to yield linear and branched hydrocarbons suitable as biofuels or as blending stocks or components for biofuels, such as gas, gasoline, diesel fuel and aviation fuel, as well as solvents. The method comprises contacting a feedstock with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a metal selected from a group consisting of ruthenium, manganese, rhodium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, molybdenum, copper, zinc, palladium, platinum and cobalt, in the presence of water, under alkaline conditions at a temperature from 150 to 350° C. and under a pressure from 0.1 to 150 bar, to produce hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.

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: Processes for conversion of lignin to products such as phenolic compounds and biofuels prepared from such phenolic compounds are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.

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 pressurizing 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: This invention relates to biomass pyrolysis through the use of a hot liquid refinery feedstock as a heat transfer medium, preferably a vacuum gas oil feedstock.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. to 400° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size between 1 ?m and 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a suspension, wherein the suspension includes from 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The 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 suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, the mixture may be pyrolyzed at high temperatures (e.g., between 500° C. and 1000° C.). The pyrolysis may be conducted for an amount of time at least partially sufficient for production of discrete, identifiable biofuel compounds. Some embodiments involve heating the mixture of catalyst and hydrocarbonaceous material at high rates (e.g., from about 50° C. per second to about 1000° C. per second). The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the va

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: 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: The organic matter carbonization process is based on thermal treatment at high temperatures, under a controlled atmosphere, if possible in the absence of oxygen. The organic matter carbonization theory was expounded in this text, with emphasis on the thermodynamic aspects. It is shown in this exposition the important misfit between the endothermic and the exothermic carbonization stages, which hinders the use of the energy emitted during the exothermic stage by the brick kilns. Following there is a summary of the carbonization technique actual stage. The present invention relates to a method and plant for the thermal treatment of organic matter comprising independent reactors for the drying and pyrolysis of organic matter, and an independent reactor for the charcoal cooling. In this method the volatile products—non condensable gases and condensable pyrolytic vapors—are burned in an independent combustion chamber in order to supply the energy demanded by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100; 302), the use thereof, a method and a system (300) for continuously converting biomass (102; 304). The device (100; 302) has the following: a feed section (104) for holding a moving bed of biomass (102; 304), in particular wood, having an upper section (140) for drying, a middle section (142), which is a flame zone for degassing, and a lower section (146), which is a smolder zone for carbonizing the biomass (102; 304) into a solid converted product (158; 306), in particular charcoal; a grate (110), which supports the moving bed and is permeable to the solid converted product (158; 306) in the downwards direction. A collection tank (136) for collecting the solid converted product (158; 306) is provided; it is arranged below the grate (110), and is couplable with the feed section (104) in a manner that is gas-tight against the outside air, and has a wall area with a cooling device (160).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing biomass to selectively yield a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and hydrogen as products, wherein some or all of these products can be further utilized for other biomass processing sub-processes, particularly wherein they lead to the generation of biofuels and/or other high-value products.

Abstract: Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.

Abstract: A method of producing a biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The method commonly includes compressing a feed mixture to form a densified material, where the feed mixture includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass using a torrefaction reactor vessel having stacked trays, the method including: continuously feeding the biomass to an upper inlet of the torrefaction reactor vessel such that the biomass material is deposited on an upper tray of a plurality of trays stacked vertically within the reactor; as the biomass moves across an upper surface of each of the trays, heating and drying the biomass material with a gas injected into the vessel, wherein the gas is substantially non-oxidizing of the biomass, is under a pressure of at least 20 bar gauge and at a temperature of at least 200° C.; cascading the biomass down through the trays by passing the biomass through an opening in each of the trays to deposit the biomass on a lower tray; discharging torrefied biomass from a lower outlet of the torrefaction reactor vessel, and circulating gas extracted from a lower elevation of the reactor vessel to an upper region of the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A process for treating biomass comprises providing a material that contains an amount of residual moisture. The material is heated to a torrefying temperature in a low-oxygen atmosphere in a torrefaction reactor to convert it into a torrefied material. The material with the contained residual moisture is essentially fully dried in a drying chamber by evaporation of residual moisture. The torrefaction reactor comprises a torrefying chamber, in which the torrefaction of this dried material is essentially carried out. The material is conveyed through the torrefaction reactor. The drying of the material in the drying chamber is carried out by introducing into it a hot drying gas that flows therethrough cocurrently with the material. The torrefaction of the material in the torrefying chamber of the torrefaction reactor is carried out by introducing into it a hot torrefying gas that flows through the torrefying chamber countercurrently with the material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments of torrefaction systems and methods for producing torrefied products from biomass. Exemplary embodiments include catalytic oxidation and/or reuse of the resultant combustion gases directly in a torrefaction reactor, a cooler, and/or a dryer/preheater.

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 for simultaneously drying coal and/or torrefying biomass is provided in which coal and/or biomass are passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature. The dried coal and/or biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and water is added to further passivate the coal.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. and 300° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size from about 1 ?m to about 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid to form a suspension, wherein the liquid comprises bio-oil, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a hydropyrolysis reactor; and at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: A process for providing fast pyrolysis or gasification of feed material, such as biomass, by mixing it with inert inorganic hot solids in a fluidized mixer/reactor and utilizing released gas from the resulting reaction to transport the mixture from the mixer/reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effective pyrolysis of a biomass utilizing rapid heat transfer from a solid heat carrier or catalyst. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses which incorporate progressive temperature quenching and rapid disengagement of the heat carrier material and reaction product.

Abstract: A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.

Abstract: Equipment and a process to produce biofuel by fast pyrolysis of organic material, comprising a system of three interconnected serial fluidized bed reactors: a fast pyrolysis reactor located inside another reactor wherein charcoal is burned; a combustion reactor that burns the charcoal generated in the fast pyrolysis reactor; and a preheating reactor to preheat inert particulate material. The equipment also includes a pneumatic recycling system for inert particulate material.

Abstract: A triglyceride or a triglyceride/hydrocarbon combination can be heated to produce thermally treated feeds. The thermally treated feeds can then be contacted with a hydrotreating catalyst in a reaction zone.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a portable fuel system includes a container that includes a closed end and an open end. The system also includes a fuel element that includes a compressed homogenous mixture of a cellulose-containing material and a hardened wax material. The fuel element is removably positionable within the container. The system also includes a spacer that is positionable within the container between the closed end of the container and the fuel element. The spacer supports the fuel element on the closed end such that air is flowable between the fuel element and the closed end. The system further includes a cooking surface that is couplable to the open end of the container.

Abstract: A method of treating a biomass material to produce a fuel comprising the steps of preheating the biomass material to a temperature ranging from about 80° C. to about 100° C. and drying the biomass material until the biomass material has a maximum water content of no more than 3%. Microwave radiation is applied to the pre-dried biomass material in a range of 3.0 to 8.0 GHz to heat the biomass material to a temperature ranging from about 230° C. to about 280° C. resulting in torrefaction of the biomass material. The biomass material is then cooled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel system and to a process for the production of such a fuel system. The fuel System according to the present invention consists of at least two different fossil regular fuels and at least one biogenic carbon carrier, wherein the amount of the biogenic carbon carrier is at least 20% with respect to the total mass. Thus the emission of the carbon dioxide based on fossil carbon is notably reduced during the use of the fuel system according to the invention.

Abstract: An energy product made from biomass, and a method of making an energy product from biomass. The energy product is made by processing biomass in a pressurizable reaction vessel with heat, pressure and agitation.

Abstract: Processes for conversion of lignin to liquid products such as bio-fuels and fuel additives are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for processing biomass to selectively yield a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and hydrogen as products, wherein some or all of these products can be further utilized for other biomass processing sub-processes, particularly wherein they lead to the generation of biofuels and/or other high-value products.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.

Abstract: A biomass fuel compact is provided by the present disclosure that includes a body having a combustible biomass composition and an adhesive additive. The adhesive additive includes a starch and a hydroxide. Further additives may also be provided, which include a silicate additive, a viscosity additive, a preservative, and a BTU additive, wherein each of the silicate additive, the viscosity additive, the preservative, and the BTU additive are combustible materials. Various geometries and compositions for the biomass fuel compact are also provided by the present disclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.

Abstract: A process for converting biomass into high value energy products is provided comprising the steps of: debarking, chipping, and screening wood; separating a plurality of hemicellulose from a plurality of cellulose and lignin; hydrolyzing the plurality of hemicellulose into monosaccharides; fermenting the monosaccharides using immobilized Pachysolen tannophilus; removing the lignin from the plurality of cellulose and lignin; and making a paper pulp from the plurality of cellulose.

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: 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.