Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oiling essentially organic starting products with a higher molecular weight, in which hydrocarbons, preferably in liquid or semi-solid form, and a residual material with a high carbon content are obtained by the impact of high temperatures.

Abstract: A method of converting cellulosic feedstock to bio coal. The cellulosic feedstock in a carrier of process fluid is introduced within a conduit having substantially linear portions connected by curved portions creating a serpentine structure. The substantially linear portions are surrounded by tubular sleeves creating annular spaces between the tubular sleeves and substantially linear portions for carrying a high temperature fluid for transferring thermal energy to the cellulosic feedstock and process fluid. The cellulosic feedstock is maintained in an oxygen-free environment.

Abstract: A bead mill and an associated bead-mill-based machine for testing mechanical fragility of red blood cells, employing a cartridge configured to contain a sample while cells get stressed via bead oscillation and, in the case of the fragility testing machine, also while lysis levels get detected, for presentation of fragility information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming biomass pellets using biomass feedstock having predetermined characteristics to form biomass pellets having desired characteristics. The process can utilize feedstock derived from a variety of biomass feedstock sources, including wood, agricultural crops, energy crops and weeds, alone or in combination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device for preventing fire due to spontaneous combustion of coal stockpiles in a coal-fired power plant, and more specifically, to a cooling device for preventing spontaneous combustion of coal stockpiles, for which a plurality of cooling devices are provided at a predetermined interval in coal stockpiles and, when a temperature (ignition temperature) specified by a user is detected from the outer surface, compressed liquefied nitrogen stored in the cooling device is ejected to lower a temperature around the loaded coal, thereby preventing spontaneous combustion by the oxidation of coal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming biomass pellets using biomass feedstock having predetermined characteristics to form biomass pellets having desired characteristics. The process can utilize feedstock derived from a variety of biomass feedstock sources, including wood, agricultural crops, energy crops and weeds, alone or in combination.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method involves adding a hydrocarbon reaction product to slurry to enhance the separation. The method is particularly effective with coal separation because it increases yield without increasing ash content of flotation concentrate.

Abstract: A method for refining pellets, in which, in a first step, pellets that have been pressed from a biomass are provided. A heat treatment is carried out, involving heating the pellets to a temperature between 210° C. and 390° C. The heat treatment takes a period of time of between 1 minute and 30 minutes. Also described is a device that is suitable for carrying out the method. The pellets treated in this way are water-repellent and so can be stored outdoors.

Abstract: Present embodiments include systems for reducing moisture in a solid feed provided to a gasifier. For example, in an embodiment, a feedstock preparation system includes an aspirator having a first inlet for receiving a flow of steam, a second inlet for receiving a flow of a moist gaseous phase from a grinding mechanism configured to grind a solid fuel in the presence of a conveyance gas. The moist gaseous phase includes the conveyance gas and moisture removed from the ground solid fuel. The aspirator also includes an outlet configured to output a reduced pressure flow having the steam and the moist gaseous phase. The aspirator is configured to enhance moisture removal from the ground solid fuel to produce a dry feed of the ground solid fuel. The aspirator discharge is recycled within the process to heat the incoming dry conveyance gas and improve system efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

Abstract: The present application provides a slurry concentration system for concentrating a flow of slurry. The slurry concentration system may include a boiler for producing a flow of steam, a first evaporator for concentrating the flow of slurry with the flow of steam and creating a first flow of water vapor, and a second evaporator positioned downstream of the first evaporator for further concentrating the flow of slurry with the first flow of water vapor and creating a second flow of water vapor.

Abstract: A process for making a bio-naphtha and optionally bio-propane from a complex mixture of natural occurring fats & oils, wherein said complex mixture is subjected to a refining treatment for removing the major part of non-triglyceride and non-fatty acid components, thereby obtaining refined fats & oils; said refined fats & oils are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by an hydrodeoxygenation or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by hydrodeoxygenation or decarboxylation of the free fatty acids or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids soaps that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by decarboxylation of the soaps.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: Reformed coal production equipment includes: a combustion furnace (124) for generating heated gas (11); a dry distillation gas supply pipe (101) for supplying dry distillation gas (14) generated at a dry distillation device to the combustion furnace; a vapor generator (125) to which a portion of the heated gas generated at the combustion furnace is supplied and which generates waste heat gas (13) by subjecting the heated gas to heat exchange; and a discharge pipe (52), a waste heat gas delivery pipe (54), a mixed gas delivery pipe (55), a blower (126), a mixed gas supply pipe (56), a mixed gas branching pipe (102), a flow rate adjustment valve (103), and a mixed gas communication pipe (104) supplying, to the dry distillation gas supply pipe, the waste heat gas and low-temperature heated gas (12) formed by indirectly heating dried coal by the heated gas at the dry distillation device (121).

Abstract: Reformed coal production equipment includes: a combustion furnace (124) generating heated gas; dry distillation gas supply pipe (101) supplying dry distillation gas (14) generated at the inner cylinder (122) of a dry distillation device (121) to the combustion furnace; vapor generator (125) to which a portion of the heated gas (11) generated at the combustion furnace is supplied and which generates waste heat gas (13) by subjecting the heated gas to heat exchange; and discharge pipe (52), waste heat gas delivery pipe (53), mixed gas delivery pipe (55), blower (126), mixed gas supply pipe (56), mixed gas branching pipe (102), flow rate adjustment valve (103), and mixed gas allocation pipe (105) which supply and allocate, to the aforementioned inner cylinder, the waste heat gas and low-temperature heated gas (12) generated by indirectly heating dried coal (2) by the heated gas within the outer cylinder (123) of the dry distillation device.

Abstract: A coal deactivation treatment device for deactivating of coal by means of a treatment gas that is a mixture of air and nitrogen gas is provided with, among other things: a treatment column inside of which coal flows from the top to the bottom; treatment gas feed means, and the like, for feeding treatment gas to the inside of the treatment column; humidifying heaters for heating and humidifying the treatment gas such that the treatment gas fed to the inside of the treatment column can maintain a relative humidity of 35% or greater, even at 95° C.; a temperature sensor and a control device for adjusting the temperature inside the treatment column such that the inside of the treatment column is maintained at a relative humidity of 35% or greater and a temperature of 95° C. or lower.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for subjecting coarsely divided solid material, such as solid fossil fuels, to microwave radiation using gravity feed through a chamber and protecting irradiating windows by placement outside the angle of repose.

Abstract: A process and a unit for fluidized bed torrefaction and grinding of particles of a biomass with a largest dimension of 2 cm to 5 cm, and which unit contains an envelope having a general shape of a sector having a) two substantially vertical walls delimiting that sector; and b) at least one inclined wall defining three zones, from bottom to top: a lower zone provided with a fluidization means, and provided with a grinder placed at the bottom of that zone; an intermediate zone (2) provided with a fluidization means; and an upper zone (3) provided with a fluidization means; and a pipe (11) for introducing the particles reaching into the unit to the level of the intermediate zone.

Abstract: A process for controlling a unit for torrefaction of biomass particles including: measurement of a mean diameter of the biomass particles; as a function of the mean diameter, calculation of a maximum torrefaction temperature for which the ratio of a characteristic time of the torrefaction to a characteristic time of the heat transfer at the level of the particles is equal to a minimum value; adjusting the torrefaction temperature to a value less than or equal to the maximum torrefaction temperature; adjusting the torrefaction time to a value such that the final yield by weight of the torrefaction is equal to a predefined target value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for efficient torrefaction of a biomass. Said system comprises a first zone for heating of an optionally pre-dried biomass and an insulated second zone for torrefying the heated biomass. The second zone has an inlet being connected to an outlet of the first zone and means for withdrawing torrefied biomass arranged at the bottom of the second zone, such that the biomass can move downwards through the second zone by means of gravity. Means for heating are arranged at the first zone, but not at the second zone.

Abstract: A process, adsorbent and apparatus for treating biofuel is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a constituent rendering of biomass and other carbon-based materials is provided. The system can be configured for receiving a feedstock material to be rendered into its constituent components, grinding the feedstock to a desired size and/or consistency, and placing the feedstock in contact with a hot mix heat transfer medium within a pressure chamber. Pyrolysis of the feedstock can lead to a breakdown of the feedstock into constituent components that can then be collected.

Abstract: A reactor for grinding and roasting biomass, including: a chamber interiorly delimited with internal walls; a grinder laid out inside the chamber, including a central rotary shaft rotatably mounted in the chamber and grinding elements present on the central rotary shaft for grinding against internal walls and of biomass, or lingo-cellulosic biomass, present inside the chamber; a heater for heating and maintaining by thermal conduction via the grinder the biomass present inside the chamber, at a predetermined called roasting temperature between 200° C. and 350° C., to simultaneously achieve grinding and roasting of the biomass in the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coal drying system for removing water contained in coal used as a fuel of a thermoelectric power plant with superheated steam. The system prevents the incomplete combustion of the coal by removing water existing inside and outside the coal fuel of the thermoelectric power plane, thereby improving a heating value of coal and minimizing the discharge of pollutants, prevents the corrosion of the system and improves the durability, and increases the use of low-quality coal of which the demand is low, thereby improving the stable supply of the coal.

Abstract: A method with various related apparatus polarizes the orbits of atomic electrons by strong magnetic fields creating in the atomic structure a magnetic field. The polarized atoms are introduced onto fuels, improving an efficiency of the fuels, including but not limiting to, new forms of gaseous, liquid and solid fuels with a bonded-in content of Hydrogen, Oxygen and/or other gases to enhance energy output and decrease contaminants in the exhaust. Further, methods of coating computer chips and other surfaces for their protection against oxidation, new fuels with energy content and flame temperatures greater than those of the conventional form of the same fuels, etc.

Abstract: A reactor for drying and torrefaction, configured for torrefying biomass, including a chamber in which two separate areas are delimited, a mechanism for mixing and transferring biomass from one end of the chamber to the other, a drying device in an upstream area of the chamber configured to dry the biomass introduced into the reactor, a torrefaction device in a downstream area of the chamber configured to torrefy biomass dried in the upstream area, and a transfer and sealing system configured to allow dried biomass to be transferred from the upstream area to the downstream area at time intervals, and to make the two areas mutually sealed during each interval. Such a reactor may, for example, find application to torrefaction of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: A device for upgrading a solid organic material into a resulting product comprises a reactor with an organic material inlet, and a flue gas inlet adapted to introduce flue gas into the reactor, an input driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material to the organic material inlet, an output driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material out of the reactor, a gas flow element operatively connected to the flue gas inlet permitting flue gas to mix with the solid organic material but restricting flow of the solid organic material away from the flue gas inlet, and a rapid cooling device operatively connected to the output driver and adapted to apply a heat transfer liquid directly onto the solid organic material and thereby form the resulting product.

Abstract: A coal separation unit for a gasification system includes a vessel having a top portion and a bottom portion, a first inlet configured to receive a feed stream including at least coal and ash from a grinding unit, a second inlet configured to receive a wash fluid stream, a first outlet configured to convey a low-ash feed stream, and a second outlet configured to convey an ash-rich stream. In operation, the feed stream is washed with the wash fluid stream in the separation unit to separate at least a portion of the ash from the coal. The separated ash settles to the bottom portion of the vessel and is conveyed via the second outlet as the ash-rich stream. The separated coal floats to the top portion of the vessel and is conveyed via the first outlet to a gasification unit as the low-ash feed stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of torrefaction of an optionally predried biomass in a torrefaction reactor such that torrefied biomass and torrefaction gases are obtained, and wherein an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the torrefaction reactor at a first position in the reactor such that oxygen reacts with components of the torrefaction gases under the formation of heat and wherein torrefaction gases are withdrawn from the torrefaction reactor at a second position of the torrefaction reactor and wherein the first position is located downstream of the second position in relation to a biomass transport direction in the torrefaction reactor such that the torrefaction gases moves through the torrefaction reactor countercurrent with the biomass transport and wherein the optionally predried biomass has a temperature of between 30° C. and 230° C., preferably between 50° C. and 200° C., most preferably between 60° C. and 180° C. when entering the torrefaction rector.

Abstract: The invention relates to to a method and an arrangement for precise monitoring and control of torrefaction temperature, which enables accurate control of the quality and properties of the torrefied material. The method includes determining the surface temperature of the biomass in the torrefaction arrangement is using an IR-thermometer and hot nitrogen gas a purge gas.

Abstract: A system includes a grinder, a storage unit, and an organic compound production unit. The grinder is configured to produce a fuel slurry from a solid fuel, a liquid, and an organic compound that is miscible with the liquid. The storage unit is configured to supply the organic compound to the grinder. The organic compound production unit is configured to receive a portion of syngas generated by a gasifier to generate the organic compound for supply to the storage unit.

Abstract: A method for torrefying biomass comprises using an oxidation catalyst to combust gas produced by torrefaction, and thereby produce combustion flue gas. The method also comprises introducing the combustion flue gas into a torrefaction reactor and/or a cooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of mixtures of materials produced from solid and liquid hydrocarbons into gas/vapour mixtures and carbonaceous materials by thermal actions, catalysis and other processes and a device comprising jacket-heated, vertically and horizontally oriented reactors known per se with conveying devices and further apparatus in a process cycle.

Abstract: The present technology describes various embodiments of methods and systems for improved coke quenching. More specifically, some embodiments are directed to methods and systems for improving the coke quenching process by partially cracking coke before it is quenched. In one embodiment, coke is partially cracked when placed in horizontal communication with one or more uneven surfaces. In another embodiment, a coke loaf is partially broken when dropped a vertical distance that is less than the height of the coke loaf. In another embodiment, a mass of coke is partially broken when first placed in vertical communication with one or more uneven surfaces and then placed in horizontal communication with the same or different one or more uneven surfaces. In some embodiments, the one or more uneven surfaces may be mounted to a coke oven, train car, hot car, quench car, or combined hot car/quench car.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in coal, particularly coal fines and other coal streams comprising small diameter particles, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel coal products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the coal with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the coal fines using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: A solid fuel producing apparatus that even when supply of raw coal (RC) and mixed oil (MO) and supply of slurry to subsequent steps are stopped because of troubling at evaporation step or later, etc., would prevent cloggings of heat exchanger and raw coal supply means. The solid fuel producing apparatus includes a mixing tank (1) for mixing porous coal with a mixed oil having heavy oil and solvent oil contents to thereby obtain a raw slurry; an evaporator (2) for processing evaporation of water from the raw slurry by heating the same to thereby obtain a dewatered slurry; a solid-liquid separator (3) for separation of the mixed oil and upgraded porous coal from the dewatered slurry; and circulation means (4) for returning the mixed oil having been separated and recovered by the solid-liquid separator to the mixing tank. The solid fuel producing apparatus is characterized by having a mixed oil heating heat exchanger (5) for heating the mixed oil to be returned to the mixing tank by the circulation means.

Abstract: Biosolids in the nature of sewage sludge is processed in a controlled environment to produce a dried sludge product of relatively high dry solid content with the elimination of or reduced levels of pathogens. The water containing sewage sludge is dried while cascading within a processing chamber using heated air at a temperature below the ignition or smoldering temperature of the sewage sludge to prevent the formation of embers. The sewage sludge before discharge is retained within the processing chamber for a sufficient time and temperature as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency rules and guidelines.

Abstract: The current disclosure relates to a new fluid composite, a device for producing the fluid composite, and a method of production therewith, and more specifically a fluid composite made of a fuel and its oxidant for burning as part of different systems such as fuel burners, where the fluid composite after a stage of intense molecular between a controlled flow of a liquid such as fuel and a faster flow of compressed highly directional gas such as air results in the creation of a three dimensional matrix of small hallow spheres each made of a layer of fuel around a volume of pressurized gas. In an alternate embodiment, external conditions such as inline pressure warps the spherical cells into a network of oblong shape cells where pressurized air is used as part of the combustion process. In yet another embodiment, additional gas such as air is added via a second inlet to increase the proportion of oxidant to carburant as part of the mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: A process for producing coke that may include: heating a coker feedstock to a coking temperature to produce a heated coker feedstock; feeding the heated coker feedstock to a coking drum; feeding a coking additive, such as at least one hydroconversion or hydrocracking catalyst, to the coking drum; and subjecting the heated coker feedstock to thermal cracking in the coking drum to crack a portion of the coker feedstock to produce a cracked vapor product and produce a coke product.

Abstract: A method for using an apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that outers the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal.

Abstract: A process for making a bio-naphtha and optionally bio-propane from a complex mixture of natural occurring fats & oils, wherein said complex mixture is subjected to a refining treatment for removing the major part of non-triglyceride and non-fatty acid components, thereby obtaining refined fats & oils; said refined fats & oils are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by an hydrodeoxygenation or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by hydrodeoxygenation or decarboxylation of the free fatty acids or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids soaps that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by decarboxylation of the soaps.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for manufacturing a semi-carbonized fuel of a biomass that does not require an external heat source and is capable of suppressing adhesion of tar, condensed water, or the like to a pipe. The device includes a drying device for heating and drying a biomass, a pyrolysis device for decomposing the dried biomass, and a combustion device for supplying heat to the drying device and the pyrolysis device. The pyrolysis device is supplied with a part of a combustion exhaust gas generated in the combustion device, directly mixes the supplied combustion exhaust gas and the biomass to heat and pyrolytically decompose the biomass, and supplies a mixed gas of a generated pyrolysis gas and the combustion exhaust gas to the combustion device. The combustion device is supplied with an air for combustion, combust the supplied mixed gas, and generate the combustion exhaust gas.

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 method and apparatus for automatically sorting and blending coal and other fuel stocks through a computer-controlled process in order to achieve a specified blend of materials. By sorting fuel stocks with different characteristics into different stacking points, an operator can then automatically combine and uniformly blend these sorted fuel stocks to create a variety of blended materials with different properties tailored to the specific needs of the operator or end user. The computer-controlled nature of the process allows for precise blending in an automated and more efficient and reproducible fashion.

Abstract: Techniques for packaging and utilizing solid hydrogen-producing fuel are described herein. The fuel may be in the form of a bonded/compressed powder, granules, or pellets. The fuel is packaged in cartridges having hydrogen-permeable enclosures. In operation, the fuel undergoes a hydrogen-releasing Thermally Initiated Hydrolysis (TIH) reaction. A cartridge may comprise one or more fuel chambers, and several cartridges may be assembled together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect heat-drying apparatus that is resistant to adhesion of the substance to be dried on heating pipes and gives a product having a desired and stabilized liquid content. The present invention relates to an indirect heat-drying apparatus, comprising two indirect-heating rotary dryers, i.e., the first and second indirect-heating rotary dryers that are arranged in series so that the dried substance from the first indirect-heating rotary dryer is supplied to and dried in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer as the substance to be dried; and a carrier gas-supplying means of supplying the carrier gas co-currently in the first indirect-heating rotary dryer and counter-currently in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer, with respect to the flow direction from the substance to be dried.

Abstract: A method of converting cellulosic feedstock to bio coal. The cellulosic feedstock in a carrier of process fluid is introduced within a conduit having substantially linear portions connected by curved portions creating a serpentine structure. The substantially linear portions are surrounded by tubular sleeves creating annular spaces between the tubular sleeves and substantially linear portions for carrying a high temperature fluid for transferring thermal energy to the cellulosic feedstock and process fluid. The cellulosic feedstock is maintained in an oxygen-free environment.