Abstract: A method and a system are provided for feeding a biomass material feed into a fluidized bed gasifier. The system includes a first plurality of screw conveyors disposed circumferentially around and connected to or integral with a gasifier shell of the fluidized bed gasifier, such that each of the first plurality of screw conveyors is in feed communication with a gasifier chamber defined by the gasifier shell. The system also includes a plurality of secondary receptacles, each individually coupled to a respective screw conveyor of the first plurality of screw conveyors, such that each of the plurality of secondary receptacles includes a secondary receptacle shell defining a secondary receptacle chamber in feed communication with the respective screw conveyor. The system further includes a plurality of primary receptacles, each including a primary receptacle shell defining a primary receptacle chamber in feed communication with at least two of the plurality of secondary receptacles.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for producing renewable diesel from hydrocarbon-containing feedstock using microwave energy and hydrotreatment.

Abstract: A low-temperature gasification system comprising a horizontally oriented gasifier is provided that optimizes the extraction of gaseous molecules from carbonaceous feedstock while minimizing waste heat. The system comprises a plurality of integrated subsystems that work together to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity. The subsystems comprised by the low-temperature gasification system are: a Municipal Solid Waste Handling System; a Plastics Handling System; a Horizontally Oriented Gasifier with Lateral Transfer Units System; a Gas Reformulating System; a Heat Recycling System; a Gas Conditioning System; a Residue Conditioning System; a Gas Homogenization System and a Control System.

Abstract: Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.

Abstract: A process for the production of fuels and chemicals from biomass feedstock is provided. The process includes (a) drying the biomass feedstock using heated dry carbon monoxide gas; (b) devolatilizing the feedstock by reductive torrefaction with heated dry carbon monoxide gas; (c) pulverizing the feedstock; and (d) pyrolyzing the feedstock by reductive pyrolysis with high pressure or high temperature carbon monoxide gas. An integrated system for producing fuels and chemicals from biomass feedstock is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for producing Syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces Syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.

Abstract: A device for converting a fuel including solid components, known as a solid fuel, into a gaseous fuel, includes a pyrolysis zone (2) for pyrolyzing solid fuel, having pyrolysis elements that are capable of decomposing the solid fuel into a pyrolysis gas and into a solid pyrolysis residue, known as coke, and a combustion zone (3), which is distinct from the pyrolysis zone (2), for burning the pyrolysis gas and having combustion elements (31, 32, 33). The device also includes elements for circulating pyrolysis gas from the pyrolysis zone (2) to the combustion zone (3), which is surrounded by the pyrolysis zone (2).

Abstract: Method of improving the product properties of clinker in the firing of raw meal in a clinker or cement furnace in which at least part of the fuels used are low-heating-value or alternative fuels, waste products containing organic substances or low-heating-value or alternative fuels are subjected to thermal dissociation and reaction of the dissociation products using radiant energy. The product gas or synthesis gas formed in this way is fed to the burners of the main firing facility to increase the flame temperature.

Abstract: A system includes a gasifier having a first enclosure having a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first interior volume. The first inlet is configured to receive a first fuel feedstock into the first interior volume, and the first outlet is configured to output a first syngas away from the first interior volume. The system also includes a plasma gasifier disposed downstream from the first outlet and coupled to a waste stream produced by the gasifier from the first fuel feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for thermal conversion of carbon based materials into combustible oil and/or gas. More specifically, said system comprises: a first fluid bed reactor, a second vapour wash reactor, a third fractionation reactor, a fourth moving bed reactor, a fifth fluid bed reactor and a sixth gasification reactor.

Abstract: The auger gasifier described includes, in its preferred embodiments, a vertically elongated (“oblong”) primary gasifier chamber with an auger that can move up and down, allowing for large amounts of fuel input when necessary. This improvement, in turn, requires and/or is facilitated by provision for simultaneous elevation adjustments of the auger and bed dam to assure that fuel material is processed in degrees from the top downward without sweeping massive amounts of the fluidized bed materials towards the output end of the chamber. Another improvement involves provision for pressurization of the primary gasifier chamber, allowing substantial improvements in the speed of processing materials through the gasifier. Due to issues arising from thermal expansion of the refractory material lining the chamber, provision is made for nozzle and refractory imbedded pipe hole thermal expansion capability.

Abstract: A method for producing synthesis gas, including: 1) pre-processing a biomass raw material; 2) pyrolyzing the biomass raw material to yield a pyrolysis gas and a carbon powder; 3) separating the pyrolysis gas from the carbon powder and a solid heat carrier; 4) separating the carbon powder away from the solid heat carrier via a solid-solid separator; 5) conveying the generated pyrolysis gas to a condensate tank for spray condensation, condensing a condensable part in the pyrolysis gas to generate biological fuel oil, pressurizing the generated biological fuel oil by a high pressure oil pump and feeding to a gasification furnace to be gasified; and 6) feeding one part of non-condensable pyrolysis gas to a combustion bed to combust with air, and conveying the other part of the non-condensable pyrolysis gas to the pyrolysis bed as a fluidizing medium.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide emissions during recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating, the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Additionally, during heating, any carbon dioxide that is produced can be sequestered. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A pretreatment process of a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas. The biomass feed, which is preferably a cellulosic feed, is subjected to a two stage torrefaction that comminutes the biomass and increases its energy density.

Abstract: Efficient biomass conversion systems, methods and apparatus utilize a fast pyrolysis unit installed at a sawmill or similar location where substantial quantities of biomass are generated, with the biomass generated at the sawmill fed into the fast pyrolysis unit under pyrolytic reaction conditions, and with exhaust gases containing entrained matter resulting from the pyrolytic reactions being separated into constituent char and bio-fuel constituents.

Abstract: Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art. In another embodiment, the biomass water slurry can be mixed with a coal water slurry to further optimize the carbon content and pumpability of the biomass slurry.

Abstract: Continuous processes are provided for converting a carbonaceous feedstock comprising biomass containing alkali metal, non-biomass components, and at least one gasification catalyst including an alkali metal recovered from solid char, into a plurality of gaseous products including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising one or more hydrocarbons or one or more alcohols, the process comprising: (A) gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700° C. to form synthesis gas; and (B) flowing the synthesis gas in a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.

Abstract: A system and process for gasifying carbonaceous feedstock with staged slurry addition in order to prevent the formation of tar that causes deposition problems. Dry solid carbonaceous material is partially combusted, then pyrolyzed along with a first slurry stream comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor sections, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The second slurry stream comprising particulate carbonaceous material is fed to a drying unit downstream of a heat recovery zone along with the mixture product exiting the heat recovery zone The resulting final temperature of the second stage mixture products and dried particulate carbonaceous material is between 450° F. and 550° F., a temperature range that is typically not conducive to the emission of heavy molecular-weight tar species.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the process of gasification and the production of synthesis gas. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the process of biomass gasification and the reduction or elimination of tars from the hydrocarbon-rich product gas derived from biomass gasification. The present invention comprises systems and methods for the reduction of tar from a synthesis gas derived from biomass gasification.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for treating waste, such as municipal waste via pyrolysis and yielding one or more of heat energy, electrical energy and fuel. In some embodiments, waste feed stock can be municipal waste in black bag form. In some the present invention additionally provides for processing of thousands of tons of municipal waste each day.

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 is provided for producing and preparing fast pyrolysis products from a biomass for entrained-flow pressure gasification that includes: heating of the biomass under exclusion of oxygen in a pyrolysis reactor, a temperature of between 400 to 600° C. being established for one to 50 seconds, such that the biomass reacts to form porous pyrolysis coke, pyrolysis condensate and pyrolysis gas; and drawing off the pyrolysis gas; condensing vaporous constituents of the pyrolysis condensate in a plurality of condensation stages so as to: condense, in a first condensation stage, at temperatures above the dew point of water, a low-temperature carbonization tar from the vaporous constituents; and condense and separate at temperatures between 0° C. and the dew point of water, in at least one subsequent condensation stage, an aqueous solution of oxygen containing organic compounds.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of marketable products from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize both energy generation and the resulting stoichiometric reaction products. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is subsequently purified and marketed. The water recovered from the system and process is collected and electrolyzed to generate oxygen and hydrogen gases.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for the controlled combustion of a wide variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks to produce thermal energy, liquid fuels, and other valuable products with little or no emissions. The hydrocarbon feeds, such as coal and biomass, are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system/process using pure oxygen rather than ambient air. A portion of the intermediate gases generated in the system/process are sent to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process for conversion into diesel fuel and other desired liquid hydrocarbons. The remaining intermediate gases are circulated and recycled through each of the gasification/oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system/process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology.

Abstract: A process for preparation of biomass mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon fraction yields a feedstock for the purpose of supplying a gasification unit. The process comprises a first mixing stage followed by a grinding stage and makes it possible to deliver a suspension of biomass particles less than 500 microns in size that are dispersed in the heavy hydrocarbon fraction.

Abstract: A pretreatment process of a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas. The biomass feed, which is preferably a cellulosic feed, is subjected to a two stage torrefaction that comminutes the biomass and increases its energy density.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a fuel by gasification in a high-temperature gasifier such as a dust gasifier. An essential feature of the invention is that in the method the dust gasifier is operated by way of co-feeding along with peat dust another kind of biomass dust such as ground wood-based biomass, soil biomass and/or some other similar biomass.

Abstract: This invention involves pyrolysis of feedstock by introducing carbonaceous feedstock, into a hopper and moving it into a reactor tube enclosed in an oven, generating heat within the oven that is in part transferred to the feedstock, heating it to sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the feedstock into useful volatiles and char. A Venturi system produces a negative pressure directing volatiles into a pyro-gas oven producing heat necessary for pyrolysis and generating useful excess heat. The extruded pyrolysis char has uses including charcoal fuel, soil amendments, and activated charcoal while liquids can be produced for processing into fuels. Excess heat may be used to heat water, steam, and air, may be used in air heating and cooling systems, perform mechanical work with a Stirling engine or generate electricity on the order of 100 kW and higher. The system may be operated in a carbon neutral or even carbon negative manner, allowing sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A system and method for producing syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing synthesis gas from biomass, wherein the biomass is decomposed into pyrolysis coke and pyrolisis gas in at least one pyrolisis reactor, the pyrolysis coke is introduced into the fluidised bed of a synthesis gas reactor and the pyrolysis gas is used as fluidisation gas for the synthesis gas reactor.

Abstract: A process for treating solid organic materials, especially for recycling treated wood, uses energy provided by hot gases at the bottom of a reactor column to perform a distillation operation which ensures splitting of organic bonds in the material and uses, as the distillation operation progresses, constant control between a first temperature of the hot gases before they are introduced into the lower part of the reactor column and a second temperature of a layer of the material located in an area immediately above the grid of the reactor column. When the first temperature and the second temperature are identical or virtually identical, corresponding to removal of all the organic bonds of the material by evaporation and transport by the hot gases from the bottom to the top of the column, the layer of material at the second temperature is removed in order to collect a material that largely consists of carbon and constitutes a secondary raw material.

Abstract: A method for entrained bed gasification of biomass is provided, wherein pure biomass is first torrefied then milled and the torrefied and milled biomass is introduced to the gasification process with a fluid as a slurry. An energetically favorable process is described using the combination of torrefaction, milling and mixing with a liquid, preferably residual products from a subsequent synthesis process, but also other available suitable materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autothermic method for the continuous gasification of substances (14) rich in carbon in a vertical processing chamber (100) having a calcination zone (C) and an oxidation zone (D), in which the calcinated substances rich in carbon oxidize with gas containing oxygen, wherein the gaseous reaction products are withdrawn at the top (G) of the vertical processing chamber (100). The vertical processing chamber is configured in the shape of a vertical shaft furnace (100), which is continuously flowed through from the top to the bottom by a bulk product (13) conducted in a cycle, which itself is not oxidized, wherein the substances (14) rich in carbon are added to the bulk product (13) before entering (3) the furnace, and the gas containing the oxygen is introduced in and/or beneath the oxidation zone (D), whereby the rising gas flow is facilitated. An after-cooling zone (F), in which the bulk product is cooled to below 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving biomass gasification. By the present invention, volatile organometallics are contacted with a biomass before or during gasification. By this method, the biomass improves gas yields while reducing solid (tar) and liquid yields. In addition, the volatile organometallics interact with lignin in the biomass to produce methanol, which, in turn, results in a stable liquid or oil by-product or otherwise stabilizes the gasification process of the biomass. The presently disclosed method can also lead to increased syngas production and is potentially CO2 neutral. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.

Abstract: A system and process for maximizing the generation of electrical power from a variety of hydrocarbon feedstocks. The hydrocarbon feedstocks are first gasified and then oxidized in a two-chamber system and process using oxygen gas rather than ambient air. Intermediate gases generated in the system and process are recirculated and recycled to the gasification and oxidation chambers in order to maximize energy production. The energy produced through the system and process is used to generate steam and produce power through conventional steam turbine technology. In addition to the release of heat energy, the hydrocarbon feedstocks are oxidized to the pure product compounds of water and carbon dioxide, which are subsequently purified and marketed. The system and process minimizes environmental emissions.

Abstract: A system and process capable of promoting the energy content of a syngas produced from a biomass material. The system and process entail compacting a loose biomass material and simultaneously introducing the compacted biomass material into an entrance of a reactor tube, and then heating the compacted biomass material within the tube to a temperature at which organic molecules within the biomass material break down to form ash and a fuel gas mixture. The fuel gas mixture is withdrawn from the tube and the ash is removed from the tube through an exit thereof. The entrance and exit of the tube, the compaction step, and the removal step cooperate to inhibit ingress of air into the tube by forming a plug of the biomass material at the entrance of the tube and a plug of ash at the exit of the tube.

Abstract: A reactor, system and method for producing hydrogen features a reactor containing a heating stream channel and a hydrogen channel with a reaction channel positioned there between. A heat transfer sheet separates the heating stream channel and the reaction channel and a porous support plate separates the reaction channel and the hydrogen channel. A membrane constructed from palladium, vanadium, copper or alloys thereof covers the porous support plate. The heating stream channel receives a heating stream so that heat is provided to the reaction channel through the heat transfer sheet. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel and the reaction channel receives a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel so that hydrogen is produced in the reaction channel and is passed through the membrane into the hydrogen channel.

Abstract: A cost-effective biomass gasification method and system for converting biomass materials into gaseous fuel. The system and method are capable of converting at least about 50-70% of the carbon in a biomass material into gaseous carbon at a temperature lower than about 1300° F. Also provided is a highly-efficient, cost-effective biomass gasification system comprising a combustor and a gasifier with an inside diameter of at least about 36 inches and a height of at least about 40 feet.

Abstract: A method and system for producing synthesis gas in which a carbonaceous material and at least one oxygen carrier are introduced into a non-thermal plasma reactor at a temperature in the range of about 300° C. to about 700° C. and a pressure in a range of about atmospheric to about 70 atmospheres and a non-thermal plasma discharge is generated within the non-thermal plasma reactor. The carbonaceous material and the oxygen carrier are exposed to the non-thermal plasma discharge, resulting in the formation of a synthesis gas in the non-thermal plasma reactor.

Abstract: A method and system for producing product gases in which a carbonaceous material and at least one oxygen carrier are introduced into a non-thermal plasma reactor at a temperature in the range of about 300° C. to about 700° C. and a pressure in a range of about atmospheric to about 70 atmospheres and a non-thermal plasma discharge is generated within the non-thermal plasma reactor. The carbonaceous material and the oxygen carrier are exposed to the non-thermal plasma discharge, resulting in the formation of a product gas in the non-thermal plasma reactor, which product gas comprises substantial amounts of hydrocarbons, such as methane, hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A biomass gasifier includes a wall structure defining a gasification chamber having a biomass inlet at an upper end thereof and a char outlet at a lower end. A generally U-shaped char tube has a base and first and second substantially vertical limbs. The first limb of the char tube is positioned to receive char from the char outlet of the gasification chamber and the second limb terminates upwardly at a level above the char outlet of the gasification chamber. A blower has a suction side connected to the second limb of the char tube for inducing a flow of gas through the gasification chamber and the char tube and also has a pressure side for connection to a consuming device.

Abstract: A process for producing syngas from a carbonaceous substance and/or treating a carbonaceous substance, the process including the following steps: a) reducing the surface moisture of the carbonaceous substance; b) reducing the inherent moisture of the carbonaceous substance; and, c) gasifying the carbonaceous substance to produce syngas, wherein at step a) the carbonaceous substance is directly contacted with a hot gas at a temperature of between 50° C. to 250° C., and/or the carbonaceous substance is indirectly contacted with saturated steam at a temperature of between 105° C. and 250° C.

Abstract: A process for the co-gasification of carbonaceous solids (coal, coke) and biomass in which the biomass material is pyrolyzed to provide a biomass pyrolysis oil and biomass char or coke which are then mixed with the carbonaceous solid to form a slurry. This slurry is then heated if necessary to achieve a viscosity which can be processed conveniently in the gasifier. The heat required for pyrolyzing the biomass can conveniently be obtained from the heat exchanger used to cool the hot synthesis gas product emerging from the gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of ethene, CO, and hydrogen in a reactor with a circulating fluidized bed with two independent sections, from feedstocks that contain hydrocarbons with at least 11 carbon atoms or from feedstocks with a high oxygen content, using a catalyst in particulate form. The method teaches that in one of the sections of the reactor, in the absence of oxygen, a catalyst containing a dehydrogenation metal promotes the cracking of the said feedstocks, facilitating the subsequent endothermic reactions. In the other section, the coke is burned with air and the heating of the catalyst is controlled, for the adjustment of the appropriate amount of energy that the heated catalyst will convey to the section in which the endothermic reactions take place. The total ethene yield of the process according to the present invention is approximately 20% by weight in relation to the feedstock.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting a carbonaceous material to a desired product comprising one or more hydrocarbons or one or more alcohols, the process comprising: (A) gasifying the carbonaceous material at a temperature in excess of about 700° C. to form synthesis gas; and (B) flowing the synthesis gas in a microchannel reactor in contact with a catalyst to convert the synthesis gas to the desired product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a technique which allows biomass to be utilized as a fuel for the co-production of electrical power and potable water in a most efficient manner. Almost any biomass is suitable as a feedstock and biomass which is locally available may be used to fuel the process. The biomass is fed into a gasification device to produce a gas stream containing appreciable amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas stream is used to fuel an electrical generation system Waste heat from the electrical generation system is recovered and used in the purification of saline, brakish or river and well water to produce highly pure potable water.

Abstract: A process and system suitable for producing syngas from biomass materials. The process and system entail the compaction of a loose biomass material to remove air therefrom and form a compacted biomass material. The compacted biomass material is then introduced into a reactor and heated in the substantial absence of air so as not to combust the compacted biomass material. Instead, the compacted biomass material is heated to a temperature at which organic molecules within the compacted biomass material break down to form ash and gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Thereafter, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas are released from the reactor, and the ash is removed from the reactor.