Rapid compression apparatus for treatment of moisture-containing bio-material

An apparatus for treatment of a moisture-containing or water-laden material, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongated barrel of fixed volume extending along a longitudinal axis, the barrel having a feeding section for receiving moisture-containing material from a feeder;
• a compression screw positioned within the barrel extending along the length of the barrel along the longitudinal axis;
• and
• at least one flow disrupter located on an inner surface of the barrel and projecting into a passageway formed by the screw and the barrel;
• wherein the barrel is adapted to receive, heat, and mix the moisture-containing material along the longitudinal axis defined by the barrel and the screw and output a heat treated bio-product and exhaust gas.

A method of treating a moisture-containing or water-laden material to produce a bio-product, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a moisture-containing or water-laden material;
• providing a rapid compression unit (RCU) system including:
• an RCU apparatus having a compression screw, a barrel, and one or more flow disrupters mounted on an interior surface of the barrel positioned in a passageway formed between the screw and the interior surface of the barrel, the screw operable to rotate at a speed to produce friction and compression to generate a desired elevated temperature within the barrel;
• and
• a feeding mechanism adapted to receive the material and feed the material to the RCU apparatus,
• feeding the moisture-containing or water-laden material to the RCU system using the feeding mechanism;
• mixing and heating the moisture-containing or water laden material in the RCU apparatus such that the moisture-containing or water laden material separates into at least steam and a bio-product material;
• and
• removing the bio-product material from the RCU apparatus.