Enhancements for low cost autothermal pyrolyzer
AssigneeCummins Inc.
InventorsJohn Robert Pendray, Gregory J. Mitchum
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for generating biochar includes a reactor body with a wall defining a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising a first end positioned opposite a second end and defining an opening extending through the reactor body. A conduit is positioned within the reactor body, extends across the opening, and defines a slot configured to direct a fluid toward the first end. An extraction cone is coupled with the first end of the reactor body and is configured to direct biochar away from the reactor body. A cover is coupled with the second end of the reactor body and is configured to direct exhaust gas away from the reactor body.
Claims18
A system for generating biochar, comprising:
- a reactor body comprising a wall with a first end positioned opposite a second end and defining an opening extending through the reactor body;
- a cover coupled with the second end of the reactor body, the cover configured to direct gas away from the reactor body;
- an extraction cone coupled with the first end of the reactor body, the extraction cone configured to direct biochar away from the reactor body;
- a conduit positioned within the reactor body and extending across the opening, the conduit comprising:
- a first surface defining a slot through which a fluid flows, and
- a second surface positioned opposite the first surface and between the first surface and the cover;
- a metering device positioned within the extraction cone and configured to direct the biochar out of the extraction cone;
- and
- a controller configured to receive information regarding rate of biomass through the extraction cone such that (i) if the rate of biomass through the extraction cone is below a lower threshold, the controller increases a speed of the metering device, increasing the rate of biomass through the extraction cone and (ii) if the rate of biomass through the extraction cone is above an upper threshold, the controller decreases the speed of the metering device.
A method for generating biochar, comprising:
- introducing a biomass into a reactor body via a biomass inlet in communication with the reactor body;
- heating the biomass and converting the biomass into biochar and biogas by directing hot air into the reactor body via a conduit;
- directing the biogas from the reactor body towards a gas collection portion;
- maintaining the biochar at an elevated temperature for a period of time to remove impurities in the biochar;
- cooling the biochar in the reactor body or an extraction cone coupled to the reactor body;
- directing the biochar through the extraction cone via a first metering device;
- and
- controlling a speed of the first metering device via a controller, the controller configured to receive information regarding rate of biomass through the extraction cone such that (i) if the rate of biomass through the extraction cone is below a lower threshold, the controller increases the speed of the first metering device, increasing the rate of biomass through the extraction cone and (ii) if the rate of biomass through the extraction cone is above an upper threshold, the controller decreases the speed of the first metering device, decreasing the rate of biomass through the extraction cone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.