Methods and apparatus for producing syngas and alcohols
AssigneeRange Fuels, Inc.
InventorsRobert E. Klepper, Francis M. Ferraro, Shakeel H. Tirmizi, Arie Geertsema, Jerrod Hohman, Ronald C. Stites
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Abstract
This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. Some variations employ eductors for facilitating flow of solid and gas phases in the processes of the invention. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
Claims32
An apparatus comprising a multiple-stage devolatilization unit configured (i) for both a gas phase and a solid phase to pass through a first stage of said devolatilization unit, (ii) for at least a portion of said gas phase to be removed prior to passing through a final stage of said devolatilization unit, and (iii) for said solid phase to pass through said final stage.
A method of devolatilizing a carbon-containing feed material, said method comprising:
- (a) devolatilizing said carbon-containing feed material in a devolatilization unit to form a gas phase and a solid phase;
- (b) removing at least a portion of said gas phase from said devolatilization unit;
- and
- (c) passing said solid phase through all of said devolatilization unit, wherein said gas phase comprises carbon monoxide.
An apparatus for producing syngas, said apparatus comprising a devolatilization unit capable of devolatilizing a carbon-containing feed material to form a gas phase and a solid phase, in communication with a heated reaction vessel capable of producing syngas from said gas phase and said solid phase, wherein said devolatilization unit is further in communication with a first inlet for oxygen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.