System, method and apparatus for feeding biomass into a pressurized vessel

An apparatus for feeding biomass into a pressurized vessel, the apparatus comprising:

• a screw feeding housing;
• a drive motor;
• a screw wherein the screw includes a first flight, a second flight and a bare portion and wherein the first flight diameter is larger than the second flight diameter;
• a barrel within the housing, wherein the screw is within the barrel;
• a low friction liner within the barrel towards the barrel outlet;
• a biomass inlet, wherein the biomass is dropped in the biomass inlet and the screw feeds the biomass into the pressurized vessel;
• a compression disk attached to an actuator, wherein the compression disk compresses the biomass before it drops into the pressurized vessel;
• a monitor for determining if any biomass or gases backflows into the barrel;
• a control loop that controls the actuator and compression disk and the drive motor and screw and adjusts accordingly to produce a biomass plug that seals against pressure.