Methods and apparatus for producing syngas and alcohols
AssigneeRange Fuels, Inc.
InventorsLeo E. MANZER, William B. Schafer
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Abstract
The present invention features methods and apparatus for the pyrolysis or torrefaction of a carbon-containing feedstock before it is converted to syngas. In some embodiments, biomass is first pretreated by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, followed by devolatilization and/or steam reforming to produce syngas. Various mixtures of such pretreated biomass, combined with fresh biomass, can be employed to produce syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
Claims28
A method of forming syngas, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) pyrolyzing or torrefying a carbon-containing first feed material to form a pyrolyzed or torrefied first feed material;
- and
- (b) converting the pyrolyzed or torrefied first feed material into syngas.
A method of forming syngas, the method comprising converting a pyrolyzed or torrefied first feed material and a second carbon-containing feed material that has not been pyrolyzed or torrefied into syngas.
A method of forming syngas, the method comprising the steps of:
- (a) devolatilizing a pyrolyzed or torrefied first feed material to form a gas phase and solid phase in a devolatilization unit;
- and
- (b) passing the gas phase and solid phase through a heated reaction vessel to form syngas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.