Multi-zone reforming methods and apparatus for conversion of devolatilized biomass to syngas
AssigneeRange Fuels, Inc.
InventorsRonald C. STITES, Kevin T. Biehle, Robert E. Klepper, Richard Ridley
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Abstract
The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.
Claims41
A reformer system comprising:
- (a) an input stream(s) to said reformer system;
- (b) a first zone capable of reducing the molecular weight of refractory tars, if present in said input stream(s), wherein said first zone has a first output stream;
- (c) a second zone capable of steam reforming of methane, if present in said input stream(s) or in said first output stream, wherein said second zone has a second output stream;
- wherein said input stream(s) is in communication with said first zone, and
- wherein said first zone is in communication with said second zone.
A method of producing syngas, said method comprising:
- (a) combining a carbon-containing feedstock, including refractory tars, with steam, thereby generating an input stream;
- (b) introducing said input stream into a first reaction zone under conditions effective to reduce the molecular weight of said refractory tars, thereby generating a first output stream including methane;
- and
- (c) introducing said first output stream into a second reaction zone under conditions effective to steam reform at least some of said methane, thereby generating a second output stream including syngas.
A method of producing ethanol, said method comprising:
- (a) devolatilizing biomass to produce devolatilized biomass and refractory tars;
- (b) combining said devolatilized biomass and refractory tars, with steam, thereby generating a first stream;
- (c) introducing said first stream into a first reaction zone under conditions effective to reduce the molecular weight of said refractory tars, thereby generating a second stream including methane;
- (d) introducing said second stream into a second reaction zone under conditions effective to steam reform at least some of said methane, thereby generating a third including syngas;
- and
- (e) converting at least a portion of said syngas to ethanol under suitable catalyzed reaction conditions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.