Methods for the manufacture of fuel pellets and other products from lignocellulosic biomass
OwnerKenneth Hillel Peter Harrisinventor
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for producing products, such as fuel pellets, from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight is introduced into a reactor. A vacuum of less than about 500 torr is applied to the reactor. Steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. is injected into the reactor. The biomass is maintained in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes. The treated biomass having a moisture content less than about 30% by weight is removed from the reactor. Treated biomass is formed into a pellet.
Claims26
A method for producing fuel pellets, comprising the steps of:
- introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor;
- applying a vacuum to the reactor;
- injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. into the reactor;
- maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes;
- and
- removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
A pellet used as a fuel source prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
- introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor;
- applying a vacuum to the reactor;
- injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. into the reactor;
- maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes;
- and
- removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.