Pyrobiomethane process

A method for enhancing the anaerobic treatment of a first lignocellulose-containing material, comprising the steps of:

• introducing a first lignocellulose-containing material to an anaerobic biotreatment step wherein methanogenic microorganisms produce a methane-containing biogas and an aqueous stream containing residual biosolids;
• separating said biogas from said aqueous stream containing biosolids;
• dewatering said residual biosolids;
• subjecting said residual biosolids materials to a low-temperature, long-time pyrolysis to produce a pyrolysis product;
• condensing said pyrolysis product to produce (a) a liquid pyroligneous acid wherein a substantial portion is comprised of wood alcohol and wood vinegar, (b) a pyrogas containing methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and water, and (c) pyrosolids including char and ash materials;
• separating said pyroligneous acid, pyrogas and pyrosolids;
• introducing said pyroligneous acid to said biotreatment step;
• introducing at least a portion of said pyrogas to said biotreatment step, wherein said introduced pyrogas portion mixes with said biogas produced in said biotreatment step;
• and
• separating and removing said mixed pyrogas and biogas for use as a fuel gas.