US 7,334,345 B2 · Biomass converters and processes

Abstract

This invention pertains to a bio-mass processing system, and method of processing waste bio-mass, wherein one or more mixers mixes a bed of bio-mass material such as manure at substantially any and all locations in a defined length and width portion of the bed, in a dryer. Heated air percolates upwardly through the bed. Separation apparatus separates a relatively dryer fraction of the bio-mass material from the dryer. The separated finished product from the dryer is optionally fed to a boiler where the dried bio-mass material is burned. Heat of combustion from the boiler is used as dryer heat for drying the bio-mass feed material in the dryer. Excess heat is optionally used to produce steam, which powers a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. Residual ash from the combustion process comprises about 2% by weight of the solids content of e.g. a feed stream coming into the dryer.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A continuous process bio-dryer, comprising:

(a) a containment receptacle having a feed end and an exit end, and a length between the feed end and the exit end, a floor, and one or more upstanding walls extending upwardly from the floor;
(b) one or more mixers adapted to mix a bed of generally solid bio-mass material in said receptacle, said one or more mixers being mounted relative to said receptacle so as to be longitudinally and transversely movable relative to said receptacle;
(c) air ducting proximate the floor of said receptacle effective to disperse air into said receptacle in a pattern which extends along the length and width of said receptacle;
and
(d) separation apparatus separating relatively dryer finished product from a relatively wetter remainder fraction of said bio-mass material being processed.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Biomass converters and processes

Life of this patent

Biomass converters and processes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21