Methods and apparatus for producing syngas and alcohols

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.

Description

PRIORITY DATA[0001]This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61 / 014,408, 61 / 014,410, 61 / 014,412, and 61 / 014,415, each filed Dec. 17, 2007, and each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to flexible, efficient, and scalable methods and systems to convert carbonaceous materials (such as biomass) into synthesis gas and other downstream products (such as alcohols).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Synthesis gas (hereinafter referred to as “syngas”) is a mixture of gas comprising predominantly hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Syngas is essentially a gaseous mixture of stable molecules that contain the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Syngas is a platform intermediate in the chemical and biorefining industries and has a vast number of uses, as is well-known in the art. Syngas can be converted into alkanes, olefins, oxyge...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]A second aspect relates to apparatus for practicing some embodiments of the invention. In some of these embodiments, an apparatus is provided for producing syngas comprising a pyrolysis and/or torrefaction reactor in communication with a dev

Problems solved by technology

When biomass feedstocks are used, a significant portion of feedstock costs can be attributed to the handling associated with moving the feedstocks from their point of production to their point of further conversion or use.

Handling solid forms of biomass is expensive for a number of reasons, including the number of operations required and the low bulk density of the feedstocks, which causes high transportation costs.

Much of this biomass, however, is located in remote locations.

Economical transportation of biomass is usually limited to a distance of up to about 75 miles because of transportation costs.

Thus, there is a significant amount of feedstock in locations that extend beyond the range of economical transportation using standard methods.