Biological Clean Fuel Processing Systems and Methods

Abstract

Methods and systems to achieve clean fuel processing systems in which carbon dioxide emissions (1) from fossil fuel consumption sources (2) may be processed in at least one processing reactor (4) containing a plurality of chemoautotrophic bacteria (5) which can convert the carbon dioxide emissions into biomass (6) which may then be used for various products (21) such as biofuels, fertilizer, feedstock, or the like. Sulfate reducing bacteria (13) may be used to supply sulfur containing compounds to the chemoautotrophic bacteria (5).

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application is an international PCT application claiming priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 228,898 filed Jul. 27, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 358,700 filed Jun. 25, 2010, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This invention relates to the technical field of clean processing systems, specifically, methods and apparatus for capturing and converting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption sources. Through perhaps the use of chemoautotrophic bacteria, the invention provides apparatus and methods that can be used to capture and reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Carbon sequestration is a topic receiving enormous attention in the media and among government agencies and industries involved in fossil fuel production and use. Combustion of fossil fuels is responsible for approximately 83% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a system and method for capturing and converting carbon dioxide from emissions. This can be integrated into existing fossil fuel combustion sources like power plants and natural gas fuel cell plants. The captured carbon dioxide can be reprocessed or directly injected into the combustion facility. The invention aims to utilize carbon dioxide as a value-added product of fossil-fuel power plants and reduce carbon emissions, improve plant efficiency, and enhance economic and energy security of the U.S. The invention is also environmentally responsible, economically viable, and can create new green jobs."

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, the utilization of this technology can be relatively rapid compared to other options for carbon capture such as geologic sequestration which may still require years of testing and modeling as well as sophisticated site characterization and large capital costs with each deployment to ensure injection activities do not create a legacy of potential liability for end users and future generations of Americans.

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