Range Fuels, Inc.

Other

Albemarle Corporation

Bioconversion Technology LLC

Robert E Klepper

Shakeel H Tirmizi

Francis Michael Ferraro

Ronald C Stites

Arie Geertsema

Richard Ridley

Heinz Juergen Robota

Kevin T Biehle

Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to alcohols. The alcohols can be subjected to drying to produce an intermediate alcohol product, followed by distilling the intermediate product to produce a purified ethanol product for use in liquid fuels.

Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas

This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Methods for producing syngas

Methods and apparatus for producing syngas and alcohols

The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.

Multi-zone reforming methods and apparatus for conversion of devolatilized biomass to syngas

An apparatus designed to form syn gas from carbonaceous materials such as coal includes a devolatilization reactor in combination with a reformer reactor which subsequently forms syn gas. The reformer reactor, in turn, is in communication with a particulate separator. The devolatilization reactor is fed with material using a compression feeder which drives air from the feed material, compresses it in a feed zone forming a seal between the feed hopper and the devolatilization reactor. The reformer reactor, as well as the particulate separators, are maintained in a heated furnace so that the temperature of the formed syn gas does not decrease below the reaction temperature until particulate material has been separated.

Method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas from waste materials

A method of producing syn gas from biomass or other carbonaceous material utilizes a controlled devolatilization reaction in which the temperature of the feed material is maintained at less than 450&#xb0; F. until most available oxygen is consumed. This minimizes pyrolysis of the feed material. The method and apparatus utilizes the formed synthesis gas to provide the energy for the necessary gasification. This provides for a high purity syn gas and avoids production of slag.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Robert E Klepper