Orthogonal pyrolysis system and associated methods

Abstract

A pyrolysis system for biomass includes a pyrolysis chamber having a chamber inlet end and chamber outlet end and an outer pyrolysis chamber having inner and outer chamber walls formed generally concentric to each other defining an outer passage extending between the chamber inlet end and chamber outlet end. An inner pyrolysis chamber has an inner passage extending between the chamber inlet and outlet ends. Outer and inner heating elements are arranged at the outer and inner chamber walls, respectively. A pyrolysis auger advances pyrolyzing biomass from the chamber inlet end to the chamber outlet end. The inner pyrolysis chamber, inner heating elements, pyrolysis auger, outer pyrolysis chamber and outer heating elements are generally concentric. A biomass feed extruder advances biomass orthogonally into the pyrolysis chamber.