System and process for thermochemical treatment of matter containing organic compounds

Abstract

The present document describes a system and a process for the thermochemical treatment a matter containing organic compounds such as biomass, for the production of useful energetic products such as biochar, bio-oil and gases from non-condensed vapors. The system comprises a reactor comprising a feedstock reservoir having entry and exit, a thermochemical reaction chamber having an entrance disposed under and coupled to the reservoir exit, an exit, and a first heating means for thermal treatment of the matter to produce a solid and a vapor. The system also comprises a feeder having at least one substantially vertical auger operatively coupled to the feedstock reservoir and the thermochemical reaction chamber exit to drive the matter downwardly from the feedstock reservoir exit through the thermochemical reaction chamber. A chamber for separation of the solid from the vapor which maintains the vapor in a gaseous state has an entrance coupled to the thermochemical reaction chamber exit, and an exit for exit of said vapor. The system also comprises a controller, operatively coupled to the first heating means for controlling temperature of the thermochemical reaction chamber, and a pump operatively coupled to the separation chamber exit for maintaining a light vacuum within the reactor and for helping exit of the vapor.