METHODS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FUEL PELLETS AND OTHER PRODUCTS FROM LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS
First Claim
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1. A method for producing fuel pellets, comprising the steps of:
- introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor;
applying a vacuum to the reactor;
injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180°
C. and about 235°
C. into the reactor;
maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes; and
removing the treated biomass from the reactor.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for producing products, such as fuel pellets, from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight is introduced into a reactor. A vacuum of less than about 500 torr is applied to the reactor. Steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. is injected into the reactor. The biomass is maintained in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes. The treated biomass having a moisture content less than about 30% by weight is removed from the reactor. Treated biomass is formed into a pellet.
26 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for producing fuel pellets, comprising the steps of:
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introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor; applying a vacuum to the reactor; injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180°
C. and about 235°
C. into the reactor;maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes; and removing the treated biomass from the reactor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A pellet used as a fuel source prepared by a process comprising the steps of:
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introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor; applying a vacuum to the reactor; injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180°
C. and about 235°
C. into the reactor;maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes; and removing the treated biomass from the reactor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification