Method and apparatus for depositing agents upon and within bio-char
US8197573B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249957
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for depositing agents relatively deep within pores of bio-char. Bio-char is first produced in an airtight oven by heating biomass feedstock. The bio-char is then cooled and steam is diffused into the pores of the bio-char. The steam-laden bio-char is immersed in a liquid bath containing soluble agents that are to be deposited in the pores of the bio-char. The liquid bath cools the char to below the condensation temperature of the steam, whereupon the condensing steam generates a partial vacuum within the pores, drawing the liquid into the pores. The bio-char is then removed from the liquid bath and dried so that the liquid within the pores evaporates, leaving behind the soluble agent. Accordingly, the invention yields bio-char that has soluble agent embedded relatively deep within its pores.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.