Patent · US Active

Modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass to syngas

US8366796B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
14References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 1, 2008
Grant dateFeb 5, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 15, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P30/20
  • WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.