Combined reactor and method for the production of synthetic fuels

Abstract

A method for producing synthetic fuels is provided in which a feedstock containing polymers from a wide variety of sources is re-formed into a more satisfactory fuel source for producing heat, electricity, powering vehicles and the like. The feedstock can comprise scrap rubber, plastic and / or plant matter or other materials that are not particularly well suited for use as fuels in their existing state. The system can involve breaking long polymer molecules and / or carbohydrate molecules into shorter chain hydrocarbon radicals and then forming a fuel of hydrocarbons of selected length via what can be anaerobic and anhydrous reactions. The process can be environmentally friendly, producing no net greenhouse gases.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to provisional application No. 60 / 927,552, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Wood and coal have been a principle source of fuel for hundreds of years. In modern times, petroleum has become a primary commodity for the generation of energy. Petroleum has had the advantages of relatively low cost and ease of transportation and storage because of its liquid consistency. Further, petroleum is readily amenable to fractionation and conversion into a variety of valuable industrial products such as fuels, building products, chemical intermediates and the like.[0003]International developments have led to increase in the price of this crude oil. The consumption of petroleum has been increasing exponentially and concomitantly the readily available world petroleum supply has diminished. Governments and industrial concerns are dedicating increased attention to al...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chemical reactions take place in an organic liquid phase. The hydrocarbon output of reactions in accordance with the invention can be recycled and use as the organic liquid, such as that combined with the initial feedstock, to ensure a substantially air free system and to assist in the downsizing of the feedstock solids. The recycled hydrocarbon output is at elevated temperature. Thus, the recycled stream aids in the initial elevation of feedstock temperature and reduces instances of charring. Recycling the output can also lead to branched chain hydrocarbons, which tend to increase octane or cetane ratings.

[0019]Preferred reactors are in the form of horizontal tubes. The tubes are preferably formed of steel. The tubes are capable of containing liquid at over 700° F. and 500 psig. An internal screw is used to move the reactants in plug-flow, through the reactor at controlled speeds. Electrical heating elements on the reactor surfaces advantageously control the temperature of the reactors. Measuring the temperature and viscosity at the output can provide valuable feedback for controlling the heating elements and screw speed.

Problems solved by technology

The feedstock can comprise scrap rubber, plastic and / or organic matter or other materials that are not particularly well suited for use as fuels in their existing state.

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