Integrated method for producing a fuel component from biomass and system therefor

Abstract

Disclosed here are integrated methods and systems for producing fuel from biomass. The methods and systems pertain to gasifying a feed derived from biomass fermentate separation residue, such as corn-based distiller's grains, and producing a liquid transportation fuel component, such as aviation turbine fuel, from the gasified feed in a hydrocarbon synthesis reactor. At least a portion of the waste heat from the hydrocarbon synthesis reactor is supplied to a thermal process for liquefying, fermenting or distilling a biomass, or to a thermal process for separating or treating a biomass fermentate separation residue.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional utility application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of prior-filed copending provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 953,364, filed 1, Aug. 2007, entitled “Methods For Converting Biomass Into Transportation Fuel By Integrating Gasification And Fischer-Tropsch Conversion Systems Into Existing Ethanol Plants”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to integrated methods and systems for converting biomass into fuels. In particular, some embodiments herein relate to integrated methods for converting corn-based biomass into aviation jet fuel.[0003]The United States imports over 60% of its transportation fuel. Any significant disruption overseas could result in significant deleterious effects to the current transportation capabilities and economy of the United States and elsewhere. Moreover, conventional transportation fuels ha...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Any significant disruption overseas could result in significant deleterious effects to the current transportation capabilities and economy of the United States and elsewhere.

Moreover, conventional transportation fuels have become associated with an undesirable elevation in greenhouse gas emissions, which are thought to contribute to global climate change.

However, as the number of ethanol plants continues to multiply, the market for biomass fermentate distillation residues such as distiller's grain becomes increasingly saturated, resulting in a steady decline in prices and threatening an important revenue stream for ethanol plant owners.

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