Systems, methods and compositions relating to combustible biomaterials

Abstract

A method for washing biomass is described. The method includes: (i) receiving a first discrete amount of biomass; (ii) receiving a second discrete amount of biomass; (iii) washing the first discrete amount of biomass with solvent to produce a first effluent stream enriched with inorganic material; and (iv) washing the second discrete amount of biomass with the first effluent stream to produce a second effluent solvent stream.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application having Ser. No. 61 / 326,998, filed on Apr. 22, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to production of combustible biomaterials. More particularly, the present invention relates to novel systems, methods, and compositions relating to production of combustible biomaterials from one or more different types of agricultural residue.[0004]2. Background of the Invention[0005]High demand for fuel and energy, and a decrease in conventional energy supplies, such as oil and natural gas, are driving exploration of renewable energy sources such as biofuels. Renewable energy sources are desirable because they are available long after conventional energy supplies have been depleted. Specifically, biomass, a resource abundantly and renewably present in nature, is the source for pro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for making combustible biomass with reduced fouling and slagging in the combustion chamber. The method involves rupturing biomass to produce ruptured biomass with inorganic material, and then washing the ruptured biomass with solvent to remove the inorganic material. The solvent can be recycled and the washing process can be carried out at a temperature between 10°C and 70°C. The method can be used with various types of biomass, such as rice straw, sugar cane leaves, and pine needles. The inorganic material can be an inorganic salt. The combustible biomass can be pyrolyzed to produce a solvent, which can be recycled and used again in the process. The method also includes steps of soaking the ruptured biomass in the solvent before washing it to remove any residual solvent. The resulting combustible biomass has reduced fouling and slagging in the combustion chamber."

Problems solved by technology

In an attempt to harness energy from biomass, conventional systems and methods attempt to burn biomass in biomass-fired combustors at industrial-grade temperatures, typically ranging from 800° C. to 1200° C. Unfortunately, such attempts are futile because biomass treated in this manner simply cannot burn without causing severe clogging and fouling in the equipment used to effect combustion, such as combustion chamber, heat exchanger, and air ducts.

Moreover, because biomass contains inorganic compounds and salts, high-temperature treatment of biomass according to conventional attempts suffers from certain drawbacks.

As another example, at high temperatures inside the combustion chamber, the silicates combine and fuse with the salts of potassium and sodium to form silica glass chunks, sometimes called clinkers, which also accumulate on and clog the provisions for ash disposal.

Such undesirable accumulations of ash and silica glass chunks result in fouling and slagging inside the combustion chamber, eventually leading to a decline in combustor efficiency and capacity.

Specifically, heat efficiency during the attempted combustion process is significantly diminished, and restricted flow through the combustor causes mechanical damage.

To this end, premature shutdown of the system for maintenance and removal of the accumulated undesired deposits is necessary.

As a result, conventional systems and processes realize lower throughput for energy production.

More than that, there may well be permanent damage to the combustor (e.g., it may undergo corrosion, or require significant repair, or even replacement).

This translates into increased capital costs for the conventional systems and processes, which rely on biomass for energy production.

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