Pyrolysis vapor rapid filtration and conversion to fuel

Abstract

The present disclosure pertains to biomass pyrolysis processes and systems that decrease entrainment of char and other contaminants in the pyrolysis vapors by filtering the vapors in a heated container comprising a moving bed granular filter (MBGF), which in turn, comprises granular heat carrier. The granular heat carrier is heated within the MBGF and fed directly to the pyrolysis reactor, optionally along with filtered solids such as char. In certain embodiments, the MBGF additionally comprises at least one upgrading catalyst that contacts the vapors to produce a hydrocarbon mixture fungible with a petroleum-derived transportation fuel, a hydrocarbon transportation fuel component, or mixtures thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 699,000 filed Sep. 10, 2012, entitled “Generating Deoxygenated Pyrolysis Vapors,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]None.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]This disclosure relates to systems and methods for the fast pyrolysis of organic matter to produce transportation fuel. More specifically, it relates to the rapid removal of entrained char particulates from pyrolysis vapors, and optionally, catalytic modification of pyrolysis vapors created during the fast pyrolysis of organic matter to create a hydrocarbon transportation fuel or a component thereof.BACKGROUND[0004]The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) mandate requires increasing volumes of advanced biofuels to be produced. One method being developed to meet this mandate is the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The inventive processes and systems disclosed herein provide a solution to the problem of catalyst fouling and poisoning over time, as well as the plugging of catalyst beds that receive raw pyrolysis vapors carrying entrained char particles. The processes and systems disclosed herein also minimize the delay between production of the pyrolysis vapors and catalytic upgrading to products that are fungible with petroleum-derived transportation fuels, or a component thereof.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional pyrolysis methods and systems have suffered from either 1) char carry-over in the pyrolysis vapors, leading to deactivation of downstream upgrading catalysts, or 2) use of separation devices such as conventional filter and cyclones to remove char from pyrolysis vapors, which results in an undesirable delay prior to either quenching or catalytically upgrading the pyrolysis vapors.

Such delay can allow undesirable secondary reactions to occur that produce excessively large molecular weight products that are difficult to further upgrade into a transportation fuel.

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