Roasting reactor system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a roasting reactor system comprising three or more reactors and a series of stations comprising a discharge and loading station, a roasting station, and a cooling station, wherein each station is connected to a different reactor, and all stations are connected to the reactors. Reactors are configured to be disconnected from the discharge and loading station and the roasting station and to be physically moved and connected to the next station in the series of stations, and to be disconnected from the cooling station and to be physically moved to the discharge and loading station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roasting reactor configuration comprising four or more reactors. This configuration further comprises means for discharging roasted biomass and loading a biomass feedstock, means for drying the biomass feedstock, means for roasting the dried biomass, and means for cooling the obtained roasted biomass. The present invention further relates to the process of subjecting biomass feed to roasting in the roasting reactor configuration of the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] Such a reactor system is described in International Publication No. 2020 / 245337. This publication describes a configuration of an 8-batch reactor operated simultaneously in cycles of 5 to 10 minutes. At any given moment, one batch reactor is emptied of roasted biomass and filled with fresh biomass feed. Simultaneously, two batch reactors filled with biomass feed in the previous cycle are fluid-connected to a drying gas system path, and this gas is brought into direct contact with the fresh biomass feed, and the contents of the reactor are dried. Three batch reactors with dried biomass obtained in the previous cycle are connected to a closed roasting gas path, and the contents of these reactors are roasted. Two reactors with roasted biomass obtained in the previous cycle are connected to a closed cooling gas path to cool the contents of these reactors. In this configuration, the biomass is not transported to the next reactor. Instead, the steps of filling, drying, roasting, cooling, and emptying are performed within the same reactor. Such a reactor configuration is particularly suitable for fibrous biomass that is difficult to move from one reactor to the next. In this configuration, at the end of the cycle, different gas paths need to be disconnected and connected to the reactors. This publication describes a rotary valve for achieving this purpose. The problem associated with this configuration is the complex rotary valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 245337 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The objective of the present invention is to provide a roasting reactor configuration that is simpler than the roasting reactor configuration of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This objective is achieved by the following reactor system: a roasting reactor system, Three or more reactors, each having a gas inlet opening, a gas outlet opening, a solid inlet opening, and a solid outlet opening, A series of stations comprising a discharge and loading station, a roasting station, and a cooling station, each station being, A series of stations, each connected to a different reactor, such that the discharge and loading stations are connected to at least one solid inlet opening and solid outlet opening of the reactor, It is equipped with, The roasting station is fluid-connected to at least one gas inlet and gas outlet of the reactor. The cooling station is fluidly connected to at least one gas inlet and gas outlet of the reactor. The reactor is configured to be disconnected from the discharge and loading station and the roasting station, and to be physically moved and connected to the next station in the series of stations, and to be disconnected from the cooling station and to be physically moved to the discharge and loading station. Roasting reactor system.

[0006] The applicant has found that rotary valves can be omitted from the system by physically moving reactors from one station to the next in a series of stations. This system allows for the simultaneous emptying and refilling of reactors, roasting in another reactor, and cooling of roasted biomass in yet another reactor. For example, once sufficient roasting and / or cooling time has elapsed, the reactors can be detached from their respective stations and physically moved to the next station.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a step of subjecting biomass to roasting by repeatedly performing actions (a), (c), and (d) simultaneously, followed by performing action (e), as performed in a roasting reactor system as described herein. Operation (a) includes emptying roasted biomass from at least one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station in order to obtain an empty reactor, and loading biomass into the empty reactor to obtain loaded biomass, Action (c) includes bringing the loaded biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the roasting station into contact with an inert gas having a temperature of 220°C to 300°C, thereby obtaining roasted biomass. The process (d) involves contacting roasted biomass present in at least one reactor connected to a cooling gas having a temperature between 10°C and 100°C, thereby obtaining cooled roasted biomass. The action (e) is, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the discharge and loading station, physically moving and connecting it to the roasting station, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the roasting station, physically moving them to the cooling station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the cooling station, physically moving them to the discharge and loading station, and connecting them there. Includes.

[0008] In the system of the present invention, if the biomass supply is very dry with a moisture content of less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 3 wt%, the drying station may be omitted. If the biomass is not very dry, the system preferably includes a drying station. Preferably, such a system has at least four reactors, and the series of stations includes a discharge and loading station, a drying station, a roasting station, and a cooling station, the drying station being fluidly connected to at least one of the reactors, and at least one reactor being disconnected from the drying station and moved to and connected to the next station.

[0009] A system with a drying station allows for the simultaneous emptying and refilling of reactors, drying of biomass in another reactor, roasting in yet another reactor, and cooling of roasted biomass in yet another different reactor. For example, once sufficient drying, roasting, and / or cooling time has elapsed, the reactors can be detached from their respective stations and physically moved to the next station.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention also relates to a process of subjecting biomass to roasting by repeatedly performing actions (a) to (d) simultaneously, followed by performing action (e), as performed in a roasting reactor system as described herein. Operation (a) includes emptying roasted biomass from at least one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station in order to obtain at least one empty reactor, and loading biomass into at least one empty reactor to obtain loaded biomass, The operation (b) involves bringing the loaded biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the drying station into contact with air having a temperature between 50°C and 150°C, thereby obtaining spent dry air and dry biomass. Action (c) includes bringing dry biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the roasting station into contact with an inert gas having a temperature between 220°C and 300°C, thereby obtaining roasted biomass. The operation (d) involves bringing roasted biomass present in at least one reactor connected to a cooling station into contact with a cooling gas having a temperature between 10°C and 100°C, thereby obtaining cooled roasted biomass. The action (e) is, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the discharge and loading station, physically moving them to the drying station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the drying station, physically moving them to the roasting station, and connecting them there. - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the roasting station, physically moving them to the cooling station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the cooling station, physically moving them to the discharge and loading station, and connecting them there. Includes.

[0011] The system results in reactors physically moving from one station to the next in a series of stations. The stations are physically separated so that reactors can be connected to only one station at a time. This movement may be any movement, such as linear or rotational. It is preferable that the reactors are configured to move on an endless rail system. This may be beneficial because it allows for linear movement of the reactors and, by lengthening the rails, can create space for manual loading and unloading of biomass and cooled roasted biomass, respectively. More preferably, the reactors are tubular reactors having reactor axes, mounted in parallel to each other's reactor axes within a tubular plane having a tubular axis of the tubular plane extending parallel to the reactor axes, and the reactors are configured to move around the tubular axis of the tubular plane. The latter is preferred because it allows for rotational movement from one station to the next and can be made more compact compared to the endless rail embodiment.

[0012] The reactor of the system or configuration may have any cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular, hexagonal, or circular. The reactor may be made from a drum, more preferably an ISO-compliant steel drum, and even more preferably an ISO-compliant steel drum, such as a fully open-head (FOH) drum. Preferably circular, this results in a tubular reactor having a tubular inner surface. A preferred tubular reactor is an elongated reactor, preferably an elongated tubular reactor with a length-to-inner diameter ratio of 3 to 10 (mm), preferably 5 to 10 (mm). The reactor walls are preferably relatively thin metal walls that allow for rapid heating and cooling in short cycle times of the process. Reinforcing ribs are preferably provided on the outside of the tubular walls to ensure sufficient mechanical integrity. An insulating layer may be present on the outside of the elongated tubular reactor.

[0013] The gas inlet opening is preferably located at one axial end of the reactor, and the gas outlet opening is located at the opposite axial end of the reactor. The gas inlet opening and / or gas outlet opening may be different from or the same as the solid inlet opening and / or solid outlet opening, as will be described later.

[0014] The roasting reactor system may have a vertical orientation in which the tubular axis of the system having rotational movement extends substantially vertically. Such an orientation is preferred when the reactor is used in a more industrial environment, for example, when multiple such reactor systems are operated in parallel. Emptying the formed roasted biomass from the reactor is easily done using gravity and optionally facilitated by a plunger that can penetrate the reactor from above only in action (a). Loading of biomass may also optionally be done using gravity facilitated by a plunger, preferably the same plunger used for unloading. One or more such parallel-operating vertical reactor systems may be located on the same floor of a multi-story building or structure. Biomass may preferably be supplied to the reactor system from a floor above the floor in which the reactor system is located. Roasted biomass may preferably be discharged to a floor below the floor in which the reactor system is located. Vertical orientation is also preferred when the reactor is configured to move on an endless rail system.

[0015] In small-scale operation, a roasting reactor system involving rotational movement may advantageously have a horizontal orientation with the tube axis extending substantially horizontally. In such a system, a multi-story building or structure as described above is not necessary. As a result, during use, the reactor moves from the lower part to the upper part of the reactor system and then back to the lower part again. The loading of biomass and the discharge of roasted biomass from the reactor can be performed using a horizontal plunger. In such a system, it is preferable for the reactor to have two open axial ends. The biomass enters through one end of the reactor and is distributed along the length of the reactor by the plunger. The discharge of the roasted biomass may be through the opening at the same axial end where the biomass was supplied to the reactor. Preferably, the roasted biomass is emptied through the opening on the opposite side of the other axial end of the reactor. In this way, the same plunger as described above can be used.

[0016] In all of the above reactor systems, it is preferable that removable sieves are provided at the openings at both axial ends. By means of the sieves, the biomass remains securely within the reactor even when the reactor is connected to the drying station, roasting station, and cooling station. When the reactor is connected to the discharge and loading stations, the sieve at the receiving opening can be removed when loading the biomass, and preferably, both sieves can be removed when emptying or discharging the roasted biomass to enable the plunger to enter the reactor.

[0017] The discharge and loading stations preferably include a horizontally or vertically movable plunger for a horizontally or vertically oriented reactor system. More preferably, the movable drive device of the discharge and loading stations is connected to the removable sieve at the biomass inlet of the reactor connected to the end of the station and is configured to form a movable plunger.

[0018] Preferably, four or more reactors have an opening at one axial end for receiving solids and a closable opening for discharging solids, which extends axially and is positioned downward, having both an open and a closed position. Such openings allow the reactor to be emptied quickly and easily. When such reactors are used, it is preferable that the discharge and loading stations are connected to at least one reactor at the bottom of the reactor system. In this way, emptying a reactor can be done without preventing other reactors from being emptied in the same way.

[0019] A loading station for horizontal or vertical orientation is preferably provided with a solids opening that is fluidly connected to an opening at one axial end of a reactor connected to the loading station. Solids can be supplied to this opening at one axial end of the reactor through the opening of the loading station. The loading station is preferably further provided with a hopper, and more preferably with a compression space. The compression space is fluidly connected at one end to a hopper for receiving solids and to the solids opening of the loading station.

[0020] In the reactor system, it is preferable that a removable sieve is provided at the opening at the axial end of the biomass receiving and a fixed sieve is provided at the opening at the opposite axial end. The reactor is configured such that the removable sieve, the fixed sieve, the inner wall of the reactor, and the closable opening for solid discharge in the closed position fix the solid inside the reactor, allowing the gas to flow from one end of the reactor to the opposite end through a gas-permeable sieve. When the reactor is connected to the drying station, roasting station, and cooling station as it performs operations (b), (c), and (d), the gas flows through the reactor and comes into direct contact with the biomass.

[0021] In the case of a tubular reactor, a closable opening for discharging solids, which extends axially and is positioned downward and has open and closed positions, preferably comprises one or more solid discharge doors that can be opened and closed, and when one or more doors are in the closed position, a tubular inner wall is formed inside the reactor. The doors are preferably connected to the tubular wall of the reactor along axially extending hinges with airtight seals, and the other axially extending end of a door forms an airtight closed space with another door, or in the case of a single door, with the wall of the tubular reactor, when the door is in the closed position. Preferably, the doors consist of two axially extending doors.

[0022] A reactor system without a drying station may comprise 3 to 11 reactors. Preferably, one or two reactors are connected to a discharge and loading station, two or three reactors to a roasting station, and one, two, or three reactors to a cooling station. More preferably, the reactor system comprises four reactors, with one reactor connected to a discharge and loading station, two reactors to a roasting station, and one reactor to a cooling station.

[0023] The reactor system may comprise 4 to 12 reactors. Preferably, one or two reactors are connected to the discharge and loading station, one, two, or three reactors to the drying station, two or three reactors to the roasting station, and one, two, or three reactors to the cooling station. More preferably, the reactor system comprises 8, more preferably 7 reactors, with one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station, two reactors to the drying station, two reactors to the roasting station, and two reactors to the cooling station. Even more preferably, the reactor system comprises 6 reactors, with one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station, two reactors to the drying station, two reactors to the roasting station, and one reactor to the cooling station. When 8 reactors are used, the extra reactor may be configured to be connected to any one station, preferably the drying station in the case of a very wet supply, or the roasting station in the case of a large biomass. The aforementioned connections occur when actions (a) to (d) of the process are performed. When action (e) is performed, that is, when the reactor physically moves to the next station, for example, when the mounted reactor rotates around the axis of the tubular plane, the reactor is disconnected to a different station.

[0024] The drying station preferably comprises a dry air outlet fluid-connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the drying station, and a spent dry air inlet fluid-connected to at least one reactor connected to the drying station. The drying station may further be connected to an air-drying gas path comprising an air heater and gas replacement means. Preferably, the temperature of the air is increased by mixing the air with exhaust gas and / or flare gas, as described below. When two or more reactors are connected to the drying station, the reactors are preferably arranged in a series along the flow of dry air. Thus, the dry air outlet of an upstream reactor is then fluid-connected to the inlet of a series of downstream reactors.

[0025] In action (b), the air supplied from the drying station has a temperature between 50°C and 150°C. The air may be heated by indirect heat exchange. In addition to, or instead of, indirect heat exchange, the air may be mixed with an inert gas. Preferably, the air contains exhaust gas. The exhaust gas is at least partially obtained by the combustion of the high-calorie gas obtained in action (c). Combustion may occur, for example, in the flare and / or furnace. Further carbon dioxide may be added to reduce the oxygen content.

[0026] The roasting station preferably comprises an inert roasting gas outlet fluid-connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the roasting station, and a spent roasting gas inlet fluid-connected to at least one reactor connected to the roasting station. The roasting station is further connected to a roasting gas path comprising an inert gas heater and gas replacement means. When two or more reactors are connected to the roasting station, the reactors are preferably arranged in a series along the flow of inert roasting gas. Thus, the inert roasting gas outlet of an upstream reactor is then fluid-connected to the inlets of the series of downstream reactors.

[0027] In action (c), the biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the roasting station is brought into contact with an inert gas having a temperature between 220°C and 300°C.

[0028] In the above process, the substantially inert gas in action (c) contains less than 3 vol.% oxygen. The presence of oxygen is practically unavoidable because some air may enter the gas path. Nevertheless, some oxygen can be advantageous as it provides some in-situ exothermic heating within the roasting reactor. Preferably, the substantially inert gas in action (c) includes the roasting gas obtained in action (c), or the combustion gas obtained when this roasting gas is burned, or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the substantially inert gas flows through a roasting gas path comprising a gas heater, gas replacement means, and biomass holding space in one or more reactors. The substantially inert gas used in action (c) at the start of the process preferably contains more than 50 vol%, preferably more than 95 vol%, carbon dioxide. Eventually, the circulating gas consists of biomass-derived hydrocarbons and becomes a high-calorie gas. This gas may be used in the furnace of the gas heater. The purge gas and excess high-calorie gas are preferably burned in the flare.

[0029] The air heater and the substantially inert gas heater are preferably a single device. The required heat is supplied by the combustion of the high-calorie gas obtained in action (c). Preferably, some additional fuel is used to meet the total energy demand of the roasting process. This additional fuel may be any gaseous or solid fuel. Preferably, a portion of the dried or roasted biomass is used as this additional fuel. Such a heater in which roasting gas and dried or roasted biomass are used as fuel may be, for example, a mobile grate incinerator. The air used in action (b) and the substantially inert gas used in action (c) are preferably heated, for example, in such a mobile grate incinerator, by indirect heat exchange with the combustion gas obtained when burning the roasting gas and dried or roasted biomass.

[0030] The cooling station comprises a cooling gas outlet fluidly connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the cooling station, and a spent cooling gas inlet connected to at least one reactor connected to the cooling station, the cooling station further connected to a cooling gas path comprising a gas cooler and gas replacement means. Cooling of the gas may be achieved by direct contact with a water spray.

[0031] In the cooling process (d), roasted biomass present in at least one reactor is cooled by bringing it into direct contact with a cooling gas having a temperature between 10°C and 100°C, thereby obtaining cooled roasted biomass. The cooling gas may be process exhaust gas, nitrogen, steam, carbon dioxide, or air. Air may be present mixed with an inert gas such as process exhaust gas, steam, and / or carbon dioxide. A mist of liquid water may be present in the air to enhance the cooling power of the cooling gas.

[0032] When two or more reactors are connected to a cooling station, it is preferable that the reactors be arranged in a series along the flow of cooling gas. Therefore, the outlet for used cooling gas from an upstream reactor is then fluidly connected to the inlet of the series of downstream reactors.

[0033] The cooling gas flows through a closed path on the heat exchanger, where its temperature is lowered by indirect heat exchange with the cooling medium. The cooling medium is preferably ambient air. The gas path has a purge for used cooling gas to avoid condensate buildup. Fresh gas, preferably air, may be added to replenish the purged gas.

[0034] Preferably, cooling is carried out in two stages: in the first stage, the roasted biomass is brought into direct contact with a substantially inert gas to obtain partially cooled roasted biomass, thereby lowering the temperature of the roasted biomass to between 100°C and 130°C; and in the second stage, the partially cooled roasted biomass is brought into direct contact with the effluent from the downstream reactor connected to the drying station, i.e., spent dry air, thereby further lowering the temperature of the partially cooled roasted biomass. Preferably, the temperature of the cooled roasted biomass obtained by cooling (d) is at or near ambient temperature. Near ambient temperature means not exceeding 20°C above ambient temperature. The substantially inert gas may include nitrogen, vapor, and / or carbon dioxide, and preferably, its temperature is lowered by adding a spray of liquid water to the flow of substantially inert gas and then brought into contact with the roasted biomass.

[0035] The pressure at which actions (b), (c), and (d) are performed may be any pressure between the ambient pressure and 2 MPa. Preferably, the pressure is between 0.1 MPa and 0.25 MPa, which allows for the use of thinner-walled reactors. Preferably, the pressure inside the reactor at which actions (a) and (e) are performed is the ambient pressure or near the ambient pressure.

[0036] The biomass used as a supply for the above process, or used in the above batch reactor according to the present invention, or used in the system according to the present invention may be any biomass that allows a constant gas flow from the gas inlet to the gas outlet through the biomass mass. Such a gas flow is provided by a biomass with a bulk density of 200 kg / m³. 3 Less than 100 kg / m³ 3It was found to be achievable when the value is less than [value missing]. The biomass may be wood, for example, wood chips or pellets. Preferred sources of biomass are fibrous biomass such as grasses, Japanese pampas grass (also known as elephant grass), oil palm empty fruit cluster fiber (OPEFBF), coconut coir fiber (CCF), pineapple husk (PP), pineapple crown leaf (PCL), kenaf bast fiber (KBF), kenaf core fiber (KCF), sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane waste, straw, and rice straw and / or wheat straw. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] A portion of a roasting reactor system (1) is shown, which has a tubular design and comprises seven elongated reactors (2) mounted in parallel to each other. [Figure 2] This shows a portion of a roasting reactor system (1) comprising seven elongated reactors (2) mounted in parallel to each other. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a roasting reactor system (1) having a horizontal tube axis (4). [Figure 4] The roasting reactor system (1) is shown, which is similar to Figure 3 except that only six elongated reactors (2) are part of the reactor system. [Figure 4a] A more detailed view of a portion of the reactor system shown in Figure 4. [Figure 4b] Figure 4a shows a single reactor (2) with two doors (38, 39) in the closed position, each connected to a tubular wall section (36a) by four pairs of hinges (40). [Figure 4c] Figure 4b shows details of the hinge (40). [Figure 5] Figures 3, 4, and 4a show an elongated reactor (2) suitable for the reactor system. [Figure 5a] Figure 4b shows a very schematic cross-sectional view of the elongated reactor (2). [Figure 5b] Figure 4b shows a very schematic cross-sectional view of the elongated reactor (2). [Figure 6]Figure 3 shows the reactor system, which includes the elongated reactor (2) shown in Figures 4, 5a, and 5b. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a portion of the elongated reactor (2) shown in Figure 5, which is connected to the opening (14) of the forward manifold (5). [Figure 8] The elongated reactor (2) shows a parallel reactor system (1a, 1b, 1c) with a vertical tubular axis. [Figure 9] The drying gas pathway (61), roasting gas pathway (62), and cooling gas pathway (63) for the reactor system (1) are schematically shown. [Figure 10] A more preferred scheme for the drying gas path (61), roasting gas path (62), and cooling gas path (63) to the reactor system (1) is shown. [Figure 11] This shows a system in which six elongated reactors (2) move along an endless system (93). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Figure 1 shows a portion of a roasting reactor system (1) having a tubular design and comprising seven elongated reactors (2) mounted in parallel to one another. The elongated reactors (2) are mounted on a tubular plane having a vertical tubular axis (3).

[0039] Figure 2 shows a portion of a roasting reactor system (1) comprising seven elongated reactors (2) mounted in parallel to each other. The elongated reactors (2) are mounted on a tubular plane having a horizontal tube axis (4).

[0040] Figure 3 shows the roasting reactor system (1) of Figure 2 having a horizontal pipe axis (4). The forward manifold (5) and rear manifold (6) are shown spaced apart from the elongated reactor (2) in a rotatable position (7). The forward manifold (5) and rear manifold (6) also have an operating position (8), where the openings of the manifolds are fluidly connected to the open end (9) of the elongated reactor (2). In the operating position (8), one elongated reactor (2) in the radial position (2a) is connected to the discharge and loading station (10), two elongated reactors (2) in the radial positions (2b, 2c) are connected to the drying station (11), two elongated reactors (2) in the radial positions (2d, 2e) are connected to the roasting station (12), and two elongated reactors (2) in the radial positions (2f, 2g) are connected to the cooling station (13). The radial positions (a~g) are a continuous series of radial positions along a circle, starting from radial position (a) and ending at radial position (g).

[0041] The discharge and loading station (10) has a solid opening (14) for which solid (15), indicated by an arrow, can be supplied to an elongated reactor (2) located at a radial position (2a). The radial position (2a) is located at the bottom of the reactor system (1). This allows the roasted biomass to be discharged along the length of the reactor (2) at radial position (2a) without preventing other reactors at radial positions from becoming empty. The discharged roasted biomass is indicated by an arrow (16).

[0042] A drying station (11) connected to elongated reactors (2) at radial positions (2b, 2c) is provided with a supply conduit (17) for dry air connected to the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2b) via an opening (18) in the forward manifold (5). The opposite open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2b) is fluidly connected to a transfer conduit (19) located in the rear manifold (6) as part of the drying station (11). The transfer conduit (19) is fluidly connected to the open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2c). The opposite end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2c) is fluidly connected to a discharge conduit (21) for used dry air as part of the drying station (11) via an opening (20) in the forward manifold (5). In this configuration, the elongated reactors (2) at radial positions (2b) and (2c) are arranged in a series along the flow of dry air.

[0043] The roasting station (12), which is connected to an elongated reactor (2) located at radial positions (2d, 2e), is provided with a supply conduit (22) for inert roasting gas to the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2d) via an opening (23) in the front manifold (5). The opposite open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2d) is fluidly connected to a transfer conduit (24) located in the rear manifold (6) as part of the roasting station (12). The transfer conduit (24) is fluidly connected to the open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2e). The opposite end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2e) is fluidly connected to a discharge conduit (26) for used roasting gas as part of the roasting station (12) via an opening (25) in the front manifold (5). In this configuration, the elongated reactors (2) located at radial positions (2d) and (2e) are arranged in a series along the flow of the inert roasting gas.

[0044] A cooling station (13) connected to a long reactor (2) at radial positions (2f, 2g) is provided with a supply conduit (27) for cooling gas connected to an elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2f) via an opening (28) in a forward manifold (5). The opposite open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2f) is fluidly connected to a transfer conduit (29) located in the rear manifold (6) as part of the cooling station (13). The transfer conduit (29) is fluidly connected to the open end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2g). The opposite end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2g) is fluidly connected to a discharge conduit (31) for used cooling air as part of the cooling station (13) via an opening (30) in the forward manifold (5). In this configuration, the elongated reactors (2) at radial positions (2f) and (2g) are arranged in a series along the flow of cooling gas.

[0045] In step (e) of the process, the detached and mounted elongated reactor (2) in the rotatable position (7) can rotate around the tube axis (4) from one position to the next, so that the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2a) moves to position (2b), the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2b) moves to position (2c), the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2c) moves to position (2d), the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2d) moves to position (2e), the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2e) moves to position (2f), the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2f) moves to position (2g), and the elongated reactor (2) in radial position (2g) moves to position (2a). This is an example of a method in which at least one elongated reactor connected to a discharge and loading station at a first position is connected to a drying system at a second subsequent position, at least one elongated reactor connected to a drying station at a first position is connected to a roasting station at a second position, at least one elongated reactor connected to a roasting station at a first position is connected to a drying station at a second position, and at least one elongated reactor connected to a drying station at a first position is connected to a discharge and loading station at a second position.

[0046] Such rotational movement to the next position can be achieved within 1 minute, preferably within 30 seconds, in action (e). When the elongated reactor is in the next position, the forward manifold (5) and the rear manifold (6) move axially toward the end of the elongated reactor (2), or the elongated reactor moves toward one of the fixed manifolds and the other manifold moves toward the end of the elongated reactor (2), reaching the operating position (8). In this operating position, the openings of the manifolds are fluidly connected to the open end (9) of the elongated reactor (2), and as a result, different elongated reactors are connected to different stations (10, 11, 12, 13). When the reactor system is in the operating position (8), a cycle in which different actions (a) to (d) are performed simultaneously can be initiated. One cycle can be completed within 5 to 20 minutes, preferably between 10 and 15 minutes.

[0047] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3, except that only six elongated reactors (2) are part of the reactor system. The elongated reactors are located in the positions (2a-2f) in Figure 3. Therefore, position 2g does not exist in Figure 4. As a result, there is no transfer conduit (29) in the rear manifold (6). Instead, the opposite end of the elongated reactor (2) at radial position (2f) is fluidly connected to the discharge conduit (31a) via the opening (30a) of the rear manifold (6).

[0048] Figure 4a shows a portion of the reactor system of Figure 4 in more detail. Two vertically positioned X-shaped frames (80), connected by tie rods (85) and separated by a finite distance, support an axle (86) along axis (4). Six elongated reactors (2) are connected to the axle (86) via frames (90) so that the reactors can rotate along axis (4). A convergence section (87) is part of a static forward manifold (5), and a convergence section (88) is part of a static rear manifold (6) and cannot rotate. A discharge and loading station (not shown) can load biomass into an elongated reactor (89) located at the bottom of the reactor system (1). Since this lower-located reactor does not have a convergence section (87), biomass can be supplied to this reactor (89). The elongated reactors have tubular walls (36), which may be formed from relatively thin metal plates and have reinforcing ribs (37) on their outside.

[0049] Figure 4b shows a single reactor (2) of Figure 4a, with two doors (38, 39) in the closed position, each connected to a tubular wall section (36a) by four pairs of hinges (40). The two doors (38, 39) and the tubular wall section (36a) form a tubular wall (36). The hinges (40) extend into the reinforcing ribs (37) and provide mechanical unity to the two doors (38, 39) when opened and closed.

[0050] Figure 4c shows details of the hinge (40) in Figure 4b. The hinge (40) is connected to the frame (90) in Figure 4a by a connector (91). A slotted attachment (92) is connected to a screw jack mechanism which is responsible for opening and closing the door (not shown).

[0051] Figure 5 shows an elongated reactor (2) suitable for the reactor systems of Figures 3, 4, and 4a. One end (9) of the elongated reactor (2) shows a machined section (33) and a removable sieve (34). The removable sieve (33) can be fixed to the machined section (33) by a swivel connection such as a bayonet connection. The sieve (34) is removable to allow for the loading of biomass when the elongated reactor (2) is connected to the discharge and loading station (10). The rear end (9a) of the elongated reactor (2) shows a fixed sieve (35). When steps (a) to (d) of the present invention are performed, these sieves (34, 35) allow the gas to pass through and come into direct contact with the biomass inside the elongated reactor (2) while the biomass is contained within the elongated reactor (2). The tubular wall (36) may be made from a relatively thin metal plate, and reinforcing ribs (37) are provided on its outside.

[0052] Figures 5a and 5b show very schematic cross-sectional views of the elongated reactor (2) of Figure 4b. Figure 5a shows a reactor with two doors (38, 39) in the closed position, connected to a tubular wall section (36) by axially extending hinges (40) with airtight seals. When actions (b) to (d) of the process are performed in a continuous cycle, there is another seal (41) where both doors close to achieve airtightness of the biomass. In Figure 5a, the doors (38, 39) are in the open position. In this open position, the roasted biomass obtained in the previous continuous cycle is discharged from the reactor by the action of gravity in action (a).

[0053] Figure 6 shows the reactor system of Figure 3, which includes the elongated reactor (2) of Figures 4, 5a, and 5b. Gas supply and discharge conduits for different gas paths are not shown. The system is in the operating position (8), and the doors (38, 39) of the elongated reactor (2) in the radial position (2a) are open in operation (a) to discharge the roasted biomass to a downwardly positioned moving belt (41) that transports the roasted biomass to a storage container (42) for roasted biomass products. Fresh biomass is supplied to the hopper (43) by the moving belt (44). A vertical moving plunger (46) compresses the biomass supplied by the moving belt (44) in the hopper (43) into a compression space (45) at the lower end of the hopper (43). The compression space (45) is fluidly connected to a solid opening (14) of the forward manifold (5). Once the roasted biomass is discharged from the elongated reactor, the doors (38, 39) are closed, and fresh biomass is loaded into the elongated reactor from the compression space (45). Discharge and loading are preferably performed within one cycle.

[0054] Figure 7 shows a portion of the elongated reactor (2) of Figure 5, connected to the opening (14) of the forward manifold (5) as in Figure 6. The removable sieve (34) is detached from the elongated reactor (2) and connected to a horizontally movable drive unit (47) to form a horizontally movable plunger (48). This plunger (48) can push the compressed biomass present in the compression space (45) into the elongated reactor (2). This may be repeated until the reactor is filled with biomass.

[0055] Figure 8 shows three parallel reactor systems (1a, 1b, 1c) with elongated reactors (2) having vertical tubular axes. The reactor systems are located between two floors (50, 51). Reactor system (1a) is in a cycle such that one reactor (2) is in a radial position (2a) and connected to an discharge and loading station (10). From this elongated reactor (2), roasted biomass (53) is discharged by gravity and facilitated by a vertical plunger (54). The roasted biomass (53) falls onto a moving belt (55) located on the first floor (58).

[0056] The reactor system (1b) is in a cycle in which one reactor (2) is located radially (2a) and connected to a discharge and loading station (10). Fresh biomass (56) is supplied to this elongated reactor (2) via a compression space (45).

[0057] The reactor system (1c) is located in the cycle where the forward manifold (5) and the rear manifold (6) are separated from the elongated reactor (2). This allows the reactor to be rotated to the next position, as indicated by the arrow (57).

[0058] Figure 9 schematically shows the drying gas path (61), roasting gas path (62), and cooling gas path (63) to the reactor system (1). In the drying gas path, ambient air (64) is drawn into the furnace (65) and heated. In the furnace (65), fuel (69) is burned and exhaust gas (76) is produced. The fuel, especially when starting the process, may be natural gas or lower hydrocarbon gases such as propane and / or butane. Through indirect heat exchange, the high-temperature exhaust gas heats the gas in both the drying gas path and the roasting gas path. The heated air flows through a closed path (62) as shown in the figure and returns to the furnace (65). A supply conduit (17) for dry air is fluidly connected to the drying gas path (61), and some of the dry air flows through the supply conduit (17) to the elongated reactor of the reactor system (1). From the reactor system (1), the humid air flow returns through the discharge conduit (21) to the dry gas path (61). As the humidity in the dry gas path (61) increases, the humid air is released to the outside by purging (66). During operation, the temperature of the dry air in the conduit (17) is maintained at the highest possible temperature at which the biomass can be safely dried without the risk of combustion. In practice, this temperature has been found to be below 160°C, preferably below 150°C and above 140°C.

[0059] A roasting gas path (62) is shown, in which an inert gas is heated in a furnace (65), flows through a closed path, and returns to the furnace (65). In the diagram, this is the same furnace used for the drying gas path (61). This may be a separate furnace. A supply conduit (22) for the inert gas is fluidly connected to the roasting gas path (62), and some of the inert gas flows through the supply conduit (22) to the elongated reactor of the reactor system (1). From the reactor system (1), gas containing a large amount of hydrocarbon volatiles returns to the roasting gas path (62) via the discharge conduit (26). At startup, it is preferable that the roasting path (62) is filled with CO2 under a slightly excessive pressure. CO2 is supplied to the roasting gas path (62) from a CO2 storage container (66) and a supply conduit (67). During the cycle of the process, the amount of hydrocarbon volatiles in the roasting gas path (62) increases, as does the pressure. To avoid excessively high pressure rises, excess gas is released from the roasting gas path (62) via a purge (68). This high-calorie gas is suitably used as fuel (69) in the furnace (65), while the remaining high-calorie gas in the purge (68) is burned in a flare (79) to obtain flare exhaust gas (80). CO2 does not necessarily need to be added with each cycle of the process. Once the roasting gas path is filled with an inert gas containing most of the formed hydrocarbon volatiles, CO2 does not need to be added, or only in very small amounts.

[0060] A dry gas path (63) is shown, in which air is cooled in an indirect heat exchanger (70) and flows back to the heat exchanger (70) via a closed loop. A supply conduit (27) for cooling air is fluidly connected to the cooling gas path (63), and a portion of the air flows through the supply conduit (27) to the elongated reactor of the reactor system (1). From the reactor system (1), used cooling air returns to the cooling gas path (63) via a discharge conduit (31). CO2 is supplied to the cooling gas path (63) via a conduit (72) to dilute the air and reduce the risk of combustion of roasted biomass. Liquid water (73) is added via an injection point, and the cooling power of the air can be enhanced by spraying water (73) into the gas flow. Fresh air is supplied via a supply port (74). A purge (75) is present to avoid the accumulation of unwanted compounds in the circulating gas.

[0061] Figure 10 shows a more preferred scheme of the drying gas path (61), roasting gas path (62), and cooling gas path (63) for the reactor system (1). The difference is that in the furnace (65), only the inert gas in the roasting gas path (62) is heated in a closed loop. A ventilation device (12a) is provided in this closed loop. The reactor (2) is shown in its position (2b-f) as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0062] A dry gas path (63) is shown, in which exhaust gas (76) from the main furnace (65) and flare exhaust gas (80) are mixed with ambient air (74) to control the temperature of the formed mixture to below 150°C. This mixture is then carried by a fan (11a) through a supply conduit (17) to the elongated reactor of the reactor system (1).

[0063] Cooling is divided into two stages: a) high-temperature cooling, in which the roasted biomass is cooled from the high-temperature roasting temperature to 120°C, and a low-temperature cooling stage, in which the partially cooled biomass is cooled to approximately ambient temperature. In the high-temperature cooling stage, an inert cooling convection medium (which may be H2O, CO2, and / or N2) is supplied via the conduit (72) pathway. Liquid water (73) is added to enhance the cooling power of the air. In the low-temperature cooling stage, some or all of the used dry air present in the conduit (21) is sent via the conduit (82) to the reactor (2) connected to the drying station (13) at position (2f).

[0064] The excess flare exhaust gas (80) produced by the flare (79) is discharged to the outside as a flow (80a). A chimney (83) is shown for discharging the spent cooling gas present in the conduit (31a) and the spent dry air present in the conduit (21).

[0065] Figure 11 shows a system in which six elongated reactors (2) move along an endless rail system (93). Reactors (2) at positions (2b) and (2c) are fluidly connected to the dry gas path (61) in Figure 9 or Figure 10. Reactors (2) at positions (2d) and (2e) are fluidly connected to the roasting gas path (62) in Figure 9 or Figure 10. Reactor (2) at position (2f) is fluidly connected to the cooling gas path (63) in Figure 9 or Figure 10. In reactor (2a), cooled roasted biomass is removed and fresh biomass is loaded. In action (e), all six reactors (2) move along the endless rail system (93) in the direction of arrow (94), so that reactor (2) moves from position (2a) to position (2b), reactor (2) at position (2b) moves to position (2c), reactor (2) at position (2c) moves to position (2d), reactor (2) at position (2d) moves to position (2e), reactor (2) at position (2e) moves to position (2f), and reactor (2) at position (2f) moves to position (2a).

Claims

1. A roasting reactor system, Three or more reactors, each having a gas inlet opening, a gas outlet opening, a solid inlet opening, and a solid outlet opening, A series of stations comprising a discharge and loading station, a roasting station, and a cooling station, wherein each station is connected to a different reactor such that the discharge and loading station is connected to at least one solid inlet opening and a solid outlet opening of the reactor, It is equipped with, The roasting station is fluid-connected to at least one gas inlet and gas outlet of the reactor. The cooling station is fluidly connected to at least one gas inlet and gas outlet of the reactor. The reactor is configured to be disconnected from the discharge and loading station and the roasting station, and to be physically moved and connected to the next station in the series of stations, and to be disconnected from the cooling station, and to be physically moved to the discharge and loading station. Roasting reactor system.

2. The roasting reactor system according to claim 1, wherein there are at least four reactors, and a series of stations comprising a discharge and loading station, a drying station, a roasting station, and a cooling station, wherein the drying station is fluidly connected to at least one of the reactors, and at least one reactor is disconnected from the drying station and moved to and connected to the next station.

3. The roasting reactor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reactor is configured to move along an endless rail system.

4. The roasting reactor system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reactor is a tubular reactor having a reactor axis, and is mounted in parallel to each other's reactor axes within a tubular plane having a tubular axis of the tubular plane extending parallel to the reactor axis, and the reactor is configured to move around the tubular axis of the tubular plane.

5. The roasting reactor system according to claim 4, wherein the tubular axis of the tubular plane extends substantially horizontally, defining the lower and upper parts of the reactor system, the gas inlet opening is located at one axial end of each reactor, and the gas outlet opening is located at the opposite axial end of each reactor.

6. The roasting system according to claim 5, wherein the reactor connected to the discharge and loading station is located at the bottom of the reactor system, the solid inlet opening of the reactor is the same opening as the gas inlet opening and / or gas outlet opening, and the solid outlet opening of the reactor is a closable opening that extends axially and is positioned downward, having an open position and a closed position.

7. A roasting reactor according to claim 6, wherein a removable sieve is provided at the solid inlet opening at one axial end, and a fixed sieve is provided at the opposite axial end of the reactor, and when in use, the removable sieve, the fixed sieve, the inner wall of the reactor, and the closable opening of the solid outlet opening in the closed position fix the solid in the reactor and allow gas to flow from one end of the reactor to the opposite end through a gas-permeable sieve.

8. The roasting reactor system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the discharge and loading station is equipped with a horizontally movable drive, and the removable sieve of the reactor connected to the discharge and loading station has an opening that connects to the horizontally movable drive and forms a horizontally movable plunger.

9. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the solid discharge opening is provided with one or more solid discharge doors configured to open and close.

10. The roasting reactor according to claim 9, comprising two doors extending in the axial direction.

11. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reactor has a tubular wall and the ratio of length to inner diameter is between 3 and 10 (mm / m).

12. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reactor has a tubular wall and reinforcing ribs are provided on the outside of the tubular wall.

13. A roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein one or two reactors are connected to a discharge and loading station, one, two, or three reactors are connected to a drying station, two or three reactors are connected to a roasting station, and one, two, or three reactors are connected to a cooling station.

14. The roasting reactor system according to claim 13, wherein one reactor is connected to a discharge and loading station, two reactors are connected to a drying station, two reactors are connected to a roasting station, and two reactors are connected to a cooling station.

15. The roasting reactor system according to claim 1, comprising four to eight reactors, one or two reactors connected to discharge and loading stations, two or three reactors connected to roasting stations, and one, two, or three reactors connected to cooling stations.

16. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the loading station comprises a hopper, a compression space having an opening to the hopper for receiving solids, and a solid outlet fluidly connected to an opening at one axial end of a reactor connected to the loading station.

17. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 2 to 14 or 16, wherein the drying station comprises a dry air outlet fluid-connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the drying station, and a spent dry air inlet fluid-connected to at least one reactor connected to the drying station, and the drying station is further connected to an air-drying gas path comprising an air heater and gas replacement means.

18. The roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the roasting station comprises an outlet for inert roasting gas fluidly connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the roasting station, and an inlet for spent roasting gas fluidly connected to one axial end of at least one reactor connected to the roasting station, and the roasting station is further connected to a roasting gas path comprising an inert gas heater and gas replacement means.

19. The roasting reactor system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the cooling station comprises a cooling gas outlet fluidly connected to one axial end of one or more reactors connected to the cooling station, and a used cooling gas inlet fluidly connected to at least one axial end of one or more reactors connected to the cooling station, and the cooling station is further connected to a cooling gas path comprising a gas cooler and gas replacement means.

20. A step of subjecting biomass to roasting by simultaneously and repeatedly performing actions (a), (c), and (d), followed by performing action (e), as performed in the roasting reactor system described in claim 1, Operation (a) includes emptying the roasted biomass from at least one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station in order to obtain an empty reactor, and loading the biomass into the empty reactor to obtain loaded biomass, The operation (c) involves bringing the loaded biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the roasting station into contact with an inert gas having a temperature between 220°C and 300°C, thereby obtaining roasted biomass and gas. The process (d) involves contacting roasted biomass present in at least one reactor connected to a cooling gas having a temperature between 10°C and 100°C, thereby obtaining cooled roasted biomass. The action (e) is, - Disconnecting one of the reactors from the discharge and loading station, and physically moving and connecting it to the roasting station, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the roasting station, physically moving them to the cooling station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one of the reactors from the cooling station, physically moving it to the discharge and loading station and connecting it, including, The process of subjecting biomass to roasting.

21. A step of subjecting biomass to roasting by simultaneously and repeatedly performing actions (a) to (d), followed by performing action (e), as performed in a roasting reactor system according to any one of claims 2 to 19, Operation (a) includes emptying the roasted biomass from at least one reactor connected to the discharge and loading station in order to obtain an empty reactor, and loading the biomass into the empty reactor to obtain loaded biomass, The operation (b) includes bringing the loaded biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the drying station into contact with air having a temperature between 50°C and 150°C, thereby obtaining spent dry air and dry biomass. Action (c) includes bringing dry biomass present in at least one reactor connected to the roasting station into contact with an inert gas having a temperature between 220°C and 300°C, thereby obtaining roasted biomass. The operation (d) involves bringing roasted biomass present in at least one reactor connected to a cooling station into contact with a cooling gas having a temperature between 10°C and 100°C, thereby obtaining cooled roasted biomass. The action (e) is, - Disconnecting one of the reactors from the discharge and loading station, and physically moving and connecting it to the drying station, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the drying station, physically moving them to the roasting station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one or more reactors from the roasting station, physically moving them to the cooling station and connecting them, - Disconnecting one of the reactors from the cooling station, physically moving it to the discharge and loading station and connecting it, including, The process of subjecting biomass to roasting.

22. The step according to claim 20 or 21, wherein in action (e), the reactor is physically moved along an endless rail system.

23. The step according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the reactor is a tubular reactor having a reactor axis, mounted in parallel to each other's reactor axes within a tubular plane having a tubular axis of the tubular plane extending parallel to the reactor axis, and in action (e), the reactor is physically moved by rotation about the tubular axis of the tubular plane.

24. The process according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the action (d) is carried out in two stages, in the first stage the roasted biomass is brought into direct contact with a substantially inert gas to obtain partially cooled roasted biomass, thereby lowering the temperature of the roasted biomass to a temperature between 100°C and 130°C, and in the second stage the partially cooled roasted biomass is brought into direct contact with the used dry air obtained in the action (b), thereby further lowering the temperature of the partially cooled roasted biomass.

25. The step according to claim 24, wherein the substantially inert gas includes nitrogen, vapor and / or carbon dioxide.

26. The step according to claim 25, wherein the temperature of the substantially inert gas is lowered by spraying liquid water into the flow of substantially inert gas before the substantially inert gas comes into contact with the roasted biomass.

27. The process according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein in action (b), the air having a temperature between 50°C and 150°C in action (b) includes exhaust gas.

28. The step according to claim 27, wherein the exhaust gas is at least partially obtained by the combustion of the gas obtained in action (c).

29. The process according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the biomass is straw, grasses, Japanese pampas grass, oil palm hollow fruit fiber (OPEFBF), coconut coir fiber (CCF), pineapple peel (PP), pineapple crown and leaves (PCL), kenaf bast fiber (KBF), kenaf core fiber (KCF), sugarcane bagasse, and sugarcane waste.

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