Patent ID: 8217212
Filing Date: 2012-07-10
Classification: C10B,C10J,C10L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method for torrefaction of associated biomass which comprises: providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to expel water and volatile gases from the biomass; depositing a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the vapor pressure of the heat transfer fluid as a result of the expansion of liquids and gases entrained within the biomass.