Patent ID: 7875090
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: C10J,C10K,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method to convert a biomass reactant into synthesis gas, the method comprising: (a) heating biomass in a first molten metal or molten ionic liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass and steam, and capturing the steam; (b) incorporating the steam from step (a) into process gas; (c) heating the dried biomass in a second molten metal or molten ionic liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char; and (d) reacting the product gases, tar, and char of step (c) with the process gas from step (b) within a third molten metal or molten ionic liquid bath at a third temperature which is equal to or greater than the second temperature within the second bath, thereby yielding synthesis gas via gasification and reforming reactions, wherein step (a) comprises indirectly heating the biomass in the first molten bath by disposing the biomass in container having a plurality of pores passing therethrough, wherein the pores are dimensioned and configured to allow passage of gas through the pores, and to prevent passage of molten metal or ionic liquid through the pores; and step (c) comprises indirectly heating the dried biomass in the second molten bath by disposing the biomass in container having a plurality of pores passing therethrough, wherein the pores are dimensioned and configured to allow passage of gas through the pores, and to prevent passage of molten metal or ionic liquid through the pores.