PROCESSES FOR THE CONVERSION OF BIOMASS TO OXYGENATED ORGANIC COMPOUND, APPARATUS THEREFOR AND COMPOSITIONS PRODUCED THEREBY

摘要

Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A partially-oxidized syngas having a Component Composition comprising:
(a) hydrogen and carbon monoxide wherein the mole ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is between about 0.4:1 to 1.5:1 and wherein hydrogen and carbon monoxide comprise at least about 70 mole percent of the syngas composition; (b) between about 0.1 and 1.0 mole percent ethane; (c) between about 1 and 50 ppm (mole) acetylene (d) between about 10 and 100 ppm (mole) ethylene; (e) between about 0.1 and 50 ppm (mole) hydrogen cyanide; and (f) between about 3 and 30 mole percent carbon dioxide.