Biomass feed system including gas assist

摘要

An improved biomass feed system and processes for transporting biomass to downstream processing locations are disclosed. The system uses a pressurized gas to assist in the transporting of the biomass to the conversion reactor.

主权项

1. A process for producing bio-oil, said process comprising:
(a) supplying a particulate biomass material to a hopper, wherein said hopper is pressurized via a gas source; (b) supplying the particulate biomass material from said hopper to a gas mixing zone; (c) supplying a carrier gas via the gas source to said gas mixing zone; (d) transporting said biomass material through a reducer located downstream of said gas mixing zone, wherein said reducer defines a flow pathway having a diminishing cross-sectional flow area; and (e) transporting said biomass material through a feed line and into a reaction zone, wherein said feed line is located downstream of said reducer, wherein said carrier gas is used to propel said biomass material during at least a portion of said transporting of step (e).