Method and apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass in rotary kilns

摘要

Described herein are systems and methods for achieving fast pyrolysis of wood and other carbonaceous solids in rotary reactors. Novel heating, feeding and condensing methods result in high oil yields near those currently achieved with more complicated fast pyrolysis systems. High intensity burners are arranged and controlled to produce high heating rates and uniform temperature of the rotating cylindrical walls of the reactors. The feeding system delays the onset of pyrolysis until the solids fall onto the heated kiln walls. The pyrolysis gases and vapors are rapidly withdrawn and quenched with recycled liquids. The first condenser incorporates a clean out nozzle. Char products are readily separated and discharged into a heat exchanger where heat is recovered and used together with heat from reactor flue gas to dry the solids prior to being fed to the reactor.

主权项

1. A rotating reactor for fast pyrolysis of carbonaceous material comprising:
a generally horizontal cylindrical body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a drive which rotates the body; an inlet feed which deposits carbonaceous material into the first end of the body; a char outlet for removing char from the second end of the body; a gas outlet pipe for removing gasses from the body; and a burner disposed to heat the reactor body, wherein the burner comprises a flame axis and wherein flame produced by the burner is emitted along the flame axis, and wherein the burner flame axis intersects the body and is directed towards a longitudinal center axis of the body wherein the burner flame axis is directed towards a lower ascending quadrant of the reactor body, and wherein the burner flame axis is oriented about 50 degrees from horizontal.