PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION OF ORGANIC, WASTE, OR LOW-VALUE MATERIALS INTO USEFUL PRODUCTS

摘要

An apparatus for converting a feedstock into at least one useful material comprises a pre-treatment unit for producing a heated slurry from the feedstock. A first stage reactor communicates with the vessel to receive the heated slurry, the first stage reactor being configured to subject the heated slurry to a first increased temperature and a first increased pressure to produce a reacted feed that comprises at least one reacted solid product, at least one reacted liquid product, and water. At least one second stage separation unit communicates with the first stage reactor to receive the at least one solid product, at least one liquid product, and water, this unit being configured to separate out the at least one reacted solid product, the water, and the at least one reacted liquid product. A third stage reactor communicates with the separation unit to receive the at least one reacted liquid product, this third stage reactor being configured to subject the at least one reacted liquid product to a second increased pressure and a second increased temperature, thereby converting the at least one reacted liquid product to at least one useful material.