Continuous heating process for producing char from cellulosic material

摘要

This invention comprises an apparatus and process for drying and/or heating materials. This invention was designed for use in the production of charcoal from wood feed material; however, it can be used to heat and/or dry many types of materials. Feed material is disposed in a reactor, wherein there is provided a first array of input channels extending through said feed material, through which hot gases are introduced into said feed material, and a second array of output channels extending through said feed material to collect and exit those hot gases and any gases or vapors derived from the heating and/or drying of the feed material.