Biomass fractioning process

Abstract

A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.

1 . A method for biomass fractioning, comprising:
 dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass;   subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and   selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ramps of temperature are incremented over a range of times, pressures, or local working gas compositions. 
     
     
         3 . A method for biomass fractioning, comprising:
 chopping biomass, wherein a first biomass is produced;   loading the first biomass into an input hopper via one of a plurality of biomass reaction compartments;   dehydrating and pulverizing the first biomass;   heating the first biomass further to release low boiling point bio-compounds and pyrolysis fragments; and   scraping residual carbon and biochar from one of the plurality of biomass reaction compartments into an exit hopper.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein a next biomass reaction compartment is loaded with a second biomass while the first biomass is being dehydrated.