Devices and Methods for a Pyrolysis and Gasification System for Biomass Feedstock

Abstract

A pyrolysis and gasification system and method convert a biomass feed stock to bio-char and synthesis gas. In one embodiment, the pyrolysis and gasification system includes a reactor for producing a synthesis gas and bio-char from a biomass feedstock. The system includes a flow measurement device and an air distribution system, which provides a fluidized bed in the reactor. The system also includes a cyclone assembly. The cyclone assembly removes the bio-char from the synthesis gas.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An air distribution system for a reactor, wherein bed materials are disposed in the reactor, comprising:
 an air distribution plate;   a plurality of air distributors, wherein the plurality of air distributors are attached to the air distribution plate;   wherein each of the air distributors comprises a base and a distribution arm, and wherein the distribution arm comprises distributor orifices; and   wherein the distribution arm is disposed about parallel to the air distribution plate, and wherein the distribution arm comprises a bottom side, and further wherein the distributor orifices are disposed on the bottom side of the distribution arm.   
     
     
         2 . The air distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein the air distribution system provides air to the bed materials to provide a fluidized bed in the reactor. 
     
     
         3 . The air distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein the air distribution system is submerged in the fluidized bed. 
     
     
         4 . The air distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein the reactor is disposed in a gasifier for producing a synthesis gas and bio-char from a biomass feedstock. 
     
     
         5 . The air distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution arm is disposed about perpendicular to the base. 
     
     
         6 . The air distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein air flows from the base to the distribution arm. 
     
     
         7 . A flow measurement device adapted for measuring biomass flow, comprising:
 a plurality of feed rollers, wherein each of the feed rollers is rotatable, and wherein each feed roller comprises a roller shaft and roller blades; and   wherein the flow measurement device is calibrated to allow determination of the biomass flow from rotation of the feed rollers.   
     
     
         8 . The flow measurement device of  claim 7 , wherein the roller blades of a feed roller contact the roller blades of an adjacent feed roller when one or both of the feed rollers are rotating. 
     
     
         9 . The flow measurement device of  claim 7 , further comprising a metering device attached to each feed roller. 
     
     
         10 . The flow measurement device of  claim 9 , wherein rotation of each feed roller rotates the attached metering device. 
     
     
         11 . The flow measurement device of  claim 9 , wherein the metering device comprises metering device ridges and contact points disposed between each adjacent metering device ridge. 
     
     
         12 . The flow measurement device of  claim 11 , wherein a metering device ridge is disposed in the contact point of an adjacent metering device. 
     
     
         13 . The flow measurement device of  claim 9 , wherein each metering device rotates with rotation of an adjacent metering device. 
     
     
         14 . A cyclone assembly for removing char from a gas produced from a biomass feedstock, comprising:
 a first cyclone, wherein the first cyclone is a low energy cyclone;   a second cyclone, wherein the second cyclone is a high efficiency cyclone; and   wherein the first cyclone is disposed to receive the gas, and wherein the gas exiting the first cyclone flows to the second cyclone.   
     
     
         15 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the gas comprises a temperature, and wherein the first cyclone and the second cyclone are operated at about the temperature of the gas. 
     
     
         16 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the gas flows to the second cyclone through a cyclone duct. 
     
     
         17 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first cyclone is a 1D1D cyclone, and wherein the second cyclone is a 1D3D cyclone. 
     
     
         18 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first cyclone is a 1D3D cyclone, and wherein the second cyclone is a 1D5D cyclone. 
     
     
         19 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first cyclone and/or the second cyclone comprise a rotary air lock. 
     
     
         20 . The cyclone assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first cyclone comprises a cut-point of about 6 micrometers aerodynamic equivalent diameter, and the second cyclone comprises a cut-point of about 3 micrometers aerodynamic equivalent diameter.