System and process for conversion of organic matter into torrefied product

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for conversion of organic matter into a torrefied product, wherein the system comprises a direct fired rotary kiln.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for conversion of organic matter feedstock into a torrefied product, the system comprising:
 a direct fired rotary kiln, the kiln having a first end and a second end, the kiln being tilted at an angle such that the first end is lower than the second end;   a burner assembly located at the first end of the kiln, wherein the burner assembly is in communication with a heated gas inlet located at the first end of the kiln;   a feedstock input means and a gas conduit located at the second end of the kiln; and   a torrefied product outlet at the first end of the kiln.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the burner assembly comprises a primary combustor and one or more gas inlets, and wherein the burner assembly is configured to minimize/control gas velocity in the kiln. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein the burner assembly comprises angled piping between the primary combustor and the heated gas inlet. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein the angled piping comprises a 90 degree angle. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises an afterburner in communication with the gas conduit. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the rotary kiln has an adjustable rotational speed and/or tilt angle. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the feedstock input means is a screw-type input configured for continuous addition of feedstock. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a flue gas recirculation subsystem. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a control subsystem. 
     
     
         10 . A process for conversion of organic matter feedstock into a torrefied product in a direct fired rotary kiln, the process comprising the steps of:
 introducing the feedstock into the rotary kiln;   applying heat to the feedstock for a residence time sufficient to convert the feedstock to the torrefied product; and   collecting the torrefied product.   
     
     
         11 . The process according to  claim 10 , wherein the residence time is controlled by adjusting rotational speed and/or tilt of the rotary kiln. 
     
     
         12 . The process according to  claim 10 , wherein the heat is produced by a burner assembly located at a first end of the kiln, wherein the burner assembly is in communication with a heated gas inlet located at the first end of the kiln. 
     
     
         13 . The process according to  claim 12 , wherein the burner assembly comprises a primary combustor, one or more gas inlets, and angled piping between the primary combustor and the heated gas inlet. 
     
     
         14 . The process according to  claim 13 , wherein the angled piping comprises a 90 degree angle. 
     
     
         15 . The process according to  claim 10 , wherein the feedstock is introduced to the kiln through a feedstock input means located at a second end of the kiln.