System and Method for Converting Biomass to Ethanol via Syngas

Abstract

A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

1 - 140 . (canceled) 
     
     
         141 . A method for producing ethanol, comprising:
 reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a metal catalyst to produce a mixture comprising methyl acetate; and   reacting the methyl acetate with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce a mixture comprising ethanol.   
     
     
         142 . A method for producing ethanol from methanol comprising:
 providing methanol;   producing a first mixture comprising methyl acetate and hydrogen by reacting the methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst;   producing a second mixture comprising ethanol and methanol by reacting the methyl acetate with hydrogen in the presence of one or more catalysts.   
     
     
         143 . A method for producing ethanol comprising:
 providing syngas;   reacting the syngas in the presence of one or more catalysts to produce a first mixture comprising methanol, carbon monoxide and hydrogen;   producing a second mixture comprising acetic acid and hydrogen by reacting the first mixture in the presence of one or more catalysts;   separating the acetic acid from the second mixture; and   producing a third mixture comprising ethanol by reacting the acetic acid separated from the second mixture in the presence of one or more catalysts.   
     
     
         144 - 189 . (canceled)