Upgrading Carbonaceous Materials

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A system, comprising,
 a processor for reducing the water content in a carbonaceous material; and   a tank, connected to the processor, for storing fluids, and for transmitting fluids to and from the processor.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid comprises a gas, a liquid, a supercritical fluid, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a railed conveyance for moving the carbonaceous material into and out of the processor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a unit for pre-heating the carbonaceous material with a liquid before entering the processor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the liquid comprises water. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the liquid further comprises hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the liquid comprises hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising a centrifuge for partially drying the carbonaceous material after exiting the unit. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a centrifuge for partially drying the carbonaceous material after exiting the processor. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a source of compressed gas connected to the processor;   a source of steam connected to the processor; and   a source of water connected to the processor.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a drain for liquid connected to the processor; and   a vent for gas connected to the processor.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  11 , further comprising:
 a system for recycling process water connected to the tank.   
     
     
         13 . A system, comprising,
 a processor for reducing the water content in a carbonaceous material; and   a railed conveyance for moving the carbonaceous material into and out of the processor.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a source of compressed gas connected to the processor,   a source of steam connected to the processor, and   a source of water connected to the processor.   
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a drain for liquid connected to the processor, and   a vent for gas connected to the processor.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the railed conveyance comprises an overhead railed conveyance. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the railed conveyance comprises:
 a rail, and   a cart, movable along the rail, for carrying the carbonaceous material.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the overhead railed conveyance comprises:
 a rail;   a head movable along the rail; and   a cart, hanging from the head, for carrying the carbonaceous material.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the processor vessel comprises one hatch through which the railed conveyance may pass. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the processor vessel comprises a plurality of hatches through which the railed conveyance may pass. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13 , further comprising a furnace, for combusting the carbonaceous material having reduced water content, to generate heat. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , further comprising a boiler connected to the furnace for generating steam using the heat. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising a turbine turned by the steam. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 23 , further comprising a generator, connected to the turbine, for generating electricity.