Methods and systems are described for processing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into useful intermediates and products, such as energy and fuels. For example, conveying systems and methods, such as highly efficient vibratory conveyors, are described for the processing of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

An apparatus includes a material feeder having an input and an output, a reducing nozzle attached to the output of the material feeder, an electrically conductive tube having a first end surrounding at least a portion of the reducing nozzle, and an induction coil surrounding all or part of the electrically conductive tube. A method for treating organic matter includes inductively heating the electrically conductive tube using the induction coil, and supplying the organic matter to the input of the material feeder. The organic matter is pushed through the reducing nozzle using the material feeder, such that the organic matter forms a continuous tube, semi-continuous tube or pellets of organic matter that is pushed through the electrically conductive tube. The continuous tube, semi-continuous tube or elongated pellets of organic matter is treated using the heat within the electrically conductive tube.

An apparatus includes a material feeder having an input and an output, a reducing nozzle attached to the output of the material feeder, an electrically conductive tube having a first end surrounding at least a portion of the reducing nozzle, and an induction coil surrounding all or part of the electrically conductive tube. A method for treating organic matter includes inductively heating the electrically conductive tube using the induction coil, and supplying the organic matter to the input of the material feeder. The organic matter is pushed through the reducing nozzle using the material feeder, such that the organic matter forms a continuous tube, semi-continuous tube or pellets of organic matter that is pushed through the electrically conductive tube. The continuous tube, semi-continuous tube or elongated pellets of organic matter is treated using the heat within the electrically conductive tube.

A distillation system including a retort and a distillation column. The retort includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and including an outlet opening, a rotatable drum configured to heat a product therein and move the product between the inlet end and the outlet end. The distillation column is coupled to the outlet end of the retort and configured to receive the product therein upon exiting the outlet opening of the retort. The distillation column includes a solid particle trap section positioned above the outlet opening, a packing section positioned above the solid particle trap section and including screen at a bottom end thereof, a dust filter therein, and a first bubble tray section positioned above the packing section and including a first outlet feed for outflow of a first fluid product.

A distillation system including a retort and a distillation column. The retort includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and including an outlet opening, a rotatable drum configured to heat a product therein and move the product between the inlet end and the outlet end. The distillation column is coupled to the outlet end of the retort and configured to receive the product therein upon exiting the outlet opening of the retort. The distillation column includes a solid particle trap section positioned above the outlet opening, a packing section positioned above the solid particle trap section and including screen at a bottom end thereof, a dust filter therein, and a first bubble tray section positioned above the packing section and including a first outlet feed for outflow of a first fluid product.

A pyrolysis plant for the treatment of solid and liquid waste materials is described, comprising: a first section (100), suitable for carrying out a pyrolysis of this solid and liquid waste materials, this pyrolysis producing synthesis gas, syngas, and residual ash; a second section (200) adapted to carry out a separation of the lighter fraction of this ash, coal dust or carbon black, from the syngas, the lighter fraction being transported by the syngas; a third section (300), suitable for carrying out a fractional distillation of the syngas, obtaining the separation of the volatile fraction of the syngas from a bituminous residue, tar; a fourth section (400), adapted to carry out a recycling of the bituminous residue of the fractional distillation, for a further treatment; and a fifth final emergency section, including, in addition to safety pumps which will automatically intervene in the event of a system failure, all safety systems.

A distillation apparatus for use in microwave-assisted pyrolysis includes a microwave, a pyrolysis reactor, a microwave-absorbent bed, and a condenser. The pyrolysis reactor is located within the microwave and configured to receive a liquid input stream and to output a vapor. The microwave-absorbent bed is located within the pyrolysis reactor that converts microwave energy provided by the microwave to thermal energy to initiate pyrolysis within the pyrolysis reactor, wherein the pyrolysis reactor provides a vapor output. The condenser is configured to receive the vapor output of the pyrolysis reactor and to cool and condense the vapor into a recoverable product.

A distillation apparatus for use in microwave-assisted pyrolysis includes a microwave, a pyrolysis reactor, a microwave-absorbent bed, and a condenser. The pyrolysis reactor is located within the microwave and configured to receive a liquid input stream and to output a vapor. The microwave-absorbent bed is located within the pyrolysis reactor that converts microwave energy provided by the microwave to thermal energy to initiate pyrolysis within the pyrolysis reactor, wherein the pyrolysis reactor provides a vapor output. The condenser is configured to receive the vapor output of the pyrolysis reactor and to cool and condense the vapor into a recoverable product.

In one aspect, a process is provided for converting thermoplastic waste into hydrocarbon gaseous and liquid products. The process includes: placing in a reactor an amount of thermoplastic to be converted; depressurizing the reactor to remove air; filling the reactor with an inert gas; subjecting the amount of thermoplastic to a thermal plasma arc source operating at a select temperature profile for a preselected residence time to produce a gaseous product; directing the gaseous product through at least one condenser; and collecting a liquid fraction condensed from the gaseous product in the at least one condenser.

In one aspect, a process is provided for converting thermoplastic waste into hydrocarbon gaseous and liquid products. The process includes: placing in a reactor an amount of thermoplastic to be converted; depressurizing the reactor to remove air; filling the reactor with an inert gas; subjecting the amount of thermoplastic to a thermal plasma arc source operating at a select temperature profile for a preselected residence time to produce a gaseous product; directing the gaseous product through at least one condenser; and collecting a liquid fraction condensed from the gaseous product in the at least one condenser.