The invention present provides a method (and suitable apparatus) to convert biomass to ethanol, comprising gasifying the biomass to produce raw syngas; feeding the raw syngas to an acid-gas removal unit to remove at least some CO.sub.2 and produce a conditioned syngas stream; feeding the conditioned syngas stream to a fermentor to biologically convert the syngas to ethanol; capturing a tail gas from an exit of the fermentor, wherein the tail gas comprises at least CO.sub.2 and unconverted CO or H.sub.2; and recycling a first portion of the tail gas to the fermentor and/or a second portion of the tail gas to the acid-gas removal unit. This invention allows for increased syngas conversion to ethanol, improved process efficiency, and better overall biorefinery economics for conversion of biomass to ethanol.

An energy generation system using biomass includes a first information generation unit that generates the first information indicating that a distributor handling food has disposed of food waste biomass, an energy generation device that generates energy and the like using biomass collected from the distributor, a second information generation unit that generates the second information indicating that energy and the like have been generated using biomass collected from the distributor, a third information generation unit that obtains the first information and the second information and generates the third information indicating generation of at least one of energy and energy sources by collecting biomass disposed by the distributor, and a display unit that displays the third information generated by the third information generation unit.

A membrane structure for moving a gaseous object species from a first region having an object species first concentration, through the membrane structure, to a second region having an object species second concentration different from the first concentration is described. The membrane includes a supporting substrate having a plurality of pores therethrough, each of the plurality of pores defined by a first end, a second end and a surface of the supporting substrate extending between the first end and the second end as well as a nanoporous layer within the plurality of pores, wherein the nanoporous layer comprises a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer. The membrane also includes a liquid transport medium within the hydrophilic layer. The liquid transport medium includes a liquideous permeation medium and at least one enzyme within the liquideous permeation medium. The at least one enzyme is reinforced by at least one stabilizing component.

Methods and systems for capture of CO.sub.2 from a hydrated gaseous stream are described. Systems can be utilized for direct air capture of CO.sub.2 and incorporate a low energy temperature-vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) process. A TVSA process can include a multi-step CO.sub.2 capture bed regeneration process that includes depressurization of the bed, heating of the bed, venting and purging of the bed, and cooling of the bed. Multiple beds can be cycled between CO.sub.2 capture and regeneration, during which captured CO.sub.2 is recovered. Off-gas from a CO.sub.2 capture bed can be used in regenerating a parallel bed for increased efficiency.

Multiple risers are provided to perform different steps in a biogas water wash process. The risers may include absorption risers, flashing risers, and stripping risers. In each riser, the inlets to provide fluids to the riser and outlets to remove fluids from the risers are provided at one end of the riser. Each riser may then be located substantially below grade such that the end with the inlets and outlets is accessible at or just above the ground level. The risers within each step of the water wash process may be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. The risers may also be constructed of a polyethylene material to reduce cost and weight of the water wash system.

Microorganisms and bioprocesses are provided that convert gaseous substrates, such as renewable H.sub.2 and waste CO.sub.2 producer gas, or syngas into high-protein biomass that may be used directly for human nutrition, or as a nutrient for plants, fungi, or other microorganisms, or as a source of soil carbon, nitrogen, and other mineral nutrients. Renewable H.sub.2 used in the processes described herein may be generated by electrolysis using solar or wind power. Producer gas used in the processes described herein may be derived from sources that include gasification of waste feedstock and/or biomass residue, waste gas from industrial processes, or natural gas, biogas, or landfill gas.

To reduce the overall environmental impact of a residence or commercial facility, a system is provided for integrating energy usage. In such a system, there is a system for capturing solar energy; a system for fermenting biomass and concentrating the fermentate, generating carbon dioxide and ethanol; a system for storing excess energy for subsequent release; and a system for growing biomass. In integrating the systems, the captured solar energy is used as heat and electrical power. Excess energy beyond an instantaneous energy requirement is stored in the system for storing excess energy. Ethanol produced is used as a fuel. Carbon dioxide that is produced is provided to the system for growing biomass. Instantaneous energy deficiencies are reduced by releasing stored excess energy.

Methods and systems to achieve clean fuel processing systems in which carbon dioxide emissions (1) from sources (2) may be processed in at least one processing reactor (4) containing a plurality of chemoautotrophic bacteria (5) which can convert the carbon dioxide emissions into biomass (6) which may then be used for various products (21) such as biofuels, fertilizer, feedstock, or the like. Sulfate reducing bacteria (13) may be used to supply sulfur containing compounds to the chemoautotrophic bacteria (5).

Provided is a method for treatment of gas mixtures and an apparatus for carrying out a method for treatment of raw gas mixtures. More particularly, there is provided a method and an apparatus for treatment of gas mixtures, such as biogas or flare gas, and in particular to a method and an apparatus for removing contaminants, in particular H.sub.2S, from a gas mixture containing CH.sub.4 and H.sub.2S.

The invention present provides a method (and suitable apparatus) to convert biomass to ethanol, comprising gasifying the biomass to produce raw syngas; feeding the raw syngas to an acid-gas removal unit to remove at least some CO.sub.2 and produce a conditioned syngas stream; feeding the conditioned syngas stream to a fermentor to biologically convert the syngas to ethanol; capturing a tail gas from an exit of the fermentor, wherein the tail gas comprises at least CO.sub.2 and unconverted CO or H.sub.2; and recycling a first portion of the tail gas to the fermentor and/or a second portion of the tail gas to the acid-gas removal unit. This invention allows for increased syngas conversion to ethanol, improved process efficiency, and better overall biorefinery economics for conversion of biomass to ethanol.