A method for processing waste using pyrolysis reactor include generating a microwave signal; amplifying the microwave signal into a plurality of drive signals; measuring temperature of the waste; determining, based on measured temperature, at least one phase-control signal; and outputting the at least one phase-control signal to maximize power transfer to the waste.

A method and apparatus for thermolysing organic material. The method comprises steps of: A) feeding the material in a single-screw extruder (100), the extruder comprising a cylindrical rotor member (1) having diameter (D) and length (L) and comprising a feeding zone (14), the rotor member (1) arranged in a barrel (2), the cylindrical surface of the rotor member (1) carrying cavity/cavities and/or projection(s) (5) arranged in helically extending rows, the helically extending row(s) of the rotor member (1) having a pitch (P) and depth (d) in the feeding zone (14) of the rotor member, wherein the relation of the depth (d) to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. d:D, is not more than 1:20, and the relation of the pitch (P) of the rotor member to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. P:D, is not more than 1:4, B) heating the material in the single-screw extruder (100) to a flowable state, and C) thermolysing the material.

A method and apparatus for thermolysing organic material. The method comprises steps of: A) feeding the material in a single-screw extruder (100), the extruder comprising a cylindrical rotor member (1) having diameter (D) and length (L) and comprising a feeding zone (14), the rotor member (1) arranged in a barrel (2), the cylindrical surface of the rotor member (1) carrying cavity/cavities and/or projection(s) (5) arranged in helically extending rows, the helically extending row(s) of the rotor member (1) having a pitch (P) and depth (d) in the feeding zone (14) of the rotor member, wherein the relation of the depth (d) to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. d:D, is not more than 1:20, and the relation of the pitch (P) of the rotor member to the diameter (D) of the rotor member, i.e. P:D, is not more than 1:4, B) heating the material in the single-screw extruder (100) to a flowable state, and C) thermolysing the material.

The production of biochar generates syngas, VOCs, CO and other gasses that can adsorb to biochar and reduce the quality of the final product. A controller measures the operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure and oxygen level, and automatically controls a feedstock auger motor, blower(s) and other subsystems of a continuous combined heat, power and biochar carbonizer. The carbonizer pyrolyzes feedstock. A catalytic converter combusts unburned components in by-product gases and generates additional thermal energy. Thermal energy drives an engine, such as a Sterling, steam, or ORC engine, to generate electricity or operate a mechanical device. Remaining thermal energy is transferred using another medium, such as air or water, via a heat exchanger. The feedstock is purposefully incompletely combusted, to produce biochar that consists largely of carbon. The biochar may be used to augment soil for cultivation, filtration or for other purposes. Some embodiments condense water from the exhaust to provide potable water.

The production of biochar generates syngas, VOCs, CO and other gasses that can adsorb to biochar and reduce the quality of the final product. A controller measures the operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure and oxygen level, and automatically controls a feedstock auger motor, blower(s) and other subsystems of a continuous combined heat, power and biochar carbonizer. The carbonizer pyrolyzes feedstock. A catalytic converter combusts unburned components in by-product gases and generates additional thermal energy. Thermal energy drives an engine, such as a Sterling, steam, or ORC engine, to generate electricity or operate a mechanical device. Remaining thermal energy is transferred using another medium, such as air or water, via a heat exchanger. The feedstock is purposefully incompletely combusted, to produce biochar that consists largely of carbon. The biochar may be used to augment soil for cultivation, filtration or for other purposes. Some embodiments condense water from the exhaust to provide potable water.

Methods, systems, and devices for liquid hydrocarbon fuel production, hydrocarbon chemical production, and aerosol capture are provided. For example, a carbon-oxygen-hydrogen (COH) compound may be heated to a temperature of at least 800 degrees Celsius such that the COH compound reacts through a non-oxidation reaction to generate at least a hydrocarbon compound that may be at least a component of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel or a hydrocarbon chemical. The liquid hydrocarbon fuel may be a liquid when at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The COH compound may include biomass. In some cases, the hydrocarbon compound produced through the non-oxidation reaction includes a hydrocarbon aerosol form as the hydrocarbon compound at least as it is produced or cools. Some embodiments include aerosol capture methods, systems, and devices, which may include passing a hydrocarbon aerosol form through a material in a liquid phase in order to gather the aerosol material.

Methods, systems, and devices for liquid hydrocarbon fuel production, hydrocarbon chemical production, and aerosol capture are provided. For example, a carbon-oxygen-hydrogen (COH) compound may be heated to a temperature of at least 800 degrees Celsius such that the COH compound reacts through a non-oxidation reaction to generate at least a hydrocarbon compound that may be at least a component of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel or a hydrocarbon chemical. The liquid hydrocarbon fuel may be a liquid when at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. The COH compound may include biomass. In some cases, the hydrocarbon compound produced through the non-oxidation reaction includes a hydrocarbon aerosol form as the hydrocarbon compound at least as it is produced or cools. Some embodiments include aerosol capture methods, systems, and devices, which may include passing a hydrocarbon aerosol form through a material in a liquid phase in order to gather the aerosol material.

A microwave thermosolar method and device used in a tubular reactor (110) includes a conveyor for substrates defined as materials thus conveyed. According to this method, a step is provided for circulating an electric current in the conveyor in order to produce heat in this conveyor by Joule effect and optionally to cause, in the substrates, at least some of the following: curing, pyrolyses, gasifications, fusions and chemical reactions including oxidation-reduction reactions, under the action of the electric current.

A microwave thermosolar method and device used in a tubular reactor (110) includes a conveyor for substrates defined as materials thus conveyed. According to this method, a step is provided for circulating an electric current in the conveyor in order to produce heat in this conveyor by Joule effect and optionally to cause, in the substrates, at least some of the following: curing, pyrolyses, gasifications, fusions and chemical reactions including oxidation-reduction reactions, under the action of the electric current.

The disclosure provides several pyrolysis reactor configurations and associated methods for generating pyrolysis products (e.g., oil, gas, and/or char) from organic feedstock.