This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects.

A process for heat treating a lithium containing material with reduced dust generation comprising: (a) directing a lithium containing material to a heating vessel; (b) heating the lithium containing material in the heating vessel with a controllable source of electromagnetic energy directed toward the lithium containing material to cause a phase transformation in said lithium containing material; and (c) extracting gas and dust from the heating vessel into a gas extraction system. A system for the heating the lithium containing material is also disclosed. The process and system allow higher impurity lithium materials to be treated while reducing the burden of an accumulating dust load during calcination operations.

A process for heat treating a lithium containing material with reduced dust generation comprising: (a) directing a lithium containing material to a heating vessel; (b) heating the lithium containing material in the heating vessel with a controllable source of electromagnetic energy directed toward the lithium containing material to cause a phase transformation in said lithium containing material; and (c) extracting gas and dust from the heating vessel into a gas extraction system. A system for the heating the lithium containing material is also disclosed. The process and system allow higher impurity lithium materials to be treated while reducing the burden of an accumulating dust load during calcination operations.

Provided is a method for producing a reduced form of a metal oxide, the method being capable of preventing the production of carbon dioxide. The method for producing a reduced form of a metal oxide may use a partition member and a high-melting-point material that comprises an absorbent material and an insulation material.

Provided is a method for producing a reduced form of a metal oxide, the method being capable of preventing the production of carbon dioxide. The method for producing a reduced form of a metal oxide may use a partition member and a high-melting-point material that comprises an absorbent material and an insulation material.