Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved method and an improved apparatus for converting organic materials, such as waste, sludge, and biomass etc., into recyclable products, such as hydrocarbon fuels.SOLUTION: A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of pressurizing the organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, and heating the organic material in the fluid to a temperature above 200°C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of bringing the organic material in the fluid into contact with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or α-alumina after assuring that the fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for controlling dense fluid treatment processes in order to improve the efficiency of such processes. SOLUTION: A method for improved control of temperature, pressure and density profiles within a pressure vessel for dense fluid treatment processes are provided. The method comprises at least one pressurization step in which the pressure in the vessel is increased and at least one depressurization step in which the pressure in the vessel is decreased. The method further comprises recycling at least a part of the fluid in at least part time of the method. The method further comprises a holding step in which the pressure in the vessel is substantially constant. The method further comprises the step of controlling the temperature of the fluid in a recirculation loop. The heat can be added to and/or extracted from the fluid in the recirculation loop. The method can control temperature, pressure and/or density profiles within the vessel. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT