Assessment of Conversion Technologies for Bioalcohol Fuel ...

Figure A6. Thermogenics, Inc., Technology
ThermoChem Recovery International, Inc., Baltimore,
Maryland
Organizational Background–ThermoChem Recovery International, Inc. (TRI) was
founded in 1996 as a licensee of proprietary technology developed by MTCI. The
technology includes designs applicable to an integrated biomass biorefinery. TRI has
partnered with a number of organizations to further develop their technology. Some of
their partners include: Brigham Young University; North Carolina State University,
University of Utah, US Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and
Renewable Energy; Center for Technology Transfer, Inc.; American Forest and Paper
Association and TAPPI.
Technology Characteristics– TRI’s patented technology, shown in Figure A7, is
known as the PulseEnhanced steam reforming gasification system, where the
feedstock reacts in a gasifier with steam and oxygen at a high temperature and
pressure in a reducing (oxygen-starved) atmosphere. This process produces a
medium-Btu syngas comprised primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and smaller
quantities of carbon dioxide and methanol. This syngas can be used as a substitute for
natural gas or as a feedstock for various biofuels and other products, including
ethanol, methanol, biodiesel and acetic acid. A unique feature of the technology is an
indirect heating method using modular pulsating heaters in a steam-driven bubbling
fluid bed vessel. The system simultaneously employs a water-gas shift reaction to
produce additional hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hot syngas leaves the
gasification chamber and is passed through cyclones to remove particulate matter,
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