Steam Delivery System for Biomass Processing

Abstract

The present invention relates to delivery of steam produced by an electrical power generation plant to a lignocellulosic biomass refinery.

1 . A steam delivery system for biomass processing comprising
 at least one compressor for pressurizing low temperature water to pressures of at least 5 bar   a series of heat exchangers supplied by turbine steam from an electrical power generation plant for pre-heating pressurized low temperature water to temperatures of at least 150° C., and   means for delivering the pre-heated, pressurized water as steam having pressure of at least 5 bar to any one or more of a hydrothermal pretreatment reactor, a distillation unit, an evaporator, or a dryer.   
     
     
         2 . A method for providing steam to a biomass processing facility comprising
 compressing low temperature water <100° C. to a pressure of at least 5 bar   heating the pressurized water through a series of heat-exchangers supplied by turbine steam from an electrical power generation plant, and   delivering the pre-heated, pressurized water as steam having pressure of at least 5 bar to any one or more of a hydrothermal pretreatment reactor, a distillation unit, an evaporator, or a dryer.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising super-heating by heat exchange with pre-turbine boiler steam. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising super-heating by a gas boiler. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein gas for the boiler is methane provided by anaerobic digestion of biomass refinery waste water.