Method and Means for Drying Moist Biomass-Containing Substances

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This patent describes a method for drying wet, biomass-containing materials using a gas mixture (mainly CO2 and N2, with a limited oxygen content) as the drying gas. The process utilizes process waste gases as the drying medium, avoiding the need for fresh energy input, and operates under slightly acidic and low-oxygen conditions. This not only enhances drying efficiency but also suppresses mold, decay, pests, and fire risks during drying and storage without adding chemicals.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Drying wood chips, sawdust, or other biomass for energy production (e.g., pellets, biofuels)
• Processing and drying sewage sludge or municipal waste for safer disposal or energy recovery
• Drying agricultural products like straw, grain, or forage crops to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage
• Pre-treatment of biomass for industrial processes such as torrefaction or syngas production
• Processing organic residues in food, paper, or textile industries
• Preserving sensitive biological materials by preventing microbial decay during storage

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduced external energy consumption by using available process waste heat and gases
• Lower operational costs and environmental impact (less CO2 emissions and fossil fuel use)
• Faster drying compared to conventional air-drying, increasing process throughput
• Reduced risk of fire during drying and storage due to low-oxygen conditions
• Inherent inhibition of microbial growth, pests, and mold without chemical additives
• Preserves natural color and quality of biomass by preventing oxidative damage
• Flexible use with a range of biomass materials and industrial settings (wood, waste, sludge, agricultural products, etc.)

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Patent Abstract

The method involves providing contact between gaseous mixture and moistened biomass-containing substances in the presence of direct current. The gaseous mixture is formed as drying gas (6) e.g. process exhaust gas and process residual gas, and the substances are formed as drying goods. The drying gas contains oxygen portion of maximum 20.5 volume per percentage, and acidic conditions are produced using the drying gas or components of the drying goods added to the drying gas. The drying gas is heated by process waste heat.