Wyoming Patent of the Month – December 2021
The current waste disposal method at most military bases involves burning waste in open pits. This means waste produced from operations, supply depots, commissaries, cafeterias, medical facilities and so on. This not only exposes troops to toxins and pathogens, it leaves a clear infrared signature and is bad for the environment. Hauling the waste out is not an option as it exposes troops to attacks.
Raven SR, LLC has been developing technology to produce clean fuels from waste. Recently, they have developed a compact device that achieves this goal while being easily maintained in remote locations. This would provide a clean fuel source for troops while also managing their waste. It could be applied to other applications as well, from remote mining sites to underdeveloped regions.
This waste reformation device uses a rotary oven reformer which has been adapted to produce synthesis gas from organic waste. Synthesis gas – or syngas – is a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) which can be used as a fuel gas.
The rotary oven uses electric heat to perform gas-phase steam and CO2 reforming in the small container. The device is shaped similar to a concrete mixer with a stationary heating element in the center. The heater heats the steam and CO2 entering the oven and then heats the syngas as it exits to complete the reaction. Waste is tossed into the oven which then rotates to agitate the waste and increase the surface area for the chemical reaction. The rotating drum has sharp components to rip apart garbage bags and organic waste. The teeth are positioned to rip apart the waste when spun in one direction. When the process is complete, the drum spins in the opposite direction and guides larger waste pieces and ashes towards the door to be removed. A filter is positioned just outside the heated cartridge, blocking particulate matter to create a purer syngas. The syngas is converted into renewable energy products including hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen-free Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuels, and additives and solvents.
The modular oven can be used in nearly any location, from medical sites to remotely stationed military troops. It still maintains the same efficiency of Raven SR’s original designs thanks to their proprietary Steam/CO2 Reforming system. The process produces more syngas from feedstock compared to conventional steam reforming processes. Their system does not admit any oxygen into the reaction, meaning there is no combustion. Overall, the process produces cleaner energy with less harmful emissions, all while offering a green solution to waste management.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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