I like the steady progress since 2009 Idk how recent this description is, just from atp site Guess they got their patents mentioned in the 2009 presentation also late 2012
Joseph J. James, President of Agri-Tech Producers, LLC(ATP), is pleased to announce that ATP continues to make progress on what may be one of the world’s best commercial-grade torrefaction machines.
Torrefaction is a process, which uses heat, in a low oxygen environment, to convert plant and wood biomass into a cleaner, renewable alternative to coal, as well as feedstock, from which to make other useful bio-products.
ATP has an exclusive license to innovative torrefaction technology developed by North Carolina State University (NCSU) and the US patent was just issued, in November 2012. Patents are also pending in other appropriate countries.
ATP's process cost-effectively converts cellulosic biomass, like wood chips and bio-crops, into a substance, which can be used as a clean and renewable coal substitute; as a superior feedstock from which to make stronger, more energy dense and water repellent energy pellets; and as a superior feedstock from which to make bio-fuels, using gasification methods.
ATP's standard commercial machine, called the Torre-Tech® 5.0, is available for order now, with expected delivery in 6-8 months. It will produce five tons of torrefied wood, an hour.
Unlike some of our competitors, ATP's units:
Do not require pre-drying of the biomass to reduce moisture to 20% and can essentially accept most biomass feedstock, as is, after chipping and storage.
Essentially make all of their own process heat, once at operating temperature.
Are simpler and more reliable.
Are less expensive - The Torre-Tech® 5.0 Costs $5.0 million US.
To see a Spec Sheet for ATP's Torre-Tech® 5.0 machine, click HERE.
ATP, with the help of its equipment manufacturing partner, the Kusters Zima Corporation, is in the process of manufacturing a smaller version of its standard machine, for a series of tests and demonstration projects. That machine will be ready by the first Quarter of 2014.
For an Overview of ATP's process, please click here: Torrefaction PowerPoint
Click on this link to see a video of NC State University Torrefaction process inventor, Chris Hopkins, operating the prototype unit.
Mr. James says, "We have had very strong, global interest in our machines, as our torrefaction process is believed to be among the most cost-effective in the world.” In addition to producing and selling torrefaction equipment, ATP intends to develop and operate a few torrefaction processing plants, on a global basis, in conjunction with key strategic partners.
ATP also intends to become involved in the planting and harvesting of high-density bio-crops, which can be treated by its torrefaction process. ATP's process can also produce a biochar, for soil enhancement purposes, and a cooking fuel for the Third-World, which can reduce de-forestation pressures.
ATP is very grateful for the support it has received from various federal and state agencies, as well as private sector organizations. We have had strong interest from many would-be customers from the US's forestry, pellet and electric utility sector, as well as from all over the world, as our process is seen to be the most cost-effective.
