Maine biomass plant will house novel torrefaction technology

Biomass Power and Thermal
By Luke Geiver December 08, 2011

Thermogen Industries, a technology developer and manufacturer operated by New Hampshire-based investment firm Cate Street Capital Inc., is bringing a microwave-based woody biomass torrefaction technology to Maine.

The technology, created by U.K. firm Rotowave Ltd., uses a series of simultaneous electromagnetic frequencies in combination with a ceramic drum to maximize heat transfer throughout every biomass particle in the unit, making the process of pyrolysis used to turn woody biomass into a biocoal product more efficient. Richard Cyr, senior vice president for Cate Street Capital, said the licensing agreement between Rotowave and Thermogen happened after years of extensive research and planning, and by November 2012, Thermogen hopes to have roughly six Rotowave torrefaction units up and running at a biomass facility in Maine.

Read more