METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING ACTIVATED CARBON FROM BIOMASS THROUGH CARBONIZED ASH INTERMEDIATES
Biomass combustion processes may be controlled to intentionally generate a carbon-containing ash, from which activated carbon is produced according to the methods disclosed. Some variations provide an economically attractive process for producing an activated carbon product, the process comprising combusting a carbon-containing feedstock to generate energy, combustion products, and ash, wherein the ash contains at least 10 wt % carbon; separating and recovering carbon contained in said ash; and further activating or treating the separated carbon, to generate an activated carbon product. Many process variations are disclosed, and uses for the activated carbon product are disclosed.
1 . A composition for adsorbing an acid gas, comprising a biogenic activated carbon, wherein the biogenic activated carbon is sized from about 4 mesh to about 10 mesh and comprises: at least about 50 wt % carbon on a dry basis and at least about 20% moisture.
2 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the biogenic activated carbon has a pH value of at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 11, at least about 12, at least about 13, or about 14.
3 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has adsorbed a non-condensable gas.
4 . The composition of claim 1 , wherein the composition has adsorbed hydrogen sulfide.
5 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising silicon.
6 . The composition of claim 4 , further comprising at least about 70,000 ppm of silicon.
7 . The composition of claim 1 , further comprising an additive.
8 . The composition of claim 6 , wherein the additive is a base.
9 . The composition of claim 6 wherein the additive is a metal hydroxide.
10 . The composition of claim 6 , wherein the additive is sodium hydroxide.
11 . The composition of claim 6 , wherein the additive is potassium hydroxide.
12 .- 20 . (canceled)