초록 ▼

A feedstock delivery system transfers a carbonaceous material, such as municipal solid waste, into a product gas generation system. The feedstock delivery system includes a splitter for splitting bulk carbonaceous material into a plurality of carbonaceous material streams. Each stream is processed u

A feedstock delivery system transfers a carbonaceous material, such as municipal solid waste, into a product gas generation system. The feedstock delivery system includes a splitter for splitting bulk carbonaceous material into a plurality of carbonaceous material streams. Each stream is processed using a weighing system for gauging the quantity of carbonaceous material, a densification system for forming plugs of carbonaceous material, a de-densification system for breaking up the plugs of carbonaceous material, and a gas and carbonaceous material mixing system for forming a carbonaceous material and gas mixture. A pressure of the mixing gas is reduced prior to mixing with the carbonaceous material, and the carbonaceous material to gas weight ratio is monitored. A transport assembly conveys the carbonaceous material and gas mixture to a first reactor where at least the carbonaceous material within the mixture is subject to thermochemical reactions to form the product gas.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A feed zone delivery system (2050A) for transferring carbonaceous material to an interior (101) of a first reactor (100) having a longitudinal reactor axis (AX) and at least one reactor carbonaceous material input (104A), the system comprising: (a) a weigh feeder (2C1) configured to weigh and reg

1. A feed zone delivery system (2050A) for transferring carbonaceous material to an interior (101) of a first reactor (100) having a longitudinal reactor axis (AX) and at least one reactor carbonaceous material input (104A), the system comprising: (a) a weigh feeder (2C1) configured to weigh and regulate a mass flow rate of weighed carbonaceous material (2C-02);(b) a densification system (2D0) configured to compress the weighed carbonaceous material (2C-02) received from the weigh feeder and form a densified carbonaceous material (2D-02);(c) a density reduction system (2F1) configured to reduce the density of the densified carbonaceous material (2D-02) after it exits the densification system (2D0) to thereby form de-densified carbonaceous material;(d) a gas and carbonaceous material mixing system (2G1) configured to receive said de-densified carbonaceous material and introduce a gas into said de-densified carbonaceous material to form a carbonaceous material and gas mixture, wherein the gas and carbonaceous material mixing system (2G1) comprises: (d1) a mixing chamber (G00);(d2) a first isolation valve (VG1) and a second isolation (VG2) spaced apart from one another along a length of the mixing chamber and thereby partitioning the mixing chamber into an entry section (G21), a middle section (G20) and an exit section (G19), the first isolation valve positioned between the entry section (G21) and the middle section (G20), the second isolation valve position between the middle section and that exit section (G19);(d3) a mixing chamber carbonaceous material stream input (G03, G03A, G03B, G03C) to the entry section, configured to receive said de-densified carbonaceous material;(d4) a mixing chamber gas input (G08, G08A, G08B, G08C) connected to a source of mixing gas (2G-03, 2G-03A, 2G-03B, 2G-03C) via an gas input valve (VG3, VG3A, VG3B, VG3C); and(d5) a mixing chamber output (G05, G05A, G05B, G05C) connected to said exit section; and(e) a transport assembly (2H1) connected to said exit section and configured to receive said carbonaceous material and gas mixture, and convey said carbonaceous material and gas mixture in a predetermined direction; and(f) a computer (COMP) configured to control at least the gas and carbonaceous material mixing system. 2. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the gas and carbonaceous material mixing system (2G1) further comprises: (d6) a mixing chamber middle section gas input (G12) connected to said source of mixing gas (2G-03) via a middle section gas input valve (VG4);(d7) a mixing chamber exit section gas input (G16) to said source of mixing gas (2G-03) via an exit section gas input valve (VG5); and(d8) a differential pressure sensor (DPG) configured to gauge a pressure differential between the mixing chamber entry section (G21) and the mixing chamber exit section (G19), and output a differential pressure sensor signal (XDPG) in response thereto. 3. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 2, further comprising: (d9) an evacuation gas line (G22) connected to at least one of the entry section and the middle section of the mixing chamber; and(d10) a gas evacuation valve (VG6) connected to the evacuation gas line to selectively allow gas to be evacuated from the mixing chamber;(d11) a particulate filter (G26) connected to the evacuation gas line, between the mixing chamber and the gas evacuation valve; and(d12) a gas evacuation pressure sensor (P-G) connected to the evacuation gas line, between the particulate filter and the gas evacuation valve. 4. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 2, further comprising: (d9) an evacuation gas line (G22) connected to at least one of the entry section and the middle section of the mixing chamber; and(d10) a gas evacuation valve (VG6) connected to the evacuation gas line to selectively allow gas to be evacuated from the mixing chamber;wherein the computer (COMP) is programmed to cause the system to selectively occupy one of a plurality of valve states, including:(g1) a start-up valve state (2G(1)) in which: the first and second isolation valves (VG1, VG2) are closed,the gas evacuation valve (VG6) is closed, andthe entry section gas input valve (VG3), the middle section gas input valve (VG4), and the exit section gas input valve (VG5) are open,so that mixing gas entering the mixing chamber at a pressure sufficient to isolate the entry and/or middle sections from a first reactor (100) to which the feed zone delivery system is connected;(g2) a normal operation valve state (2G(2)) in which: the first and second isolation valves (VG1, VG2) are open,the gas evacuation valve (VG6) is closed, andat least one of the entry section gas input valve (VG3), the middle section gas input valve (VG4), and the exit section gas input valve (VG5) is open,so that mixing gas entering the mixing chamber mixes with carbonaceous material to form a carbonaceous material and gas mixture which then leaves the mixing chamber via the mixing chamber output, and(g3) a shut down valve state (2G(3)) in which: the first and second isolation valves (VG1, VG2) are closed,the gas evacuation valve (VG6) is open, andthe entry section gas input valve (VG3), the middle section gas input valve (VG4), and the exit section gas input valve (VG5) are open,so that mixing gas entering the mixing chamber is at a pressure sufficient to isolate the entry and/or middle sections from a first reactor (100) to which the feed zone delivery system is connected, and purge residual particulate matter within the mixing chamber through the evacuation gas line. 5. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 2, wherein, when the first isolation valve (VG1) and second isolation valve (VG2) are closed, the computer (COMP) is programmed to: (f1) cause mixing gas to be introduced into the entry section (G21) of the mixing chamber (G00) via the entry section gas input (G08);(f2) receive the differential pressure sensor signal (XDPG) from the differential pressure sensor (DPG), the differential pressure sensor signal being reflective of a differential pressure between the entry section (G21) and the exit section (G19);(f3) compare the differential pressure sensor signal (XDPG) to a pre-determined differential pressure threshold; and(f4) based on the result of comparing, output a signal to open the first and second isolation valves. 6. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: the gas and carbonaceous material mixing system (2G1) further comprises a restriction (RO-G) positioned between the source of mixing gas (2G-03) and the mixing chamber gas input (G08, G08A, G08B, G08C);the source of mixing gas is carbon dioxide produced by a secondary gas clean-up system (6000);the carbon dioxide passes through the restriction (RO-G) before entering the mixing chamber (G00) via a mixing chamber gas input; anda pressure drop of the carbon dioxide across the restriction (RO-G) ranges from about 50 psig to about 2000 psig. 7. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the weigh feeder (2C1) includes: a receiving unit (2C-07) comprising: a receiving unit interior (2C1IN) defined at least in part by a receiving unit sidewall (2C-08) and a receiving unit bottom section (2C-10) connected to the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08), the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08) having a sidewall height (2C-08H) and a sidewall length (2C-08H), the receiving unit interior (2C1IN) configured to receive carbonaceous material; anda first proximity sensor (C-P1) positioned at: a first sensor height (2C-08Ha) along the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08), anda first sensor length (2C-08La) relative to a first end of the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08);a transport unit (2C-22) in proximity to the receiving unit bottom section (2C-10) and comprising: a transport unit interior (2C-23) defined at least in part by a transport unit sidewall (2C-24), the transport unit interior (2C-23) configured to receive carbonaceous material from the receiving unit (2C-07);a screw conveyor (2C-25) in communication with the transport unit interior (2C-23) and configured to cause carbonaceous material to exit the weigh feeder;a shaft rotation measurement unit (2C-27), a motor (M2C), and a motor controller (C-M2C) operatively coupled to a shaft (2C-26) of the screw conveyor (2C-25); andat least one mass sensor (W2C-1, W2C-1) configured to determine a mass of carbonaceous material and output at least one mass signal (X2WC1, X2WC2) in response thereto;wherein: carbonaceous material (2C-02MASS) exits the weigh feed at a pre-determined constant mass flow rate. 8. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the weigh feeder (2C1) further comprises: a first gas nozzle (2C-15) mounted in the vicinity of the first proximity sensor (C-P1), the first gas nozzle (2C-15) connected to a gas supply (2C-14) and configured to blow gas to prevent buildup of carbonaceous material on the first proximity sensor (C-P1). 9. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 7, wherein the weigh feeder (2C1) comprises at least one of the following: a carbon content measurement unit (2C-CC) operatively coupled to said weigh feeder (2C1) and configured to output a first signal (X2CCC) indicative of a carbon content (2C-02CC) of the carbonaceous material (2C-02MASS) being outputted at said pre-determined constant mass flow rate;an energy content measurement unit (2C-BTU) operatively coupled to said weigh feeder (2C1) and configured to output a second signal (X2C) indicative of the energy content (2C-02BTU) of the carbonaceous material (2C-02MASS) being outputted at said pre-determined constant mass flow rate;a volatiles content measurement unit (2C-VOL) operatively coupled to said weigh feeder (2C1) and configured to output a third (X2CVOL) indicative of a volatiles content (2C-02VOL) of the carbonaceous material (2C-02MASS) being outputted at said pre-determined constant mass flow rate; anda water content measurement unit (2CW) operatively coupled to said weigh feeder (2C1) and configured to output a fourth signal (X2CH2O) indicative of a water content (2C-02H20 of the carbonaceous material (2C-02MASS) being outputted at said pre-determined constant mass flow rate. 10. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 7, wherein: the weigh feeder (2C1) further comprises a second proximity sensor (C-P2) positioned at:a second sensor height (2C-08Hb) along the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08), and a second sensor length (2C-08Lb) relative to said first end of the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08);the second sensor height (2C-08Hb) is larger than the first sensor height (2C-08Ha); andthe second sensor length (2C-08Lb) is larger than the first sensor length (2C-08La). 11. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 10, wherein the weigh feeder (2C1) further comprises: a second gas nozzle (2C-17) mounted in the vicinity of the second proximity sensor (C-P2), the second gas nozzle (2C-17) connected to a gas supply (2C-16) and configured to blow gas to prevent buildup of carbonaceous material on the second proximity sensor (C-P2). 12. The system according to claim 10, wherein, in the weigh feeder: the first sensor length (2C-08La) ranges from about 0% to about 50% of the receiving unit's sidewall length (2C-08L);the second sensor length (2C-08Lb) ranges from about 50% to about 100% of the receiving unit's sidewall length (2C-08L);the first sensor height (2C-08Ha) ranges from about 0% to about 66% of the receiving unit's sidewall height (2C-08H); andthe second sensor height (2C-08Hb) ranges from about 33% to about 100% of the receiving unit's sidewall height (2C-08H). 13. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 7, wherein, in response to a first signal (X2B1A) sent by the computer (COMP): carbonaceous material (2C-01) is introduced into the weigh feeder (2C1) and a level of carbonaceous material in the weigh feeder (2C1) increases. 14. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 13, wherein, in response to the level of carbonaceous material in the weigh feeder (2C1) reaching the first sensor height (2C-08Ha) of the first proximity sensor (C-P1): the first proximity sensor (C-P1) outputs a first level signal (XCP1); andin response to the first level signal (XCP1), the computer (COMP) sends a second signal (XM2C) to rotate the shaft (2C-26) of the weigh feeder's screw conveyor (2C-25), so that carbonaceous material exits the weigh feeder. 15. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 14, wherein: the weigh feeder (2C1) further comprises a second proximity sensor (C-P2) positioned at: a second sensor height (2C-08Hb) along the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08), anda second sensor length (2C-08Lb) relative to said first end of the receiving unit sidewall (2C-08);the second sensor height (2C-08Hb) is larger than the first sensor height (2C-08Ha);the second sensor length (2C-08Lb) is larger than the first sensor length (2C-08La); andin response to a level of carbonaceous material in the weigh feeder reaching the second sensor (2C-08Hb): the second proximity sensor (C-P2) outputs a second level signal (XCP2); andin response to the second level signal (XCP2), the computer (COMP) sends a third signal (X2B1A) to discontinue introduction of additional carbonaceous material (2C-01) into the weigh feeder (2C1), while carbonaceous material continues to exit the weigh feeder. 16. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 15, wherein: when the level of carbonaceous material in the weigh feeder (2C1) drops below both the first sensor height (2C-08Ha) and the second sensor height (2C-08Hb): neither the first level signal (XCP1) nor the second level signal (XCP2) are output; andcarbonaceous material (2C-01) is once again introduced into the weigh feeder (2C1). 17. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: the densification system (2D0) includes first, second and third piston cylinder assemblies (2D1, 2D2, 2D3). 18. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 17, further comprising: a primary tank (D2000) containing hydraulic fluid and having a drain line (D50) connected to each of the first, second and third piston cylinder assemblies (2D1, 2D2, 2D3);a first piston cylinder assembly pump (2PU1) interposed between the primary tank (2D000) and the first piston cylinder assembly (2D1), the first piston cylinder assembly pump configured to selectively force hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic fluid tank into the first piston cylinder assembly (2D1),a second piston cylinder assembly pump (2PU2) interposed between the primary tank (2D000) and the second piston cylinder assembly (2D2), the second piston cylinder assembly pump configured to selectively force hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic fluid tank into the second piston cylinder assembly (2D2),a third piston cylinder assembly pump (2PU3) interposed between the primary tank (2D000) and the third piston cylinder assembly (2D3), the third piston cylinder assembly pump configured to selectively force hydraulic fluid received from the hydraulic fluid tank into the third piston cylinder assembly (2D3); anda plug control system (2E1) configured to receive said densified carbonaceous material from a third cylinder (D30) belonging to the third piston cylinder assembly (2D3) and impart a force to said densified carbonaceous material. 19. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 18, wherein the plug control system (2E1) comprises: a plug control cylinder (E02) configured to receive densified carbonaceous material from said densification system (2D0);a ram (E20) configured to advance within said plug control cylinder (E02), in a direction towards the densified carbonaceous material received from said densification system;a plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) having a plug control hydraulic cylinder rear cylinder space (E12) with a plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14, E14A, E14B) and a plug control hydraulic cylinder drain port (E15, E15A, E15B); anda plug control piston (E18) located in the plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) and operatively connected to the ram (E20);wherein:the plug control piston (E18) is movable within the plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10), between a retracted non-pressing position and an advanced pressing position in which the ram (E20) contacts the densified carbonaceous material received from said densification system;the plug control cylinder (E02) is configured to receive densified carbonaceous material from the third cylinder (D30); andadvancement of the ram (E20) within said plug control cylinder (E02) results in force being imparted upon the densified carbonaceous material. 20. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 19, wherein the plug control system (2E1) further comprises: a secondary tank (D2100) containing hydraulic fluid;a plug control supply line (90) connecting the secondary tank (D2100) to the plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14) via a plug control inlet valve (VD7);a plug control drain line (92) connecting the secondary tank (D2100) to the plug control hydraulic cylinder drain port (E15), via a plug control drain valve (VD8);a secondary tank transfer pump (D86) connected to the plug control supply line (90) and configured to introduce hydraulic fluid into plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) via the plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14, E14A), when the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is open. 21. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 20, wherein: the first piston cylinder assembly (2D1) comprises: a first hydraulic cylinder (D05) having a first piston (D12) configured to reciprocate therein, between a retracted position and an advanced position;a first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1) having a first front common port (VD1A), a first front supply port (VD1B) and a first front drain port (VD1C), anda first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2) having a first rear common port (VD2A), a first rear supply port (VD2B) and a first rear drain port (VD2C);the second piston cylinder assembly (2D2) comprises: a second hydraulic cylinder (D20) having a second piston (D27) configured to reciprocate therein, between a retracted position and an advanced position;a second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD3) having a second front common port (VD3A), a second front supply port (VD3B) and a second front drain port (VD2C), anda second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4) having a second rear common port (VD4A), a second rear supply port (VD4B) and a second rear drain port (VD4C);the third piston cylinder assembly (2D3) comprises: a third cylinder (D34) having a third (D41) configured to reciprocate therein, between a retracted position and an advanced position;a third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5) having a third front common port (VD5A), a third front supply port (VD5B) and a third front drain port (VD5C), anda third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6) having a third rear common port (VD6A), a third rear supply port (VD6B) and a third rear drain port (VD6C). 22. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 21, wherein, in a first mode of densification system operation (State 2D(1)): in the first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1), the first front supply port (VD1B) is open, and the first front drain port (VD1C) is closed;in the first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2), the first rear supply port (VD2B) is closed, and the first rear drain port (VD2C) is open;in the second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD4), the second front supply port (VD3B) is open, and the second front drain port (VD3C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4), the second rear supply port (VD4B) is closed, and the second rear drain port (VD4C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5), the third front supply port (VD5B) is closed, and the third front drain port (VD5C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6), the third rear supply port (VD6B) is open, and the third rear drain port (VD6C) is closed;the first piston (D12) is in the retracted position;the second piston (D27) is in the retracted position;the third piston (D41) is in the advancing position; andthe plug control piston (E18) is in the advanced pressing position. 23. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 21, wherein, in a second mode of densification system operation (State 2D(2)): in the first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1), the first front supply port (VD1B) is open, and the first front drain port (VD1C) is closed;in the first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2), the first rear supply port (VD2B) is closed, and the first rear drain port (VD2C) is open;in the second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD4), the second front supply port (VD3B) is open, and the second front drain port (VD3C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4), the second rear supply port (VD4B) is closed, and the second rear drain port (VD4C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5), the third front supply port (VD5B) is closed, and the third front drain port (VD5C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6), the third rear supply port (VD6B) is open, and the third rear drain port (VD6C) is closed;the first piston (D12) is in the retracted position;the second piston (D27) is in the retracted position;the third piston (D41) is in the advanced position;the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is closed;the plug control drain valve (VD8) is open; andthe plug control piston (E18) is in the retracted non-pressing position. 24. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 21, wherein, in a third mode of densification system operation (State 2D(3)): in the first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1), the first front supply port (VD1B) is closed, and the first front drain port (VD1C) is open;in the first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2), the first rear supply port (VD2B) is open, and the first rear drain port (VD2C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD4), the second front supply port (VD3B) is open, and the second front drain port (VD3C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4), the second rear supply port (VD4B) is closed, and the second rear drain port (VD4C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5), the third front supply port (VD5B) is closed, and the third front drain port (VD5C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6), the third rear supply port (VD6B) is open, and the third rear drain port (VD6C) is closed;the first piston (D12) is in the advanced position;the second piston (D27) is in the retracted position;the third piston (D41) is in the advanced position; and,the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is open;the plug control drain valve (VD8) is closed;the plug control piston (E18) is in the advanced pressing position. 25. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 21, wherein, in a fourth mode of densification system operation (State 2D(4)): in the first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1), the first front supply port (VD1B) is closed, and the first front drain port (VD1C) is open;in the first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2), the first rear supply port (VD2B) is open, and the first rear drain port (VD2C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD4), the second front supply port (VD3B) is open, and the second front drain port (VD3C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4), the second rear supply port (VD4B) is closed, and the second rear drain port (VD4C) is open;in the third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5), the third front supply port (VD5B) is open, and the third front drain port (VD5C) is closed;in the third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6), the third rear supply port (VD6B) is closed, and the third rear drain port (VD6C) is open;the first piston (D12) is in the advanced position;the second piston (D27) is in the retracted position;the third piston (D41) is in the retracted position;the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is open;the plug control drain valve (VD8) is closed; andthe plug control piston (E18) is in the advanced pressing position. 26. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 21, wherein, in a fifth mode of densification system operation (State 2D(5)): in the first hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD1), the first front supply port (VD1B) is closed, and the first front drain port (VD1C) is open;in the first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD2), the first rear supply port (VD2B) is open, and the first rear drain port (VD2C) is closed;in the second hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD4), the second front supply port (VD3B) is closed, and the second front drain port (VD3C) is open;in the second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD4), the second rear supply port (VD4B) is open, and the second rear drain port (VD4C) is closed;in the third hydraulic cylinder front connection port valve (VD5), the third front supply port (VD5B) is open, and the third front drain port (VD5C) is closed;in the third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port valve (VD6), the third rear supply port (VD6B) is closed, and the third rear drain port (VD6C) is open;the first piston (D12) is in the advanced position;the second piston (D27) is in the advanced position;the third piston (D41) is in the retracted position; and,the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is open;the plug control drain valve (VD8) is closed; andthe plug control piston (E18) is in the advanced pressing position. 27. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 17, wherein the first piston cylinder assembly (2D1) comprises: a first cylinder (D01) having a densifier input (D13) configured to receive carbonaceous material from the feeder output (2C-06);a first ram (D14) configured to advance and retract within said first cylinder (D01);a first hydraulic cylinder (D05) comprising a first hydraulic cylinder front cylinder space (D07) provided with a first hydraulic cylinder front connection port (D09), and a first hydraulic cylinder rear cylinder space (D08) provided with a first hydraulic cylinder rear connection port (D10);a first piston (D12) configured to reciprocate within the first hydraulic cylinder (D05) and operatively connected to the first ram (D14) via a first piston rod (D11); anda first piston rod linear transducer (2Z1) configured to gauge a position of the first piston rod (D11);wherein:reciprocating motion of the first piston (D12) causes advancement and retraction of the first ram (D14) within the first cylinder (D01); andadvancement or retraction of the first ram (D14) within said first cylinder (D01) results in compression of carbonaceous material to realize a first pre-compressed carbonaceous material. 28. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 27, wherein the second piston cylinder assembly (2D2) comprises: a second cylinder (D15) configured to receive the first pre-compressed carbonaceous material from the first cylinder (D01);a second ram (D28) configured to advance and retract within said second cylinder (D15);a second hydraulic cylinder (D20) comprising a second hydraulic cylinder front cylinder space (D22) provided with a second hydraulic cylinder front connection port (D24), and a second hydraulic cylinder rear cylinder space (D23) provided with a second hydraulic cylinder rear connection port (D25);a second piston (D27) configured to reciprocate within the second hydraulic cylinder (D20) and operatively connected to the second ram (D28) via a second piston rod (D26); anda second piston rod linear transducer (2Z2) configured to gauge a position of the second piston rod (D26);wherein:reciprocating motion of the second piston (D26) causes advancement and retraction of the second ram (D28) within the second cylinder (D15); andadvancement or retraction of the second ram (D28) within said second cylinder (D15) results in further compression of the first pre-compressed carbonaceous material to realize a second pre-compressed carbonaceous material. 29. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 28, wherein the third piston cylinder assembly (2D3) comprises: a third cylinder (D30) configured to receive the second pre-compressed carbonaceous material from the second cylinder (D15);a third ram (D42) configured to advance and retract within said third cylinder (D30);a third hydraulic cylinder (D34) comprising a third hydraulic cylinder front cylinder space (D36) provided with a third hydraulic cylinder front connection port (D38), and a third hydraulic cylinder rear cylinder space (D37) provided with a third hydraulic cylinder rear connection port (D39);a third piston (D41) configured to reciprocate within the third hydraulic cylinder (D34) and operatively connected to the third ram (D42) via a third piston rod (D40); anda third piston rod linear transducer (2Z3) configured to gauge a position of the third piston rod (D40);wherein:reciprocating motion of the third piston (D40) causes advancement and retraction of the third ram (D42) within the third cylinder (D30); andadvancement or retraction of the third ram (D42) within said third cylinder (D30) results in further compression of the second pre-compressed carbonaceous material to realize said densified carbonaceous material. 30. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a plug control system (2E1) interposed between the densification system and the gas and carbonaceous material mixing system, the plug control system configured to impart a force upon said densified carbonaceous material received from the densification system. 31. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 30, wherein the plug control system (2E1) comprises: a plug control cylinder (E02) configured to receive densified carbonaceous material from said densification system (2D0);a ram (E20) configured to advance within said plug control cylinder (E02), in a direction towards the densified carbonaceous material received from said densification system;a ram (E20) configured to advance in a radial direction within said plug control cylinder (E02);a plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) having a plug control hydraulic cylinder rear cylinder space (E12) with a plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14, E14A, E14B) and a plug control hydraulic cylinder drain port (E15, E15A, E15B); anda plug control piston (E18) located in the plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) and operatively connected to the ram (E20);wherein:the plug control piston (E18) is movable within the plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10), between a retracted non-pressing position and an advanced pressing position in which the ram (E20) contacts the densified carbonaceous material received from said densification system;the plug control cylinder (E02) is configured to receive densified carbonaceous material from the third cylinder (D30); andadvancement of the ram (E20) within said plug control cylinder (E02) results in force being imparted upon the densified carbonaceous material. 32. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 31, wherein the plug control system (2E1) further comprises: a secondary tank (D2100) containing hydraulic fluid;a plug control supply line (90) connecting the secondary tank (D2100) to the plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14) via a plug control inlet valve (VD7);a plug control drain line (92) connecting the secondary tank (D2100) to the plug control hydraulic cylinder drain port (E15), via a plug control drain valve (VD8);a secondary tank transfer pump (D86) connected to the plug control supply line (90) and configured to introduce hydraulic fluid into plug control hydraulic cylinder (E10) via the plug control hydraulic cylinder inlet port (E14, E14A, when the plug control inlet valve (VD7) is open. 33. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the density reduction system (2F1) includes: a chamber (F00) having an interior (F14) defined by at least one side wall (F12);a shredder (F01) disposed within said interior (F14);a shaft (F16) connected to said shredder (FO1);a motor (M2F) connected to said shaft (F16);a seal (F18) operatively coupled to said shaft (F16) to prevent pressurized gases from leaking out of the chamber (F00); and,a controller (C-M2F) operatively coupled to said motor (M2F);wherein:the chamber (F00) is configured to receive densified carbonaceous material from said densification system (2D0); and,the shredder is configured to shred the densified carbonaceous material to form said de-densified carbonaceous material. 34. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a particulate solid evacuation system (565) configured to remove airborne particulate solids from the feed zone delivery system, the combustible particulate solid control system comprising: at least one particulate conduit for conveying airborne particulate solids in a direction away from the feed zone delivery system;a fan (567) configured to urge the airborne particulate solids along at least a portion of the particulate conduit; anda filter (566) coupled to the particulate conduit for capturing particulate solids. 35. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 34, wherein: the filter (566) has an entry section (566A) and an exit section (566B);the fan draws a particulate solid-laden gas (572) into the entry section (566A) of the (566) through a conduit entry portion (563);air passes through the exit section (566B) of the filter (566) andparticulate solids remain in the entry section (566A) of the filter (566). 36. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 35, wherein the conduit entry portion (563) operates at a velocity pressure range from about 0.10 inches of water to about 1.50 inches of water. 37. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 35, wherein the conduit entry portion (563) operates at a velocity range from about 1000 feet per minute to about 5000 feet per minute. 38. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 1, wherein each transport assembly (2H1) includes: an interior (H08) defined by at least one side wall (H06);an expansion joint (H04) connected to the side wall (H06);a screw conveyor (H10) disposed within the interior (H08);a shaft (H11) and motor (M2H) connected to said screw conveyor (H10); and,a controller (C-M2H) operatively coupled to said motor (M2H). 39. The feed zone delivery system according to claim 38, wherein: the screw conveyor (H10) comprises a heat exchange auger (HX-H) having a heat transfer medium input (H12) and a heat transfer medium output (H16); anda heat transfer medium supply (H14) is connected to the heat transfer medium input (H12) and a heat transfer medium return (H18) is connected to a heat transfer medium output (H16). 40. A feedstock delivery system (2000) comprising: a plurality of feed zone delivery systems (2050A, 2050B, 2050C) in accordance with claim 1; and,a first splitter (2B1) having a splitter input (2B-03) through which bulk carbonaceous material (2B-01) is received and a plurality of outputs (2B-07, 2B-09, 2B-11), each splitter output being in fluid communication with the weigh feeder (2C1) of one of the feed zone delivery systems. 41. The feedstock delivery system according to claim 40, wherein the first splitter (2B1) includes: a splitter vessel (2B1) having a splitter interior (2B1IN) defined by at least one splitter side wall (WA), a splitter bottom section (2B-05) and a splitter top section (2B-04) which is provided with a splitter input (2B-03);a plurality of splitter screw conveyors (2B-06, 2B-08, 2B-10) in fluid communication with the splitter interior (2B1IN) via the splitter bottom section (2B-05);a splitter output (2B-07, 2B-09, 2B-11) in fluid communication with each of said plurality of splitter screw conveyors (2B-06, 2B-08, 2B-10);a plurality of splitter motors (M2B1A, M2B1B, M2B1C), each operatively connected to a corresponding one of said splitter screw conveyors (2B-06, 2B-08, 2B-10);a plurality of splitter controllers (C2B1A, C2B1B, C2B1C), each operatively coupled to one of said plurality of splitter motors (M2B1A, M2B1B, M2B1C); and,a splitter level sensor (LB1) configured to measure a level of carbonaceous material in the splitter interior (2B1IN). 42. A carbonaceous material feedstock delivery system comprising: a plurality of feedstock delivery systems (2000) in accordance with claim 40; anda bulk transfer system (2A1) comprising: a motor-driven transport assembly (2A-03) comprising a conveyor belt (2A-04) equipped with a motor (M2A) and motor controller (C-M2A) configured to control a speed of the motor (M2A), the motor-driven transport assembly configured to supply bulk carbonaceous material (2A-02) to the splitter of each feedstock delivery system;wherein:the computer (COMP) is coupled to the motor controller. 43. The carbonaceous material feedstock delivery system according to claim 42, wherein the bulk transfer system further comprises: a mass sensor (W2A-1) configured to determine a total mass of bulk carbonaceous material being supplied to the splitters. 44. The carbonaceous material feedstock delivery system according to claim 42, wherein the bulk transfer system (2A1) further includes: a carbon content measurement unit (2A-CC) operatively coupled to said transport assembly (2A-03) and configured to output a signal (X2ACC) to indicative of a carbon content (2A-02CC) of the carbonaceous material (2A-02);an energy content measurement unit (2A-BTU) operatively coupled to said transport assembly (2A-03) and configured to output a signal (X2AE) indicative of an energy content (2A-02BTU) of the carbonaceous material (2A-02);a volatiles content measurement unit (2A-VOL) operatively coupled to said transport assembly (2A-03) and configured to output a signal (X2AVOL) indicative of a volatiles content (2A-02VOL) of the carbonaceous material (2A-02); and,a water content measurement unit (2AW) operatively coupled to said transport assembly (2A-03) and configured to output a signal (X2AH2O) indicative of a water content (2A-02H20) of the carbonaceous material (2A-02). 45. The carbonaceous material feedstock delivery system according to claim 42, wherein: the motor controller (C-M2A) controls a speed of the motor (M2A) in response to a signal (XB1) from a level sensor (LB1) located on said splitter (2B1). 46. A carbonaceous material processing system comprising: a plurality of feedstock delivery systems (2000) in accordance with claim 40; anda first reactor (100) connected to the plurality of feedstock delivery systems (2000);wherein: the first reactor (100) has four first carbonaceous material inputs (104A, 104C, 104D, 104F) which, in a view of the reactor along the longitudinal reactor axis (AX), are equally circumferentially spaced apart from one another; andeach of four first feed zone delivery systems (2050A, 2050B, 2050C, 2050D) is connected to one of the four carbonaceous material inputs (104A, 104C, 104D, 104F) of the first reactor (100). 47. The carbonaceous material processing system according to claim 46, wherein: the first reactor has two additional carbonaceous material inputs (104B, 104E) which, in said view of the first reactor (100) along the longitudinal reactor axis (AX), are (i) equally circumferentially spaced apart from one another and (ii) are circumferentially spaced apart from said four first carbonaceous material inputs (104A, 104C, 104D, 104F). 48. The carbonaceous material processing system according to claim 47, wherein: the four first carbonaceous material inputs are vertically spaced apart from one another along a length of the longitudinal reactor axis (AX). 49. A carbonaceous material processing system comprising: a feedstock delivery system (2000) in accordance with claim 40; anda first reactor (100) connected to the feedstock delivery system (2000), the first reactor (100) having a first interior (101);wherein:the first reactor (100) further includes: a plurality of first reactor carbonaceous material inputs (104A, 104B, 104C) to the first interior (101)a first reactor reactant input (108) to the first interior (101); and,a first reactor product gas output (124). 50. The carbonaceous material processing system according to claim 49 further comprising a first reactor oxygen-containing gas input (120) to the first interior (101) configured to receive a first reactor oxygen-containing gas (118). 51. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 49, further including a primary gas clean up heat exchanger (HX-4) in fluid communication with the first reactor product gas output (124) and configured to remove heat from a portion of the first reactor product gas (122). 52. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 51, further including a venturi scrubber (380) in fluid communication with said primary gas clean up heat exchanger (HX-4) and configured to remove particulates from a portion of the gas evacuated from the primary gas clean up heat exchanger (HX-4). 53. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 52, further including a scrubber (384) in fluid communication with said venturi scrubber (380) and configured to remove water, SVOC, and VOC from a portion of the gas evacuated from the venturi scrubber (380). 54. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 53, further including an engine (410) in fluid communication with said scrubber (384) and configured to combust a portion of the product gas evacuated from the scrubber (380). 55. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 54, further including a generator (418) operatively connected to said engine (410) via a shaft (416) and configured to output power (420) by the turning motion of said shaft (416). 56. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 54, wherein the engine (410) includes: a gas inlet (412);a gas outlet (414);at least one piston (417) contained in at least one cylinder (419) within the engine (410);at least one spark plug (421) positioned in at least one cylinder (419) within the engine (410);wherein:the cylinder (419) is configured to accept product gas produced by the carbonaceous material processing system; andat least one piston (417) is configured to reciprocate within the cylinder (419) so as to subject the product gas to changes of pressure, temperature, volume, addition of heat, and removal of heat in at least one idealized thermodynamic cycle. 57. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 54, wherein the engine (410) is configured to combust a product gas having a syngas caloric value ranging from 120 BTU/scf to 400 BTU/scf. 58. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 54, wherein the engine (410) has an actual or useful horsepower within the range of power from a range of about 225 to 750 kWb. 59. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 58, configured to operate in any one of a plurality of modes of operation, including: a first mode of operation in which a mass of product gas is drawn into the engine (410) at a constant scrubber pressure (P-S) between about 15 psig to about 50 PSIG;a second mode of operation in which adiabatic (isentropic) compression of the product gas takes place within the engine (410) as the piston (417) moves from bottom dead center (BDC) to top dead center (TDC) within the cylinder (419);a third mode of operation in which a constant-volume heat transfer is provided to the working product gas from a spark plug (421) while the piston (417) is at top dead center;a fourth mode of operation in which adiabatic (isentropic) expansion takes place causing the shaft (416) of the engine (410) to turn to drive a generator (418) for power output (420);a fifth mode of operation in which the idealized thermodynamic cycle is complete by a constant-volume process in which heat is rejected from the generated combustion stream of CO2 and H2O while the piston (417) is at bottom dead center (BDC); andin a sixth mode of operation in which the combustion stream including CO2 and H2O is released via the gas outlet (414) of the engine (410). 60. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 49, further comprising: a second reactor (200) having a second interior (201);a second reactor char input (204) to the second interior (201), said second reactor char input (204) being in fluid communication with the first reactor product gas output (124);a second reactor oxygen-containing gas input (220) to the second interior (201); anda second reactor product gas output (224). 61. The carbonaceous material processing system in accordance with claim 60, further comprising a second reactor heat exchanger (HX-B) in thermal contact with the second interior (201) wherein: the second reactor heat exchanger (HX-B) comprises: a second reactor heat transfer medium inlet (212) configured to receive a heat transfer medium (210) at a second reactor inlet temperature (T1); anda second reactor heat transfer medium outlet (216) configured to output the heat transfer medium (210), at a higher, second reactor outlet temperature (T2); andthe first reactor reactant input (108) is in fluid communication with the second reactor heat transfer medium outlet (216) and is configured to introduce at least a portion of said heat transfer medium (210) into the first interior (101) as a reactant (106) of the first reactor (100). 62. The carbonaceous material processing system according to claim 61, further comprising a second reactor reactant input (208) to the second interior (201); wherein: the second reactor reactant input (208) is in fluid communication with the second reactor heat transfer medium outlet (216) and is configured to introduce at least a portion of said heat transfer medium (210) into the second interior (201) as a reactant of the second reactor (200). 63. The carbonaceous material processing system according to claim 60, further comprising: a second reactor solids output (207) connected to the second interior (201); anda first reactor solids input (107) in fluid communication with the second reactor solids output (207),wherein:the first reactor solids input (107) is configured to receive, into the first interior (101), second reactor particulate heat transfer material (205) present in the second interior (201). 64. A carbonaceous material processing system comprising: a feedstock delivery system (2000) in accordance with claim 40;a first reactor (100) connected to the feedstock delivery system (2000) and configured to receive feedstock therefrom;a second reactor (200) connected to receive output from the first reactor (100); anda third reactor (300) connected to receive output from the second reactor (200);wherein;the first reactor (100) further comprises: a plurality of first reactor carbonaceous material inputs (104A, 104B, 104C) to the first interior (101);a first reactor reactant input (108) to the first interior (101);a first reactor product gas output (124);the second reactor (200) has a second interior (201) and comprises: a second reactor char input (204) to the second interior (201), in fluid communication with the first reactor product gas output (124);a second reactor oxygen-containing gas input (220) to the second interior (201);a second reactor product gas output (224);a second reactor heat exchanger (HX-B) in thermal contact with the second interior (201), the second reactor heat exchanger comprising a second reactor heat transfer medium inlet (212) and a second reactor heat transfer medium outlet (216), the second reactor heat transfer medium outlet (216) being in fluid communication with the first reactor reactant input (108);the third reactor (300) has a third interior (301) and comprises: a product gas input (304) to the third interior (301), in fluid communication with the first and second product gas outputs (124, 224);a third reactor oxygen-containing gas input (320) to the third interior (301);a third reactor product gas output (336); and,a third reactor heat exchanger (HX-C) in thermal contact with the third interior (301), the third reactor heat exchanger comprising a third reactor heat transfer medium inlet (312) and a third reactor heat transfer medium outlet (316), the third heat transfer medium outlet (316) being in fluid communication with the second reactor heat transfer medium inlet (212);the third reactor heat exchanger (HX-C) is configured to receive a heat transfer medium (310) at a third reactor inlet temperature (TO) via the third reactor heat transfer medium inlet (312); anda first portion of the heat transfer medium (310) passes through the third reactor heat exchanger (HX-C) and then the second reactor heat exchanger (HX-B) before being introduced, into the first interior (101) via the first reactor reactant input (108), as a reactant (106) at a first reactor reactant temperature (TR1), the first reactor reactant temperature (TR1) being higher than the third reactor inlet temperature (TO). 65. A refinery superstructure system (RSS) including: (a) a feedstock preparation system (1000) configured to: (i) accept a carbonaceous material input (1-IN1),(ii) reduce a size of objects in said carbonaceous material input, and(iii) discharge a carbonaceous material output (1-OUT1) after said size reduction;(b) a feedstock delivery system (2000) according to claim 40, configured to accept said carbonaceous material output from the feedstock preparation system (1000), and output a plurality of streams of carbonaceous material and gas mixtures (102A, 102B, 102C) into the interior (101) of the first reactor (100) via a plurality of carbonaceous material and gas inputs (104A, 104B, 104C);(c) a product gas generation system (3000) configured to accept said plurality of streams of carbonaceous material and gas mixtures (102A, 102B, 102C) from the feedstock delivery system (2000) into the interior (101) of a first reactor (100) via a plurality of carbonaceous material and gas inputs (104A, 104B, 104C) and react the carbonaceous material through at least one thermochemical process to realize a product gas output (3-OUT1);(d) a primary gas clean-up system (4000) configured to accept a product gas input (4-IN1) from the output (3-OUT1) of the product gas generation system (3000) and configured to reduce the temperature, remove solids, SVOC, VOC, and water from the product gas transported through the product gas input (4-IN1) to in turn discharge a product gas output (4-OUT1);(e) a compression system (5000) configured to accept and increase the pressure of the product gas output (4-OUT1) from the primary gas clean-up system (4000) to in turn discharge a product gas output (5-OUT1);(f) a secondary gas clean-up system (6000) configured to accept and remove at least carbon dioxide from the product gas output (5-OUT1) of the compression system (5000) to output both a carbon dioxide depleted product gas output (6-OUT1) and a carbon dioxide output (6-OUT2), the carbon dioxide output (6-OUT2) routed to the feedstock delivery system (2000);(g) a synthesis system (7000) configured to accept the product gas output (6-OUT1) from the secondary gas clean-up system (6000) as a product gas input (7-IN1) and catalytically synthesize hydrocarbons from the product gas transferred through the input (7-IN1), and(h) an upgrading system (8000) configured to generate an upgraded product (1500) including renewable fuels and other useful chemical compounds, including alcohols, ethanol, gasoline, diesel and/or jet fuel, discharged via an upgraded product output (8-OUT1). 66. The refinery superstructure system (RSS) according to claim 65, further comprising a feedstock delivery system CO2 heat exchanger (HX-2000) interposed between the secondary gas clean-up system (6000) and the feedstock delivery system (2000) and configured to reduce the temperature of the carbon dioxide to realize a reduced temperature gas (580). 67. The refinery superstructure system (RSS) according to claim 66, further comprising a water removal system (585) interposed between the feedstock delivery system CO2 heat exchanger (HX-2000) and the feedstock delivery system (2000) and configured to remove water or moisture within the carbon dioxide to realize a water-depleted gas (590).