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This paper introduces an experimental plant specifically designed to challenge the main operating issues related to modern biomass combustion systems (mainly NOx, particulate matter, and deposition phenomena). The prototype is an 11–18 kW overfed fixed-bed burner with a modular configuration, and the design considers the implementation of certain strategies for improving combustion: (1) a complete refrigeration system that also includes the fuel bed; and (2) an air injection control through flue gas recirculation. First, the stability and repeatability of the facility were successfully tested, establishing the duration of transient periods in the phase of experiment design. The results revealed similar effects in temperature and particulate emissions when comparing the use of the cooling bed and recirculation techniques. Reductions of 15% and up to 70% were achieved for the exhaust temperature and particulate matter concentration, respectively. Otherwise, the refrigeration considerably reduced the bed temperature, especially in its core, which enhanced the condensation of volatile salts and therefore the fouling phenomena. Although the viability of using both techniques as temperature control methods is demonstrated, further studies are needed to clarify the specific effects of each technology and to clarify the possible significance of a hybrid solution that combines both strategies.

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In recent years, many CO2 capture technologies have been developed due to growing awareness about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, publications from the last decade addressing this topic were analyzed, paying special attention to patent status to provide useful information for policymakers, industry, and businesses and to help determine the direction of future research. To show the most current patent activity related to carbon capture using membrane technology, we collected 2749 patent documents and 572 scientific papers. The results demonstrated that membranes are a developing field, with the number of applications growing at a steady pace, exceeding 100 applications per year in 2013 and 2014. North American assignees were the main contributors, with the greatest number of patents owned by companies such as UOP LLC, Kilimanjaro Energy Inc., and Membrane Technology and Research Inc., making up 26% of the total number of published patents. Asian countries (China, Japan, and Korea) and international offices were also important knowledge sources, providing 29% and 24% of the documents, respectively. Furthermore, this paper highlights 10 more valuable patents regarding their degree of innovation and citations, classified as Y02C 10/10 according to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) criteria.