Jenike & Johanson patents biomass reactor feeding technology
Jenike & Johanson has received a patent for its Jen-Zero technology, an engineered system designed to improve the handling and feeding of biomass and municipal solid waste into high-pressure reactors used in biofuel and waste-to-energy production.
The patented technology addresses a longstanding challenge in biomass processing known as the “pressure gap,” where low-density materials such as municipal solid waste, forest residue, and agricultural residue can bridge, compact, or flow inconsistently in pressurized systems.
According to Jenike & Johanson, traditional reactor feeding systems often require energy-intensive preprocessing steps such as grinding or pelletizing to maintain consistent flow. Jen-Zero was developed to reduce those requirements while improving feed reliability.
At the center of the system is a patented diverging pressurization geometry designed to allow material to discharge in a near free-fall pattern. The company said this approach differs from conventional converging designs that can compact materials and restrict movement during pressurization.
The design also addresses biomass “springback,” a condition in which compressed material expands after pressure release and causes blockages or flow interruptions. Jenike & Johanson said the geometry helps maintain stable, continuous, pulse-free feed into high-pressure reactors.
The company said industrial-scale systems using Jen-Zero can process up to 1,000 tons per day of biomass or municipal solid waste while supporting improved uptime and lower maintenance demands.
Jayant Khambekar, lead inventor of Jen-Zero, said the patented technology provides a validated engineering solution for overcoming biomass feeding limitations that have historically affected the scalability of sustainable energy systems.
Herman Purutyan, CEO of Jenike & Johanson, said the patent reflects the company’s focus on science-based bulk solids engineering and positions the technology to support carbon-negative fuels and broader sustainability initiatives.