Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (10) for use in rarefying a syngas so as to improve a calorific value of the syngas through the reduction of a concentration of tar from the syngas. The apparatus (10) comprises a gasification/pyrolysis means (12) such as a kiln (11), for generation of a flow of syngas from a raw material, and a cracking means (14). The cracking means (14) comprising a body (42) having an insulated internal volume (44) adapted to hold a heated bed of char. The flow of syngas from the kiln (11) is directed through the cracking means (14) where it comes into contact with the heated bed of char. Heavy long-chained carbon based molecules within the syngas undergo a cracking reaction and are broken into constituent lighter carbon based molecules. The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a rarefied output flow of syngas having an improved calorific quality and a substantially reduced concentration of tar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus (10) for use in rarefying a syngas so as to improve a calorific value of the syngas through the reduction of a concentration of tar from the syngas. The apparatus (10) comprises a gasification/pyrolysis means (12) such as a kiln (11), for generation of a flow of syngas from a raw material, and a cracking means (14). The cracking means (14) comprising a body (42) having an insulated internal volume (44) adapted to hold a heated bed of char. The flow of syngas from the kiln (11) is directed through the cracking means (14) where it comes into contact with the heated bed of char. Heavy long-chained carbon based molecules within the syngas undergo a cracking reaction and are broken into constituent lighter carbon based molecules. The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a rarefied output flow of syngas having an improved calorific quality and a substantially reduced concentration of tar.

Abstract: A liquid sampling device comprises a length of pipe having a cap screwed onto each end thereof. The device is provided with means for suspending it with the axis of the pipe oriented vertically. The upper cap has an aperture for admitting the liquid to be sampled. The lower cap has an aperture and a stopcock which may be opened to permit the sampled liquid to flow out of the device for inspecting and testing. The flow resistance of the aperture, generally determined by the diameter thereof, and the volumetric capacity of the device relative to the viscosity of the liquid and the depth of a body thereof to be sampled will be selected so that when the device is lowered to the bottom of the body of liquid and then lifted out therefrom, the device will not fill to capacity, whereby a representative sampling is assured throughout the depth of the body of liquid.