Abstract: Apparatus is described for the pyrolysis of coal comprising a pyrolysis tower through which crushed coal and hot gas are counter-currently passed. The tower enables a controlled temperature profile to be maintained in the tower, and contains inner appurtenances which define cascading passageways to promote heat exchange and mixing of the coal with the hot gas. The coal volatiles are carried out of the top of the tower by the gas. The pyrolysis tower may be conjoined with a gasifier so as to most directly utilize the char residuals remaining after pyrolysis of the coal while they are still hot to more efficiently produce a hot synthesis gas, to be used to perform thermal pyrolysis in the tower.

Abstract: An energy integrated process for the production of a synthetic crude oil product from heavier oils and coal in which coal is pyrolyzed and a combined feedstock of coal, coal volatiles and a heavy oil product is co-processed to produce a synergistic yield of light crude oil compatible with the refining capabilities of existing conventional refineries.

Abstract: A process incorporating integrated units and combined cycle energy production is provided for the recovery and upgrading of oil containing deposits which are not readily amenable to recovery and upgrading, to produce therefrom a light oil and elemental sulphur. Residual hydrocarbons generated in the process are gasified to produce hot gases which are used as a source of energy for process use, including electric power. The electric power is utilized to electrolyze water and produce hydrogen for use in upgrading and oxygen for use in gasification. The integration of gasification of residual hydrocarbons to produce, inter alia, electric power with the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen for upgrading, and efficient use, distribution and recovery of energy in combined energy cycles provides an economical and essentially energy sufficient process with the flexibility to be adapted for the recovery and upgrading of various low yield oil deposits.

Abstract: In a two or more stage isotope separation plant using hydrogen sulfide and water in hot and cold exchange zones, for the separation of deuterium (heavy water), in which one first stage portion passes isotope enriched fluid in the form of gas to a second dual temperature isotope concentration stage, the enrichment throughput of the second stage is supplemented by also passing isotope enriched liquid to the second stage. This permits enlargement of an existing plant by expansion of the first stage capacityonly, and providing carry-over of enrichment to the unenlarged second stage in the form of gas and liquid.This invention is directed to an isotope separation process, and to apparatus for carrying out the process. In particular the invention is directed to the separation of deuterium oxide from water, using a water-hydrogen sulphide counterflow arrangement.