Plural Patents (Class 202/113)
  • Patent number: 11926791
    Abstract: There is disclosed a biochar processor for a continuous pyrolysis processing of organic material into biochar. In an embodiment, the biochar processor has a biochar processor interior space divided into a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber. A pyrolysis reactor passageway is disposed in the biochar processor interior space. The pyrolysis reactor tube has a conveyor drive to move the organic material from the first combustion chamber to the second combustion chamber. A vent tube is in communication with a plurality of vents in the first combustion chamber and the second combustion chamber. In an embodiment, a method of making a biochar processor is provided for the continuous pyrolysis of organic material into biochar. In an embodiment, a method of using a biochar processor is provided for continuously producing biochar from the biochar processor. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: High Plains Biochar LLC
    Inventors: Cullen T. Yeatts, Matthew B. Henley
  • Patent number: 10150919
    Abstract: A method for processing of plastic and/or rubber waste to generate energetic gas comprising aliphatic hydrocarbons C1-C4, carbon oxide and hydrogen, wherein the waste may comprise halogens, sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen and may be contaminated by substances of inorganic origin comprising ceramic and metallic materials, the method comprising processing the waste in a pyrolysis process, wherein a powdered waste material is fed to a microwave drum reactor (102), where it is heated by microwaves while being moved through the reactor (102), the method comprising: conducting the pyrolysis reaction inside the reactor (102) at a temperature of 800-950° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: MTT TECHNOLOGIES GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRĂ„NKTER HAFTUNG (GMBH)
    Inventors: Robert Barczyk, Ryszard Parosa
  • Patent number: 9102877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for producing fuels. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of producing a diesel-equivalent fuel, including pyrolyzing biomass to form a pyrolysis oil and contacting the pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of refining pyrolysis oil including contacting pyrolysis oil and an alcohol with a metal oxide catalyst at a temperature of greater than about 60 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: SarTec Corporation
    Inventors: Clayton V. McNeff, Bingwen Yan
  • Patent number: 8808508
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system for obtaining hydrocarbons from organic or inorganic solid waste, wherein said system comprises: an inlet chamber, within which is a mixer assembly which mixes and conveys the waste through said chamber, which is also at ambient temperature, thus avoiding any thermal shock to the solid waste for processing; a dehydration chamber with a mixing assembly therein, and the upper part of this chamber contains an expansion chamber for promoting more efficient molecular breakdown; the thermal breakdown is carried out in two reactors which are operated at different temperatures, the first thermal disassociation reactor which has inside a mixer unit, and which in its upper part houses an expansion chamber, the second thermal breakdown reactor, therein has a mixer unit, and in the upper portion thereof houses an expansion chamber and at the top end thereof a vertical expansion tower; wherein the thermolytic steam is homogenized, a separator of heavy hydrocarbons, which does not require
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Jesus Eduardo Rodriguez Hernandez, Antonio Gomez Rivera, Jose de Jesus Mansilla, Mario Gomez Rivera
  • Publication number: 20140183022
    Abstract: Various biomass reactors systems and methods of pyrolyzing biomass are disclosed. One type of biomass reactor system comprises a plurality of biomass processing stations configured in series, each station comprising an auger reactor including an auger inlet for receiving biomass and a transfer screw for conveying the biomass through the auger reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: COOL PLANET ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Daren DAUGAARD, Davy TONG, Vern S. TRAXLER, Vital AELION, Gary PODREBARAC, James HILLIER, Michael C. CHEIKY
  • Publication number: 20130326935
    Abstract: A system and corresponding process for treating biomass, including by use of a plurality of pyrolysis treatment steps. The process can be used to provide a first pyrolysis product (e.g., intermediate), in the form of a carbon enriched material that contains substantially less hemicellulose content than the initial biomass, while substantially retaining and optionally enriching cellulose and/or lignin content as compared to the initial biomass. The process also includes a second pyrolysis device, adapted to further pyrolyze the first pyrolysis product in order to provide one or more gasses and/or vapors (e.g., providing condensable or non-condensable bio-products) and solid ash byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Bepex International, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory J. Kimball
  • Publication number: 20130299333
    Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus reduces feedstock to gaseous energy sources and recyclable solids by moving feedstock through a processing unit via a feedstock transport mechanism that has sections that move the feedstock at respectively different rates through a retort within the processing unit. The feedstock transport mechanism may be an auger with a variable flighting pitch along its shaft. The pyrolysis apparatus may be modular in that processing units may be added and subtracted as necessary for any given installation. A restriction device squeezes ambient air out of the feedstock prior to entry into the pyrolysis apparatus retort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jerry Tucker, Nathan Robert Tucker
  • Publication number: 20130298457
    Abstract: A treatment of biomass comprises supplying biomass which contains an amount of moisture to a torrefaction system. The biomass containing moisture is heated to a torrefaction temperature in the torrefaction system. The biomass containing moisture is substantially completely dried by evaporating the moisture and the dried biomass torrefies at least partially to form torrefied biomass. The torrefaction system comprises a first treatment device and a second treatment device. The biomass is heated to the torrefaction temperature in the first treatment device within a first time period. The at least partially torrefied biomass is removed from the first treatment device after the first time period and the biomass which has been removed from the first treatment device is transferred to the second treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOPELL ENERGY B.V., 2511 CJ
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Albert Bergman
  • Publication number: 20130245345
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for extracting hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-containing material by pyrolysis, the apparatus comprising: a first reactor arranged to heat the material to a first temperature, the apparatus being operable to extract from the first reactor gaseous hydrocarbons evolved from the material therein; and a second reactor having an inlet coupled to an outlet of the first reactor wherein material in the first reactor may be transferred to the second reactor substantially without exposure to oxygen, the second reactor being arranged to receive material heated in the first reactor and to heat the material to a second temperature greater than the first temperature, the apparatus being operable to extract from the second reactor gaseous hydrocarbons evolved from the material therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Utopial Limited
    Inventor: Bruce Hutchon
  • Publication number: 20130232851
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for purifying tall oil material for the production of biofuels and components thereof. The present invention relates further to hydroprocessing of the purified material to obtain biofuels and components thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jaakko Nousiainen, Heli Laumola, Arto Rissanen, Jari Kotoneva, Matti Ristolainen
  • Patent number: 8512643
    Abstract: A method for controlling volatiles in recycled carbon black, such as from pyrolysis of tires, includes deagglomerating the recycled carbon black to substantially reduce the carbon black particle size and impinging an air current on the carbon black particles, preferably in a countercurrent direction, to increase the processing temperature and thereby enhance the release of volatiles. Associated apparatus is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Energy Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel E. Steinmeyer, Alan M. Levine, Duane M. Erickson
  • Patent number: 8506760
    Abstract: A coking plant first and second longitudinally extending rows of oven chambers all of generally the same width and generally the same longitudinal spacing and together defining a corridor into which the chambers all open. The first and second rows are longitudinally offset from each other by a predetermined distance that is greater than the oven-chamber width A device for servicing the oven chambers and movable longitudinally in the corridor between the two rows of oven chambers has first and second service machines transversely facing the respective first and second rows and operable to service the chambers thereof. A coupling of variable longitudinal length between the first and second machines operable can vary the longitudinal spacing between the two machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schuecker
  • Publication number: 20130192971
    Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. One such biomass fractionate comprises: means for receiving ground biomass into the system; and a plurality of biomass processing stations including means for heating the biomass and subjecting the biomass to biofractioning, and means for collecting residual carbon and biochar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
  • Patent number: 8460515
    Abstract: A biocoke producing apparatus has a reaction vessel that has a preset temperature range and pressure range for, without carbonizing of the pulverized biomass, inducing a pyrolytic or thermal curing reaction of lignin and hemicellulose thereof. The reaction vessel has a pressurization device for pressurizing to the pressure range, a heating device for heating to the temperature range in the state of the pressurization and a cooling device for cooling after maintaining of the above state. Multiple reaction vessels are provided. A pulverization delivery conveyor is provided superior to these reaction vessels, and each of the multiple reaction vessels is connected via a connection tube to the conveyor. The connection tube is provided with a pulverizate charging device for charging a given amount of pulverized biomass in accordance with a timing of pulverizate charging to the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Naniwa Roki Co., Ltd., Kinki University
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kawami, Jun Satou, Tamio Ida
  • Patent number: 8454801
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing biocoke usable as a substitute fuel for coal coke from biomass as a raw material. The apparatus comprises pulverizing means for pulverizing a biomass raw material attributed to photosynthesis; heating means for heating to the temperature range in which the hemicellulose of the pulverized biomass raw material is pyrolyzed so as to exhibit bonding effects; pressurization means for, in the state of the heating, pressurizing to the pressure range in which the lignin of the pulverized biomass exhibits a thermal curing reaction and maintaining the pressure; and cooling means for cooling after maintaining the state of the pressurization. The apparatus further comprises temperature detecting means provided at the exit end of the region being heated by the heating means and regulation means for judging a reaction terminal point in accordance with the result of the temperature detection and regulating the timing for transfer from heating to cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Naniwa Roki Co., Ltd., Kinki University
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kawami, Jun Satou, Ayumu Yamazaki, Tamio Ida
  • Patent number: 8409406
    Abstract: A processor for vacuum distillation of whole tires including; an insulated housing having a door on one end, and rails on a lower surface of the housing to support a cart loaded with whole tires. A plurality of first heat tubes arranged around and spaced from a central radiant heat tube, the central radiant heat tube having an unsupported end adjacent the door such that whole tires loaded on the cart and through the door will pass over the central radiant heat tube such that the central radiant heat tube is located in a central opening of each tire on the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Harvey Buhr
  • Patent number: 8382958
    Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal batches in chambers, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chambers, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Carl Firey
  • Patent number: 8328992
    Abstract: A retort involves a stack of retort units arranged to process coal or other raw material by heating the coal in a heating compartment and directing vapors emitted from the raw material into a vapor compartment surrounding the heating compartment. The heating compartment may include a plurality of louver units with embedded heating components. Each louver unit includes heating fins (a heat transfer medium) that delivers heat to the coal. Each louver unit also includes an insulation layer adjacent a vapor opening where vapors emitted from the coal pass into the vapor compartment. The vapors are directed to a distillation column where carbon based vapors, volatiles, fuel vapors and the like may be liquefied for transport to a refinery or directly refined into fuels. Further, a clean coal char (toxins and carbon vaporized) is delivered to a power generation plant to provide cleaner emissions relative to unprocessed coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Lloyd W. Swain
  • Patent number: 8323454
    Abstract: Described is a method for the coking of coal, in particular coal with a high or alternating volatility, in coking plants comprising coking chambers, according to the non-recovery method or the heat-recovery method. Also described is device, which can be used to carry out said method simply, as the overheating of the coking furnace is prevented by the injection of water vapor. If a battery of coking furnaces is used, the disclosed method can be carried out irrespective of the number of said furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: UHDE GmbH
    Inventors: Ronald Kim, Franz-Josef Schuecker
  • Patent number: 7951271
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for recovery of energy and by-products from automobile and truck tires. The tires are heated in an oxygen poor environment, and the off gases are condensed to recover a liquid oil product and compressible natural gas. The tires are reduces to ash and steel, both of which can be feed streams for other processes. The apparatus includes a condenser with cooled plates, and oil recovery structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: David Brent Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110056821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for coking coal and operated in particular according to the non-recovery or the heat-recovery method. The coking plant comprises a first row (1) of oven chambers (2) that all have the same width (B) and the same spacing subjected to tolerances and a second row (1?) of oven chambers (2) parallel to the first oven-chamber row, the number, width and spacings thereof corresponding to those of the first oven-chamber row, coal input ports of all the oven chambers (2) facing a corridor (3) between the two oven-chamber rows (1, 1?). In addition, the plant comprises at least one device (5, 6) for servicing the oven chambers (2) and movable in the corridor (3) between the two oven-chamber rows on tracks (4) parallel to the [rows of] oven chambers. According to the invention, the two oven-chamber rows (1, 1?) are offset with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction wherein the longitudinal offset (V) is larger than the width (B) of one oven chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Schuecker
  • Patent number: 7767187
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating carbon products from used tires includes a decomposing chamber into which used tires are charged, a nitrogen gas supply device that supplies nitrogen gas into the decomposing chamber, one or more magnetrons that generate microwave of predetermined frequency and one or more phase shifters that removes interference between microwaves generated by the magnetrons, a receiving plate that is adapted to receive carbon black and iron cores generated by the decomposing process, a tire support that is adapted to support used tires, an opening and closing device that opens or closes a door on which used tires are placed, conveyor belt that moves carbon black and iron cores to a desired location after decomposition is complete, and a cooling plate that is provided in an upper portion of the apparatus and cools down gaseous oil that is generated by decomposition by microwave into liquid oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Charlie Hong
  • Patent number: 7344622
    Abstract: A pyrolysis process and reactor converts various hydrocarbons such as waste materials, for example, scrap polymers, tires, etc., into various chemical components or amounts thereof, not otherwise produced by conventional pyrolytic processes. A large reactor size is utilized in association with a low heat input per unit weight of charge. A thick pyrolyzate/“char” layer is formed during pyrolysis. The product or various components thereof can be utilized as a fuel or octane additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Charles W. Grispin
  • Patent number: 7101464
    Abstract: A microwave distillation apparatus provides destructive distillation of whole waste tires. The apparatus includes a housing including a plurality of vertically arranged chambers. A preheat chamber provides preheating of a whole waste tire received therein. An irradiation chamber, located below the preheat chamber and thermally coupled to the preheat chamber such that heat generated in the irradiation chamber creates heat convection currents in the preheat chamber, receives a preheated whole waste tire from the preheat chamber. A microwave energy supply supplies microwave energy to the irradiation chamber to provide destructive distillation of a tire received in that chamber. A cooling chamber, located below the irradiation chamber, receives by-products of the destructive distillation therefrom and provides delivery of the by-products from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The Tire Chief, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe Allen Pringle
  • Patent number: 7037410
    Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the destructive distillation or pyrolysis of rubber, such as used rubber tires, to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and a solid carbonaceous char. A heat transfer gas circulating in a circulation loop is used to cool the hot char produced in the distillation chamber of a distillation oven, the circulation loop having some means for removing the heat transferred to the heat transfer gas from the hot char. In one embodiment, two distillation ovens are operated in off-set, batchwise distillation cycles. The distillation cycles in the two ovens are coordinated so that a fresh charge of rubber feed is introduced into the distillation chamber of one of the ovens as the distillation of rubber in the other oven is concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Gentech, Inc.
    Inventor: V. J. Flanigan
  • Patent number: 6596128
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for decreasing gas flow rates in a sole flue gas system for a coke oven during at least an initial coking operation after charging a coking oven with coal. The method includes providing a duct system between a first coke oven having a first coking chamber and a second coke oven having a second coking chamber to direct at least a portion of gas from a gas space in first coking chamber to the second coke oven thereby reducing a gas flow rate in the first sole flue gas system of the first coke oven. Reduction in sole flue gas flow rates has a beneficial effect on product throughput, the life of the coke oven and environmental control of volatile emissions from coke ovens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Coke Company
    Inventor: Richard W. Westbrook
  • Patent number: 6244199
    Abstract: The invention concerns a plant for the thermolysis of waste products containing an organic fraction, and for simultaneous energetically upgrading these waste products comprising: a unit for loading and supplying the waste products to be treated; a thermolysis reactor for thermal dissociation under reduced pressure at high temperature. The invention is characterized in that it comprises: upstream and downstream of the reactor, a lock chamber for maintaining a partial vacuum in the reactor for ensuring thermolysis in an atmosphere with low oxygen content; first means for recuperating, in the upper part of the reactor, the organic gas fraction formed during thermolysis, and for bringing this fraction to a combustion chamber supplying a steam generator; second means for recuperating at the bottom of the reactor the solid carbon products formed during thermolysis, and for bringing these solid products to a combustion chamber supplying a steam generator or an evacuating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Traidec S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Chambe, Maurice Chambe, Pascal Haxaire
  • Patent number: 5968320
    Abstract: A system for transporting and burning under negative pressure in a boiler a raw coke oven gas to produce steam energy. The system has the usual battery of coke ovens and corresponding ascension pipes connected to a collector main. Flushing liquor is sprayed into the hot coke oven gases to effect cooling in the collector main. A transport main delivers the cooled raw coke oven gases and flushing liquor to a burner of a steam producing boiler where the transport main includes a downcomer for separating the raw coke oven gas from the flushing liquor. The coke oven gas is burned in the boiler where a suction fan is provided at the exhaust of the boiler to develop a negative pressure in the system where the boiler has reinforced walls to withstand the negative pressure. A change in negative pressure in the system is detected and monitored by a controller system which varies draw of the suction fan in response to a detected change in negative pressure in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Stelco, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh H. Sprague
  • Patent number: 5944960
    Abstract: The carbonizing furnace of the present invention is capable of effectively making a large amount of carbides and reducing manufacturing cost and maintenance cost. The carbonizing furnace includes a furnace proper being formed into a cylindrical shape, the furnace proper having a first end section, to which a combustible raw material is supplied, and a second end section, from which a carbide is discharged; a spiral member for conveying the raw material from the first end section to the second end thereof; and a burner for burning the raw material to make the carbide, the burner burns the raw material in the second end section whereby the raw material is carbonized therein, wherein a surface of the raw material is coated with an inorganic binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Nakata Giken, Kabushiki Kaisha Yasuda Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kunii Nakata, Tsutomu Abe
  • Patent number: 5507846
    Abstract: A gasifier for producing methane-rich fuel gas from a biomass material feed includes at least one cylindrical vessel, and an axially extending rotor mounted within the vessel. A feeding system is mounted to the vessel at the input end for introducing feed to the vessel. The feeding system includes two independently operated pistons, slidable in an inclined cylinder, and two slide valves, disposed in a vertical pipe above the inclined cylinder. The slide valves serve to apportion the amount of feed delivered to the gasifier, while the pistons selectively seal the pressurized interior of the kiln from the feed hopper. A discharge system for removing residue from the kiln also includes two pistons which selectively seal kiln from the environment. The gasifier of the present invention may also include double-plate intake and exhaust manifolds, and a box beam rotor, optionally including zinc oxide disposed in the hollow, central rotor shaft defined by the vanes of the box beam rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Wright Malta Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Coffman
  • Patent number: 5411714
    Abstract: A thermal conversion pyrolysis reactor system (10) is provided for use in providing a continuous flow type pyrolysis reaction for conversion of carbonizable input materials ("MW") (12). The reactor system (10) utilizes a diffusion material ("MD") (14) which is preheated and admixed with the MD (12) in order to facilitate pyrolysis and to partially catalyze reactions. Subsystems are provided to receive gaseous (30), liquid (32) and solid (32) phase outputs. The reactor system (10) includes further component subsystems for waste material MW input (22), MD input (26), reactor chamber (24), and heating (28). The MD (14) is preheated by being carried through the reactor chamber (64) prior to admixing with the MW (12) and further by exhaust gases (94) from the furnace space (88) being directed through a heat exchanger (126).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Arthur C. Wu, Sabrina C. Chen
  • Patent number: 5279712
    Abstract: A process for the pyrolysis of carbonation materials such as wood which comprises directly or indirectly heating the carbonaceous material with flue gases. When carbonization commences the direct heating is stopped while indirect heating continues until carbonization is complete. There is also described an application for effecting the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Pasco Nominees Pty Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Constantine
  • Patent number: 5230777
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fuel and carbon black from rubber are disclosed. The method and apparatus produce a liquid fuel that is low in sulfur content, gaseous hydrocarbons, and solid carbonaceous materials from used rubber tires. Rubber is heated under negative pressures in the presence of a minimal amount of oxygen. The methods and apparatus of the present invention also produce little air emissions and conserve energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: James Jarrell
  • Patent number: 5225044
    Abstract: A rotary, continuous pyrolytic conversion system converts solid hydrocarbons into gases, liquid hydrocarbons and char by pyrolyzing feed stocks including: plastic waste, tires and plastic from automobile shredding operations; containers and trays of styrofoam and other plastic materials such as used in "fast food" restaurants; rubber; leather; tires; garbage; sewage sludge; coal; oil shale; broken asphalt and the like. These materials are preferably shredded and kinds thereof having different melting points are mixed to facilitate movement of the feed stock through the converter without clogging. Preferably, the materials are baled and injected into the converter where they are severed as they are injected. The materials are fed by gravity from the input end of a converter drum to the discharge end thereof; the input end being elevated above the discharge end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Wayne Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred A. Breu
  • Patent number: 5082534
    Abstract: A rotary, continuous pyrolytic conversion system converts solid hydrocarbon containing feedstocks into gases, liquid hydrocarbons and char. A converter drum is contained within an outer drum which is in substantially air-tight relationship with an injector for introducing the feedstock in the form of bales and with a discharge chute for the solid products of pyrolysis. A casing around the outer stationary drum defines an oven chamber which is heated by combustion products. A rod extends into the injection end of the converter drum for supporting scrapers against the inner periphery of the converter drum. A crusher bar is carried in the drum at the discharge end thereof and crushes the solid products. A second pyrolysis reactor may receive the solid pyrolysis products and be operative at higher temperature than the first converter to destroy chlorinated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Wayne Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred A. Breu
  • Patent number: 5057189
    Abstract: An apparatus for economically recovering char, oil and fuel gas from vehicle tires is disclosed, for either whole tires or physically fragmented tires. The tires may be washed to remove dirt and road film. The tires are dried and preheated with super-heat steam. The hot tires are pyrolyzed to partially devolatize a major portion of the hydrocarbons and produce a char that can be separated from the steel and fiber glass. The char may be subsequently pyrolyzed with microwaves that elevate the tire temperature and devolatize the remaining hydrocarbons from the char as gas. The hot gases are cooled and partially condensed. The uncondensed gas is used as fuel. The condensed oil is sent to storage. The solid residue from the tire pyrolysis is substantially char, fiberglass and steel. The char is mechanically separated from the glass and steel. Alternately, the char and the glass and steel are separated by dumping the hot mixture into a water quench tank. The mixture is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Fred Apffel
  • Patent number: 4990220
    Abstract: Coking system, wherein the coking blends particularly based on hard coal, are fed batchwise to a reactor (1), which is heated indirectly by heat recovery in regenerators (I, II) or recuperators, whereby the reactor is built as a high-capacity coking reactor (100), several high-capacity coking reactors are combined to form a reactor block and the high-capacity coking reactors are built as mutually independent modules, whereby each module can be operated or optionally replaced independently of the neighboring modules, with little or no impairment of the operation of the neighboring modules. The individual reactors are independently operatable in terms of statics and heat supply. The regenerators, or recuperators (I, II, R, R') can be arranged laterally or underneath the reactor chamber. Neighboring reactors can have a common intermediate wall (2). The reactor chambers have a width of at least 0.7 m, a height of at least 8.5 m and a length of at least 18 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Bergwerksverband GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Nashan, Klaus Wessiepe, Heribert Bertling, Wolfgang Rohde, Manfred Blase, Manfred Galow, Ulrich Kochanski, Heinz Durselen, Johannes Janicka, Dieter Stalherm, Joachim Holtz, Jurgen Tietze, Ralf Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4980029
    Abstract: Gaseous, liguid and solid fuels are recovered from carbonaceous organic waste material by treating charges of waste material in several successive stages including preheating, drying and conversion into solid and gaseous phases, all as a result of heating in a common vessel or in two or three successive vessels. The solid phases are thereupon cooled prior to admission into a bin, either in a separate vessel or in the vessel for conversion into solid and gaseous phases. The gaseous phases are treated to separate oil from reaction water, combustible gases and inert gases. The charges are heated from without and are sealed from the atmosphere during all four stages of treatment. Each charge is mixed during heating and the intensity of mixing action, the heating action and/or the pressure in the vessel can be varied during one or more stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alfred Bolz, Gunther Boos
  • Patent number: 4919763
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for converting sewage-sludge filter cakes into oil, gas and coke by pyrolysis. The apparatus has two dewatering stages--a preliminary evaporating stage and a residual evaporating stage, a conversion stage and a cooling stage. Each of the evaporating, converting and cooling stages are constructed with at least one module. Each module has a housing divided by walls into a transfer chamber at one end and a second chamber at the other end. The second chamber is divided between a feed chamber and a delivery chamber. Between the transfer chamber and the second chamber is a heat transfer chamber. In the heat transfer chamber there are a plurality of first tubes connecting the feed chamber to the transfer chamber and a plurality of second tubes connecting the transfer chamber to the delivery chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus-Jurgen Hinger
  • Patent number: 4604165
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing bulk materials by induction wherein the materials are processed within a plurality of compartments whose walls comprise a material which is adaptable to being heated by induction and wherein the plurality of compartments commonly share an induction coil means which surrounds the plurality of compartments. The apparatus possesses features which make it adaptable to operate in a closed system to be acceptable to the environment and also features which guarantee uniform charging of the material to be processed and uniform discharging of the processed material. In applications where sulfur, tars and oils are a problem, means are provided to deal with such problems by reacting the sulfur and by cracking the tars and oils. The apparatus lends itself to economically process tonnages of great magnitude at a low operating cost and also it requires low investment cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Inventor: Albert Calderon
  • Patent number: 4382850
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for retorting oil shale using solar radiation. Oil shale is introduced into a first retorting chamber having a solar focus zone. There the oil shale is exposed to solar radiation and rapidly brought to a predetermined retorting temperature. Once the shale has reached this temperature, it is removed from the solar focus zone and transferred to a second retorting chamber where it is heated. In a second chamber, the oil shale is maintained at the retorting temperature, without direct exposure to solar radiation, until the retorting is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: David W. Gregg
  • Patent number: 4231845
    Abstract: Injection of steam into the ascension pipe of each coking chamber in a coking plant is continued for a period of time after charging of that chamber so as to create a slightly sub-atmospheric pressure in the chamber during the initial stage of the coking process, in order to reduce leakage of gas and fumes to the atmosphere past the doors and filling openings. A time clock operated by the coke pusher machine or by the coal charging machine stops this injection of steam after a desired period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Hoogovens Ijmuiden, B.V.
    Inventors: Timen Vander, Nicolaas J. Thijssen, Jan F. de Blok, Jan Middel
  • Patent number: 4208252
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of rubber and plastic wastes, comprising in series an extruder for heating and melting rubber and plastic wastes to extrude the molten wastes, a decomposing section for heating the molten wastes to prepare decomposed products while optionally separating residues therefrom, a dry-distilling section for gasifying the decomposed products by dry-distillation, and a cooling section for cooling the dry-distilled products to separate gaseous materials from liquid materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1980
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yoshida, Masao Watanabe, Kimio Tohma, Mitsuhiko Noda
  • Patent number: 4092237
    Abstract: In accordance with this invention, oil shale is introduced into a lock which discharges into a closed, vertical, stationary kiln fitted with mechanisms which cause the particulate oil shale to move continuously downwardly in a controlled, uniform plug type flow. The shale is heated by a counter flow of hot, nonoxidizing gases to the temperature required to pyrolyze the kerogen. The gaseous fraction of the kerogen joins the counter flowing gases for removal from the top of the kiln. The hot particulate shale containing the carbonaceous fraction of the kerogen moves downwardly through a second lock into a conveyance connected to the top of a second similar kiln wherein the carbonaceous residue is reacted with gaseous water and oxygen in a cocurrent manner to supply heat to the decarbonized shale and to produce carbon oxides and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1978
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Corporation
    Inventor: Homer Charles Reed
  • Patent number: 3984288
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of rubber and plastic wastes, comprising in series the steps of1. heating and melting rubber and plastic wastes at a temperature (T.sub.1) to extrude the molten wastes with one or a plurality of extruders into one or a plurality of decomposing zones,2. heating the molten wastes in the decomposing zone at a higher temperature (T.sub.2) than the heating temperature (T.sub.1) in the extruder to prepare decomposed products while optionally separating residues therefrom,3. introducing the decomposed products into a dry-distilling zone while optionally heating the separated residues in a residue removal zone at an even higher temperature (T.sub.3) than the heating temperature (T.sub.2) in the decomposing zone to remove the residues from the residue removal zone when residues are separated in the decomposing zone,4. heating the decomposed products in the dry-distilling zone at a lower temperature (T.sub.4) than the heating temperature (T.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Yoshida, Masao Watanabe, Kimio Tohma, Mitsuhiko Noda