Abstract: A coke oven has a coke-oven chamber adapted to hold a mass of coke, defining above the mass of coke a gas-collecting chamber, and having a door opening. A door closes the door opening. A peripheral gas channel extends around the opening between the door and coke-oven chamber and has at least one outer and at least one inner door seal defining an annular space. The inner door seal is formed in both the coke-oven chamber and the gas-collecting chamber with a plurality of throughgoing holes forming fluid-communicating connections between the coke-oven chamber, the gas-collecting chamber, and the annular space at different heights of the coke-oven chamber and of the gas-collecting chamber. Thus regions of the coke-oven chamber with different gas pressures communicate with each other and with the annular space via the connections on the inner door seal to equalize pressure between the regions and the gas-collecting chamber.

Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially remote operable system for connecting and disconnecting a vessel. The system comprises a substantially remotely operable joint connector for connecting and disconnecting structural units. The system and the method using the system may also comprise a remote operable closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, and a substantially remote operable removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel to increase operational efficiency.

Abstract: A system that reduces worker exposure during coke drum unheading and cutting operations and that reduces risk to workers also provides a capacity increase in that the time a coke drum is not being filled is reduced. This system employs a containment shield that safely permits drainage through the bottom head and contains water and coke avalanches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substantially remote operable system for connecting and disconnecting a vessel. The system comprises substantially a remotely operable joint connector for connecting and disconnecting structural units. The system and the method using the system may also comprise a remote operable closure transport for removing a vessel closure from an opening in the vessel, and a substantially remote operable removal system for allowing material to be emptied from the vessel to increase operational efficiency.

Abstract: Pyrolysis reaction apparatus and method are described in which carbonizable waste material is fed into the pyrolysis reaction chamber by an inlet conduit which passes through the wall of a heating furnace surrounding such chamber. As a result, the material is immediately vaporized in the reaction chamber due to the high temperature at the inlet portion of the chamber where the material is introduced. A fluid cooling jacket surrounds the inlet conduit to maintain the temperature within such conduit below the melting temperature of the material being transmitted therethrough in order to prevent clogging of the conduit. The material is fed into the reaction chamber by the inlet conduit along an input feed direction which is laterally offset from the axis of the shaft of an impeller for conveying such material through such chamber and is preferably directed toward the tips of the impeller blades in order to prevent clogging of the impeller.

Abstract: A coke oven charging hole that dissipates heat emanating from the oven so that the cover resists warping due to overheating. The concentration of large amounts of heat directly above the charging hole is also avoided. A lower concave housing member fits into the charging hole and is partially filled with insulation. A circular plate is fixed to this housing member so as to form an insulating air space between this plate and the insulation. One or more other plates are superimposed over this plate so as to form heat air spaces which are open to ambient air so that a laterally directed flow of air is established in these air spaces.