Abstract: A catalytic gasification process and system for producing medium grade BTU gas including a gasification reactor having an inner air gasification zone, an outer steam gasification zone, a synthetic coal reaction zone, and an upper lime treating zone. The process and system of the present invention further includes a synthetic coal heating vessel which provides superheated recycled synthetic coal to the gasification reactor and a limestone treating vessel which provides superheated air and CO.sub.2 to the gasification reactor. The novel process and system of the present invention provides for the production of a medium grade BTU gas and several commercially valuable by-products with virtually no solid or liquid waste products.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting waste organic materials into an innocuous product gas. The method comprises maintaining, in a pressure vessel, in the absence of oxygen, at a temperature of 250.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. and a pressure of at least 50 atmospheres, a fluid organic waste material, water, and a catalyst consisting essentially of reduced nickel in an amount sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the organic waste material to produce an innocuous product gas composed primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. The methane in the product gas may be burned to preheat the organic materials.

Abstract: Heat is recovered from the hot solids discharged from the combustion chamber of a fluidized bed reactor. Hot solid particles as a result of combustion are removed either in the form of ash, or particles separated from a gas stream, and are passed into indirect heat exchange relationship with water, producing hot water. The hot water is mixed with fuel or other solid material to simultaneously heat and moisten the solid material (e.g. to a moisture content of 15-50%). The heated and moistened solid material is then fed into the combustion chamber, along with fluidizing air, to establish a fluidized bed in which combustion takes place. The heat exchange may take place in a closed heat exchange vessel, and the cooled solid particles may be discharged from the vessel through a pressure reduction valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reactor (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

Abstract: A system for providing heated fluidized bed gasification of a residual waste liquor provides a bed of granular material and a source of liquor provided to the material bed. An injector is situated in the material bed and communicates with an air source, a fuel source and a steam source. Fuel and air are combusted in the injector and mixed with the steam which forms a combustion product and steam mixture which is in turn injected into the material bed. The combustion and mixing is separated from the bed material by being confined within the injector. The injector is a bubble cap having at least one hole or an injector made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A latent heat-ballasted gasifier suitable for converting biomass, coal, or low-quality fuels into a producer gas. Latent heat is stored in the reactor in ballasts containing a metal alloy with a melting point approximate the pyrolysis temperatures of the fuel. A fluidized bed reactor is used to enhance heat transfer between the latent heat material and the fuel. The latent heat-ballasts allows the reactor to be operated in a quasi-steady mode rather than a batch operation employed in the prior designs.

Abstract: The invention is a process for quenching a first synthesis gas mixture containing synthesis gas, molten flyash, water, and carbon dioxide and producing additional synthesis gas consisting of (a) passing the first synthesis gas mixture into a first quench zone; (b) introducing into the quench zone a mixture of pulverized coal in a nitrogen or carbon dioxide carrier gas; (c) endothermically reacting the pulverized coal with the water and the carbon dioxide in the synthesis gas mixture thus producing additional synthesis gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon dioxide and wherein the additional synthesis gas is admixed with the first synthesis gas mixture to form a second synthesis gas mixture; (d) passing the second synthesis gas mixture to a second quench zone; (e) introducing into the second quench zone a cooling gas for admixture with the second synthesis gas mixture, thus cooling the second synthesis gas mixture, where the molten flyash is solidified, and thus forms a third synthesis gas mixture; and (f) pass

Abstract: Pumpable aqueous slurries of low rank coal e.g. subbituminous coal and lignite having a comparatively high solids content are made by keeping the particles of coal in contact with a non-oxidizing gas e.g. nitrogen and/or CO.sub.2 thereby maintaining a hydrophobic surface on the particles of coal while they are ground and dried, contacted with an aqueous slurry of liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel which is absorbed and which coats the particles of coal, and then dried. The dried coated particles of low rank coal are mixed with water to produce a pumpable slurry having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 60 wt. %. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the water needed to produce said pumpable slurry is derived by cooling and condensing out water from the non-oxidizing gas that was used to dry the low rank coal. In still another embodiment, the dewatered non-oxidizing gas is introduced into the combustor of a gas turbine to moderate the temperature and thereby reduce the formation of NO.sub.x gases.

Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of hot clean gas substantially free from particulate matter, ammonia, alkali metal compounds, halides and sulfur-containing gas for use as synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. A hydrocarbonaceous fuel comprising a solid carbonaceous fuel with or without liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, wherein said hydrocarbonaceous fuel contains halides, alkali metal compounds, sulfur, nitrogen and inorganic ash containing components, is reacted in a gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a hot raw gas stream comprising H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, HCl, HF, H.sub.2 S, COS, N.sub.2, Ar, particulate matter, vapor phase alkali metal compounds, and molten slag. The hot raw gas stream from the gasifier is split into two streams which are separately deslagged, cleaned and recombined. Ammonia in the gas mixture is catalytically disproportionated into N.sub.2 and H.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for generating, from refuse or refuse in combination with coal, a fuel gas suited for public utility purposes wherein refuse and coal can be introduced into the process in any proportion one to the other. The method provides the steps of subjecting the refuse to allothermal low-temperature carbonization, if desired in combination with coal, burning the gasification residue, purifying the crude gas and conditioning the pure gas for public utility purposes.

Abstract: An electric arc is used for reacting carbonaceous materials and water to produce a combustible gaseous product comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane as its major components, wherein the electrothermal and photochemical effects of the arc result in the production of active chemical species which cause and participate in the gasification reactions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for allothermic gasification of coal under pressure with water vapor in a gas generator containing heat-exchange tubes for a heat transfer medium. The hot heat transfer medium that enters the gas generator by the heat-exchange tubes is first introduced in the gasification zone, then in the pyrolysis zone. The coal to be gasified flows counter-currently through the gas generator, so that the current of cooled heat transfer medium is used for heating and pyrolyzing the coal, whereas the heat for gasification is taken from the current of the still hot heat transfer medium. Gas generators vertically or horizontally arranged with fitting designs are used for implementation of the process.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being usilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: A method of preventing the adherence of the ash to a gasifier wall in a process for gasifying petroleum coke in the gasifier by partial oxidization reaction. The petroleum coke is mixed with 10 to 30 wt % of coal based on the petroleum coke and the mixture is gasified at a gasifying temperature higher than the melting point of the ash of said coal.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of synthesis gas by the partial combustion of an ash-containing fuel with an oxygen-containing gas is described, the synthesis gas formed being removed from the top of the reactor through a gas discharge pipe, and slag formed through a slag discharge at the bottom of the reactor, the process being characterized by the counter-current contact of the synthesis gas in the reactor with cold fly-slag agglomerates.

Abstract: Low heating value liquid hydrocarbonaceous and/or solid carbonaceous hazardous waste materials from the production, refining and marketing of petroleum products are destroyed without contaminating the environment while simultaneously gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 +CO i.e. synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas are produced. From about 0.3 to 2.0 wt. % of an anionic surface active dispersant and water (if needed) are mixed with the hazardous waste material to produce a first aqueous mixture. A comminuted solid carbonaceous fuel i.e. coal, petroleum coke is mixed with water and from about 0.02 to 1.00 wt. % of the dispersant to produce a second stable pumpable aqueous slurry. The first and second aqueous slurries are mixed together to produce a stable pumpable final blend aqueous slurry which is reacted in a partial oxidation gas generator as the feedstock.

Abstract: Deposits of flyslag on the walls of a heat exchange zone employed to quench and cool synthesis gas and flyslag particles produced from the gasification of coal may be reduced by (a) temporarily increasing the flow rate of the synthesis gas and flyslag particles during the process to a space velocity of greater than at least 12 meters per second; or (b) after a shutdown or incident where flyslag is deposited, utilizing a space velocity of the synthesis gas and flyslag of greater than 12 meters per second for a time sufficient to remove the deposits, and then utilizing flow rates which prevent or inhibit deposition of flyslag.

Abstract: A two-stage upflow process for coal gasification and an apparatus useful therefor. An oxygen-containing gas and a first increment of a coal-in-water slurry are ignited in a horizontal fired slagging reactor by means of horizontal coaxial juxtaposed burner nozzles mounted in the reactor, thereby converting the oxygen, the coal, and the water into steam and gaseous combustion products. The discharge from the fired reactor is contacted overhead with a second increment of coal-water slurry in a vertical unfired heat-recovery unit connected to the upper end of the reactor. The heat evolved in the reactor is used in the heat recovery unit to convert the second increment of coal-water slurry into more steam, char and synthesis gas. The gas effluent is separated from the solid char, and synthesis gas is passed into a fire-tube boiler to recover heat and the cooled product gas is recovered as the desired fuel-rich product. The solid char is reslurried and recycled to the fired reactor 3 for further combustion.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the conditions in the reaction zone of a gasifier in a process for the gasification of coal to produce synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by continual or periodic calculation of the rate of steam production by the heat exchange system of the gasifier, and comparison of the calculated rate with a pre-selected value.

Abstract: A process of catalytic coal gasification characterized by mixing an inexpensive, low rank coal with an aqueous solution of inexpensive, widely existing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorides, such as Nacl, KCl, or the like; adding a pH adjustor such as ammonia to the resulting mixture to adjust pH to 5.about.12, whereby an ion exchange is effected between said metal and hydrogen in the coal, thereby loading only metals as a catalyst on the coal; washing the coal with water to remove chloride by-products; and running steam onto the catalyst-loaded coal at high temperatures and high pressures.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method of operating a gasifier for production of fuel gas from carbonaceous fuels. The process disclosed enables operating in an entrained mode using inlet gas velocities of less than 7 feet per second, feedstock throughputs exceeding 4000 lbs/ft.sup.2 -hr, and pressures below 100 psia.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous partial oxidation and desulfurization of an ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising (basis solid fuel) 0.2 to 8.0 wt. % sulfur and 0.1 to 30 wt. % of silicate compounds for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO and entrained molten slag. In the process, the solid carbonaceous fuel and supplemental iron-containing material are reacted by partial oxidation in the reaction zone of a free-flow unobstructed down-flowing vertical refractory lined gas generator with a controlled amount free-oxygen containing gas and a temperature moderator so that an equilibrium oxygen concentration is provided in the gas phase in the reaction zone having a partial pressure which is less than about 10.sup.-7 atmospheres. The partial oxidation and desulfurization reactions take place simultaneously at a temperature which is above 1900.degree. F. and about 10.degree. to 200.degree. F. above the fluid temperature of the slag at an increased thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous partial oxidation and desulfurization of sulfur and silicate-containing solid carbonaceous fuel for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO and containing less than about 0.05 volume % of H.sub.2 S and COS. In the process, the solid carbonaceous fuel and a calcium-containing compound are reacted by partial oxidation in the reaction zone of a free-flow unobstructed gas generator with a controlled amount of free-oxygen containing gas and a temperature moderator so that an equilibrium oxygen concentration is provided in the gas phase in the reaction zone having a partial pressure which is less than about 10.sup.-12 atmospheres. The total moles of calcium in the reaction zone is at least equal to about 1.0 times the moles of sulfur in the solid carbonaceous fuel. The partial oxidation and desulfurization reactions take place simultaneously at a temperature which is about 10.degree. to 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous partial oxidation and desulfurization of an ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising (basis solid fuel) 0.2 to 6.0 wt. % sulfur and 0.1 to 30 wt. % of silicate compounds for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO and entrained molten slag. In the process, the solid carbonaceous fuel and first and second types of supplemental calcium-containing materials are reacted by partial oxidation in the reaction zone of a free-flow unobstructed down-flowing vertical refractory lined gas generator with a controlled amount of free-oxygen containing gas and a temperature moderator so that an equilibrium oxygen concentration is provided in the gas phase in the reaction zone having a partial pressure which is less than about 10.sup.-9 atmospheres. The partial oxidation and desulfurization reactions take place simultaneously at a temperature above about 1900.degree. F. and about 10.degree. to 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for gasifying carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor having a lower reactor chamber and an upper reactor chamber interconnected by a throttled throat portion. Carbonaceous material is supplied to a first fluidized bed gasification zone maintained in the lower chamber and is gasified there by a gasifying agent and recycled hot particles separated from the product gas. The effluent from the first gasification zone is passed upwardly through the throttled throat portion to a second fluidized bed gasification zone of the spouting-bed type maintained in the upper chamber to complete gasification of unconverted carbon remaining in the particles entrained in the gaseous effluent from the first zone at a higher temperature than that of the first zone.

Abstract: The gasification of coal in the presence of steam and oxygen is significantly enhanced by introducing a thermochemical water-splitting agent such as sulfuric acid, into the gasifier for decomposing the steam to provide additional oxygen and hydrogen usable in the gasification process for the combustion of the coal and enrichment of the gaseous gasification products. The addition of the water-splitting agent into the gasifier also allows for the operation of the reactor at a lower temperature.

Abstract: Gasification is performed under pressures in the range from 5 bars to 150 bars with oxygen, steam and/or carbon dioxide as gasifying agents. Pellets are fed to the top of a fixed bed in the gasification reactor. The gasifying agents are introduced into the fixed bed from below. Mineral constituents are withdrawn as solid ash or liquid slag from the lower end of the fixed bed. The pellets are made from fine-grained hard coal which has a particle size below 1 mm and contains 3 to 10 wt. % of fines having particle sizes not in excess of 2 micrometers and 70 to 80 wt. % of particles not in excess of a fraction not in excess of 63 micrometers. The fine-grained hard coal is mixed with bentonite to obtain a mixture which contains 1 to 8 wt. % bentonite. With an addition of water, the mixture is shaped to form pellets which contain 15 to 25 wt. % water. The pellets are fed in an undried, moist, plastically deformable state to the top of the fixed bed.

Abstract: The gasification of sulfur-bearing coal produces a synthesis gas which contains a considerable concentration of sulfur compounds especially hydrogen sulfide that renders the synthesis gas environmentally unacceptable unless the concentration of the sulfur compounds is significantly reduced. To provide for such a reduction in the sulfur compounds a calcium compound is added to the gasifier with the coal to provide some sulfur absorption. The synthesis gas from the gasifier contains sulfur compounds and is passed through an external bed of a regenerable solid absorbent, preferably zinc ferrite, for essentially completed desulfurizing the hot synthesis gas. This absorbent is, in turn, periodically or continuously regenerated by passing a mixture of steam and air or oxygen through the bed for converting absorbed hydrogen sulfide to sulfur dioxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-fluid nozzle which is adjustable to provide a substantially constant mixing energy. Adjustment of the two-fluid nozzle is made in accordance with the pressure and mass flow values of the liquid and gas fed to the nozzle. A microprocessor calculates the mixing energy from these values and provides an output to the nozzle to adjust it should its mixing energy be in variance with a pre-selected mixing energy.

Abstract: Method for gasifying carbonaceous fine-grained or sludgy material, such as powdered brown coal or biomass, in fixed bed reactors. Carbonaceous material to be gasified is pre-heated and dried, and mixed with coarse-grained, non-carbonaceous ballast material. This mixing is carried out prior to, during or after the pre-heating and drying of the carbonaceous material, to thereby obtain a pre-heated and dried mixture of the carbonaceous material and the ballast material, and to also obtain vapor from the pre-heating and drying of the same. The heated and dried mixture is contacted with a gasification medium within a fixed bed reactor, at a temperature sufficiently high to gasify the carbonaceous material. The gasification medium includes the vapor from the pre-heating and drying of the carbonaceous material. The ballast material provides sufficient gas permeability to the fine-grained or sludgy carbonaceous material, to permit gasification thereof in the fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for producing synthesis gas by partial oxidation of carbon-containing particles suspended in water with oxygen at elevated pressures and temperatures of 1000.degree. to 1600.degree. C. Three substance streams are added separately but simultaneously to the reactor. The inner substance stream consists of oxygen or a mixture of oxygen and synthesis gas. The middle substance stream forms a carbon-water suspension, and the outer substance stream carries oxygen or oxygen-containing gases. Due to the fact that these three substance streams intersect at an acute angle, an ideal distribution of the suspension with the gas streams is achieved and an optimum reaction course is ensured. In order to be able to compensate requirement fluctuations during continuous operation, the outlet opening for the carbon-water suspension and the outer gas stream can be correspondingly adapted in a continuous and independent manner.

Abstract: Coal is transported through a hot carbonizing furnace chamber successfully on two endless traveling chain grates, the first of which is higher than the second and the second being run at a slower speed than the first so as to form a thicker bed than the coal on the first grate. Air is fed through the coal on the first grate in sub-stoichiometric amounts at low velocity so as to drive off the volatiles while air and steam are fed to the coal in the second grate in amounts sufficient to burn the coal. Gaseous by-products are exhausted from the furnace chamber and ashes are discharged through a conventional take-off.

Abstract: Solid fuels are gasified in a fixed bed under a pressure from 5 to 100 bars by a treatment with oxygen, water vapor and carbon dioxide. The raw gas from the gasifier is cooled so that an aqueous condensate is formed, at least part of which is burnt in a fluidized bed furnace at temperatures in the range from about 750.degree. to 1000.degree. C. The resulting combustion gas contains water vapor and is supplied to the gasifier. The condensate which becomes available as the raw gas is cooled may be treated in a separator to remove at least part of its dust and tar contents before the condensate is supplied to the fluidized bed furnace. A circulating fluidized bed is preferably maintained in the fluidized bed furnace.

Abstract: A coal gasification method using coal powder introduced along with oxygen or air and steam, into a reaction chamber, supplies the char produced in the reaction chamber or the char and coal, along with oxygen or air and steam is introduced into a combustion chamber, formed in lower part of the reaction chamber and burns in the combustion chamber to maintain the temperature therein at about 1,600.degree. C., and forms the high temperature region of the reaction chamber into an agglomerated bed of fluidized coal having a temperature between 900.degree. and 1,300.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for gasifying a non-gaseous solid material wherein a portion of the gasification is accomplished in the presence of steam and another portion of the gasification is accomplished in the presence of hydrogen and in the substantial absence of carbon dioxide and steam. The gasification will be accomplished at an elevated temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Method for the continuous gasification of solid carbonaceous fuel, especially fuel having a high water content such as biomass and brown coal, in which the fuel is indirectly heated by condensing steam. Steam removed from the fuel during drying is then utilized to aid in the gasification of the same, thus producing generator gas, which is directly recovered.

Abstract: A method for electric power production or cogeneration of electrical power and process heat and/or steam that integrates a solid carbonaceous fuel gasification system and gas turbine system. Fuel gas produced in the gasification system is combusted and the combustion gases used in the gas turbine system. The gas turbine system uses water spray intercooling of the compressor or compressors, with air-water mixture from the compressor used in the gasification system, while hot exhaust gas from the turbine system has heat recuperated therefrom and is used to produce steam, which is also used in the gasification system.

Abstract: Control process for producing an aqueous slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel having a desired solids concentration for feed to a partial oxidation gas generator by grinding together in a size reduction zone a recycle aqueous slurry stream comprising carbon-containing particulate solids, a stream of solid carbonaceous fuel, and a specific amount of make-up water. No valves are in the line or path between the size reduction zone and the feed tanks for the solid carbonaceous fuel and recycle aqueous slurry. A system control unit automatically calculates the amount of make-up water and provides a corresponding signal to control the flow rate. Input signals that are provided to the system control unit include those corresponding to the weigh belt feeder speed and moisture content for the solid carbonaceous fuel; and pump speed, weight fraction, temperature, and density of the solids for the slurry of recycle particulate solids.

Abstract: Aqueous slurries of solid carbonaceous fuel having an increased reactivity of the solid material are produced by maintaining the solid carbonaceous fuel-water slurry at a temperature in the range of about 300.degree. to 650.degree. F. and a pressure in the range of about 100 to 3500 psia and sufficient to maintain the H.sub.2 O in the slurry in liquid phase; at substantially constant temperature depressurizing said slurry to a pressure in the range of about above atmospheric to 250 psia above that in the reaction zone of a partial oxidation gas generator, thereby partially vaporizing the water in the slurry and producing steam. After depressurizing, the slurry is cooled so that the solid particles drop in temperature about 2.degree. F. to 10.degree. F. and the water in the slurry drops in temperature about 100.degree. F. to about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically gasifying coal by establishing a flowing stream of coal particulate slurry, electrolyte and electrode members through a transverse magnetic field that has sufficient strength to polarize the electrode members, thereby causing them to operate in combination with the electrolyte to electrochemically reduce the coal particulate in the slurry. Such electrochemical reduction of the coal produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide at opposite ends of the polarized electrode members. Gas collection means are operated in conjunction with the process to collect the evolved gases as they rise from the slurry and electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of mixed gases comprising H.sub.2 and CO. An aqueous particulate solid carbonaceous fuel slurry feedstream is preheated by indirect heat exchange with a process-derived stream of skimmed gases substantially comprising H.sub.2 O. The aqueous carrier of the slurry is vaporized by introducing superheated steam directly into the slurry pipeline. A suspension of particulate solid carbonaceous fuel entrained in a gaseous mixture substantially comprising steam e.g. about 90 to 99.9 wt. % H.sub.2 O and about 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a CO.sub.2 -containing gas mixture is produced. The suspension of solid fuel in the gaseous mixture is then separated in a skimming operation into an overhead gas stream substantially comprising steam, as previously described, and a bottom stream comprising particulate solid carbonaceous fuel with the remainder of said gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A novel process, and the articles of manufacture, or compositions, formed thereby, wherein a Group II-A metal, or compound thereof, can be ion-exchanged onto coal, and thereafter a Group I metal physically admixed or otherwise incorporated therewith, so that the composition can be pyrolyzed, and gasified, to form a high-BTU, intermediate-BTU or synthesis fuel gas. Suitably, the Group II metal, or alkaline earth metal, can be directly ion-exchanged onto a low rank coal, without necessity of any pretreatment, by contact with a basic solution of a Group II-A metal compound since, of course, low rank coals contain natural ion-exchange sites.

Abstract: A steam supply system is provided for use in conjunction with both a superposed turbine driven by a steam boiler and a process chamber. The steam boiler operates at a pressure above that needed for consumption in the process chamber and uses highly purified water. The process chamber can use steam which has been generated from relatively low purity water and may be any steam consuming process, such as in one embodiment coal gasification, not requiring that the water be returned for re-use as steam. Energy remaining in the high purity steam after it leaves the superposed turbine is used in a condensing reboiler to heat the water into steam for the process chamber. The two fluids are kept essentially isolated from contact with each other in the condensing reboiler, and the high purity water is pumped back to the high pressure boiler in a closed loop system.

Abstract: Coal or similar carbonaceous solids are extracted by contacting the solids in an extraction zone (12) with an aqueous solution having a pH above 12.0 at a temperature between 65.degree. C. and 110.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to remove bitumens from the coal into said aqueous solution and the extracted solids are then gasified at an elevated pressure and temperature in a fluidized bed gasification zone (60) wherein the density of the fluidized bed is maintained at a value above 160 kg/m.sup.3. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, water is removed from the aqueous solution in order to redeposit the extracted bitumens onto the solids prior to the gasification step.

Abstract: A process for gasifying carbonaceous solids in a rotating zone is disclosed wherein the gasifying agents are injected into a tumbling bed of the solids through an elongated, rotating tubular flow path (19) positioned and supported so as to remain in the tumbling bed during rotation of the zone. The invention is particularly useful in rotary kilns where coal, lignite, peat, heavy oil residual, and other carbonaceous materials are gasified using injected steam, oxygen or air.

Abstract: For the manufacture of acetylene and synthesis or reduction gas from coal by means of an electric arc or plasma process, coal converted into powder form is pyrolyzed in an electric arc reactor with an energy density of 1 to 5 kWh/Nm.sup.3, a residence period of 0.5 to 10 msec and at a temperature of at least 1500.degree. C. such that the gaseous compounds derived from the coal do not exceed 1.8 times the so-called volatile content of the coal. The coke remaining after subsequent quenching is then fed to a second electric arc reactor in which the coke, by means of a gasifying medium in conjunction with heating by means of an electric arc or plasma process, is converted into synthesis or reduction gas furing a residence period of 1 to 15 sec and at a temperature of at least 800.degree. C. The gas flow from the pyrolysis zone is cleaned and acetylene is recovered therefrom by selective solvents. The gas from the cleaning stage is similarly cooled and cleaned.

Abstract: In a coal-gasification reactor installation, carbon dioxide gas is added into a liquid coal suspension in the form of fine bubbles of gas to improve the flowability and dispersion of the liquid coal suspension. In a preferred embodiment, carbon dioxide is separated from the gaseous reactor products, dissolved in an ammonium solution, reacted to form solid ammonium carbonate salt; the solid chemical salt is added to the liquid coal suspension where it is made to decompose and generate carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Catalyst for the production of methane from carbon and/or coal by means of catalytic gasification. The catalyst compostion containing at least two alkali metal salts. A particulate carbonaceous substrate or carrier is used.

Abstract: Coarse-grained fuels are gasified in a moving bed under a pressure of 5 to 150 bars with oxygen, water vapor and, if desired, carbon dioxide. The resulting product gas is at temperatures of 250.degree. to 700.degree. C. and is cooled to temperatures in the range from 120.degree. to 220.degree. C. to form an aqueous condensate, which contains distillation products and is known as gas liquor. The gas liquor obtained by the gasification in a moving bed is pressure-relieved to atmospheric or a higher pressure and the flashed-off vapor is supplied to the fluidized bed gasifier. In the fluidized bed gasifier, fine-grained solid fuels are gasified under a pressure which is lower than that in the moving bed.The flashed-off vapor supplied to the fluidized bed supplies at least one-half of the water vapor required for the gasification in the fluidized bed.

Abstract: An improved one stage, upflow process for coal gasification whereby a dry particulate carbonaceous material and an oxygen-containing gas are combusted in a vertical gasifier thereby converting the carbonaceous material (coal) into a hot gas. The hot, entrained flyslag gas is then contacted with a cooled, recycled gas in a quench zone, thus cooling the gaseous product stream and causing the molten slag particles to convert to nonsticky flyslag particles. The high level thermal energy from the flyslag-laden gaseous product stream is recovered in a fire tube heat exchanger and the flyslag particles from the gaseous product stream are separated by conventional means and recycled back to the gasifier. The product raw gas is further treated for use in a gas turbine to produce electricity.