Producer Patents (Class 48/203)
  • Publication number: 20020134019
    Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for operating a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier system. A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing ash agglomeration in a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier/combustor system by adding a quantity of MgO to the feedstock used in the gasifier/combustor system. A second aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing erosion at piping bends in fluidized particulate piping systems which utilizes sand retention cavities positioned to receive and retain a portion of the fluidized particulate. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating the flow of sand and char fragments from a first compartment to a second compartment while minimizing the flow of gases between the first and second compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
  • Publication number: 20020112403
    Abstract: A biomass gasifier apparatus (10) produces low BTU gas from biomass, while removing the char and ash in an efficient manner. A fluidized bed gasifier cell (20) receives biomass fuel from a fuel input system (280). A preferred fluidized bed gasifier cell includes a vertically oriented cylindrical enclosure. A layer of bed material (40), typically having a consistency similar to sand, is carried at the base of the enclosure. A plenum (60) supplies hot compressed gas to a plurality of parallel manifolds (80), each of which support a number of nozzles (100). Gas released by the nozzles fluidizes the bed, catalyzing the process of gasification of the biomass, while a low oxygen environment prevents excessive combustion. A bed change-out system (120) removes waste introduced into the fluidized bed gasifier with the biomass. Gas discharged from an upper portion of the fluidized bed gasifier includes low BTU gas that is the desired output of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: LeRoy B. Pope, Michael L. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020095866
    Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed combining a fixed bed gasification section where coarse fuel is gasified and an entrained flow gasification section where fine fuel is gasified. The fixed bed section includes upper and lower sections. Coarse fuel is devolatilized in the upper fixed bed section and subjected to elevated temperatures sufficient to crack and destroy tars and oils in the effluent gases. The entrained flow gasification section is disposed in a lower plenum adjacent the lower fixed bed section. A plurality of injection ports are configured to introduce oxygen, steam, or air into different sections of the gasifier to control temperature and operating conditions. Activated carbon may be formed in the upper fixed bed section and in the entrained flow section. The activated carbon may be used as a sorbent to remove pollutants from the effluent gases. The gasifier may be used with various coarse and fine fuel feedstocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Scott E. Hassett
  • Publication number: 20020020112
    Abstract: Improvements in the manufacture of gases and liquids from trash, other waste, and other solid fuels, many of which also have application in numerous other fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: ScotLund Stivers
  • Publication number: 20020011028
    Abstract: A method for operating a gas generation device, for example, for a fuel cell system, having at least two gas generation units through which a starting-material stream flows in series. The two gas generating units have a first and second rated power Prated—1, Prated—2 and a first and second predetermined operating temperature Trated—1, Trated—2, and the first gas generation unit has a lower thermal mass than the second gas generation unit. During a starting phase only the first gas generation unit is operated, with a power Pstart—1>Prated—1. After the end of the starting phase at least the second gas generation unit is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Stefan Boneberg, Martin Schuessler, Hans-Frieder Walz
  • Publication number: 20010054256
    Abstract: A method of the gasification of coal using oxygen and steam is provided wherein the coal is gasified at a temperature of from 1000 to 2500° C. and a pressure of from 1 to 100 kg/cm2 using oxygen generated by electrolyzing water and steam having a temperature of from 300 to 600° C. attained by heat exchange heat with a high temperature gas generated by the coal gasification. In the method, a remarkably higher efficiency and low carbon dioxide emission is attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Yukuo Katayama
  • Patent number: 6312483
    Abstract: Combustible gases from pulverized solid fuel are generated by semi-coking the pulverized solid fuel in a reactor in the absence of oxygen to produce a solids stream that includes carbonaceous material and a gas stream that includes hydrocarbon gases and tar fumes. The carbonaceous material in the solids stream is gasified in a fluidized bed using steam and hot air to produce an output stream that includes combustible gases and coke particles. The output stream is combined with the gas stream to form a combined stream which is separated into a combustible gas stream and a hot particulate stream. At least a part of the hot particulate stream is applied to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Boris Siniakevith
  • Patent number: 6251148
    Abstract: A process for producing a synthetic and/or fuel gas from an organic containing material by utilizing a thermal pretreatment operation and a gasification reactor. The organic containing material is passed through a thermal pre-treatment operation to produce a gas fraction and a solid fraction. The solid fraction is processed in gasification reactor whereby product gas is produced, and contaminated products are processed for safe disposal. The thermal pre-treatment of the organic containing material produces a solid fraction which can be directly supplied to the gasification reactor without a need to supply a high quality coke to the gasification reactor thereby simplifying the process. The gas fraction and product gas produced from the thermal pre-treatment operation and/or gasification reaction, respectively, can be recycled so as to supply energy and/or processing gas for the various other processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignees: John Brown Deutsche Entineering GmbH, Veba Oil Technologie
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Redepenning, Peter M. Wenning
  • Patent number: 6138615
    Abstract: A device improving the combustion of a fuel by a gaseous oxidant includes a fuel intake, an oxidant intake and apparatus for keeping naphthalene in solid form in the gaseous oxidant intake to load it with naphthalene vapors as it flows towards the combustion chamber. The apparatus for keeping the naphthalene in the gaseous oxidant current includes a cartridge filled with naphthalene and having apertures forcing the oxidant gas to pass through it directly along a direction coinciding with that of the flow of the oxidant gas to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Boisset, Patrick Jean Georges Siegler-Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6120567
    Abstract: A heating system for producing heat by the gasification of solid, organic biomass materials. A mass of such materials is maintained on a grate in a primary oxidation chamber of the catalytic type, and materials in such mass are gradually heated in a deficiency of oxidation for full oxidation of such materials to produce a gaseous, combustible effluent. The gaseous combustible effluent is transferred through an insulated exit duct to a secondary oxidation chamber where it is further oxidized to a fully oxidized state by burning. In one embodiment, the insulated exit duct has a restricted inlet portion within the primary oxidation chamber to serve as a flame deflector. The gaseous effluent from the secondary oxidation chamber is used as a heat source for a water tube boiler. A storage hopper is provided to store the biomass feed materials for delivery to the primary oxidation chamber. The bottom of the storage hopper is inverted and reciprocating plates are provided along the bottom of the storage hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Enviro-Combustion Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Henry L. Cordell, David G. Galer
  • Patent number: 5984987
    Abstract: Aqueous black liquor is gasified in a molten salt by spraying the black liquor into an enclosed zone above the surface of a turbulent molten salt pool. The black liquor is dried by means of hot gases rising from the surface of the pool and the resulting solid particles falling into the turbulent molten salt pool are dispersed and converted into a combustible gas and a reduced melt in which sulfide comprises at least about 95% of the total sulfur present. In a preferred embodiment the product gas is purified, burned and utilized in a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Kohl
  • Patent number: 5984986
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for operating a system for water vapor reforming of methanol in which, in a mixture preparation step, a water vapor/methanol mixture is prepared from water and methanol and is introduced into a reforming reactor. According to the invention, the mixing ratio of the water vapor/methanol mixture is adjusted as a function of the load condition and/or load changes of the system so that a CO-concentration is obtained in the reformate which remains constant over the whole load range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Norbert Wiesheu, Christian Duelk, Rainer Autenrieth, Uwe Benz
  • Patent number: 5855631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Arnold M. Leas
  • Patent number: 5695532
    Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus for gasifying a particulate solid carbonaceous fuel with a high moisture content, the process comprising: introducing the fuel into one or more pressurized drying vessels without adding water to the fuel; reducing the moisture content of the fuel in the drying vessel(s) to a level suitable for gasification by passing hot product gas through the or each drying vessel such that the fuel particles are entrained in the gas flow, thereby cooling and humidifying the gas; separating the cooled and humidified gas from the fuel; transferring the fuel with reduced moisture content from the or each drying vessel to a gasification vessel, gasifying the fuel in the gasification vessel to produce hot product gas; and introducing at least a portion of the hot product gas into the or each drying vessel. The invention also relates to an integrated process for producing power, especially electric power, from particulate solid carbanaceous fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: State Electricity Commission of Victoria
    Inventors: Terence Richard Johnson, Anthony Campisi, Bernard Anderson, David MacLean Wilson, Danh Quan Huynh, Graeme Eldred Pleasance
  • Patent number: 5688296
    Abstract: A control system particularly suited for effecting control over an integrated gasification combined cycle system (IGCC) that includes at least a fuel feed system, a gasifier system, a product gas cleanup system, a booster compressor and a gas turbine. The subject control system includes a bleed air control valve, a booster compressor bypass control valve, a fuel feed control valve and a product gas shutoff valve. The bleed air control valve, which is connected in fluid flow relation between the gas turbine and the booster compressor of the IGCC, is operable for effecting control over the amount of air that is bled in the IGCC. The booster compressor bypass control valve, which is connected in fluid flow relation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the IGCC, is operable for effecting the bypass of air around the booster compressor of the IGCC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Elliott Andrus, Jr., Paul Robert Thibeault
  • Patent number: 5672184
    Abstract: A coal gasification system has a pulse detonation device. The pulse detonation device is employed to discharge hot exhaust pulses into the coal gasifier. Also, a pulse detonation device discharges reverse flow pulses into a ceramic candle filter system to dislodge particulate build up on the candles. The pulse detonation device utilizes a rotatable core feed cylinder. The core feed cylinder is carried within an inner side wall of the stationary annular detonation chamber. The core feed cylinder has ports in the side wall that will register with ports in the inner side wall of the annular detonation chamber at least once each revolution. Fuel is introduced through valves mounted to the outer side wall of the annular detonation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Louis G. Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5658359
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor system having a gas cooler, with cooling surfaces, downstream of a first cyclone separator, the cooling surfaces are cleaned by introducing sufficient concentration of bed particles into the gas during, or just prior to, cooling, so that the particles mechanically dislodge deposits from, and thereby clean, the cooling surfaces. The particles are then removed downstream of the cooler by a second separator, and the bed particles separated by the second separator may be returned to the fluidized bed reactor at or just before the cooler to again be used to effect cooling. Cleaning may be practiced in spaced time intervals only (e.g. periodically or intermittently), or continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia Oy
    Inventors: Eero Berg, Charles M. Davis, Jorma Nieminen, Juha Palonen
  • Patent number: 5656044
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of organic materials (typically incorporated in domestic and industrial wastes, including auto shredder residues) to produce useful synthesis gas (with a major content CO and H.sub.2) with effectively non-toxic ash residue by means of at least one continuously operated burner, preferably stoichiometrically balanced (1:2 for natural gas/oxygen) at least at startup and shut down (optionally with some excess of oxygen, usually under steady-state conditions, such as at a ratio of 1:4 or higher, especially if the charge has well over 18% water content), directed into a primary single stage reaction zone (through an opening in common with the effluent product gas discharged therefrom such as to assure intimate contact therebetween), which zone contains a tumbling charge in a rotating barrel-shaped horizontal reactor thus heated to from about 650.degree. to about 800.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignees: Hylsa S.A. de C.V., Proler Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman G. Bishop, Ricardo Viramontes-Brown
  • Patent number: 5645616
    Abstract: A system and method for producing product gas using residual waste liquor is described with a gasifier reactor having a fluidized bed located therein. The gasifier reactor is heated to a predetermined temperature range with either an external heater or a second fluidized bed located at a position below the first fluidized bed. A heat exchanger may be positioned in the first fluidized bed and/or the second fluidized bed for indirectly heating the respective fluidized beds. Condensing heat exchanger means recovers heat from the product gas and condenses an acid gas therefrom for recycling the chemicals. A reagent is sprayed in the condensing heat exchanger means to clean the product gas. Pressurization allows the cleaned product gas to be directly fired in a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Robert A. McIlroy, Robert A. Kuchner, John E. Monacelli, Dennis W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5632858
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: John B. Kitto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5622534
    Abstract: A high performance, multi-stage, pressurized, airblown, entrained flow coal gasifier system and a method of operating such a gasifier system for generating therewithin fuel gas from coal. The subject gasifier system includes an outer, pressure containing vessel surrounding an inner, water-cooled vessel wherein the gasification reaction, through which the fuel gas is generated from coal, takes place. The inner, water-cooled vessel embodies a first stage within which the high temperatures required for the gasification reactions to take place as well as for slagging are generated from the combustion of char, a second stage within which the char is gasified to generate the subject fuel gas, and a third stage within which coal is devolatilized to produce the char for the first stage and the second stage and with a concomitant quenching being effected of the fuel gas as the latter flows through the third stage of the inner water-cooled vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5620487
    Abstract: A high performance, multi-stage, pressurized, airblown, entrained flow coal gasifier system and a method of operating such a gasifier system for generating therewithin fuel gas from coal. The subject gasifier system includes an outer, pressure containing vessel surrounding an inner, water-cooled vessel wherein the gasification reaction, through which the fuel gas is generated from coal, takes place. The inner, water-cooled vessel embodies a first stage within which the high temperatures required for the gasification reactions to take place as well as for slagging are generated from the combustion of char, a second stage within which the char is gasified to generate the subject fuel gas, and a third stage within which coal is devolatilized to produce the char for the first stage and the second stage and with a concomitant quenching being effected of the fuel gas as the latter flows through the third stage of the inner water-cooled vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5620488
    Abstract: A combustion method and apparatus in which combustible matter, e.g., waste matter, coal, etc., is gasified to produce a combustible gas containing a sufficiently large amount of combustible component to melt ash by its own heat. A fluidized-bed furnace has an approximately circular horizontal cross-sectional configuration. A moving bed, in which a fluidized medium settles and diffuses, is formed in a central portion of the furnace, and a fluidized bed, in which the fluidized medium is actively fluidized, is formed in a peripheral portion in the furnace. The fluidized medium is turned over to the upper part of the moving bed from the upper part of the fluidized bed, thus circulating through the two beds. Combustible matter is cast into the upper part of the moving bed and gasified to form a combustible gas while circulating, together with the fluidized medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Hirayama, Takahiro Oshita, Chikashi Tame, Shuichi Nagato, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Norihisa Miyoshi, Seiichiro Toyoda, Shugo Hosoda, Shosaku Fujinami, Kazuo Takano
  • Patent number: 5618321
    Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier includes a first auger (26) which moves carbon from a carbon collection tank (24) through an air lock valve (30) to a carbon holding tank (28). The gasifier includes an inner cylindrical sleeve (80) which is configured such that there is a small air gap between it and an interior wall of the gasifier (16). The air lock valve (30) includes an inlet member (96) which connects the housing to a connecting tube from the first auger (26). A plate (100) within the housing is mounted such that in a closed position, the plate is sealingly positioned against a lower edge of the inlet member (96), while in an open position, the plate is away from the inlet member, permitting carbon to move into the carbon holding tank. A fuel spreader apparatus 53 is positioned at the top portion of the gasifier. It includes a stirring rod (44) and two opposed fuel paddle assemblies (67, 69) at the lower end thereof to spread the fuel over the cross-sectional area of the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Thermal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard G. Beierle, Leroy Graff, John J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 5578094
    Abstract: A method facilitating the deslagging of a partial oxidation reactor used to produce syngas is disclosed. The slag comprises vanadium trioxide and a siliceous material that accumulate on the interior walls of the partial oxidation reactor as a byproduct of the syngas production. The deslagging is accomplished by controlled oxidation, wherein the vanadium to glass weight ratio is maintained to at least about 3:2, operating the reactor at a temperature of at least about 2000.degree. F, and maintaining controlled oxidation conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium trioxide in the slag to vanadium pentoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: D. Duane Brooker, James S. Falsetti
  • Patent number: 5573559
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of waste are disclosed. Waste material is fed to the top of a first combustion chamber, and a burning, rotating annular column of waste is supported in the combustion chamber. Combustion air is introduced to the first combustion chamber at or below the support for the burning annular column of waste so that the combustion air moves upwardly through the burning column. Combustion gases are withdrawn from the top portion of the first combustion chamber. Particulates are removed and recirculated to the first combustion chamber. The combustion gases are then fed to the top portion of a second combustion chamber. Secondary combustion air and optional fuel are fed to the second combustion chamber to complete the gasification process. A relatively clean producer gas is withdrawn from the bottom portion of the secondary combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Emery Recycling Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley P. Hilliard, Scott Barney
  • Patent number: 5571295
    Abstract: The process for cooling of partial oxidation crude gas includes partially oxidizing a fine grained to powdery combustible material in a flow gasifier in the presence of water vapor and an oxidizing member selected from the group consisting of oxygen and air at pressures of up to 100 bar and at temperatures above a cinder melting point to form a crude gas flow; feeding the crude gas flow in a crude gas duct in an upward crude gas flow direction; and feeding an annular cooling flow of a gaseous or vaporous cooling fluid into the crude gas flow in a downward direction opposite to the crude gas flow direction, the annular cooling flow being bounded by interior walls of the crude gas duct. In a preferred embodiment the annular cooling flow is fed into an upper quenching chamber having a diameter smaller than a downstream connected lower quenching chamber through which the crude gas flows so as to prevent upward extension of any growing cinder layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Krupp Koppers GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Kowoll
  • Patent number: 5571294
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas conditioner and a method for treating crude, relatively impure gases produced from a gasification process to yield a relatively clean, tar-free producer gas having an energy value of about 1200 to 1500 Kcal/m.sup.3. The gas conditioner comprises a reaction chamber for retaining a fuel supply and containing a cracking reaction. An upper portion of the reaction chamber includes an internal reaction housing which provides a primary reaction zone. The gas conditioner also includes a grate structure for filtering producer gas prior to its exit from the conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: American High Temp., Inc.
    Inventor: Johnnes Ferges
  • Patent number: 5389117
    Abstract: Reacted gas manifolds and reactant gas manifolds are added to the char fuel reaction chamber of a char fuel gas producer in order to create a flow of gas across the direction of motion of the solid char fuel. The char fuel volatile matter can then be mixed with air and this mixture separated from the producer gas created in the high temperature rapid reaction zone. Improved utilization of char fuel volatile matter can be achieved together with a reduction of tar formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph C. Firey
  • Patent number: 5284550
    Abstract: A black liquor gasification system intended for use as a replacement for a Tomlinson cycle, Chemical Recovery Unit, and which operates at a temperature below the ash melting temperature thereby removing the potential for smelt-water reactions and explosions. The subject black liquor gasification system is based on the use of a circulating fluidized bed operating at atmospheric pressure that produces dry, recoverable salts as well as low calorific gases to be used within the paper-making process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Tanca, Erik G. A. Dahlquist, Sune Flink
  • Patent number: 5266086
    Abstract: An improved gasifier adapted for gasifying a predetermined charge of non-gaseous fuel into fuel gas. Each charge of non-gaseous fuel, which may have optional conditioning materials added to it, is intermittently fed to a gasifier chamber where each charge is partially burned with high-pressure air supplied thereto. High-pressure and temperature fuel gas is produced which is cleansed prior to passing out of the gasifier chamber. After gasification of the charge of fuel is is ended, the gasifier chamber is vented. The residue of the burned charge in the gasifier chamber is removed, along with the contaminated or reacted conditioning materials, and replaced by a fresh charge. The subject invention provides a feasible way of continuously fueling an internal combustion engine with gasified fuel and is compact enough to be practical for even mobile applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bailey, Abraham L. Zadoks
  • Patent number: 5250083
    Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of a sulfur- and silicate-containing carbonaceous fuel to produce a synthesis gas with reduced sulfur content which comprises partially oxidizing said fuel at a temperature in the range of 1900.degree.-2600.degree. F. in the presence of a temperature moderator, an oxygen-containing gas and a sulfur capture additive which comprises a calcium-containing compound portion, a sodium-containing compound portion, and a fluoride-containing compound portion to produce a synthesis gas comprising H.sub.2 and CO with a reduced sulfur content and a molten slag which comprises (1) a sulfur-containing sodium-calcium-fluoride silicate phase; and (2) a sodium-calcium sulfide phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Wolfenbarger, Mitri S. Najjar
  • Patent number: 5213587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the refining of a raw gas produced from a carbonaceous material by means of a gasification process, refining taking place in a secondary stage separated from the gasifier. In order to reduce the gas contents of tar in the form of organic compounds condensible at lower temperatures, such as ambient temperatures, and of ammonia, the refining is carried out in a secondary stage being a fast circulating fluidized bed, the bed material of which at least mainly being an active material in the form of a material that is catalytic for tar and ammonia conversion, whereby a catalytic conversion of tar and ammonia contained in the raw gas is obtained. In order to decrease the content of hydrogen chloride in the gas, an active material that also can absorb chloride is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Studsvik AB
    Inventors: Clas Ekstrom, Bengt-Goran Espenas, Waclaw Kowalic, Erik Rensfelt, Lars Waldheim
  • Patent number: 5147415
    Abstract: Fine-grained fuels are gasified in a fluidized state with a mixture of gasifying agents which comprise oxygen, water vapor and/or carbon dioxide. NH.sub.3 is substantially entirely removed from the product gas from the gasifier. All or part of the NH.sub.3 is combusted and any remaining NH.sub.3 is added to the exhaust gas from the combustor. In a preferred embodiment the content of nitrogen oxides and/or NH.sub.3 in the exhaust gas from the combustor and NH.sub.3 is supplied to the combustor at such a controlled rate that the contents of nitrogen oxides and NH.sub.3 in the exhaust gas to which NH.sub.3 has been admixed are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Herbert, Horst Mielke, Gerhard Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5145491
    Abstract: Fuels are gasified in a fluidized state by a treatment with oxygen-containing gas and water vapor in a gasifying reactor. A solids mixture which contains ash and fine-grained fuels is combusted in a heating-up phase, which precedes the gasification and in which the temperature in the reactor is increased approximately to the temperature desired for the gasification. In a succeeding inertizing phase the supply rate of oxygen-containing gas is decreased and an inert gas is fed to the reactor until the product gas no longer contains free oxygen whereas the temperature is maintained virtually constant. In the succeeding gasification the fuel supply rate is increased and, after an adjusting time, the temperature is maintained virtually constant at the value desired for the gasification in the range from 600.degree. to 1500.degree. C. The gasification temperature is controlled by a change of the fuel supply rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventors: Gerhard Schmitt, Horst Mielke, Peter Herbert
  • Patent number: 5145490
    Abstract: The combustion of gas produced from the combination of coal pyrolysis and gasification involves combining a combustible gas coal and an oxidant in a pyrolysis chamber and heating the components to a temperature of at least 1600.degree. F. The products of coal pyrolysis are dispersed from the pyrolyzer directly into the high temperature gasification region of a pressure vessel. Steam and air needed for gasification are introduced in the pressure vessel and the materials exiting the pyrolyzer flow down through the pressure vessel by gravity with sufficient residence time to allow any carbon to form carbon monoxide. Gas produced from these reactions are then released from the pressure vessel and ash is disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: CRS Sirrine Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Sadowski
  • Patent number: 5106390
    Abstract: An improve gasification system, in which synthesis gas is produced through the operation of a fuel gas production bed comprising an upper layer (66) of organic input material, typically in the form of pellets or briquettes of substantially uniform size and configuration which in one embodiment includes toxic waste material, two intermediate layers, one intermediate layer (70) for carbonizing the input material, and the other intermediate layer (72) for partially oxidizing and substantially completely pyrolyzing the input material and a lower layer (68) of tar-free charcoal. The length of the gas production bed from the top of the upper intermediate layer to the point where gas exits from the gas production bed is approximately at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bed, but not less than 7 feet. The residence time of the input material in the intermediate layers and the lower layers is such that activated carbon may be produced and/or the toxic waste input destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: American Power and Waste Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Frederick P. Beierle, Mounir Mazzawi
  • Patent number: 5094669
    Abstract: In a rotary-grate gas producer operated under a pressure from 10 to 100 bars, the fuel constitutes a fixed bed, which slow descends. The mixture of gasifying agents contains water vapor and oxygen is supplied to the fixed bed through a rotary grate and through an ash layer, which is disposed on the rotary grate. In order to ensure that the ash will have a particle size in a desired range, a first pressure (p1) is measured below the rotary grate and a second pressure (p2) is measured approximately at the top of the ash layer. The pressure difference (p1-p2) is compared with a setpoint, which is associated with the current ratio of water vapor to oxygen in the mixture of gasifying agent. Said ratio is increased when the pressure difference is insufficient and the ratio is decreased if the pressure difference is excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Herbert, Gerhard Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5041144
    Abstract: The raw gas produced by gasification is cooled to temperatures from 150.degree. to 400.degree. C. and has an NH.sub.3 content of at least 0.1% by volume as it is fed to a spray drying zone. Recycle water is fed to and is entirely evaporated in the spray drying zone. The raw gas from the spray drying zone contains water vapor and is passed through a filter, in which part of the solids and of the halogen compounds are collected in a dry state. The raw gas is subsequently passed through a saturation zone, in which the raw gas is directly contacted with sprayed water and is saturated with water vapor and cooled to temperatures of 50.degree. to 90.degree. C. Water which contains salt and solids and has a pH value of 7.5 to 9.5 is withdrawn from the saturation zone and is at least partly fed as recycle water to the spray drying zone. The raw gas from the saturation zone is aftertreated for a removal of liquid droplets which contains dust and salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Erhard Lath
  • Patent number: 5026403
    Abstract: A three stage process for producing producer gas from biomass or other carbonizable waste products using a double gasifier is described. A reactor for the three stage process comprising a primary, an intermediate and secondary gasifier is also described. The primary gasifier utilizes a vertically adjustable fill level sieve and a discharge mechanism for the combustion residues. The primary fuel and the preheated primary air are supplied to the primary gasifier via the reactor base. The secondary gasifier, a coke producer is connected to the primary gasifier downstream. The intermediate gasifier, a fluw flow gas converter, is supplied with secondary air. The low temperature carbonized gas from the primary gasifier, as well as the carbon particles leaving the primary gasifier are introduced into the secondary gasifier through a radially symmetrical ring nozzle to provide a long residence time under reducing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Herwig Michel-Kim
  • Patent number: 4999030
    Abstract: A process for the production of a fuel gas which includes the steps of:hydrogentation of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a raw fuel gas stream comprising methane and unreacted hydrogen,gasification of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a second gas stream comprising hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon oxides,removing solids therefrom from the gas streams, mixing the fuel gas stream with the second gas stream and with steam and subjecting the resulting stream to carbon monoxide shift to convert at least a portion of the carbon monoxide present to carbon dioxide with generation of hydrogen,removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and other acid gas from the shifted gas stream; andreacting the hydrogen in the gas stream with carbon oxides present in the gas stream to generate methane and subjecting the methanated gas stream to cryogenic separation to yield at least
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler USA Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey F. Skinner, Wieslaw M. Kowal
  • Patent number: 4988367
    Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal is disclosed, the process being characterized by the removal of flyslag deposits in the quench zone of the process by temporarily reducing or stopping the flow of the quench gas to melt the deposits, and then resuming the ordinary quench gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Gunter K. Eckstein
  • Patent number: 4987115
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing generator gas and activated carbon from solid fuels. A first gasification stage is supplied with fuel by an underfeed charging system and preheated air, the air and fuel being supplied in the same direction. In a second gasification stage and accompanied by the supply of secondary air, an intermediate gasification takes place. Finally, in a third gasification stage, the gas is reacted with glowing coke or charcoal, and the heat of the exiting gas is used for heating the air. The fuel centrally entering the first gasification stage is led from the inside to the outside and then upwards. Part of the entering fuel is precombusted in a precombustion chamber linked with the supply of the preheated air for reducing the oxygen content of the preheated air. In the intermediate gasification stage, the gas with the admixed air is passed through a Venturi nozzle or tube with a diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Herwig Michel-Kim
  • Patent number: 4969931
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Hsi L. Wu, Wilhelmus F. J. M. Engelhard
  • Patent number: 4969930
    Abstract: An apparatus for gasifying solid carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor. Particles are separated from the product gas at least in two stages so that in the first stage mainly coarser, so-called circulating particles are separated and returned to the reactor. In the second stage fine carbonaceous and ash-containing particulates are separated from the gas and are made to agglomerate at a raised temperature. Coarser particles thus received are returned to the reactor through a return duct together with circulating particles. Agglomeration is effected in a chamber where a fluidized bed composed of coarse particles is maintained. Fine particulate material and oxygen containing gas are introduced into the free upper part of the chamber so as to form a hot flame (e.g. 1200.degree. C.). The point of the flame penetrates into the fluidized bed. The ash material contained in the fine particulate material melts, and is conducted to the bubbling fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Olli E. Arpalahti
  • Patent number: 4963513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the coproduction of a combustible gas stream usable as an energy source, a sulfur-dioxide-containing second gas stream usable as a source of oxidant in the gasification of coal, and a sulfur-dioxide-containing third gas stream usable as a feedstock for the production of sulfuric acid. The process includes heating coal in a coal gasification zone in the presence of an oxygen and sulfur dioxide-containing atmosphere under partial coal gasifying conditions to produce a carbonaceous char and a crude coal gas stream. Sulfur-containing compounds are removed from the coal gas stream and converted to elemental sulfur. The carbonaceous char is combined with gypsum to form a feed mixture. The non-gypsum portion of the feed mixture contains sufficient reducing potential to release substantially all of the sulfur in the gypsum as gaseous compounds of sulfur in a +4 or lower oxidation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Florida Institute of Phosphate Research
    Inventor: Jerome H. Marten
  • Patent number: 4963162
    Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal is disclosed, the process being characterized by the removal of flyslag deposits in the quench zone of the process by temporary reduction or stoppage of the flow of the quench gas to melt the deposits, and by diversion of a portion or all of the quench gas during the reduction or stoppage to a locus between the quench zone and the heat exchange zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Charles V. Sternling
  • Patent number: 4959080
    Abstract: A process and reaction for the gasification of coal disclosed, the invention being characterized by the provision in each of a plurality of layers of slag coalescing materials on the inner liner of the reactor to provide a protective coating on the wall or walls of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Charles V. Sternling
  • Patent number: 4941890
    Abstract: Process including use of an arrangement for the gasification of fuels with oxygen or oxygen-containing gases and steam, includes a shaft-like vessel for receiving solid charging stock. A gas discharge duct is provided on the upper end of the vessel and a primary gas chamber is in connection with the shaft-like vessel on its lower end via a passage. In the primary gas chamber a burner is provided, which includes feedings for oxygen or oxygen-containing gases as well as for fuels. A trough for receiving slag is arranged below the primary gas chamber and a supporting bottoms is provided between the trough and the shaft-like vessel, reaching into the primary gas chamber, for the formation of a dumping material bed of the solid charging stock facing the burner by one dumping surface. In order to be able to gasify low-quality fuels into a high-quality product gas, the primary gas chamber includes a charging opening for charging a charging stock to be gasified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Voest-Alpine Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Paul Freimann, Gernot Staudinger
  • Patent number: 4936047
    Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds released during combustion of sulfur-containing fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a mixture of sulfur containing particulate fuel and a sulfur absorbent, such as calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, lime, limestone, dolomite, or mixtures thereof; (b) exposing the mixture to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 1500.degree. F., so as to convert at least a portion of the particulate fuel into a gaseous portion and a solid, char portion; and (c) combusting the char portion, thereby forming an ash containing sulfur fixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Battelle Development Corporation
    Inventors: Herman F. Feldmann, Byung C. Kim