Abstract: Fuel processors and fuel processing and fuel cell systems containing the same. The fuel processor is adapted to produce a product hydrogen stream from a feed stream, such as at least one of water and a carbon-containing feedstock, which may be one or more hydrocarbons or alcohols. In some embodiments, the fuel processor is a steam reformer containing a separation region in which the reformate stream is purified using a pressure-driven separation process. In some embodiments, the fuel processor includes a filter assembly adapted to remove particulates from the reformate stream prior to delivery to the separation region. In some embodiments, the fuel processor contains one or more cartridge-based components to facilitate easier removal and replacement of these components. In some embodiments, the fuel processor includes an air delivery system adapted to regulate the operating temperature of the fuel processor.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation filter includes a plurality of hydrogen extraction layers, a plurality of separation layers with hydrogen separation films, and a plurality of reformed gas layers, which are laid one upon another in the sequence of the extraction layer, the separation layer, the reformed gas layer, and the separation layer to form a laminate structure. The respective layers are composed of porous ceramic material to ensure the required strength. The direction of the gas flow in the reformed gas layers and that in the extraction layers are respectively fixed to simplify the gas intake and discharge structure. The hydrogen separation filter is covered with a casing via a cushioning member to ensure the sufficient strength and the required sealing properties. A methanation catalyst that accelerates methanation of carbon monoxide is carried on either the separation layer or the extraction layer.

Abstract: A compact and efficient fuel reformer which is operable to produce a hydrogen-enriched process fuel from a raw fuel such as natural gas, or the like includes a compact array of catalyst tubes which are contained in a heat-insulated housing. The catalyst tube array preferably includes a multitude of catalyst tubes that are arranged in a hexagonal array. The housing includes internal hexagonal thermal insulation so as to ensure even heating of the catalyst tubes. The diameter of the tubes is sized so that spacing between adjacent tubes in the array can be minimized for efficient heat transfer. The interior of each of the catalyst tubes includes a hollow dead-ended central tube which serves as a fines trap for collecting catalyst fines that may become entrained in the fuel stream. The catalyst tubes are also provided with an upper frusto-conical portion which serves to extend the catalyst bed and provide a catalyst reserve.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is disclosed. The system includes a steam reformer adapted to produce hydrogen from a feedstock consisting of water and at least one of an alcohol and a hydrocarbon feedstock. The hydrogen is produced by reacting the feedstock in the present of a reforming catalyst. The product stream is passed through a hydrogen-selective membrane module, at which the permeate stream is polished to remove trade carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and the byproduct stream is combusted to heat the reformer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which comprises two burner zones using a single igniter separated by a heat transfer zone for use in low-cost hydrogen generation units. When used in conjunction with a control system which limits the effluent temperature to less than about 700° C., the apparatus can be constructed of materials such as carbon steel and stainless steel rather than more exotic materials. This simplified structure and the use of less exotic materials provides an efficient, low-cost combined partial oxidation reactor for small-scale hydrogen production systems, especially for hydrogen production systems associated with fuel cell operation for the production of electricity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the operation of a fuel cell to generate electric power from a feed stream comprising a hydrocarbon or an alcohol. The fuel cell comprises a proton exchange membrane which produces electric power from a hydrogen product stream which comprises essentially no carbon monoxide. The hydrogen product stream is produced from the feed stream in a novel steam reforming zone containing a steam reforming catalyst disposed in a bell-shaped catalyst zone. The bell-shaped catalyst zone is disposed over a combustion zone such that the exhaust gas from the combustion flows around the bell-shaped catalyst zone to heat the catalyst from the inside and the outside of the catalyst zone. Furthermore, the bell-shaped catalyst zone maintains a high inlet and a high outlet temperature to avoid methane slippage in the steam reforming zone. Heat for the steam reforming zone is provided by a fuel stream and at least a portion of the anode waste gas stream from the fuel cell.

Abstract: A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. One steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindrical architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region. Other reformers shown include modified combustion systems distributed within a reformation region, isolated vaporization chambers, combustion systems providing uniform temperature gradient, and plate membrane construction methods.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for gasifying carbon-containing products, in particular waste and residues conditioned or processed in a suitable way. Gasification takes place in a mixed flow composed of a counter flow, direct flow and transverse flow. A portion of the gasifying agent is introduced through an inclined grate in the form of a step grate and thrust grating and ash is removed at the bottom end of the grate. Fuel gas is drawn off above the upper level of the grate on the side opposite the lateral feed of the gasifying agent. The gasification apparatus is enclosed in a double-layer insulating/cooling system in which air is used as the insulator and coolant. The gasification process is regulated by the temperature profile of the gasification apparatus, the position of the principal gasification zone is adjusted by ash discharge, the gasification temperature is regulated by the flow of gasifying agent and the output is regulated by the width of the gasification zone.

Abstract: A combined cycle power generation and chemical recovery system has a gasifier system for producing a fuel gas from a by-product of an industrial process, such as a black liquor from a paper mill and a diesel, or dual-fuel, engine/generator connected to the gasifier system to receive the fuel gas for combusting to produce electrical power. Exhaust gases from the diesel engine/generator may be used for steam generation in a boiler.

Abstract: The gasification of coal and other carbonaceous materials by an endothermic gasification reaction is achieved in the presence of a catalyst in a down-flow, moving-bed gasifier. Catalyst is removed along with ash from the gasifier and is then sufficiently heated in a riser/burner by the combustion of residual carbon in the ash to volatilize the catalyst. This volatilized catalyst is returned to the gasifier where it uniformly contacts and condenses on the carbonaceous material. Also, the hot gaseous combustion products resulting from the combustion of the carbon in the ash along with excess air are introduced into the gasifier for providing heat energy used in the endothermic reaction.

Abstract: A steam reformer with internal hydrogen purification includes internal bulk hydrogen purification, internal hydrogen polishing to remove trace levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, an integrated combustion method utilizing waste gas to heat the reformer, efficient integration of heat transfer, and a compact design. The steam reformer shown includes a concentric cylindric architecture nesting an annular combustion region, an annular reforming region, an annular hydrogen transport region, and a cylindrical polishing region.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of feedstock materials are disclosed. The apparatus includes an oblate spheroid (egg-shaped) gasification chamber having inlets for feedstock material and gaseous oxidizer. A combustion gas outlet permits removal of combustion gases, and an ash collection region allows collection and removal of ash produced in the gasification chamber. A plurality of recirculating venturi tubes located within the gasification chamber recirculate combustion gases and particulates into and out of a gasification zone. Each venturi tube includes a plenum having a gaseous oxidizer inlet and a plurality of orifices capable of producing high velocity air flow towards the feedstock material bed in the gasification zone. Filtration action of the bed entrains combustion particulates. A plurality of air cannons coupled to one or more pulse valves provide pulsed air flow into the gasification zone to agitate the feedstock material bed.

Abstract: A system for feeding a coal-water paste material coaxially upwardly through a feed nozzle assembly into a pressurized fluidized bed reactor having a lower portion and a larger diameter upper portion. The feed nozzle assembly includes a nozzle unit for atomizing the coal paste feed material, and a concentric outer shroud tube enclosing the nozzle unit. The feed nozzle assembly is inserted upwardly through an opening in the bottom portion of the pressurized fluidized bed reactor into a coaxial orientation with the bed, so as to provide substantially complete combustion and/or carbonization of the coal paste material fed into the reactor to produce a combustible gas product. If desired, a sorbent material nay be fed into the fluidized bed together with the coal paste feed, so as to absorb sulfur from the coal and produce a clean fuel gas. During reactor operations at 130-200 psig pressure and 1,600.degree.-1,800.degree. F.

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.

Abstract: A combustion 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 the 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.

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.

Abstract: A coal slagging gasifier has a gasifying vessel over a quenching chamber partly filled with water below the surface of which a wall of a cylindrical, metal shield dips. The gasifying vessel has a hearth including a slag tap having a slag outlet with a lowermost opening at substantially the same horizontal level as an annular burner and a ring-shaped nozzle. The burner which surrounds the outlet is spaced therefrom and inset into a recess surrounding the outlet, and the nozzle surrounds the burner. Outlet ports from the nozzle project through a ceiling of the shield to direct a flow of combustion sustaining gas vertically downwards into the quenching chamber from the outlet ports and towards the water. An opening in the centre of the shield ceiling exposes the interior of the shield to the burner and the slag tap outlet. The burner separately supplies fuel gas and combustion air.

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.

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.

Abstract: A gasification system for solid wastes having a thermal reactor and a mechanical gas cleaner, an indirect heat exchange cooler, and an electrostatic precipitator for cleaning and cooling the produced gas. Feed material is continuously fed to he central section of the thermal reactor above an air introduction manifold and nozzles and in an upward direction, forming a stratified charge. As feed material moves upward and outward from the reactor center it is reduced to ash. An agitator assures contact between the hot particulate product and hot gases resulting in gasification of the feed material and net movement to the sidewall of the thermal reactor, forming ash. The air introduction nozzles serve as a grate. Ash descends along the sidewall to the reactor base for removal. The mechanical cleaner has a high speed rotating brush-like gas separator element and scraper combination which removes condensed tars and particulates from the produced gas stream.

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.

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 two stage carbonizer places as much heat as possible into the gas streams entering the carbonizer to drive off volatile matter and reduce tars and oils by thermal cracking which is enhanced by the addition of sorbent. The carbonizer operates as a fluidized bed with a combustor providing flue gas as one fluidizing medium and preheated air as the other. This allows the coal to be devolatilized and the tars and oils to be thermally cracked due to the direct contact with the coal and hot flue gas. The device is designed to operate at high pressures from about 12-20 atmospheres.

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.

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: The gasification apparatus for gasification of finely divided combustible material under pressure includes a gasification reactor which produces a crude gas, a quenching pipe and a convection-heated boiler with a boiler housing, all mounted inside a pressurized vessel. A gas flow guiding device is provided above the quenching pipe for conducting a mixed gas flow containing the crude gas and a quenching gas from the quenching pipe into the convection-heated boiler which surrounds the quenching pipe concentrically. A gas outlet device is provided for the gas flow from the convection-heated boiler and from the pressurized vessel. The gasification reactor is supported at its bottom end in the pressurized vessel at anchoring points. The convection-heated surface elements of the convection-heated boiler are supported by the quenching pipe and the boiler housing but in a stress-free manner.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 for recycling used automobile rubber tires is described in which small pieces of rubber tires are progressively fed into a vertical reactor 14 of the counter-flow type in which the material progressively descends downward through the reactor 14 with process gases passing upward through the downwardly descending material to decompose and volatilize the rubber material. Oxygen-bearing gas is injected into the reactor to burn a portion of the rubber carbon to generate hot combustion gases that ascend upwardly to pyrolitically decompose the rubber pieces, and to volatilize such material. The amount of oxygen is controlled in an oxygen-deficient manner to maintain the temperature in the combustion zone at a temperature of less than 500.degree. F. The gases and volatilized rubber materials and oils are removed from the reactor at a temperature of approximately 350.degree. F.

Abstract: A slag tap system for a pressurized gasifier system that includes a reaction vessel and a pressure vessel in surrounding relation to the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A reactor for gasification of cellulose-waste liquors, especially black liquor. The reactor includes a reactor cladding a supply for liquor and combustion air in the upper part of the reactor, an outlet opening for gases and other material in the lower part, and a heat-insulating lining at the cladding and bottom part. The lining is arranged at a distance from the surrounding wall, thereby forming a gap for gas or air having a pressure exceeding that in the hearth of the reactor.

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.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for a gasifier of a gasifier system wherein the gasifier has a through opening formed thereon. The temperature measuring device includes a slag shield mounted on the gasifier so that a portion of the slag shield extends into the interior of the gasifier through the opening with which the gasifier is provided for this purpose, and a temperature measuring instrument mounted in supported relation within the slag shield so that a line-of-sight exists from the temperature measuring instrument into the interior of the gasifier whereat the temperature is desired to be measured. The slag shield is designed to protect the temperature measuring instrument from the slag flow within the gasifier.

Abstract: A fuel gas generator for lean gas generation by gasification of organic, inorganic, or fossil fuel substances. The triple shell structure of the generator includes a frame casing, a shaft jacket, and a reactor shaft. A fuel feeder including a fuel feed container is located substantially at the top of the reactor shaft and has a gas-tight entry lock. Reaction gas feed and ash discharge are located substantially at the base of the reactor shaft. Preheating, degassing, oxidation, and reduction zones and lean gas take-off orifices having at least one lean gas removal pipe connected thereto are arranged one after another in the shaft. The reactor shaft is gas-tight except for the lean gas take-off orifices. A firebox defined by a conical constriction is located in a middle region of the reactor shaft substantially below the preheating and degassing zones.

Abstract: A reactor (7) for gasifying materials that contain carbon under pressure has a tube wall (20) that has coolant flowing through it and is lined with a refractory material (21). The outlet (9) from the reactor (7) points down and opens into a cooler (10). The reactor is accommodated in a pressurized vessel (1) along with the cooler (10) and can be released and removed independently.

Abstract: A gasification furnace main body, having both a water-cooled wall structure and a duct having a water-cooled wall structure and containing therein a group of gas cooling heat-exchangers disposed within a pressure vessel, is improved in order to prevent a reduction in temperature of gas within the pressure vessel which would otherwise occur due to convection and to avoid the risk of fire and explosion which would otherwise be created by char accumulating within the pressure vessel. The improvements reside in an outlet of the duct and the inside of the pressure vessel communicating with each other at a defined location in the apparatus, a partition wall connecting the wall of the duct with an inner wall surface of the pressure vessel at a level higher than that location, and equalizing valves for placing the spaces on respective sides of the partition wall in communication with each other when a pressure difference between the respective sides of the partition wall has become a predetermined value or larger.

Abstract: A vertical, countercurrent, updraft reactor is provided which can be advantageously used to produce synthesis gas by the partial oxidation of a solid fuel, especially a wood particle fuel. The reactor has a substantially cylindrical, vertical shell. The reactor has a fuel inlet opening in the upper portion of the reactor and an ash outlet opening in the lower portion of the reactor. Also in the lower portion of the reactor is a synthesis gas outlet opening. A heating zone is created within the reactor by internal heating zone walls which terminate at a lower-most edge. A grate is located below the heating zone. The outer perimeter of the grate and the lower-most edge of the heating zone walls form an annular slit which allows ash to gravitate out of the heating zone and into the lower-most portion of the reactor. The grate is reciprocal so that the annular slit can be periodically narrowed and widened.

Abstract: A two-stage fixed bed coal gasifier wherein an annular region is in registry with a gasification zone underlying a devolatilization zone for extracting a side stream of high temperature substantially tar-free gas from the gasifier. A vertically displaceable skirt means is positioned within the gasifier to define the lower portion of the annular region so that vertical displacement of the skirt means positions the inlet into the annular region in a selected location within or in close proximity to the gasification zone for providing a positive control over the composition of the side stream gas.

Abstract: A gasifier for the gasification of a fuel material includes a chamber in which the material is converted into a gas and a molten slag. A quenching apparatus is provided for cooling and solidifying the molten slag. A nozzle extends between the chamber and the quenching apparatus. The nozzle includes an orifice having an inlet end for receiving the molten slag from the chamber and an outlet end for discharging the molten slag into the quenching apparatus. A recessed zone is provided between the outlet end of the orifice and the quenching apparatus. The recessed zone may be formed within the nozzle. An electric induction heating coil provides heat in the recessed zone to prevent the solidification of the slag at the outlet end of the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixed-bed coal gasification is described in which coal such as caking coal is continuously pyrolyzed with clump formation inhibited, by combining the coal with a combustible gas and an oxidant, and then continually feeding the pyrolyzed coal under pressure and elevated temperature into the gasification region of a pressure vessel. The materials in the pressure vessel are allowed to react with the gasifying agents in order to allow the carbon contents of the pyrolyzed coal to be completely oxidized.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.

Abstract: A system for disposing of materials such as vehicular tires and similar substantially organic matter and generating useful heat therefrom includes a first chamber, referred to as a gassification chamber, capable of holding a plurality of tires. The gassification chamber has an access way allowing for insertion of whole tires therein where they will be burned at a relatively low temperature resulting in incomplete combustion and the generation of combustible gases. A first air inlet is positioned substantially at the bottom of the gassification chamber with a first blower connected thereto. A gas outlet is positioned a first distance above the bottom of the gassification chamber confining the burning to the lower end of the gassification chamber. The combustible gas is removed and is conveyed to the lower end of a second chamber, referred to as a combustion chamber.

Abstract: An improved 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, two intermediate layers, one intermediate layer (70) for carbonizing the input material and the other intermediate layer (72) for partially oxidizing and substantially completely pyrolizing the input material and a lower layer (68) of tar-free charcoal. The gasification system includes a closed reaction chamber (10) which includes upper and lower portions (14/18). The cross-sectional area of the lower portion (18) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the upper portion (14), the lower portion further including an upper part which overlaps the lower part of the upper portion (14).

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system which effectively integrates a two-stage, fixed-bed coal gasification arrangement with hot fuel gas desulfurization of a first stream of fuel gas from a lower stage of the two-stage gasifier and the removal of sulfur from the sulfur sorbent regeneration gas utilized in the fuel-gas desulfurization process by burning a second stream of fuel gas from the upper stage of the gasifier in a combustion device in the presence of calcium-containing material. The second stream of fuel gas is taken from above the fixed bed in the coal gasifier and is laden with ammonia, tar and sulfur values. This second stream of fuel gas is burned in the presence of excess air to provide heat energy sufficient to effect a calcium-sulfur compound forming reaction between the calcium-containing material and sulfur values carried by the regeneration gas and the second stream of fuel gas.

Abstract: A reactor in which a furnace and a heat recovery area are provided. A bed of solid particulate material including fuel is supported in the furnace and air is introduced into the bed at a velocity sufficient to fluidize same and support the combustion or gasification of the fuel. The products of combustion (or flue gases) pass upwardly through the furnace and transfer heat energy to the walls thereof to produce steam. Flue gases leaving the upper region of the furnace section are transported to a heat recovery area, which functions to remove additional heat energy from the flue gases for producing the steam. A flue gas by-pass system is provided which transports relatively hot flue gases from a lower region of the furnace section to the heat recovery area for improving isothermal operating conditions and optimizing reactor performance. One or more conduits pass flue gases directly from selected extraction points within the lower region of the furnace to an upper portion of the heat recovery area.

Abstract: A heating system for producing heat by the gasification of solid, organic biomass material. 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.

Abstract: An arrangement for gasification of fuels within the range from fine grain fuel to dust shaped fuels, in a dust cloud with gas comprises a gasification reactor provided with at least two burners, a supply container for accommodating a fuel, a distributor connected to the supply container for receiving the fuel from the supply container, and a plurality of conduits connected with the distributor and supplying the fuel from the latter to the burners, the conduits having a different geometrical parameter including at least one of a length and a direction.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process and a plant for gasifying biomass. The plant has a pressure vessel containing a hot fluidized sand bed. The bio-mass is pre-dried to a moisture content of from 10% to 35% by weight. A steam-free oxygen-containing gas is fed and distributed, through a grid system at the bottom of the hot sand bed, to hold the bed in a fluidized state and to form, in its lower portion, an oxygen-rich heat-forming combustion zone and, in its upper portion, a hydrogen-rich gas-forming pyrolysis zone. The pre-dried biomass is uninterruptedly fed in the pyrolysis zone at essentially the center of the hot fluidized bed, this center being determined when the sand bed stands at rest. The fluidized bed is held at an operating temperature of 750.degree. to 860.degree. C. under an operating pressure of 400 kPa to 1750 kPa by controlling the feeding rate of the fluidized gas as well as the feeding rate of the biomass.

Abstract: A gasifier system for obtaining relatively clean combustible gaseous products from solid fuel materials, such as processed sewage sludge, comprises a gasifier reactor which communicates a raw, combustible gas to a cyclone separator, a gas scrubbing device and a gas cooling and drying device. Gas which exits the system is relatively clean and may be used in a prime mover for the production of energy.The gasifier reactor of the present invention is a down-draft fixed bed gasifier. The gasifier is constructed of several interconnected modular units. Moreover, the gasifier is constructed so as to efficiently gasify fuel materials while maintaining excellent horizontal temperature control.

Abstract: The gasification device includes a pipe wall structure assembled of a plurality of pipe circuits enclosing in a gas tight manner a reactor space. A pressure jacket surrounds at a distance the pipe wall structure and delimits therewith a water filled interspace. All inlet conduits for supplying cooling water to individual pipe circuits pass through the jacket whereas the outlets of the pipe circuits open into the interspace. A common discharge conduit for cooling water is provided in the pressure jacket and communicates with the interspace. The pressure jacket is assembled of two parts interconnected by a releasable flange connection. All inlet conduits and common outlet conduits are attached to the upper part so as to enable the lifting of the entire pipe wall structure upon the lower part together with the upper part.

Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of gasifying finely divided, particularly solid fuel under increased pressure with a multi-pipe wall having a plurality of pipes arranged to be supplied with a cooling medium, the multi-pipe wall limiting a gas-collecting chamber and also limiting a plurality of recesses which form combustion chambers, wherein each of the recesses having a plurality of parameters including a depth, a width and an angle of inclination of a peripheral wall and being such that at least one of the parameters is changeable

Abstract: When gasifying fuels with oxygen in a shaft-like furnace adapted to receive solid charging stock and including a primary gas chamber on its lower end to be charged by at least one burner, a fixed bed is formed in the primary gas chamber by the charging stock. The charging stock is gasified by the hot offgases from the burner. The gas forming, upon passage through the fixed bed, is extracted from the furnace as a product gas. In order to keep the product gas free of impurities that constitue a load on the environment and limit its usability, such as tar and other higher hydrocarbons, an oxygen-containing gas is injected into the furnace space filled by the product gas and a slight portion of the product gas is burnt.