Accessories Patents (Class 48/87)
  • Patent number: 10900715
    Abstract: A slag notch for a metallurgical vessel includes a steel member that defines a passageway for molten slag and a system for cooling the steel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Tata Steel Limited
    Inventors: Jacques Pilote, Mark Hayton
  • Patent number: 10563143
    Abstract: An automated system is described for processing biomass using a series of mechanisms that operate in unison to maintain solids flow through small gasifiers that are otherwise prone to blockage. The system can include: a fixed bed gasifier having upright cylindrical walls defining a biomass gasification chamber therein, the gasifier configured to produce synthesis gas and a carbonaceous product and ash; a device for metering biomass to the gasifier; a device for selectively filtering gasification products; a device for impacting the cylindrical walls with a force; a device for radially mixing carbon in the reduction zone without vertical displacement of gasifier products; one or more material presence sensors which detect the amount and status of biomass within the gasification chamber; and a processor system which takes input from material presence sensor and activates one or more of said devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: V-GRID ENERGY SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
  • Patent number: 9261307
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement of two conduits, wherein the conduits are positioned parallel with respect to each other and wherein each conduit is provided with means suitable to remove solids from its surface and positioned along the length of one of the two sides of the conduit, wherein the means are one or more pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles, each nozzle having an outflow opening for gas directed, along the surface of the conduit, towards the outflow opening of the other nozzle of said pair, wherein the pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles of one conduit are arranged in a staggered configuration relative to the pairs of oppositely oriented nozzles of the other conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Mathew Baker, Wouter Koen Harteveld, Hans Joachim Heinen
  • Patent number: 9000056
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gasifier comprising a syngas generation section, a coal methanation section and a syngas methanation section in the order from bottom to top. The invention also relates to a process for preparing methane by catalytically gasifying coal using such a gasifier. Optionally, the gasifier is additionally provided with a coal pyrolysis section above the syngas methanation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Enn Science & Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jicheng Bi, Rong Zhang, Yixin Chen, Zhiqiang Sun, Jinlai Li, Zhongxue Gan
  • Publication number: 20150040479
    Abstract: A method for cogenerating gas-steam based on gasification and methanation of biomass. The method includes: 1) mixing oxygen and water vapor with biomass, transporting the resulting mixture via a nozzle to a gasifier, gasifying the biomass to yield crude gasified gas, and transporting superheated steam having a pressure of 5-6 MPa resulting from sensible heat recovery to a steam turbine; 2) adjusting the hydrogen/carbon ratio of the crude gasified gas generated from step 1) to 3:1, and eluting the crude gasified gas whereby yield purified syngas; 3) introducing the purified syngas from step 2) to a methanation unit and transporting intermediate pressure superheated steam generated in the methanation unit to the steam turbine; and 4) concentrating methane of synthetic natural gas containing trace nitrogen and water vapor obtained from step 3) through pressure swing adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Weiguang YANG, Yan GONG, Xiaodong ZHAN, Dechen SONG
  • Patent number: 8936886
    Abstract: Biomass is gasified to generate syngas. The syngas is subjected to thermal cracking. Heat from syngas exiting a thermal cracking stage is transferred to syngas entering the thermal cracking stage. Biomass gasification apparatus may include a thermal pathway connected to transfer heat from an outlet of a thermal cracking process to an inlet of the thermal cracking process. Energy efficiency is enhanced. Syngas may be used as fuel for engines or fuel cells, burned to yield heat, or processed into a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nexterra Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Clifford Low Bor Mui, Hendrick Vandergriendt, Dejan Sparica, Yan Li
  • Publication number: 20140090297
    Abstract: A plasma assisted gasification system with an indirect vacuum system for drawing syngas through a reactor vessel is disclosed. In particular, the plasma assisted gasification system is configured to draw syngas through the combustion reaction zone, the syngas collection chamber, the syngas heater and the syngas outlet in the reactor vessel. The plasma assisted gasification system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a sealing system for a continuous feed system of a gasifier enabling an inlet opening of a feedstock system to remain open yet seal the reactor without a mechanical system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ADAPTIVEARC, INC.
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Patent number: 8591608
    Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion zone where a gas is introduced and fuel is combusted and at least one sensor for measuring a predetermined condition in the gasifier. A grate subsystem contains the fuel and includes at least one grinding mechanism. A controller is responsive to the at least one sensor and controls the grinding mechanism by activating the grinding mechanism if the predetermined condition exists to reduce the collection of non-fuel products on the grate subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: MSW Power Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Young, Steven Anthony, Stephen Armstrong, Steven Chase
  • Publication number: 20130263509
    Abstract: An arrangement for gasifying solid fuel includes a gasification reactor for producing further oxidizable product gas from solid fuel and a gas treatment reactor arranged in a flow direction of the product gas in gas flow connection with the gasification reactor. The gas treatment reactor includes a supply for supplying oxygenous gas to the gas treatment reactor for partial oxidization of product gas and for thermal cracking thereof A radiation heat exchange cooler for cooling the product gas is arranged in connection with the gas treatment reactor to solidify melt components in the product gas. A discharge connection is arranged in the lower portion of the radiation heat exchange cooler for removing solidified melt components from the radiation heat exchange cooler. A method of gasifying solid fuel in a gasification reactor is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Eero Berg
  • Publication number: 20130232873
    Abstract: The present application thus provides a gasifier for use in converting a feedstock material into a syngas. The gasifier may include an outer chamber, a reaction zone positioned within the outer chamber, and a disruption device maneuverable within the outer chamber to ensure a steady flow of the feedstock material into the reaction zone without bridging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Anthony DePuy, Jinmesh Pranav Majmudar, Omprakash Mall, Vignesh Venkatraman, Avish Dsouza
  • Publication number: 20130232874
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FlexEnergy, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris A. MASLOV
  • Publication number: 20130180175
    Abstract: A system includes a gasification feed injector. The gasification feed injector includes a first injector portion configured to inject a first fuel at a first flow rate and a second injector portion configured to inject a second fuel at a second flow rate. The system also includes a fuel circulation system configured to circulate at least one fuel and supply the at least one fuel to the gasification feed injector and a controller configured to transition the gasification feed injector from injecting the first fuel to injecting the second fuel based at least on a pressure downstream of the gasification feed injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, John Saunders Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20130145691
    Abstract: An improved active grate consisting of at least two elongated rockers positioned parallel to one and another, each rocker having a lower surface and an upper surface and configured to rotate back and forth about their longitudinal axis. Each individual rocker is further configured to rotate in the opposite direction of the adjacent rockers such that any pair of adjacent rockers alternately forms a void allowing material to pass through active grate when rotating in one direction into a first position, and closes the void when rotated in the opposite direction in a second position. The active grate finds particular utility in a combined gasification/vitrification waste treatment system, where it is used to pass partially oxidized materials from a gasification chamber to a vitrification chamber. The rockers include a coolant loop through the longitudinal axis of the rockers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Surma, James A. Batdorf
  • Publication number: 20130142723
    Abstract: Biomass gasification systems including a reactor adapted to gasify a biomass feedstock to thermally convert the biomass feedstock into producer gas are provided. The reactor includes an enclosure disposed about a biomass gasification chamber. The enclosure includes an inlet, an outlet, and side walls disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor also includes a plurality of fluid injectors disposed along a length of the side walls and adapted to inject fluid into the gasification chamber. The biomass gasification system also includes a control system communicatively coupled to the plurality of fluid injectors and adapted to independently control each fluid injector of the plurality of fluid injectors to independently control a flow of fluid through each fluid injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Satya Dileep Dara
  • Publication number: 20130097928
    Abstract: The invention concerns a gasification device for the creation of a flammable gas from a solid, comprising a gasification zone, in which the solid can be filled through a fill opening, an oxidation zone for the oxidation of the resulting gas, which is connected to the gasification zone to conduct the gas created in the gasification zone into the oxidation zone. According to the invention, the efficiency of the gasification device is improved in that the gasification zone is divided into several neighboring gasification sectors, a temperature metering unit is present that is configured to measure the temperature prevailing in each gasification sector, and the temperature metering unit is coupled by signal technology to a control unit, which is coupled to an air supply device by signal technology, that is designed to supply air individually to each gasification sector, and the amount of air supplied to each gasification sector per unit of time is dependent on the temperature measured therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Big Dutchman International GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Schwarz, Mario Urra Saco
  • Publication number: 20130047573
    Abstract: Biomass gasification systems including a reactor configured to gasify a dried biomass fuel in the presence of air to generate producer gas are provided. The biomass gasification systems also may include a heat exchanger adapted to transfer heat from the producer gas to a biomass feedstock to produce the dried biomass fuel and cooled producer gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Niraj Kumar Mishra
  • Publication number: 20130025200
    Abstract: A gasifier system for converting biomass to biogas includes a reaction chamber with a biomass supply port for receiving a biomass volume, a waste outlet port for discharging biomass conversion by-products, a gas inlet for receiving heated oxidizing gas, a gas outlet for discharging generated biogas and a burner manifold for distributing oxidizing gas within the chamber to react the biomass. The burner manifold includes primary tubes and secondary tubes, positioned in a vertically lower part of the chamber and configured with multiple openings or ports for dispensing the oxidizing gas, where the secondary tubes extend into, inject and evenly distribute the oxidizing gas into the biomass volume to optimize conversion to biogas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20130019528
    Abstract: The present embodiments provide additive systems for biomass gasification reactors. For example, in one embodiment, a biomass gasification system includes a feedstock preparation system configured to generate a biomass feedstock having a biomass fuel and a tar cracking additive. The system also includes a gasifier configured to receive the biomass feedstock and gasify the biomass fuel in the presence of the tar cracking additive to generate first and second mixtures. The first mixture has producer gas and the second mixture has the tar cracking additive and ash. The biomass gasification system further includes an additive recycle system configured to receive the second mixture and to separate at least a portion of the tar cracking additive from the ash to generate a recycled additive feed for the feedstock preparation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Omprakash Mall, Richard Anthony De Puy, Amol Mahulkar, Srinivasa J
  • Patent number: 8357215
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens. The apparatus includes a manifold disposed between the shedding apparatus and the plurality of platens and connected to the plurality of platens via one or more struts capable of distributing the force to the plurality of platens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Russell, James Michael Storey, Robert Henri Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20130000270
    Abstract: An exemplary gasification reactor is disclosed including a vessel defined with a reaction chamber for receiving a carbon-containing fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under a partial combustion and producing a synthesis gas. A first cooling device and a second cooling device are provided to cool the vessel. The first cooling device is attached to a first upper region of the vessel. The second cooling device is attached to the second middle region of the vessel. A method and IGCC power generation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lishun Hu, Wei Chen, Zhaohui Yang, Minggang She, Xianglong Zhao, Richard Anthony DePuy, Judeth Brannon Corry
  • Publication number: 20120311931
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides tunable catalytic gasifier systems suitable for gasifying coal, biomass, and other fuel sources. The gasifier reactors of the disclosed systems may be heated by, e.g., a catalytic tube or other jacket that generates heat by catalytically combusting syngas, which syngas may be syngas produced by the gasifier system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GOOD EARTH POWER CORPORATION
    Inventor: John Dooher
  • Publication number: 20120222354
    Abstract: A refractory wall comprises a hotface layer comprising a hotface surface configured to be adjacent to a carbonaceous gasification environment, a backing layer facing the hotface layer, and a cooling layer facing the backing layer and configured to cool the hotface layer via the backing layer. A gasification device and a gasification process are also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Wei CHEN, Honghai Dong, Zhaohui Yang, Minggang She, Lishun Hu, Ke Liu, Xianglong Zhao
  • Publication number: 20120210645
    Abstract: A pyrolysis chamber for the extraction of combustible gasses from biomass waste such as wood chips has a gravity fed chamber, where fuel passes, in succession, through a pre-heating zone, an oxidation and reduction zone, a gas outlet zone and a solids offloading zone. The pre-heating zone has plasma torches which direct an air plasma into the chamber, thereby pre-heating the fuel to a temperature of 1200-1500° C., after which the fuel enters the oxidation and reduction zone, where it is exposed to a steam plasma of 1500° C. which travels through plasma torches to an annular ring distributor surrounding the chamber and having apertures directing the steam plasma into the chamber, thereby providing enhanced generation of combustible gasses of CO and H2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: OAKS PLASMA LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Filippovich Rutberg, Philipp Grigorevich Rutberg, Alexandz Nikolaevich Bzatsev, Viktor Yevgenyevich Popov
  • Publication number: 20120193215
    Abstract: Treating a synthesis gas includes generating a plasma jet from a non-transferred arc torch having a main axis, the jet having a propagation axis substantially collinear with the torch main axis. The plasma torch is mounted on a feed enclosure. The syngas is received at an inlet port of the feed enclosure, downstream from the plasma torch and feeding the syngas so the flow encounters the plasma jet to mix the syngas and plasma jet in a distribution chamber. The mixture is propagated in a reactor downstream from the feed enclosure to convert the syngas into an outlet gas. The reactor is in communication in its upstream portion with the feed enclosure through a flared segment, and has a longitudinal axis that is substantially collinear with the propagation axis of the plasma jet. The outlet gas is extracted via an outlet port and particles are captured by a submerged conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Europlasma
    Inventors: Alice Fourcault, Jean-Paul Robert-Arnouil, Erika Edme
  • Publication number: 20120151839
    Abstract: A gasifier includes a gasification chamber including an annular chamber wall with a top opening for introducing fuel into the gasification chamber. A restricted bottom outlet section of the gasification chamber has inwardly angled wedge walls encouraging a mass flow rather than a funnel-flow of fuel through the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew Young, Joseph Abner, Harris Gold
  • Publication number: 20120137582
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating energy from biomass. A gasifier is provided for generating syngas from the biomass. The gasifier comprises a housing for providing a first, oxygen starved environment in which the biomass is sub-stoichiometrically combusted to generate syngas—an effluent comprising gaseous combustibles. An oxidizer is connected to receive the syngas from the gasifier and configured to oxidize the syngas in a second environment distinct from the first, oxygen starved environment and to thereby generate heat energy. An oxidative agent supply mechanism introduces an oxidative agent to the first, oxygen starved environment in the gasifier housing, the oxidative agent comprising a mixture of flue gas and air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Robert G. Graham, Dejan Sparica
  • Publication number: 20120131852
    Abstract: A gasification assembly that includes a quench chamber and downstream transfer piping is disclosed. The gasification assembly includes the quench chamber and a liquid coolant disposed therein, and a dip tube that is configured to couple a combustion chamber to the quench chamber and also configured to direct syngas from the combustion chamber to the liquid coolant and produce a cooled syngas. The assembly further includes a transfer pipe that is in fluid communication with the cooled syngas and configured to transfer the cooled syngas to a downstream scrubber component. The transfer pipe further includes an excess moisture removal device, which is configured to remove moisture from the cooled syngas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Prashant Tiwari, Judeth Brannon Corry, Gregory Michael Laskowski
  • Publication number: 20120117876
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Publication number: 20120117878
    Abstract: An entrained flow gasifier designed as a component for an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle plant of optimized efficiency is provided. The raw gas initially flows through a waste heat unit designed as a radiation cooler and subsequently flows through a full water quench. This results in a higher ratio of steam in the raw gas, which decreases the medium-pressure steam supply before the water-gas shift and thus improves efficiency in IGCC plants with CO2 separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Fleischer, Frank Hannemann, Christian Reuther, Manfred Schingnitz, Ralph Schumann
  • Publication number: 20120117877
    Abstract: A controlled zone gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels with in the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Publication number: 20120117980
    Abstract: A modular gasification reactor for a plasma assisted gasification reaction system is disclosed for converting fuel, such as, but not limited to, biomass, to syngas to replace petroleum based fuels used in power generation. The system may be a modular system housed within a frame facilitating relatively easy transportation. The system may include a reactor vessel with distinct reaction zones that facilitate greater control and a more efficient system. The system may include a syngas heater channeling syngas collected downstream of the carbon layer support and to the pyrolysis reaction zone. The system may also include a syngas separation chamber configured to produce clean syngas, thereby requiring less filtering. The system may further include an agitator drive assembly that prevents formation of burn channels within the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Christian H. A. Juvan
  • Publication number: 20120110906
    Abstract: It is supposed to be possible to achieve an essentially uniform water film protecting the corresponding metal panels, in a gasification reactor for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, by gasification of ash-containing fuel with oxygen-containing gas, at temperatures above the melting temperature of the ash, wherein a reaction chamber formed by a membrane wall through which cooling medium flows, a transition area as well as a quench chamber with a slag collection container that follows in the direction of gravity are provided within a pressure container. This is achieved in that, in addition to a device (14, 15) forming a water film (16) in the quench chamber (11), at least a part of the cylinder forming the quench chamber wall (17) is designed with a double wall and with a coolant overflow (21) for additionally wetting (18) the inner surface of the quench chamber wall (17), and a tangential coolant supply (20) in the bottom area of the double walled cylinder (19) which is closed at the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kuske, Johannes Dostal, Reinald Schulze Eckel, Lothar Semrau
  • Publication number: 20120110907
    Abstract: A cooling shield is to be made available, in particular within the pressure container, with conical regions for the exit of gas or slag, in a gasification reactor (1) for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, having a pressure container (2) and a reaction chamber (4) formed by a membrane wall (3) of cooling pipes, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner wall of the pressure container (2) and the membrane wall (3), wherein elements such as burners (17) or the like are provided, which elements horizontally pass through the pressure container wall in the membrane wall substantially on the same plane (18), wherein the suspension or connection between the cooling shield and pressure container (load removal) is optimized, while avoiding difference expansions. This is achieved in that, for removal of the load on the membrane wall (3), direct or indirect support takes place at the cooling inlet lines (5) or mixture outlet lines (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kuske, Johannes Dostal, Reinald Schulze Eckel, Lothar Semrau
  • Publication number: 20120102835
    Abstract: A system includes a gasifier, which includes a reaction chamber configured to convert a feedstock into a synthetic gas, a quench chamber configured to cool the synthetic gas, a quench ring configured to provide a water flow to the quench chamber, and a quench ring protection system configured to protect the quench ring from the synthetic gas or a molten slag. The quench ring protection system includes a protective barrier disposed within an inner circumferential surface of the quench ring. The protective barrier substantially overlaps the inner circumferential surface in an axial direction along an axis of the quench ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Judeth Brannon Corry, James Michael Storey, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Wei Chen, Wade Albert Taber, Delome Diane Fair
  • Publication number: 20120090237
    Abstract: A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Surma, James A. Batdorf
  • Publication number: 20120073196
    Abstract: A gasifier that includes a combustion chamber and a pressure vessel surrounding the combustion chamber, wherein the pressure vessel includes an inner surface. A heater surrounds the pressure vessel and increases a temperature of the inner surface of the pressure vessel. A method for operating a gasifier includes increasing an inner wall temperature of a pressure vessel surrounding the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: George Albert Goller
  • Publication number: 20120073197
    Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion chamber and a pressure vessel surrounding the combustion chamber, wherein the pressure vessel includes an inner surface. A controller adjusts a pressure inside the pressure vessel so that a dew point temperature of corrosive compounds produced in the combustion chamber is less than a temperature of the inner surface of the pressure vessel. A method for operating a gasifier includes adjusting a pressure inside a pressure vessel surrounding the gasifier so that a dew point temperature of a corrosive compound is less than a temperature of an inner wall of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: George Albert Goller
  • Publication number: 20120073198
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a system for generating energy from biomass/organic wastes. A process for generating a product gas from biomass comprises of pyrolyzing the biomass in a pyrolyser by contacting the biomass with hot heat carriers to obtain pyrolysis gas and char; passing the pyrolysis gas to a reformer containing a reactant to obtain a product gas; and firing a part of the product gas coming out of the reformer back to the heater tubes of the reformer. Firing a part of the product gas through the fired heater tubes of the reformer provides the heat for sustaining the reaction between the pyrolysis gas and the reactant to form the product gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Prerak Goel, Christopher Frederik Thannhaeuser
  • Publication number: 20120036841
    Abstract: A method of regenerating a particulate filter which traps particulate matter contained in a product stream of a fuel processor. The method comprises a step which predicts the value of a parameter indicative of carbon accumulation in the particulate filter during operation of the fuel processor. When the predicted value meets or exceeds a first threshold value a regeneration process is initiated. Optionally, after a certain time or when the predicted value meets or falls below a second threshold value, the regeneration process is ceased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Li Xuantian
  • Publication number: 20120023823
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method. The cyclonic gasifier and cyclonic gasification method involve a chamber having a first portion proximal to a first end and a second portion proximal to a second end, introducing a first fuel to the first portion of the chamber, introducing a second fuel to the chamber; and introducing a first oxidant to accelerate the velocity of the first fuel and swirl the first fuel from the first portion toward the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Daniel D'Agostini
  • Publication number: 20110308157
    Abstract: The invention is in the field of biogas production. In particular the invention is directed to a process and apparatus for the conversion of carbon and hydrogen containing materials into biogas (viz. a gas stream comprising CH4) containing material and subsequent purification of the resulting gas. According to the invention biogas is produced from carbon and hydrogen containing starting material. The unpurified biogas is subsequently purified by subjecting it to a filtration step, which comprises feeding said biogas to at least one cyclone providing cyclone action, at least one water filter where said biogas is washed with water and at least one dry filter where said biogas is dry-filtered, thus producing a purified biogas, followed by subjecting said purified biogas to compression, preferably using a water ring compressor, followed by feeding the compressed gas to a water-gas separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jian Chao Zhang, Yu Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110289844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, including: feeding raw material, carbonizing, pulverizing the charcoal, and transporting charcoal powder to the gasification furnace for gasification. Prior to pulverizing, the charcoal is reduced to a normal pressure by a decompression feeding system of charcoal, pulverized into powders, and transported to a supercharging feeding system of charcoal powder by normal pressure transport gas. The pressurized charcoal powder is transported to gasifier. The high-temperature charcoal at an outlet of carbonization furnace is cooled to 60-200° C. by a cooler, and transported into the decompression feeding system to be depressurized. The charcoal powder with pressurized is ejected to gasifier by an ejector, pyrolysis gas produced from carbonization furnace is used as carrier gas, and the ratio of solid to gas in the transportation pipe for charcoal powder is controlled at between 0.03 and 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Haiqing ZHANG, Shirong ZHANG, Qin SUN, Peng QIU, Shenghua ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20110265379
    Abstract: A burner (10) for the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon feedstock, comprising a combustion chamber and a pre-mixing chamber (E), and a plurality of annular passages for feeding fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber, said plurality of annular passages comprising at least a first annular passage for the fuel, and at least a second coaxial annular passage for the oxidizer, producing a layered flow into the premixing chamber (E). In a preferred embodiment the burner has an annular passage (1) for fuel or oxidizer surrounded by two other passages (2 and 3) for the oxidizer or fuel, respectively; in a further embodiment a start-up burner (20) is integrated with the main process burner, said start-up burner having a combustion chamber (L), a main hub (G) and a swirler (H), and providing a smooth transition from the start-up to the process phase that does not require any mechanical intervention of the pressure vessel/burner assembly and can be performed through automatic control systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Casale Chemicals S.A.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Bedetti, Luca Zanichelli
  • Publication number: 20110232191
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a low tar, renewable fuel gas from biomass and using it in other energy conversion devices, many of which were designed for use with gaseous and liquid fossil fuels. An automated, downdraft gasifier incorporates extensive air injection into the char bed to maintain the conditions that promote the destruction of residual tars. The resulting fuel gas and entrained char and ash are cooled in a special heat exchanger, and then continuously cleaned in a filter prior to usage in standalone as well as networked power systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Community Power Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Diebold, Arthur Lilley, Kingsbury Browne, III, Robb Ray Walt, Dustin Duncan, Michael Walker, John Steele, Michael Fields, Trevor Smith
  • Patent number: 8002855
    Abstract: A reactor is proposed for entrained flow gasification for operation with pulverized or liquid fuels, with an externally cooled draft tube protecting the slag discharge outlet. An outlet of the draft tube remains above a water line of a sump of the reactor and is formed from Molybdenum, an alloy featuring molybdenum, Tantalum or an alloy featuring Tantalum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Matthias Köhler, Joachim Lamp
  • Publication number: 20110179713
    Abstract: In the case of a device for gasification of carbonaceous fuels, having a discharge for slags into a slag bath, a solution is supposed to be created with which the gasifier discharge opening is reliably kept at a temperature that guarantees that the slag will flow out. This is achieved in that the gasifier discharge opening (6) is equipped with a ceramic drip edge (7) that can be electrically heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: UHDE GmbH
    Inventors: Domenico Pavone, Ralf Abraham, Mohammad Iqbal Mian
  • Publication number: 20110146154
    Abstract: A gas generator and process for converting a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas. The gas generator, which may be used in any process requiring oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas, is preferably used for generating protection gas or reducing gas for start up, shut down or emergency shut down of a SOFC or SOEC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Hassan Modarresi
  • Publication number: 20110131881
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel gasification equipment capable of sufficiently contacting particulates of a solid fuel with a bed material without scattering and reliably completing pyrolysis of the solid fuel to achieve improvement in cold gas efficiency and in C and H conversion rates and reforming of tar in a gasification gas. A fuel supply pipe 14 is connected to a side surface of a gasification furnace 2 at a position lower than an upper surface of a fluidized bed 1 for supplying the solid fuel into the fluidized bed 1. Confluence promoting means 15 is provided to allow the solid fuel supplied from the fuel supply pipe 14 into the fluidized bed 1 to join a flow of the bed material supplied from the downcomer 7 to an inner bottom of the fluidized bed 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Murakami, Satoko Aoki, Toshiyuki Suda, Hidehisa Tani
  • Publication number: 20110126462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gaseous fuel composite, a device for producing the gaseous fuel composite, and subcomponents used as part of the device for producing the gaseous fuel composite, and more specifically, to a gaseous composite made of a gas fuel such as natural gas and its oxidant such as air for burning as part of different systems such as fuel burners, combustion chambers, and the like. The device includes several vortex generators each with a curved aerodynamic channel amplifier to create a stream of air to aerate the gas as successive stages using both upward and rotational kinetic energy. Further, a vortex generator may have an axial channel with a conical shape or use different curved channel amplifiers to further create the gaseous fuel composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: David Livshits, Lester Teichner
  • Publication number: 20110126461
    Abstract: The problems of the prior art are overcome by the apparatus and method disclosed herein. The reactor vessel of a plasma gasifier is operated at high pressure. To compensate for the negative effects of high pressure, various modifications to the plasma gasifier are disclosed. For example, by moving the slag, more material is exposed to the plasma, allowing better and more complete processing thereof. In some embodiments, magnetic fields are used to cause movement of the slag and molten metal within the vessel. An additional embodiment is to add microwave heating of the slag and/or the incoming material. Microwave heating can also be used as an alternative to plasma heating in a high pressure gasification system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: INENTEC LLC
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn, Jeffrey E. Surma, James A. Batdorf, David A. Lamar