Abstract: Process for the conversion of a hydrocarbon material having a high molecular weight, in particular petroleum residues or heavy crude oils or reduced crude oils, comprising the following steps:impregnating or mixing the hydrocarbon material with a catalyst;pyrolyzing the impregnated residue in a suitable zone at a temperature of between 450.degree. and 650.degree. C.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering condensed solidified volatile metals from the slag that exits the reactor section of a partial oxidation reactor. In a partial oxidation reactor, condensed solidified volatile metals become adsorbed to the surface of the slag particles and other particulate matter associated with the gasification reaction, such as ash and soot. These particulate materials can be removed and recovered. Finely divided slag particles can be separated and contacted with a mineral acid to dissolve the adsorbed condensed volatile metals. An acid liquor results which contains dissolved volatile metal salts of the acid. The acid liquor containing the dissolved volatile metal acid salts is then electrolyzed to reduce the dissolved volatile metal acid salts to the corresponding elemental metal for recovery.

Abstract: A pyrolysis system for trash and refuse utilization having a heated low temperature carbonization drum with a device for feeding material to be carbonized located at one end face of the drum, a residue discharge device at the other end face of the drum, a low temperature carbonization gas exhaust, and a gas converter connected to the low temperature carbonization gas exhaust for converting the low temperature carbonization gas into cracked gas, includes means for supplying to the low temperature carbonization drum part of a quantity of cracked gas flowing out of the gas converter as a heat carrier.

Abstract: A process for producing a synthesis gas containing methane and using a reactor having a fuel containing carbon comprises directing gasification gases in a circulation system through a bed of fuel containing carbon to form a synthesis gas containing methane and carbon dioxide. Thereafter, the synthesis gas is cooled in a regenerator and subjected to the gas separation wherein the syngas is subjected to a gas cleansing by means of a pressure change absorption in a gas scrubber to remove most of the methane and carbon dioxide and its water content is increased. The separated gas is then heated and subsequently the portion is returned into the system together with the waste gases and fuel containing carbon. The process includes a 4-pole heater which includes the first heat exchange passage for the syngas which is cooled and a second heat exchange passage for the recirculation of the syngas and is further cooled and passed through a scrubber.

Abstract: Fuel is passed (via line 13) to a fluidized fuel conversion bed (21) containing reactive CaO and CaSO.sub.4 at a fuel-oxidation temperature (e.g. 730.degree. C.) below the temperature at which CaO reacts with CO.sub.2 to form CaCO.sub.3. The bed is fluidized by an inerts-free gas containing hydrogen (and/or a source thereof, e.g. steam) and fuel is therein partially oxidized, CaSO.sub.4 being reduced to CaS. CO.sub.2 thus formed is fixed as CaCO.sub.3, and bed solids containing CaS and CaCO.sub.3 pass (via 33) to a fluidized decarbonation bed (34) operated at a temperature (e.g. 850.degree. C.) above the decarbonation temperature of CaCO.sub.3 whereby CO.sub.2 is liberated and is recovered after passage through a heat recovery device (6). The decarbonation bed (34) is preferably fluidized by the gas products from the fuel conversion which reduce CaSO.sub.4 therein to CaS and form additional CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Vertical and/or horizontal frame members for use in a curtain wall construction including a framework and one or more glazing panels include a pair of elongated, spaced apart, metal elements structurally interconnected with a heat insulating element. One of the elements is formed with a pocket having an opening in a wall portion facing the other metal element and the other metal element includes a tongue extending into the pocket through the opening. The heat insulating element of resinous plastic material structurally interconnects the tongue and pocket of the metal elements into a composite frame member and provides a heat insulating thermal barrier therebetween.

Abstract: In the underground gasification of a swelling coal the high gas-flow link between the injection and the production wells needed for the gasification process is produced by reverse combustion using air heated to a temperature below the softening point of the coal. The heated air pretreats and conditions the coal proximate to the link under formation by increasing its permeability and reducing its swelling properties. Improved combustion and suppression of plugging results in the subsequent gasification stage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fuel gas from lignocellulose material such as wood. Wood is converted to fuel gas in a descending bed reactor which encloses a descending bed of wood material. Gas produced in the reactor travels upwardly through and thence out from the top of the descending bed, with a portion of the gas being recirculated and introduced as reflow gas, together with air, to a combustion zone established at the base of the descending bed.