Abstract: A method of treating wastes includes partially combusting the wastes in a fluidized bed reactor at a relatively low temperature followed by separate gasification of gaseous material and char from the first gasification in a separate relatively high temperature reactor. This forms synthesis gas that is cooled, subjected to a conversion operation to produce hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastes by two-stage gasification recovers metals or ash content in the wastes in such a state that they can be recycled, and gases containing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) for use as synthesis gas for ammonia (NH.sub.3) or production of hydrogen gas. The wastes are gasified in a fluidized-bed reactor at a low temperature. Then, gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed reactor are introduced into a high-temperature combustor, and gasified at a high temperature and ash content is converted into molten slag. After water scrubbing and a CO conversion reaction, the gas is separated into H.sub.2 and residual gas. The residual gas is then supplied to the fluidized-bed reactor as a fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastes by gasification recovers metals or ash content in the wastes in such a state that they can be recycled, and gases containing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H.sub.2) for use as synthesis gas of ammonia (NH.sub.3). The wastes are gasified in a fluidized-bed reactor at a relatively low temperature, and gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed reactor are introduced into the high-temperature combustor. The synthesis gas is produced in the high-temperature combustor at a relatively high temperature, CO and H.sub.2 O in the synthesis gas is converted into CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2, and then H.sub.2 is recovered by removing CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A coal gasification furnace includes a gasification chamber for producing therein a burnable gas from coal, a burner arranged on a side wall of the gasification chamber so as to inject coal and an oxidizing agent along a peripheral direction of the gasification chamber, a slag cooling chamber provided below the gasification chamber, and a slag tap partitioning the gasification chamber and the slag cooling chamber. The slag tap has a hole formed in a shape whereby the central portion of the hole is generally circular and oppositely directed slits extend outwardly from the central portion of the hole.

Abstract: A coal gasifier has an inner wall surface made by metal of an inlet part of a heat recovery vessel, the inlet part having a inner cooling mechanism, and gas for peeling deposits on the inner wall surface is injected from plural gas injection holes, the injected gas forming a slewing flow and further being intermittently increased. And at least one cooling medium injection nozzle is provided at a side wall in the upper part of a gasification chamber.

Abstract: In fuel gasification, particles of, for example, coal and an oxidant are supplied to a reactor, where the coal particles are gasified. The gas thus produced may contain molten slag entrained therein and such slag could subsequently solidify and affect other components of the coal gasification apparatus. Therefore a molten slag cooling heat exchanger is positioned directly above the reactor and this cools the gas so as to cause any molten slag therein to solidify. Hence, such molten slag does not reach an evaporator above the molten slag cooling heat exchanger, so that the efficiency of the evaporator will be maintained. However, solidified molten slag may build up on heat exchange tubes of the molten slag cooling heat exchanger. Therefore, the rate of coolant supplied to the molten slag cooling heat exchanger is varied, to cause expansion and contraction which causes solidified slag to be dislodged. Hence the efficiency of the molten slag cooling heat exchanger does not deteriorate.

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 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 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.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for deslagging a gasifier's combustion chamber which has accumulated a residual solidified slag as a result of the fuel being combusted. The gasifier is provided with means for liquefying the slag into a flowable state by heating the combustion chamber to a temperature of which the slag will flow. To epitomize the gasifiers' deslagging mode, the combustion chamber is provided with an array of strain monitoring or measuring load cells which are located to detect and collectively respond to movement at the combustion chamber floor whereby to control the slag removing procedure.

Abstract: The progress and completion of slag removal from the quench chamber of a partial oxidation reactor during controlled oxidation can be monitored by measuring such quench water parameters as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and sulfate concentration.

Abstract: The hot raw gas, which contains slag droplets is conducted downwardly in an entrance chamber of a slag separator through a first bed of packings into a flow-deflecting space, in which the raw gas is upwardly deflected and then flows upwardly in an exit chamber through a second bed of packings to a gas outlet. The effective velocity of flow of the raw gas in the first bed is 1.5 to 10 times its effective velocity of flow in the second bed. Liquid slag is drained from the flow-deflecting space.

Abstract: The slag tap of a gasifier is offset from the geometrical axis. Coalescent, molten, residual ash from incomplete combustion is directed to a hearth where residence time provides further combustion and a reduction in the volume and temperature of the resulting slag. The reduced volume and temperature ash is then directed to a slag tap after which disposal is accomplished by conventional means.

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

Abstract: A 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 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.

Abstract: Quenched slag discharged from a gasification process such as a coal gasification process can be continually dewatered and removed without disrupting operations by alternately discharging the quenched slag from means such as lockhoppers and directing the slag to one of two disengagement zones symmetrically arranged on either side of a clear water pit. The slag settles along a sloping active disengagement zone, allowing water to separate and drain into an adjacent slag pit. The accumulated water is drained into the clear water pit through vertically-spaced drains in the walls separating the slag pits from the clear water pit and pumped away after solids have settled. After an active disengagement zone-slag pit is used for a period of time, perhaps 24 hours, the discharge of slag is redirected to the other such area while dewatered slag is removed from the first slag pit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and apparatus for separating liquid ash from an exhaust gas which is formed by the combustion of carbonaceous fuels. The exhaust gas is at a temperature of from 1200.degree. to 1800.degree. C. and under a pressure from 1 to 100 bars and has an ash content, consisting of liquid particles, of 0.1 to 60 g/sm.sup.3. In the process, the ash-containing exhaust gas leaving the combustion chamber is directed to a housing in which there is at least one baffle surface oriented substantially transversely to the direction of flow of the exhaust gas which may be preceded by a centrifugal separator and/or succeeded by a ceramic filter element.

Abstract: Mixed refuse containing organic and inorganic material forms a column-like mass within a furnace chamber. The column of material is heated by a plasma torch having a forward plasma-emitting end disposed within the lower portion of the column and surrounded by the refuse therein. The height of the stack is maintained at a preselected elevation above the forward end of the torch. Gases produced by pyrolytic conversion of organic components of the refuse are discharged through ports of the chamber. Melted metallic and other inorganic refuse forms a pool upon a hearth of the furnace chamber. The plasma torch imparts circulatory movement to the pool. An injector downstream from the torch directs steam onto material adjacent the surface of the pool. Excess molten material is drained from the pool and the furnace chamber.

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: Gasification, slagging, melting, and vaporizing components of waste materials and reactive carbon fuel, in variable proportions, at low pressures, using oxygen and steam reactants, effects very high temperatures, producing syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide), molten slag and molten metals. Integration provides steam and electricity from cogeneration plants. Thermal separation of coal-methanol suspensoids, delivered by pipeline, provides reactive carbon fuel. Methanol produced from cleaned syngas and ethanol produced by corn fermentation are blended, some gasoline or diesel fuel and other additives are used, safer, cleaner-burning, cost-competitive automotive fuels are produced. Light-weight, rock-like nodules (aggregates) and rock wool are produced from slag. Recovery of metals effects optimum recycling. Some metals are produced by reducing reactions. Ethanol coproducts combined with corn, other grains, alfalfa, molasses, minerals and vitamins, provide superior feeds for ruminant animals.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification process quench zone or heat exchanger by monitoring changes in the heat transfer values.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of hot pressurized coal gas for use, for example, in power generation is provided. The apparatus includes a step of subjecting coal fuel to staged slagging combustion, to generate raw gas and liquid slag. The liquid slag is separated from the raw gas, and the raw gas is then subjected to a mixing and separation procedure, wherein it is treated and cleaned, for exampe of sulfur dioxide content. The raw gases may then be further treated and utilized to advantage in power generation. A preferred arrangement for conducting the process is also described.

Abstract: The present process is directed to the cooling and cleaning of hot crude synthesis gas leaving a gas generator (solid hydrocarbon gasification reactor) wherein the hot crude synthesis gas leaving the top of the gas generator in an upflow direction is quenched by injection of cold purified synthesis gas. The gas velocity is then reduced and the gas stream is reversed in a downflow direction whereupon the gas velocity is increased again. The gas stream is again reversed in an upflow direction and the gas velocity is decreased whereafter the gas is indirectly cooled and flyash being separated therefrom.

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

Abstract: In a gasification reactor having a shell, a combustion chamber in the shell, and a burner positioned to direct a carbonaceous fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. A quench chamber within the shell holds a cooling bath into which the hot effluent resulting from the combustion is cooled. A throat communicating the combustion chamber with the quench chamber guides the hot effluent stream toward the bath. A quench ring including a receptacle rim, is positioned beneath the throat to support a water jacketed dip tube which guides the hot effluent into contact with the bath liquid. Liquid coolant is conducted into the water jacket by way of connectable flow passages formed into the rim and the dip tube assembly, and thereafter discharged against the dip tube.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the sound pressure across the slag tap is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recovering high-temperature exhaust gases of high inflammability in terms of carbonaceous concentration from the partial combustion, at atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure, of a mixture of pulverized bituminous or subbituminous coal and air as oxidizer gas, enriched with oxygen gas in a combustor apparatus having a cylindrical combustion chamber with a tangential injection duct, through which the fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber to develop into a rapidly swirling vortex optimizing burning over a short period of time. As a result, the high-temperature, inflammable exhaust gases are generated, of which the heat is recovered to produce steam in a boiler. After losing portion of their heat to the boiler, the inflammable gases, following purification by a filter and desulfurization unit, recovery for subsequent thermal use in boilers, metallurgical or other chemical processes.

Abstract: The slag tap of a gasifier is offset from the geometrical axis. Coalescent, molten, residual ash from incomplete combustion is directed to a hearth where residence time provides further combustion and a reduction in the volume and temperature of the resulting slag. The reduced volume and temperature ash is then directed to a slag tap after which disposal is accomplished by conventional means.

Abstract: The cooling of a stream of hot product gas exiting from an outlet opening of a gasification reactor is made by way of two separate partial streams of cooling fluid such as a cooling gas, vapor or liquid. The first partial stream of the cooling fluid is fed from the outside substantially in a radial direction against an outer layer of the product gas stream. The second partial stream of cooling liquid is fed axially in a counter direction to the product gas stream to impinge against a central portion thereof. In this manner the path of mixing of the product gas with the cooling fluid is substantially shortened.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification process gasifier outlet or quench zone by observing changes in the sound pressure between the quench zone and the gasifier is disclosed.

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.

Abstract: An ash-containing fuel feedstock comprising petroleum coke and/or heavy liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel, wherein said ash comprises compounds of V, Ni, and Si in admixture with an iron-containing additive, is subjected to partial oxidation to produce a hot raw effluent stream of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas with entrained molten slag. The hot raw effluent gas steam is cooled and coarse slag is separated. The coarse slag is heated to a temperature in the range of about 1900.degree. F. to 2600.degree. F. and above the melting point of said slag while in contact with reducing gas in a thermal reduction zone to produce a molten bath of slag comprising the following separable immiscible phases in wt. %.(a) a dense metal phase in the amount of about 0.1 to 5.0 which precipitates to the bottom comprising a nickel-iron alloy containing about 5 to 60 wt. % of nickel;(b) a sulfur encapsulated slag phase in the amount of about 5.

Abstract: A method for cooling a hot product gas containing adhesive or fusible particles include injecting a ring-shaped jet of a cooling fluid into a gas to be cooled in a cooling zone in a flow direction of the gas, with separation of the jet into a plurality of individual cooling fluid jets with mass and penetration depths corresponding to the mass of product gas streams flowing through individual ring-shaped parts of the cooling zone. The injection speed of the cooling fluid jets are selected so as to obtain a desired penetration depth.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal is described which comprises partially combusting particulate coal in a gasification reactor comprising a gasification zone and a water bath and producing a hot gaseous stream containing synthesis gas and flyash, and slag, in the gasification zone. The slag produced is allowed to discharge from the gasification zone into the water bath, the redox potential of the water bath being formulated or maintained at a level sufficient to inhibit sulfide presence or inclusion in the slag.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination comprising two vertical cylindrical shaped high temperature pressure vessels coaxially connected. The upper vessel is a refractory lined free-flow partial oxidation gas generator for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 +CO from liquid hydrocarbonaceous and solid carbonaceous fuels. The lower vessel houses a radiation gas cooler for cooling the raw gas stream which is produced in the upper vessel and which passes down through a coaxial vertical cylindrical annular shaped refractory throat located between said upper and lower vessels. A vertical steel cylindrical gas barrier provided with a flanged bottom surrounds the refractory throat passage so that substantially no gas escapes into a stagnant annular zone outside of said gas barrier. Further the refractory throat is vertically supported by said flanged gas barrier.

Abstract: Gasifier for combusting a particulated carbonaceous fuel by injecting a stream of the fuel into the gasifier combustion chamber together with a combustion supporting gas. The fuel mixture is burned to produce a usable gas and a particulated residual, both of which are directed into a liquid holding quench chamber. A constricted, frusto-conical throat which conducts the usable gas and particulated residual includes one or more nozzles that open into the throat and serve to direct pressurized jets of a scouring fluid into contact with residual particles which have become deposited on the throat wall, to displace the latter and thereby keep the throat void of such deposits.

Abstract: The hot process gas stream from the partial oxidation of sulfur-containing heavy liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel and/or sulfur-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising gaseous mixtures of H.sub.2 +CO, sulfur-containing gases, entrained particulate carbon, and molten slag is passed through the unobstructed central passage of a radiant cooler where the temperature is reduced to a temperature in the range of about 1800.degree. F. to 1200.degree. F. From about 0 to 95 wt. % of the molten slag and/or entrained material may be removed from the hot process gas stream prior to the radiant cooler with substantially no reduction in temperature of the process gas stream. In the radiant cooler, after substantially all of the molten slag has solidified, the sulfur-containing gases are contacted with a calcium-containing material to produce calcium sulfide.

Abstract: In a gasification reactor having a shell, a combustion chamber in the shell, and a burner positioned to direct a carbonaceous fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. A quench chamber within the shell holds a cooling bath into which the hot effluent resulting from the combustion is cooled. A throat communicating the combustion chamber with the quench chamber guides the hot effluent stream toward the bath. A quench ring positioned beneath the throat supports a water jacketed dip tube which guides the hot effluent into contact with the bath liquid. Liquid coolant passed through the jacket cools the dip tube and thereafter wets the dip tube effluent guide passage.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a hot product gas, the latter is passed through a tubular zone. The product gas contains particles which, on entering the tubular zone, are tacky, but lose their tackiness through cooling in said zone. Within said zone a cooling gas flow forms a gas wall, which prevents contact between the product gas or the tacky particles contained therein, and one of the fixed walls in the tubular zone. Thus within an outlet connection (2) forming the tubular zone is provided an anular insert (3), which forms a gap (4) with the outlet connection. A cooling gas is blown into this gap counter to the flow direction of the product gas. At the end of the insert, this cooling gas is deflected by the product gas and flows within the insert in the same direction as the product gas and protects the inner wall of the insert from the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reversing the flow of a synthesis gas from a coal gasification reactor containing solids that tend to cause fouling of heat transfer surfaces by adjusting the volume and shape of a gas-reversal space within a chamber downstream of the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating slag discharged from a coal gasification reactor to a slag water bath by converging the flow of the slag with a chamber at least partially submerged in the slag water bath such that the flow of slag is converged to a diameter no greater than the diameter of the discharge opening of the slag water bath.

Abstract: An arrangement for cooling a synthetic gas, generated in a gasification reactor, by means of a quenching cooler. The cooler is positioned below the outlet from the reactor and comprises a refrigerated inner jacket (5) surrounded by a pressurization jacket (1) and accommodating a water sump (6). There is an intermediate section (3) between the inner jacket and the outlet from the gasification reactor that is shorter in diameter than the inner jacket and longer in diameter than the outlet from the reactor. Spray nozzles (15) extend into the inner jacket. One or more gas-outlet connections (8) extend through the inner jacket in a plane above the sump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the pressure differential across a diaphragm seal located within an annulus formed by a pressurized vessel and a gasifier contained therewithin.

Abstract: Reactor for gasifying a carbonaceous fuel to produce a usable gas, and comprising an insulated outer shell. A reaction chamber within the shell receives a fuel mixture from an injection burner. The products or effluent of gasification include hot produced gases which are passed through a constricted throat to be cooled in a liquid bath. A dip tube, which guides the hot effluent into the bath, is provided with a stream of coolant from a quench ring. The latter is supported below the reaction chamber and is provided with a thermal barrier along its surface that is exposed to the hot produced gas. The barrier will reduce thermal stress in the quench ring and reduce drain of heat from the gasifier throat, thus avoiding premature chilling of the slag component.

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