Abstract: A process and an apparatus for processing a charge of a solid material under conditions which include high mass flow rate of gas through the apparatus and which produce liquid from the solid material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel having (i) an inlet end having an inlet for supplying the solid material to form a packed bed in the vessel; and (ii) an outlet end having at least one solids outlet, at least one liquids outlet. The apparatus is characterised by the at least one gas outlet being positioned above the solids/liquid outlets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of heating or cooling a charge of a solid material are disclosed. The method includes the steps of supplying a charge of the material to form a packed bed of solids in a process vessel having one or more passageways through which a heat transfer fluid can flow, passing a heat transfer fluid through the one or more passageways and supplying a working fluid to said vessel. The method is characterized by circulating the working fluid through the bed, the circulation step including removing at least part of the working fluid from one or more sections of the vessel and then returning the working fluid to other sections of the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating or cooling a solid material (93) in a process vessel (80) is disclosed. The Method includes supplying a working fluid to a vessel which holds a packed bed (93) of the solid material. The method is characterised by reversing the flow of the working fluid to enhance heat transfer between a heat exchange fluid and the solid material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various apparatuses and processes for treating carbonaceous materials to remove by-products therefrom. More particularly, the present invention relates to the treatment of carbonaceous materials by injecting an inert gas into the carbonaceous material under a vacuum or injecting steam into the carbonaceous material either with or without the vacuum being applied in a controlled manner to more consistently treat the charge of carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a process for treating carbonaceous material wherein the resulting product is resistant to undesired combustion. According to the process, carbonaceous material is treated with a gaseous mixture comprising a major amount of inert gas and a minor amount of oxygen either during or subsequent to carrying out the upgrading step to at least partially oxidize the carbonaceous material.