Patents Examined by Peter F. Kratz
  • Patent number: 4439272
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering chemical from residual liquor from a pulping operation, said residual liquor containing inorganic and organic components, pyrolyzing a portion of the organics in the liquor to produce a reducing gas and residual solids containing said inorganic component and the remainder of said organics, said reducing gas containing sulfur compounds, oxidizing the remainder of the organics and recombining the sulfur contained in said reducing gas with said inorganic components to produce suflur compounds and reducing said sulfur compounds with said reducing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Xuan T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 4439210
    Abstract: A high ash fusion catalyzed gasification process comprising providing a mixture of 50 to 90 weight percent finely divided carbonaceous material particles of a size smaller than 65 mesh and 10 to 50 weight percent finely divided calcium compound particles of a size smaller than 65 mesh,gasifying the carbonaceous material,the gasifying comprising heating the mixture of finely divided carbonaceous material and finely divided calcium compound to a temperature above the ash fusion temperature of the carbonaceous material and below the ash fusion temperature of the mixture to form a carbonaceous suspension of calcium compound whereby the calcium compound catalyzes the gasification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Lancet
  • Patent number: 4437864
    Abstract: A plant for the gasification of fossil fuels which includes a reactor container and a further plant component attachable to the reactor container. The reactor container has a discharge opening and includes a connection part extending outwardly from the discharge opening. A fireproof lining, which determines the inner cross-sectional area of the container, is provided within the container. An intermediate ring is interposed between the connecting part of the reactor container and the further plant component for attaching the connecting part to the further plant component. This intermediate ring is provided with a fireproof lining having an area of reduced inner cross-section which is less than the inner cross-sectional area of the fireproof lining of the reactor container, the area of reduced cross-section being the smallest cross-sectional area in the connection between the reactor container and the further plant component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignees: Karrena GmbH, Ruhrchemi AG, Ruhrkohle AG
    Inventors: Rainer Gorris, Josef Hibbel, Ulrich Gerhardus, Heinrich Scheve
  • Patent number: 4436529
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the gasification of sulphur-containing carbonaceous material using metal smelts. When gasifying such carbonaceous material in a metal smelt, the material is introduced to a gasifying reactor containing an iron and/or manganese smelt having a temperature of between 1100.degree. and 1600.degree. C., suitably 1150.degree.-1250.degree. C., the smelt being substantially saturated with respect to sulphur and carbon. The carbonaceous material is oxidized to carbon monoxide and the sulphur content forms a matte phase containing a high percentage of sulphur, which phase is tapped off. Residual non-combustible material is collected as a slag on the surface and is removed together therewith. If so desired, the matte can be granulated and roasted to recover the sulphur and metal contents. Carbonaceous material incorporating pyrolysible constituents is suitably pyrolysed in a pyrolysis medium at a temperature of between 450.degree.-800.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Boliden Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Per A. H. H. Fahlstrom, Karl G. Gorling
  • Patent number: 4436531
    Abstract: Synthesis gas, fuel gas, or reducing gas is produced by the noncatalytic partial oxidation of a slurry of ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel in a liquid carrier with a free-oxygen containing gas in the free-flow reaction zone of a refractory lined gas generator at an autogenous temperature in the range of about 2350.degree. F. to 2900.degree. F. so that about 75 to 95 weight percent of the carbon in the fuel feed to the reaction zone is converted into carbon oxides. The hot effluent gas stream from the reaction zone containing entrained particulate carbon, unconverted solid carbonaceous fuel, and molten slag is passed through a free-flow radiant cooler where it is contacted by and provides the heat to vaporize an aqueous solution of catalyst consisting of alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal compound in water. In the presence of the catalyst, H.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Texaco Development Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Estabrook, Robert M. Suggitt
  • Patent number: 4436530
    Abstract: Synthesis gas is produced by partial oxidation of slurried coal followed by separation of ash, the temperature of the gas being thereafter controlled to permit a desired portion thereof to be directly contacted with water to achieve a gas/stream mixture of predetermined composition prior to shift conversion, the other portion being preferably convectively cooled for maximum thermal efficiency and then scrubbed prior to withdrawal as carbon monoxide-containing product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Assignee: Texaco Development Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Child, William B. Crouch
  • Patent number: 4435188
    Abstract: The disclosed fermentation installation includes a tank for processing solid materials, a tank for processing diluted substrates, devices for the admission of substrates, product recovery means and interconnecting pipes between the tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Dedenon, Denis Rassak
  • Patent number: 4435364
    Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing agglomerated solids, e.g. ash, from a fluidized bed of finely divided solid hydrocarbonaceous material, e.g. coal, is described. Agglomeration is effected by a high temperature reaction between the inorganic constituents of the hydrocarbonaceous material in the fluidized bed environment. A venturi is utilized to serve as a passage for withdrawing the agglomerated solids from the fluidized bed. Spiral or other descending ridges are positioned on the interior surface of the constricted cylindrical opening of the venturi to permit variable and increased rates of agglomerate discharge with improved separation and classification of the solid materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Institute of Gas Technology
    Inventor: Karl S. Vorres
  • Patent number: 4432773
    Abstract: Coal or similar carbonaceous solids impregnated with gasification catalyst constituents (16) are oxidized by contact with a gas containing between 2 volume percent and 21 volume percent oxygen at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. in an oxidation zone (24) and the resultant oxidized, catalyst impregnated solids are then gasified in a fluidized bed gasification zone (44) at an elevated pressure. The oxidation of the catalyst impregnated solids under these conditions insures that the bed density in the fluidized bed gasification zone will be relatively high even though the solids are gasified at elevated pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventors: Charles A. Euker, Jr., Robert D. Wesselhoft, John J. Dunkleman, Dolores C. Aquino, Toby R. Gouker
  • Patent number: 4432941
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cracking heavy hydrocarbons--for example, petroleum oil or coal tar. The reactor comprises an outer spherical pressure vessel and an inner vessel within the outer vessel. The inner vessel has an open bottom end. The cracking reaction takes place in the inner vessel and the products leave through the open bottom end. The reaction is inhibited in the outer vessel since the contents are maintained at a temperature insufficient to sustain the cracking reaction. The product is withdrawn, either continuously or intermittently, via an outlet. The coke produced may be fluidized in the outer vessel or may be allowed to settle. The inner vessel may be rotated slowly about its vertical axis and high pressure fluid jets directed at its surface to dislodge coke deposited on the inside and outside wall.The reactor may be used in a system for the simultaneous distillation and thermal cracking of crude oil. Feedstock is fed to a flash-settler having three sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Peter Spencer
  • Patent number: 4430096
    Abstract: An improved process for the production of a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide by endothermal partial oxidization of an organic compound with steam and/or carbon dioxide is disclosed wherein at least a portion of the heat required for the partial oxidation is obtained by direct heat exchange with products obtained from the gasification of a carbonaceous ash-forming fuel with oxygen in the presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Ruhrchemie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Schnur, Boy Cornils, Josef Hibbel, Bern-Hard Lieder
  • Patent number: 4426984
    Abstract: A generator for converting volatile combustible liquids, such as gasoline, methanol and the like, into an aeriform gas including a closed vessel containing liquid gasoline maintained at a predetermined level, evaporating the liquid gasoline by passing streams of desiccated atmospheric air therethrough, after which the resulting gas is passed through specially processed charcoal material, which stabilizes the resulting gas into an aeriform gas as a fuel source for internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Jack J. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 4425254
    Abstract: In a continuous coal-gasification process, slag particles received in free-fall by a water bath at the bottom of the reactor, or of a waste heat boiler associated therewith, are wetted with oil, or another additive agent. As a result they become bonded together. This prevents floating and facilitates sinking of the slag for removal from below the water bath. An annular duct having nozzles at different angles is used to spray the slag particles with oil near the surface of the water bath. The nozzles create a turbulence at the surface, thereby increasing the effect on the slag particles. A lock hopper fluidly communicates with the water bath right below, and collects the slag particles. The removed slag is classified before being used or recycled by feedback into the reactor together with coal dust, water and oxygen as components for the reactive process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventors: Josef Langhoff, Jurgen Seipenbusch
  • Patent number: 4424065
    Abstract: A method of particulate-carbon recovery from the product gas in a coal gasification process of the type using water-carbon slurry combusted with oxygen in a reactor uses water scrubbing for the product gas to obtain particulate carbon together with ash. Certain ash content is trapped in carbon particles which have a tendency of lumping together. The carbon and ash fraction is treated with liquid hydrocarbon for carbon particle wetting and facilitating separation of ash. The recovered carbon is ground to break down bigger carbon particles and sent through a wet-particle separator; carbon particles which pass a predetermined mesh size, e.g., approximately 63 micron mesh, are sent back to the reactor for mixing with the water-carbon slurry inlet for further combustion. The bigger fractions of carbon are either ground down to size again, or diverted for other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Inventors: Josef Langhoff, Ju/ rgen Seipenbusch
  • Patent number: 4422858
    Abstract: A method for the gasification of coke is disclosed in which coke produced in a coking chamber and having a temperature of 900.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C. is forced into a coke bucket, after coking in the coking chamber, and fed by means of hot coke conveyors without substantial temperature changes to a gasifier. The coke is gasified in the gasifier while adding at least one of oxygen and air, and steam and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Firma Carl Still GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Weber, Horst Dungs, Kurt Tippmer
  • Patent number: 4422857
    Abstract: A method for the gasification of coke is disclosed in which coke produced in a coking chamber and having a temperature of 900.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C. is forced into a coke bucket, after coking in the coking chamber, and fed by means of hot coke conveyors without substantial temperature changes to a gasifier. The coke is gasified in the gasifier while adding at least one of oxygen and air, and steam and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Firma Carl Still GmbH & KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Weber, Horst Dungs, Kurt Tippmer
  • Patent number: 4421596
    Abstract: At the dissolving of molten smelt from the so called spouts at a chemical recovery apparatus in a sulphate pulp plant, the molten chemicals which are discharged from the recovery boiler are desintegrated into smaller droplets, which fall down into the bath where the chemicals shall be dissolved in an aqueous solution to produce green liquor. For the desintegration there is used one or more jets of an air-water mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Billerud Uddeholm Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Ebbe T. Hogberg
  • Patent number: 4421523
    Abstract: In a fluidized bed apparatus a method for controlling the height of the fdized bed, taking into account variations in the density of the bed. The method comprises taking simultaneous differential pressure measurements at different vertical elevations within the vessel, averaging the differential pressures, determining an average fluidized bed density, then periodically calculating a weighting factor. The weighting factor is used in the determination of the actual bed height which is used in controlling the fluidizing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Gautam I. Mehta, Lynn M. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4416857
    Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing agglomerated solids, e.g. ash, from a fluidized bed of finely divided solid hydrocarbonaceous material, e.g. coal, is described. Agglomeration is effected by a high temperature reaction between the inorganic constituents of the hydrocarbonaceous material in the fluidized bed environment. A venturi is utilized to serve as a passage for withdrawing the agglomerated solids from the fluidized bed. Spiral or other descending ridges are positioned on the interior surface of the constricted cylindrical opening of the venturi. A tube, through which reaction gases pass, is centrally disposed within the constricted cylindrical opening to permit variable and increased rates of agglomerate discharge with improved separation and classification of the solid materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Institute of Gas Technology
    Inventor: Karl S. Vorres
  • Patent number: 4414002
    Abstract: A method for the gasification of large-sized vegetable materials using a ed bed gasogene. This gasification method includes the steps of moving the materials in a fixed treatment chamber extending substantially horizontally and having opposite rear and forward ends, the materials being moved from the rear end towards the forward end through substantially the whole transverse section of the chamber and being successfully subjected to drying, pyrolysis and gasification in successive areas of the chamber. Hot gases are generated by combustion in a zone free of materials to be treated and located in the chamber in front of the natural talus created by the front of the whole bulk of materials which occupy substantially the whole transverse section of the chamber. Gases are extracted from the chamber and recycled into the zone in front of the natural talus, whereby tar produced from the pyrolysis and carried away by the extracted gases is eliminated by heating the recycled gases in the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Centre National d'Etudes et d'Experimentation de Machinisme Agricole
    Inventors: Jean Lucas, Jean-Francois Molle, Etienne Gille, Patrick Creze