Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reaction (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reactor (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the level of particulate material in a container is disclosed including level indication conduit vertically disposed in a container so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the container result in corresponding changes in the level of particulate material in the level indication conduit, further conduits for flowing a gaseous stream through the level indication conduit and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure drop in the gaseous stream flowing through the level indication conduit so that changes in the level of the particulate material in the level indication conduit causes corresponding changes in that pressure drop.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery and storage system is provided which utilizes a first reactor, a second reactor, and an insulated storage device disposed between the first and second reactors. In the preferred embodiment, particulate material to be heated is supplied to pass through the first reactor. In addition, hot waste gases are circulated through the first reactor so that the particulate material passing through the first reactor thermally interacts with and receives heat energy from the hot waste gases. The heated particulate material is then transferred from the first reactor to an insulated storage device which operates to store the heated particulate material and to utilize same as it is needed to supply heat energy to a working fluid. When there is a demand for such heat energy, the heated particulate material is transferred from the insulated storage device to a second reactor to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably introducing particulate material into the interior of a hollow reactor housing in a predetermined particulate material flow path having a predetermined directional flow for enabling reaction of the particulate material within the housing interior includes means for collecting a pile of particulate material injected into the interior to provide a pile having an unsupported surface oriented to the horizontal at a predetermined natural angle of repose of the particulate. Means are located within the collected pile for introducing a thin stream of fluid into the interior of the collected pile from beneath the pile in the same direction as the predetermined direction of material flow to disturb the natural angle of repose equilibrium condition of the pile for impelling a portion of the collected particulate from the surface into the flow path.