Abstract: The invention relates to reactor systems and processes for the production of synthesis gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) from product gas of biomass gasification. A novel reformer catalyst reactor comprising two reaction zones, each operating at a different temperature with a different catalyst are disclosed. Processes for using the reformer catalyst reactor for the production of synthesis gas from process gas are also disclosed. The disclosed reformers and processes allow economical and highly efficient production of synthesis gas with reduced reliance on noble metal catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for starting up a fixed bed ethylene oxide reactor containing a supported silver catalyst promoted with one or more alkali metal promoter(s) which involves heating the reactor to slightly below normal operating conditions, passing an ethylene containing gas over the catalyst, adding a chlorohydrocarbon moderator to the gas passing over the catalyst and after approximately 0.1-5 milliliters of moderator (basis liquid) per cubic foot of catalyst has been added, then adding oxygen to the gas passing over the catalyst to initiate the ethylene oxidation reaction and subsequently raising the reactor temperature and gas flow rates to operating conditions.

Abstract: A combustion process and apparatus for simultaneously reducing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and hydrogen chloride in a high temperature furnace. A combustible material is introduced and combusted within the furnace, forming a primary combustion zone. Combustion air, sorbent and a first portion of hydrocarbon fuel are mixed and combusted within a calciner to form a product gas/calcined sorbent mixture. The product gas/calcined sorbent mixture and a remaining portion of fuel are injected into the furnace, forming an oxygen deficient secondary combustion downstream of the primary combustion zone. Overfire air is injected into the furnace, forming an oxidizing tertiary combustion zone downstream of the oxygen deficient secondary combustion zone.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur compounds from gasification product gas during gasification of carbonaceous materials in a fluidized bed, agglomerating discharge reactor and converting harmful and unstable sulfur compounds to an environmentally acceptable form for safe disposal. Particulate sulfur fixation agent is introduced into an ash agglomerating fluidized bed gasifier along with carbonaceous feed solids and reacts with gaseous sulfur compounds formed when gasifying feed solids under reducing conditions in the fluidized bed. Unstable sulfur compounds formed by reaction with the fixation agent are then converted to a stable, environmentally disposable, solid in a lower oxidizing portion of the gasifier for discharge with the ash.

Abstract: A process for combusting sulfur and nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials in a two stage combustion process wherein sulfur and nitrogen containing carbonaceous materials and sulfur fixation agent particulates are introduced into a first combustion stage single fluidized bed having a density/size selective solids withdrawal conduit. The carbonaceous materials are combusted in the fluidized bed under substoichiometric oxygen conditions at temperatures of about 1600.degree. to about 2000.degree. F. producing ash and reducing gases forming a reducing region in a major portion of the single fluidized bed, the reducing gases comprising gaseous sulfur compounds. In a reducing region of the fluidized bed, the gaseous sulfur compounds are reacted with oxides of the sulfur fixation agent forming an intermediate solid metallic sulfur compound and nitrogen contained in the carbonaceous materials is converted to molecular nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of determining gum content and performing quality control in the production of a gasoline to minimize the gum content in the produced gasoline. A representative sample of the gasoline is subjected to UV spectrophotometric analysis and the peak heights representing absorption in the range of 310 to 600 nm are integrated to determine a total absorption quantity which relates to the actual and potential quantity of gum in the gasoline. Use of this quality control technique will result in a refiner having more control over gum content at a hydrocarbon processing unit, such as a catalytic reformer.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally and pneumatically treating granular solids to remove organic and inorganic chemical additives which are bonded to the granular solids or in admixture with them, to provide a purified granular solid product which is suitable for reuse, for example foundry sand for use in high strength molded cores, or for other productive uses, such as landfill. Granular solid feed material is preheated in a dilute phase zone of a fluidized bed, organic chemical additives are thermally oxidized in a dense phase zone of the fluidized bed, and remaining inorganic chemical additives are separated and removed from the granular solids in a contiguous pneumatic impaction zone. The purified granular solids are removed from the pneumatic impaction zone and organic and inorganic materials are elutriated from the fluidized bed and removed from the head space.

Abstract: Granular solids are thermally and pneumatically treated to remove organic and inorganic chemical additives which are bonded to the granular solids or in admixture with them, to provide a purified granular solid product which is suitable for reuse, for example foundry sand for use in high strength molded cores, or for other productive uses, such as landfill. Granular solid feed material is preheated in a dilute phase zone of a fluidized bed, organic chemical additives are thermally oxidized in a dense phase zone of the fluidized bed, and remaining inorganic chemical additives are separated and removed from the granular solids in a contiguous pneumatic impaction zone. The purified granular solids are removed from the pneumatic impaction zone and organic and inorganic materials are elutriated from the fluidized bed and removed from the head space.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Abstract: A process for recycling coal fines and ash particles in the reaction effluent from a fluidized bed gasification reactor for further gasification is disclosed. Surfaces of the reactor exit pipeline, cyclone inlet pipeline and first stage cyclone are maintained at a temperature lower than that of the effluent through the use of cooling jackets, thereby preventing ash adhesion on the surfaces.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials, such as coal, to more valuable gaseous products in a fluidized bed gasification reaction and efficient withdrawal of agglomerated ash from the fluidized bed is disclosed. The improvements are obtained by introducing an oxygen containing gas into the bottom of the fluidized bed through a separate conduit positioned within the center of a nozzle adapted to agglomerate and withdraw the ash from the bottom of the fluidized bed. The conduit extends above the constricted center portion of the nozzle and preferably terminates within and does not extend from the nozzle. In addition to improving ash agglomeration and withdrawal, the present invention prevents sintering and clinkering of the ash in the fluidized bed and permits the efficient recycle of fine material recovered from the product gases by contacting the fines in the fluidized bed with the oxygen as it emanates from the conduit positioned within the withdrawal nozzle.

Abstract: An improved method for feeding caking coal particles to a fluidized bed gasifier, without prior pretreatment, is disclosed. The coal particles are entrained in a gaseous stream and injected directly into the bottom of the fluidized bed around the outer perimeter thereof at a plurality of points and at a predetermined high velocity, such that the coal particles are shock heated and charred.

Abstract: Coal mixed with steam is carried through a pipeline to a coke oven where the mixture is introduced through an opening in the oven top directly downwardly into the oven at a location remote from the exhaust outlet in the top of the coke oven.

Abstract: A process for converting a finely divided carbonaceous material, particularly coal, to a fuel gas. A finely divided or pulverized carbonaceous feed material, such as coal, is pretreated at a temperature of about 700.degree. - 800.degree. F in order to destroy the caking properties of a caking coal feed in a fluidized pretreatment zone, or, alternatively to dry a non-caking coal feed. The pretreated coal is passed from a pretreatment zone to a gasification zone wherein the carbonaceous feed material or coal is maintained as a fluid bed at selected conditions for converting the pretreated material to ash and a gaseous mixture. During the pretreatment of the feed material, hot off gases are formed and the hot off gases, which generally comprise steam, tars, oils, and carbonaceous fines, are passed from the pretreatment zone to the underside of the fluid bed in the gasification zone.

Abstract: A fluidized bed of material retained in a vessel receives a high velocity gas stream through a venturi orifice and passage to assist in the agglomeration of ash particles. The particles form a semi-fixed bed within the passage upstream from the venturi orifice. The particular dimensions of the semi-fixed bed are dependent, in part, upon the orifice size of the venturi. An iris valve defining the orifice permits adjustment of the cross-sectional area of the orifice thereby controls the velocity of the gas stream through the venturi.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for withdrawing agglomerated solids from a fluidizing chamber housing a main, fluidized bed of finely divided solids which comprises at least one withdrawal chamber having a width less than the fluidizing chamber and positioned below the fluidized bed. This withdrawal chamber has sufficient dimensions (width (or diameter when cylindrical) and depth) to contain a second fluidized or semi-fixed bed within said chamber when a high velocity gas stream is introduced into the bottom portion of the withdrawal chamber. This high velocity gas stream forms an inverted cone in the withdrawal chamber, wherein the walls of the cone are defined by the fluidized or semi-fixed bed within the withdrawal chamber. The velocity of the gas stream is adjusted to selectively remove high density agglomerates downward from the main fluidized bed without removing the fluidized solids in admixture therewith.