Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a gasifier vessel; an orifice in a wall of the gasifier vessel; a plasma torch; a torch support structure connected to the wall of the gasifier vessel and having an opening configured to receive the plasma torch, the torch support structure including a shroud gas spool configured to inject shroud gas into the opening and around the torch and an isolation valve configured to prevent gas flow between an internal environment of the gasifier and an external environment outside of the torch support structure when the plasma torch is retracted; and an actuator configured to extend the plasma torch into the gasifier vessel through the orifice and to retract the plasma torch from the gasifier vessel.

Abstract: A system for processing a syngas stream including particulate matter, a combustible gas, and acid components is disclosed. The system includes a gasifier vessel configured to produce a raw syngas stream; a gas cooling apparatus configured to cool the raw syngas stream to produce a cooled syngas stream; an HCl and particulate removal apparatus configured to produce a reduced-HCl syngas stream; a first reheat apparatus configured to produce a first reheated syngas stream; a COS and HCN hydrolysis apparatus configured to produce a hydrolyzed syngas stream; an H2S removal apparatus configured to produce a reduced-H2S syngas stream; a second reheat apparatus configured to produce a second reheated syngas stream; an activated carbon bed apparatus configured to produce a polished syngas stream; and a compression and intercooling apparatus configured to compress and cool the polished syngas stream to produce a clean syngas stream.

Abstract: A tapping system for removing molten fluid from a vessel, the tapping system includes: a taphole assembly configured to receive molten fluid from a vessel; an induction coil encircling at least a portion of a taphole channel in the taphole assembly; a launder assembly configured to receive fluid exiting the taphole channel and to form a pressure seal; and a plasma torch extending into the vessel and configured to direct a plasma plume toward an inlet of the taphole channel.

Abstract: A chill mold is used to cool molten material to form a casting. A support holds the chill mold so that a bottom of the chill mold is elevated. A baffle is arranged to divert a generally horizontal flow of cooling air upwardly to impinge the bottom of the chill mold. A plurality of chill molds may be aligned generally in a row, and at least one fan may be arranged at an end of the row to direct the flow of cooling air underneath the chill molds. The size and the vertical position of the baffles may be varied along the row, so as to generally equalize convective cooling rates among the chill molds in the row.

Abstract: A chill mold is used to cool molten material to form a casting. A support holds the chill mold so that a bottom of the chill mold is elevated. A baffle is arranged to divert a generally horizontal flow of cooling air upwardly to impinge the bottom of the chill mold. A plurality of chill molds may be aligned generally in a row, and at least one fan may be arranged at an end of the row to direct the flow of cooling air underneath the chill molds. The size and the vertical position of the baffles may be varied along the row, so as to generally equalize convective cooling rates among the chill molds in the row.