Abstract: A method for catalytically aiding the gasification of a bituminous coal or petroleum coke feed, which includes (a) mixing with a dry carbonaceous feed an additive compound selected from the group consisting of potassium, calcium, sodium, or magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, or sulfates, and mixtures thereof; (b) gasifying the coal feed in the resulting mixture in an entrained flow gasifier under gasifying conditions and at a temperature of from about 2000.degree. F. to about 3200.degree. F., thus producing a gas primarily including hydrogen and carbon monoxide; and (c) where the additive compound catalytically aids in producing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide, whereby gasification occurs at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes an aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of porous inserts in the walls of the container through which a gaseous fluid is forced thereby contacting particulate solids within said container and enhancing the flow of said solids.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing the hydrogen chloride content of a synthesis gas stream by (a) gasifying a carbonaceous feed material in an entrained flow gasifier to produce a gas/solids mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride gas, and flyslag particles; (b) passing the gas/solids mixture solids removal zone where at least a portion of the flyslag particles are removed, to produce a gas stream; (c) mixing with the gas stream an alkali metal oxide, hydroxide, bicarbonate, or carbonate to produce a metals/gas mixture; (d) passing the metals/gas mixture to a ceramic candle filter; (e) reacting on the surface of the ceramic candle filter the alkali metal compounds with the hydrogen chloride to produce solid alkali metal chloride; and (f) recovering a gas stream from the ceramic candle filter substantially free of hydrogen chloride and solids.