Abstract: A pelletized mixture of gypsum, carbonaceous material and pyrite is charged to a travelling grate where the charge is heated under suitable conditions to produce a solid sintered material which has a broad spectrum of applications due to its chemical and physical properties and a gaseous effluent containing sulfur dioxide, sulfur or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined process for separating and converting asphaltenes of high molecular weight and high softening point from heavy hydrocarbon material containing asphaltenes by a process that combines a deasphalting method to produce solid asphaltenes and a continuous coking procedure for the solid asphaltenes. The combined process converts the material into more valuable liquid hydrocarbon products of lower molecular weight and coke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coproduction of a combustible feed gas stream useable as an energy source and a sulfur-containing second gas stream useable as a feedstock for the production of sulfuric acid. The process includes heating coal in the presence of an oxygen-lean atmosphere under partial coal gasifying conditions to produce a solid carbonaceous char and a crude coal-gas stream. Sulfur-containing compounds are removed from the coal gas stream and converted to solid sulfur-containing materials. The solid sulfur-containing materials are combined with the solid carbonaceous char and gypsum to form a feed mixture. The non-gypsum portion of the feed mixture contains sufficient reducing potential to release substantially all of the sulfur in the gypsum as gaseous compounds of sulfur in a +4 or lower oxidation state. The feed mixture is heated under reducing conditions to produce a sulfur-containing second gas stream and a solid sintered product.

Abstract: In a coal or coal char gasification system using hot recycled inert heat transfer medium (IHTM) solids, the heat transfer medium and some of the unreacted or ungasified char are passed through a spouted-bed reactor. In the spouted-bed reactor, the unreacted char is burned in a way that more efficiently reheats the heat transfer medium and reduces fusion, agglomeration, plugging, fouling and erosion problems. These advantages are provided by the fact that only a central spout of solids is fluidized and the fact the solids undergo a systematic cyclic mechanism where there is greater contact between the hot char and IHTM solids. The spouted-bed produces a hydrodynamic system which is substantially different from conventional gas-solid combustor configurations, especially fluidized combustors.

Abstract: The rapid pyrolysis of lignocellulosic products, especially forest waste, is conducted in a fluidized bed of hot refractory particles. The pyrolysis products, comprising solid carbonaceous residue (i.e., char), tars and gas, escape from the bed and cross an overheating zone comprising a packed bed contactor supplied by a rainfall of hot refractory particles. The carbonaceous solid residue is then separated from the produced gases, a portion of which is recycled to fluidize the bed, and burned in a conveyed bed combustion reactor, thus heating the refractory particles that supply the packed bed contactor and the fluidized bed.

Abstract: In a method for regeneration of moist powder adsorption agent, the moist-charged adsorption agent is first fed into the lower area of a fluidized bed which is provided with an aeration and heat-carrying material; the agent then is fed upwardly through the heat-carrying material while being simultaneously dried, and then the agent is withdrawn together with the vortex gas from the fluidized bed. The agent is separated from the vortex gas in a successively switched separator, and is then fed to a further fluidized bed which is provided with a further aeration and heat-carrying material. The agent is fed in that further bed upwardly through the further heat-carrying material and is simultaneously regenerated. The agent is then discharged together with the further vortex gas from the further fluidized bed. The vortex gases which are withdrawn can be reused as mixing gases during the vortex gas generation.

Abstract: A fluidized bed charcoal particle production system, including apparatus and method, wherein pieces of combustible waste, such as sawdust, fragments of wood, etc., are continuously disposed within a fluidized bed of a pyrolytic vessel. Preferably, the fluidized bed is caused to reach operating temperatures by use of an external pre-heater. The fluidized bed is situated above an air delivery system at the bottom of the vessel, which supports pyrolysis within the fluidized bed. Charcoal particles are thus formed within the bed from the combustible waste and are lifted from the bed and placed in suspension above the bed by forced air passing upwardly through the bed. The suspended charcoal particles and the gaseous medium in which the particles are suspended are displaced from the vessel into a cyclone mechanism where the charcoal particles are separated. The separated charcoal particles are quenched with water to terminate all further charcoal oxidation.

Abstract: A reactor vessel for maintaining a staged moving bed of solids, in the presence of countercurrently flowing gas stream, having a diameter of at least one meter and a pressure drop across the body of solids approximately equal to that of a fully fluidized bed and a method for using same to thermally process a granular solid composed of a broad distribution of particle sizes.

Abstract: Devolatizable fine-grained material which contains hydrocarbons is devolatilized by means of fine-grained solids which have been heated to temperatures of about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. The devolatilizable fine-grained material is mixed with the heated solids and is thus heated to temperatures of about 400.degree. to 900.degree. C. The mixture is passed through a dwell zone, and gaseous and vaporous devolatilization products are withdrawn and cooled. The heated solids are fed to the dwell zone as a loosened stream in a trickling and/or agitated state of motion, and the devolatilizable fine-grained material is introduced into said stream in order to be admixed thereto. The heated solids and the devolatilizable fine-grained material can be mixed in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 12:1. The stream of trickling heated solids can be deflected at least in part.

Abstract: A method for distilling shale oil from oil shale, which comprises: supplying an oil shale together with a granular heat medium heated to a prescribed temperature in a heating furnace to a distiling furnace, where a gas containing a gaseous shale oil, hydrogen and carbon monoxide is separated by vaporization from said oil shale through heat exchange with said granular heat medium; separating the liquid shale oil from said gas, separating said granular heat medium from the waste oil shale after separation of said gas; and then, feeding back said granular heat medium into said heating furnace to reheat said heat medium again to said prescribed temperature and to use said heat medium in recycle. In said method, said granular heat medium comprises manganese oxides and iron oxides. The heat of said granular heat medium is replenished with the heat produced by exothermic reaction of said hydrogen and said carbon monoxide contained in said gas with Mn.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: Pyrolysis process and system for recovering product gases and liquids from solid carbonaceous particles.Dual stage fluidized bed retort is disclosed having frusto-conical stages serially connected to promote uniform pyrolysis. Product gases and oil are removed from final fluid bed stage in series. Process includes various energy efficient aspects involving recycle of dilute phase combusted solids as the heat carrier, heavy oil recycle and use of steam and/or product vapors as the source of fluidizing gas for the staged retort.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon-bearing substrate particles are pre-heated by heating the same with a solid heat-bearing medium by indirect counter-current flow using a series of heat transfer loops each containing a circulating heat transfer medium chosen such that the whole series permits a staged rise in temperature of the substrate particles and a staged drop in temperature of the solid heat-bearing medium. Preferably the heat transfer fluid in the loops circulates between the substrate and the hot spent substrate by means of the so-called thermosyphon effect.An apparatus for carrying out the method is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method and apparatus for the retorting of oil shale and the formation of spent oil shale having improved cementation properties. The improved method comprises passing feed comprising oil shale to a contacting zone wherein the feed oil shale is contacted with heat transfer medium to heat said shale to retorting temperature. The feed oil shale is substantially retorted to form fluid material having heating value and forming partially spent oil shale containing carbonaceous material. At least a portion of the partially spent oil shale is passed to a combustion zone wherein the partially spent oil shale is contacted with oxidizing gas comprising oxygen and steam to substantially combust carbonaceous material forming spent oil shale having improved cementation properties.

Abstract: A method of pyrolyzing and desulfurizing coal in a transport reactor to recover volatile fuel values and hydrogen by heating particulate coal entrained in a carrier gas substantially free of oxygen to a pyrolysis temperature in a zone within three seconds.

Abstract: Method of mixing particulate materials comprising contacting a primary source and a secondary source thereof whereby resulting mixture ensues; preferably at least one of the two sources has enough motion to insure good mixing and the particulate materials may be heat treated if desired.Apparatus for such mixing comprising an inlet for a primary source, a reactor communicating therewith, a feeding means for supplying a secondary source to the reactor, and an inlet for the secondary source. Feeding means is preferably adapted to supply fluidized materials.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material is gasified in a first pyrolysis zone substantially in an absence of free oxygen by heating with a solid heating media. The carbonaceous material is conducted through the first pyrolysis zone in turbulent flow to provide for the rapid transfer of heat to effect the gasification.Gaseous products are recovered while char products are introduced into a second pyrolysis zone for additional gasification. The second pyrolysis zone is maintained substantially free of free oxygen. Gasification in the second pyrolysis zone is effected by the transfer of heat from a heating media to the char products produced in the first pyrolysis zone.Gaseous products from the second pyrolysis zone are recovered.The char products from the second pyrolysis zone can be heated to a temperature sufficient for use as a solid heating media.The gaseous product from the first pyrolysis zone, after separation from the char product, can be cooled to a lower temperature to condense a liquid product therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the transfer of heat between solids is described in which a particulate solid is allowed to fall at a substantially uniform rate through a dilute phase fluidized bed of another particulate solid.

Abstract: An improved method for retorting oil shale with heat-carrying bodies comprising relatively coarse attrition resistant, non-oil sorbing, shale ash particles wherein oil recovery is maximized. After retorting, the spent oil shale and heat-carrying bodies are transferred to a reheating vessel or combustor. The reheating vessel contains a dense phase fluidized bed wherein the fixed carbon contained in the spent shale is combusted at temperatures between 1100.degree. F. and 1600.degree. F. to reheat the heat-carrying bodies. The invention is based on the finding that the decomposition of kerogen, which is present as a binder in raw oil shale, leaves pores within kerogen-rich shale which results in relatively large surface areas. Attrition of the kerogen-rich shale in the dense phase fluidized bed at a superificial gas velocity of 7-14 ft/sec reduces the size of this porous, friable material and allows it to be removed in the exit gas stream as fines.

Abstract: In a coal gasification system using hot recycled inert heat transfer medium solids, before the solids are heated and recycled back to a gasification reactor, the solids are separated from ash and unreacted char. The unreacted char is thereafter burned producing a hot flue gas. The hot flue gas and separated inert heat transfer solids are thereafter mixed to reheat the solids. Two alternate forms of multiple bed solids heating arrangements are described. One uses countercurrent slowly moving beds. The other uses countercurrent fluidized beds. The slow moving bed arrangement is preferred.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a pulverized solid fuel by heat, which comprises the steps of drying said fuel and subjecting the latter to two-stage pyrolysis with the resulting formation of vapor, gaseous products and small coke. According to the invention, at least a part of the small coke is additionally heated to a temperature of 800.degree. to 1500.degree. C. by combustion gas and/or by partial burning of the small coke, whereafter the heated small coke is separated from the combustion gas, fed to the first stage of pyrolysis and for drying the fuel. The heated small coke is gasified by steam. The resultant gasification products are separated from the small coke which is then fed as the heat carrier to the first stage of pyrolysis.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pyrolyzing agglomerative coals which comprises introducing a fluidized bed of hot char particles into a pyrolysis chamber or reactor, and injecting upwardly into the chamber a high velocity jet of agglomerative coal particles in a carrier gas, the fluidized hot char particles surrounding the high velocity coal jet and heating the coal particles to yield gaseous products and char. The hot char particles in the fluidized state and disposed around the coal jet are entrained in the upwardly expanding coal jet and mixed with the coal particles, so that by the time the coal particles contact the pyrolysis chamber wall, such coal particles being heated by the char have passed through the tacky state and are no longer tacky and do not adhere to the chamber wall. The gaseous product and char formed during pyrolysis are rapidly removed from the pyrolysis chamber, and such char can be separated, e.g.

Abstract: Fine grained coal is fed into a first chamber of a generally horizontally extending fluidizing bed reactor while a stream of hot solid heat exchange material is passed through the chamber. The coal is then subjected to a fluidizing action with a low nitrogen and low oxygen content so as to degas the coal particles and obtain the combustible gases and liquid byproducts. The coke particles thus formed are then passed into an adjoining second chamber which acts as the combustion chamber and are subjected therein to fluidization with air and burning. Steam is generated in water-filled conduits passing through said second chamber. The heat exchanger particles are simultaneously heated up and are continuously fed back into the first zone of the reactor to contact fresh coal introduced thereinto.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from a solid carbonaceous material by pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material in the presence of a particulate source of heat, particulate contamination of the liquid hydrocarbons is minimized. This is accomplished by removing fines from the solid carbonaceous material feed stream before pyrolysis, removing fines from the particulate source of heat before combining it with the carbonaceous material to effect pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material, and providing a coarse fraction of reduced fines content of the carbon containing solid residue resulting from the pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material before oxidizing carbon in the carbon containing solid residue to form the particulate source of heat.

Abstract: A single retort and accumulator structure includes two heating zones for successively removing volatile material from dried crushed coal so that the resultant calcined char has less than about 7 weight percent volatile material and is suitable as a raw material for producing formcoke. In the first zone (carbonizing zone) heat carrying solids are introduced with crushed coal to heat the powdered coal to a temperature in the order of about 800.degree. F. to 1000.degree. F. and produce a carbonized char containing about 10% to 20% by weight of volatile material. The resultant carbonized char is fed onto a trommel, or rotating cylindrical or tapered screen, and the char passes through the screen into a calcining fluidized bed zone. The fluidized bed is maintained by upwardly directed jets of an oxygen containing gas and steam. The temperature of the fluidized bed zone is in the vicinity of about 1200.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F.

Abstract: A method of generating gas and coke dust by means of rapid degasification and rapid vaporization, with simultaneous extensive desulfurization, of coal ground into dust. In a first step, one portion of coal is subjected to complete or partial vaporization. In a second step, which immediately follows the first step, another portion of coal is subjected to degasification in the same or in associated reaction chambers. In the degasification, the solid and gaseous products obtained during the vaporization which are at a higher temperature level than that of the degasification step, transfer heat directly to the coal introduced into the degasification step, thus for covering the heat required for the degasification.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in a descending flow pyrolysis reactor in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing solid residue. The particulate source of heat is obtained by educting with a gaseous source of oxygen the particulate carbon containing solid residue from a fluidized bed into a first combustion zone coupled to a second combustion zone. A source of oxygen is introduced into the second combustion zone to oxidize carbon monoxide formed in the first combustion zone to heat the solid residue to the temperature of the particulate source of heat.

Abstract: A mixture of a high density particulate inorganic heat source and a low density particulate carbon containing residue formed in the pyrolysis of a solid waste is passed along with some entrained pyrolytic oil to a fluidized bed of particles, where a gas is injected to strip the entrained pyrolytic oil from the particles, and a mixture of a high density particulate heat source and low density particulate carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis are separated from an intermediate point of the fluidized bed and passed to a decarbonization zone, where the carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis is decarbonized to form a high density particulate inorganic solid heat source for use as the source of heat in the pyrolysis of organic solid waste.

Abstract: Prior to starting up a plant in which fine coke is produced by mixing high bituminous lignite coal with circulating hot fine coke serving as a heat carrier in the plant, hot inert gas is admitted into the mixing unit in which the coal and coke are admixed. Only after all parts of the plant are thus preheated, the operation of the plant is started up.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material is gasified in a first pyrolysis zone substantially in an absence of free oxygen by heating with a solid heating media. The carbonaceous material is conducted through the first pyrolysis zone in turbulent flow to provide for the rapid transfer of heat to effect the gasification.Gaseous products are recovered while char products are introduced into a second pyrolysis zone for additional gasification. The second pyrolysis zone is maintained substantially free of free oxygen. Gasification in the second pyrolysis zone is effected by the transfer of heat from a heating media to the char products produced in the first pyrolysis zone.Gaseous products from the second pyrolysis zone are recovered.The char products from the second pyrolysis zone can be heated to a temperature sufficient for use as a solid heating media.The gaseous product from the first pyrolysis zone, after separation from the char product, can be cooled to a lower temperature to condense a liquid product therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting, degassing and carbonizing carbonaceous agglomerates, the apparatus comprising a rotary kiln having an agglomerate inlet means for introducing green agglomerates into the kiln near the inlet of the kiln and a heating medium inlet for introducing a heating medium comprising a finely divided solid into the kiln at a preselected location intermediate the inlet end of the kiln and the outlet end of the kiln to produce a mixture at a temperature above the carbonizing temperature of the agglomerates and a sieve positioned to receive the products from the rotary kiln and separate the heating medium and the compacted, degassed, carbonized agglomerate product. A method for producing compacted, degassed, carbonized carbonaceous agglomerates by the use of the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bitumen-containing material is processed by distillation with a solid heat-carrier with subsequent gasification of the distillation residue and combustion of the gasification residue in an aerofountain furnace. During gasification, the formed flue gas and ash are heated and part of ash is used as the heat-carrier. The flue gas and ash are withdrawn from the process simultaneously in the form of their suspension in air, from which the heat-carrier is isolated for the distillation process, the consumption of the heat-carrier being controlled by withdrawing part of the suspension containing fine fraction of ash before the heat-carrier is isolated.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for converting a substance containing organic matter into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue by feeding the substance into the upstream portion of a substantially cylindrical retort having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, substantially conveying the substance through the retort toward the downstream portion thereof, heating the retort by means of a fluidized bed of heated particles to a sufficient temperature to convert the substance into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue and removing the hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue from the retort.

Abstract: A process for pyrolysis of coal wherein the subdivided coal is preheated, pyrolyzed, and subjected to heat recovery after pyrolysis, heat transfer being effected by contacting the subdivided coal as a dilute-phase fluidized bed in the first stage of dual preheating zones with a first particulate heat carrier, with a second particulate heat carrier in a dense-phase fluidized bed in the second preheating stage, followed by pyrolysis in a dense-phase fluidized bed pyrolysis zone. The separate particulate heat carriers are employed in such manner that one mass of heat carrier is utilized for preheating the subdivided coal in the first stage and heat recovery, and a second mass of heat carrier is utilized for pyrolysis of the coal and the second stage preheating.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor for the pyrolysis of pieces of rubber or the like, especially old tires the reactor comprising a container at the lower part of which there is discharge device for non-volatile pyrolysis products; gas blowing nozzles arranged in a zone above the discharge device for supplying a fluidizing gas and for producing a fluidized bed from material such as sand or alumina added to the reactor; preferably a heating device, especially one comprising heating tubes extending across the container; a gas outlet disposed in the zone above the fluidized bed; and supply means for conveying pieces of material to be pyrolized to the container; this apparatus is characterized by the fact that the gas blowing nozzles are arranged to direct the gas downwardly, that at least one group of nozzles are arranged in a common horizontal plane, and that the material supply device is such that its dimensions are comparable with the cross-sectional surface of the fluidized bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a carbonaceous material to produce a gas in which the carbonaceous material and a heated inert heat exchange medium are passed into a reactor vessel for mixing and for transferring the heat from the heat exchange medium to the carbonaceous material to produce gas. An outlet opening is provided through the reactor vessel for discharging the gas and an impingement plate is disposed in the interior of the vessel and extends across the outlet opening in a spaced relation thereto in the path of the gas. As a result the gas impinges against the plate before discharging from the outlet opening to separate solid particles from the gas.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values from a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing residue of pyrolysis and volatilized hydrocarbons while simultaneously the volatilized hydrocarbons are hydrogenated. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue to heat the particles. Hydrogen for hydrogenation is obtained by reacting at least a portion of the hot particulate carbon containing residue of pyrolysis with steam prior to feeding the hot particulate residue to the pyrolysis reaction zone. Steam and/or carbon dioxide can be introduced into the pyrolysis reaction zone to interact with carbon containing residue contained therein. The particulate source of heat can be introduced to the pyrolysis reaction zone over an overflow weir.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting the flash pyrolysis of a primary material, particularly coal, and employing a secondary material, particularly hot char, as a heat source, comprising a rectangular slot for injection of a stream of particulate coal, which communicates with a substantially rectangular reactor or pyrolysis chamber. Wells are positioned on opposite sides of the pyrolysis chamber and in communication therewith, for introduction of fluidized secondary material, particularly hot char, into the pyrolysis chamber for admixture therein with and for heating the stream of primary material, such as coal. The pyrolysis chamber has a transition chamber, and a cylindrical separator chamber communicates with the transition chamber for receiving pyrolysis products. The separator chamber is provided with a tangential inlet, a solids outlet conduit positioned about 90.degree. around the circumference of the separator chamber from the tangential inlet, and a perforate gas receiver.

Abstract: Iron-containing refractory balls, in a retorting process for oil shale, permit effective magnetic separation of the balls from the spent shale.

Abstract: Oil shale is mixed and retorted with hot porous pellets. The porous pellets have a surface area of at least 10 square meters per gram. Iron oxide is deposited or impregnated on the pellet surface area prior to retorting. The iron oxide imparts special properties to the pellets. After retorting, the pellets are separated from the processed oil shale solids, reheated and returned to a retort. At least a portion of the pellets are separated by a magnetic separator.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for contacting at least two solids and a fluid, particularly for retorting and/or gasification of solid carbonaceous materials such as coal, coke, shale or tar sands by introducing a solid heat-transfer material into an upper portion of a treatment or contacting zone and a solid carbonaceous material into a lower portion of the treatment or contacting zone. The solid heat carrier is fluidized by an upflowing gas and moves downwardly, while the solid carbonaceous materials are entrained and move upwardly. The fluidizing gas may be inert or reactive. Substantially countercurrent plug flow of the two solids in the treatment or contacting zone is maintained by including means for preventing back mixing, such as a packing material filling the treatment or contacting zone.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of chemical values from waste solids, wherein shredded waste solids are intermixed with hot char and a carrier gas in turbulent flow and passed through a pyrolysis zone under turbulent conditions at a temperature ranging from about 300.degree. F. to about 2000.degree. F., with zone residence time of under 10 seconds, with subsequent segregation and recovery of volatilized organic chemical values, char and inorganic chemical values therefrom.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed by introducing a low velocity stream of carbonaceous material into a cyclone reactor-separator and introducing a low velocity stream of a particulate source of heat into the cyclone reactor-separator at an angle inclined toward the path of travel of the carbonaceous material. A high velocity stream of the particulate source of heat is introduced into the cyclone reactor-separator along the inner surface of the separator to prevent carbonaceous material from caking along the walls of the separator. The velocity of the high velocity stream is at least about 50 feet per second greater than the velocity of both low velocity streams. The cyclone reactor separator induces separation of solids consisting of a particulate carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis and particulate heat source from a vapor stream which contains hydrocarbon products of pyrolysis.

Abstract: Essentially carbon free inorganic particles formed from the decarbonization of a carbon containing solid residue of pyrolysis of comminuted organic solid waste is employed as the prime heat source for the pyrolysis of the comminuted organic solid waste.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source fed over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed by introducing the carbonaceous material to a fast fluidized bed contained by a perforated wall and introducing a particulate source of heat through the perforations of the wall at an angle inclined to the path of travel of the carbonaceous material. The radially introduced particulate source of heat prevents carbonaceous material from caking on the walls of the bed.

Abstract: To prevent plugging in a pyrolysis operation where an agglomerative coal in a nondeleteriously reactive carrier gas is injected as a turbulent jet from an opening into an elongate pyrolysis reactor, the coal is comminuted to a size where the particles under operating conditions will detackify prior to contact with internal reactor surfaces while a secondary flow of fluid is introduced along the peripheral inner surface of the reactor to prevent backflow of the coal particles. The pyrolysis operation is depicted by two equations which enable preselection of conditions which insure prevention of reactor plugging.

Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus are disclosed for the retorting or gasification of hydrocarbon-containing solids such as oil shale, coal, tar sands, etc., wherein the solids are retorted or gasified in a combined entrained and fluidized bed. A solid fluidized heat-transfer material flows downwardly through a conversion zone. Subdivided hydrocarbon-containing solids are introduced into a central portion of the conversion zone, with smaller particles of the solids being entrained and moving upwardly through the conversion zone countercurrent to the flow of the fluidized heat-transfer material, and larger particles of the solids being fluidized and moving downwardly through the conversion zone concurrent with the flow of the heat-transfer material. A fluidizing gas is injected into a lower portion of the conversion zone and a portion of the solids is combusted, providing the necessary heat for the conversion reactions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the retorting of shale and other similar hydrocarbon-containing solids in which the solids to be retorted are mixed with a solid heat-transfer material to provide the necessary heat for retorting. The shale is retorted in a spouted bed of the shale and heat-transfer solids. Preferably, molecular oxygen is excluded from the retorting zone.

Abstract: A retorting process for recovery of hydrocarbonaceous fluids from subdivided solid materials, specifically oil shale, is described wherein the subdivided solid material is preheated, retorted, and subjected to heat recovery after retorting, heat transfer being effected by contacting the subdivided solid material as a dilute-phase fluidized bed in a separate preheating zone with a first particulate heat carrier, and with a second particulate heat carrier in a dense fluidized bed in a retorting zone. Separate particulate heat carriers are employed in such manner that one mass of heat carrier is utilized for preheating the solid material and heat recovery, and a second mass of heat carrier is utilized for retorting of the subdivided preheated solid material.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously pyrolyzing, vaporizing or gasifying a particulated carbonaceous feed material in which preheated heat-containing bodies or pebbles are admixed with the feed material in a stratified manner to form a downwardly moving columnar reaction mass, with a remaining portion of the pebbles substantially devoid of any feed material disposed in a surrounding layer relative to the reaction mass. Gas is continuously passed transversely through the reaction mass and surrounding layer in a manner to sweep the gaseous pyrolysis reaction products out of the reaction chamber and wherein the layers of pebbles surrounding the reaction mass serve to effect a deposition of carbonaceous residue preventing encrustation and fouling of the reactor.