Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an apparatus and process are disclosed wherein coal or peat or lignite is first transmitted to a devolatilizer from which tar and fuel gas are removed for transmission to a separator and recovery system, from which by-products are obtained and sulphur-free fuel gas is transmitted to the steam boiler. Char is recirculated between the devolatilizer and a heat generator. In one form of the invention a fraction of the char discharge from the devolatilizer is transmitted to a gasifier for gasification and complete sulphur extraction, and another fraction in readily combustible form is transmitted to the steam boiler for use. In another form of the invention the complete output of the devolatilizer is transmitted to the gasifier wherein a fraction is gasified and another fraction is transmitted to the steam boiler. The proportion of the fractions may be controlled to thereby control the overall sulphur emission of the system.
Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the destructive distillation of organic waste materials. An insulated sealed distillator compartment is provided having a plurality of conveyor stages for transporting the waste material through the sealed compartment while subjecting the material to a plurality of increased zones of temperature in order to completely pyrolyze the material and evolve pyrolysis gases. An auger feed apparatus supplys a continuous supply of material to the sealed distillator, while an auger discharge apparatus removes a continuous supply of solid carbonaceous residue from the distillator. The residue can be classified and separated into usable products. The evolved gases may be converted into crude oil and natural gas. A process for destructive distillation of the waste materials is also disclosed.
Abstract: In the production of formed coke, the temperatures and times of the oxidation and carbonization phases can be reduced if 5 to 12% by volume of oxygen is included in the fluidizing gas in a fluidized bed reactor in which the carbonization phase is conducted.
Abstract: In a continuous, solids upflow, gas downflow shale retorting process carried out at superatmospheric pressures, hydrostatic sealing means are provided at the shale inlet and retorted shale outlet ends of the retort, thereby avoiding the need for mechanical sealing means, lock vessels, etc. The raw shale is fed into the retort through a standing reservoir of product oil, or preferably a light fraction thereof, and the retorted shale is discharged from the retort through a water quenching zone and seal, in the lower portion of which is maintained a sufficient hydrostatic head of water to prevent the discharge therethrough of retort gases. Steam generated in the quench zone, containing some entrained hydrocarbonaceous matter, is treated in a multistage cooling and condensing manner for gas cleanup and for recovery of heat and an oil-free water condensate for recycle to the water sealing and quench zones.
Abstract: In a continuous, solids upflow, gas downflow shale retorting process carried out at superatmospheric pressures, hydrostatic sealing means are provided at the shale inlet and retorted shale outlet ends of the retort, thereby avoiding the need for mechanical sealing means, lock vessels, etc. The raw shale is fed into the retort through a standing reservoir of product oil, or preferably a light fraction thereof, and the retorted shale is discharged from the retort through a water quenching zone and seal, in the lower portion of which is maintained a sufficient hydrostatic head of water to prevent the discharge therethrough of retort gases. Steam generated in the quench zone, containing some entrained hydrocarbonaceous matter, is treated in a multistage cooling and condensing manner for gas cleanup and for recovery of heat and an oil-free water condensate for recycle to the water sealing and quench zones.
Abstract: A continuous process is described whereby particulate woody materials are carbonized in a fluidized bed to form solid and gaseous fuel. The process includes injecting particulate woody materials, on a continuous basis, into a fluidized bed of previously carbonized material. Off-gas from carbonization with entrained charcoal fines is continuously removed from above the bed, and coarse charcoal is continuously removed from the surface of the bed. If desired, a high ash, coarse fraction may also be continuously removed from immediately above the bed grid. The off-gas and entrained fine charcoal are separated in a cyclone system, and the charcoal fines with the coarse charcoal fraction from the bed surface are collected for use as solid fuel. Off-gas from the separator may be scrubbed, if desired, or utilized directly as an enriched gaseous fuel.