Abstract: A semiconductor process system includes a semiconductor process chamber having an interior volume. A pump extracts gases from the semiconductor process chamber via an outlet channel communicably coupled to the semiconductor process chamber. The system includes a plurality of fluid nozzles configured to prevent the backflow of particles from the outlet channel to interior volume by generating a fluid barrier within the outlet channel responsive to the pump ceasing to function.

Abstract: A system including a hydrocarbon recovery system integrated with a fluff transfer system, the hydrocarbon recovery system comprising a purge column, a separator, a purge gas-hydrocarbon recovery unit, and a waste gas outlet line, and the fluff transfer system comprising a fluff transfer blower, and an extruder feed tank fluidly connected with the fluff transfer blower via a fluff transfer blower outlet line and fluidly connected with the purge column. The hydrocarbon recovery system can be integrated with the fluff transfer system via a purge column fluff transfer gas inlet line fluidly connecting a purge gas inlet of the purge column with the fluff transfer blower outlet line, such that a portion of the fluff transfer gas in the fluff transfer blower outlet line is introduced into the purge column as purge gas. Make-up gas to the fluff transfer system can come from the hydrocarbon recovery system.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the treatment of a feed comprising biomass, said process comprising at least the following steps: a) a step for drying said feed at a temperature in the range 20° C. to 180° C. for a period in the range 5 to 180 minutes, b) a step for torrefaction of the dried feed obtained from step a) in order to produce at least one solid torrefied biomass effluent, and c) a step for co-grinding the solid torrefied biomass effluent obtained from step b) in the presence of a second biomass feed in order to obtain a powder.

Abstract: A delayed thermal cracking process, system, and apparatus for heavy (i.e., high boiling point) coker feed materials which eliminates the production of a solid coke product and replaces the coke product with a higher value, pumpable tar liquid material which can be used as an asphalt paving material, as a fuel oil, or for other purposes. A hydrocarbon cooling and diluting material is added to and mixed with the tar material in the coking drum after the fill cycle to produce the liquid tar product and eliminate the steam-out, quenching, draining, unheading, hydraulic cutting, reheading, pressure testing, and warm-up procedures previously required in delayed coking systems, and to also eliminate the environmental issues and costs associated therewith.

Abstract: A system for producing high-quality gas includes a heat carrier hoist, a coke feeder, a heat carrier heating furnace, a gas mixer, a high-temperature induced draft fan, a heat carrier storage tank, a dryer, a hopper, a concentrating solar collection pyrolysis-gasification reactor having a double-tube structure, a three-phase separator and a coke collecting bin. The system may use an adjustable concentrating solar collection technology in combination with a heat carrier circulation heating process, so as to effectively solve heat requirements of the waste pyrolysis and gasification process, reduce the waste material consumption caused by energy supply, and improve the effective utilization of raw materials.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of a feedstock containing biomass, the process including a) drying the feedstock at a temperature between 20 and 180° C. for a duration between 5 and 180 minutes, b) torrefaction of the feedstock originating from step a) in order to produce at least one torrefied biomass solid effluent, c) co-grinding the torrefied biomass solid effluent originating from step b), in the presence of at least one solid fossil feedstock in order to obtain a powder.

Abstract: A method of operating a refinery including at least one coke drum coupled to a coker fractionator. A pump characteristics curve is provided for a fractionator bottom pump coupled to the coker fractionator comprising a net positive suction head required (NPSHr) curve as a function of a pump flow rate. Fog computing utilizes the pump characteristics curve along with at least one sensed input parameter including a real-time value for the pump flow rate to control the fractionator bottom pump to dynamically control a column pressure (Pc) in the coker fractionator. A reduction in Pc is obtained that reduces an available NPSH (NPSHa) which lessens a difference between the NPSHa and the NPSHr.

Abstract: A system for gasification of a carbonaceous material and recycling char or solids from a gasifier is disclosed. The recycling system may include a standpipe that receives a solids stream from a separator, the standpipe generating a pressure differential across a bed of accumulated char, thereby producing a bottoms stream having a greater pressure than the inlet solids stream. The recycling system may also include a holding vessel that receives the bottoms stream and a fluidized-bed distribution vessel that receives char from the holding vessel and is configured to provide a continuous and precise flow of recycled char to the gasification reactor.

Abstract: A feed charging device comprises a holding vessel having an interior chamber for holding a reserve of a solid particulate feed material in a fluidized state, wherein the feed material is held in said fluidized state in a lower zone of the interior chamber. The feed material is supplied to the interior chamber through at least one outlet opening, and is discharged from the interior chamber through at least one outlet opening. The at least one outlet opening is in flow communication with the lower zone of the interior chamber. A gas supply means supplies a fluidizing gas to the lower zone of the interior chamber, and an outlet conduit in flow communication with the at least one outlet opening receives said feed material discharged from the interior chamber.

Abstract: Energy-efficient gasification-based multi-generation apparatus, facilities, or systems, and methods of modifying existing gasification-based multi-generation apparatus and the various conventional thermal coupling arrangements, are provided. An exemplary gasification-based multi-generation apparatus includes a gasification system configured to generate the raw syngas feed from a carbon-based feedstock. The gasification system includes a gasification plant or facility, a sour water stripping plant or facility comprising a sour water stripper, a gasification reactor, and a gasification system energy management system.

Abstract: A method for treating coal includes drying coal in an initial drying step. The dried coal is pyrolyzed in a pyrolysis step to form coal char and evolved gases. The coal char is eventually cooled and blended. The evolved gases are condensed in at least two, preferably three or more, distinct zones at different temperatures to condense coal-derived liquids (CDLs) from the evolved coal gas. Noncondensable gases may be returned to the pyrolysis chamber as a heat-laden sweep gas, or further processed as a fuel stream. The CDLs may optionally be centrifuged and/or filtered or otherwise separated from remaining particulate coal sludge. The sludge may be combined with coal char, optionally for briquetting; while the CDLs are stored. Precise control of the condensing zone temperatures allows control of the amount and consistency of the condensate fractions collected.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus can produce hydrogen-containing gas from biomass with high thermal efficiency at low costs without severe trouble caused by tar generated by pyrolyzing the biomass, while maximizing the gasification rate of the tar. The gasification apparatus includes a biomass pyrolyzing zone for heating biomass in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and a gas reforming zone for heating the resulting pyrolyzed gas in the presence of steam. A plurality of preheated granules and/or lumps is moved from the gas reforming zone to the biomass pyrolyzing zone, the apparatus reforms the gas generated by pyrolyzing the biomass and pyrolyzes the biomass, using the heat of the granules and/or lumps. The biomass pyrolyzing zone and the gas reforming zone is provided in a single vessel, and at least one partitioning plate is provided between the biomass pyrolyzing zone and the gas reforming zone.

Abstract: A cascading processor is described which includes a processor body having an upper inlet and a lower outlet, such that materials pass by force of gravity from inlet to the outlet. The processor body has a plurality of processing levels which are sequentially vertically spaced progressively downwardly from the inlet to the outlet, such that materials cascade by force of gravity from one processing level to another processing level as the materials pass through the processor body front the inlet to the outlet. This cascading processor was developed for recovery of bitumen front oil sands, but can be used to process oil shales or to process biomasses.

Abstract: A process for heat treatment of a solid, with a coolant solid, in which a stage for mixing the solid with the pre-heated coolant solid is carried out, with the coolant solid being a solid hydrocarbon. The solid hydrocarbon is ground, before the mixing stage with the solid, to obtain a solid hydrocarbon powder with a grain size of between 20 ?m and 300 ?m. The solid is ground, before the mixing stage with the coolant solid, to obtain solid pellets with a thickness of between 1 mm and 30 mm, a width of between 1 mm and 40 mm, and a length of between 1 mm and 100 mm. The mixing is carried out at a temperature of between 80° C. and 700° C.

Abstract: A process and a unit for fluidized bed torrefaction and grinding of particles of a biomass with a largest dimension of 2 cm to 5 cm, and which unit contains an envelope having a general shape of a sector having a) two substantially vertical walls delimiting that sector; and b) at least one inclined wall defining three zones, from bottom to top: a lower zone provided with a fluidization means, and provided with a grinder placed at the bottom of that zone; an intermediate zone (2) provided with a fluidization means; and an upper zone (3) provided with a fluidization means; and a pipe (11) for introducing the particles reaching into the unit to the level of the intermediate zone.

Abstract: A system and method for processing biomass into hydrocarbon fuels that includes processing a biomass in a hydropyrolysis reactor resulting in hydrocarbon fuels and a process vapor stream and cooling the process vapor stream to a condensation temperature resulting in an aqueous stream. The aqueous stream is sent to a catalytic reactor where it is oxidized to obtain a product stream containing ammonia and ammonium sulfate. A resulting cooled product vapor stream includes non-condensable process vapors comprising H2, CH4, CO, CO2, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor.

Abstract: A method of gasification using a downdraft gasifier having a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth) in the gasifier, which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus for the gasification of wet biomass comprises a feeding system for feeding wet biomass at a pressure of at least 22.1 MPa (absolute), a reactor comprising a reaction tube and a heating device, and a recovery system. The reaction tube is configured to comprise a bed of solid particles suspended in a fluid, and to receive wet biomass from the feeding system at a temperature below the critical temperature of water. The bed of solid particles suspended in a fluid is a bubbling fluidised bed having a length of at least 0.5 m and a cross sectional area of at most 20 dm2. The heating device is configured to heat the feed in the presence of the bed of suspended solid particles to a temperature above the critical temperature of water by heat exchange with a heating fluid, forming supercritical water and fluid gasification product.

Abstract: A carbonaceous feed pyrolysis apparatus is provided including two or more hot particle fluidised beds, and one or more positive displacement apparatus for the transfer of hot particles between two or more of the beds, wherein one or more of the fluidised beds contains a combustion zone. A bio-oil production process is also provided, including pyrolysis of a carbonaceous bio-mass using two or more fluidized beds, including a first combustion zone carried out in one or more combustion fluidized beds in which a particulate material is fluidized and heated, and a second pyrolysis zone carried out in one or more pyrolysis fluidized beds in which the hot particles heated in the combustion zone are used for pyrolysis of the bio-mass.

Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for small-scale operation of biomass catalytic cracking. The process is suitable for lab scale and pilot plant operation, as well as for small-scale commercial operation. The process is suitable for simulating a continuous biomass catalytic cracking (BCC) process. The process comprises a biomass conversion cycle and a catalyst regeneration cycle. A fluid bed reactor and a reaction feed fluidizer suitable for use in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus comprises a substantially closed pyrolyzer (4), a supply inlet for supplying pyrolyzable fuel to the pyrolyzer (4), an outlet for taking hot bed material in particle form out of the pyrolyzer, one or more exit outlets (6) for taking condensible gaseous substances separated from the fuel to be pyrolyzed out of the pyrolyzer, a condenser (8) for condensing the condensible gaseous substances into pyrolysis oil, and a line (7) for transferring the condensible gaseous substances from the exit outlet of the pyrolyzer (4) to the condenser (8). The means for maintaining pyrolysis conditions in the pyrolyzer (4) comprise an inlet for taking hot bed material in particle form into the pyrolyzer and means (5) for supplying fluidizing gas to the pyrolyzer. The pyrolyzer (4) is a chamber bounded directly by a furnace (1) of a bubbling fluidized bed boiler, through which chamber fluidized bed material is arranged to be circulated between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A pyrolysis and gasification system produce a synthesis gas and bio-char from a biomass feedstock. The system includes a feed hopper that has a flow measurement device. The system also includes a reactor that is operable in a gasification mode or a pyrolysis mode. The reactor is configured to receive the biomass feedstock from the feed hopper. The reactor is operable to provide heat to the biomass feedstock from the feed hopper to produce the synthesis gas and bio-char. The system also includes a cyclone assembly. The produced synthesis gas including the bio-char is fed to the cyclone assembly. The cyclone assembly removes a portion of the bio-char from the synthesis gas.

Abstract: A method and a device for the thermal decomposition of an initial material, in particular, for the decomposition of meat and bone meal, oil sludges, for example, from cleaning tankers, autofluff (also called autofluffy), basic glycerin, for example, from biodiesel production, paint sludges from paint shops, contaminated soils, coated wood, and plastics such as plexiglass. According to the present method, organic initial materials are thermally decomposed very completely in nearly all cases. The very complete decomposition is achieved by adding foreign particles such as metal spheres to the initial material which is being thermally decomposed.

Abstract: A process for treating bituminous coal includes providing dried, pulverized coal, and treating the pulverized coal in a vessel with a gas stream having an oxygen content sufficient to form oxides on surface of coal particles. The treated coal is transferred into a pyrolyzing chamber and passed into contact with an oxygen deficient sweep gas, the sweep gas being at a higher temperature than the temperature of the coal so that heat is supplied to the coal. The process further includes providing additional heat to the coal indirectly by heating the chamber, wherein the heating of coal by the sweep gas and by the indirect heating from the chamber causes condensable volatile components to be released into the sweep gas. Some of the oxides are converted into paramagnetic mineral components, which are removed from coal to form a coal char having reduced ash and sulfur.

Abstract: The auger gasifier described includes, in its preferred embodiments, a vertically elongated (“oblong”) primary gasifier chamber with an auger that can move up and down, allowing for large amounts of fuel input when necessary. This improvement, in turn, requires and/or is facilitated by provision for simultaneous elevation adjustments of the auger and bed dam to assure that fuel material is processed in degrees from the top downward without sweeping massive amounts of the fluidized bed materials towards the output end of the chamber. Another improvement involves provision for pressurization of the primary gasifier chamber, allowing substantial improvements in the speed of processing materials through the gasifier. Due to issues arising from thermal expansion of the refractory material lining the chamber, provision is made for nozzle and refractory imbedded pipe hole thermal expansion capability.

Abstract: A process for treating agglomerating coal includes providing dried, pulverized, agglomerating coal, and treating the coal in a vessel with a gas stream having an oxygen content sufficient to form at least some oxides on surface of coal particles, wherein the oxides are sufficient to convert coal into substantially non-agglomerating coal. The treated coal is transferred into a pyrolyzing chamber and passed into contact with an oxygen deficient sweep gas, the sweep gas being at a higher temperature than the temperature of the coal so that heat is supplied to the coal. The process further includes providing additional heat to coal indirectly by heating the chamber, wherein the heating of coal by the sweep gas and by the indirect heating from the chamber causes condensable volatile components to be released into the sweep gas. The sweep gas is removed from the chamber and treated to remove condensable components of coal.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus comprises a furnace (1) operating by fluidized bed combustion, a pyrolyzer (4) and flow paths, which connect the furnace (1) and the pyrolyzer (4) for arranging the circulation (C) of carrier material of the fluidized bed combustion between the furnace and the pyrolyzer .The apparatus also comprises a supply inlet (14) for supplying fuel to be pyrolyzed to the pyrolyzer (4), fluidizing gas supply means (5) arranged in the pyrolyzer for fluidizing the mixture of carrier material and fuel, and an outlet (6) for taking condensible gaseous substances separated from the fuel to be pyrolyzed out of the pyrolyzer (4), and a condenser for condensing the condensible gaseous substances.

Abstract: The invention describes a process and a device for fluidized bed torrefaction and grinding of a feed containing mainly biomass with a view to supplying a unit for gasification or combustion of said feed.

Abstract: A method for producing char and fuel gas includes degasifying a carbonaceous material with oxygen-containing gases in a fluidized bed reactor at a temperature of more than about 1000° C. and at a pressure of from about 1 bar to about 40 bar. A supply of oxygen within the fluidized bed reactor is adjusted so as to recover more than 60% of fixed carbon in the carbonaceous material in a char product, and an oxygen availability in a lower or bottom region of the fluidized bed reactor is less than 80% of an oxygen availability in an upper region of the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: Fouling in the scrubber section of a fluid coker unit is reduced by providing baffles to improve the uniformity of the gas flow profile in the scrubber by reducing the gas velocity of the cyclone outlet gases in the scrubber section of the unit. These baffles are located with the objective of reducing the rotational component of the gas flow in the scrubber created by the alignment of the gas outlets of the cyclones. The baffles are preferably located in the shed section of the scrubber and comprise upstanding perforated plates located at the periphery of the scrubber section to disrupt high velocity gas jets in the region of the interior wall of the scrubber.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus comprises a substantially closed pyrolyzer (4), a supply inlet for supplying pyrolyzable fuel to the pyrolyzer (4), an outlet for taking hot bed material in particle form out of the pyrolyzer, one or more exit outlets (6) for taking condensible gaseous substances separated from the fuel to be pyrolyzed out of the pyrolyzer, a condenser (8) for condensing the condensible gaseous substances into pyrolysis oil, and a line (7) for transferring the condensible gaseous substances from the exit outlet of the pyrolyzer (4) to the condenser (8). The means for maintaining pyrolysis conditions in the pyrolyzer (4) comprise an inlet for taking hot bed material in particle form into the pyrolyzer and means (5) for supplying fluidizing gas to the pyrolyzer. The pyrolyzer (4) is a chamber bounded directly by a furnace (1) of a bubbling fluidized bed boiler, through which chamber fluidized bed material is arranged to be circulated between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A delayed coking process and apparatus which greatly shorten the required duration of the alternating drum fill and decoking cycles and eliminate the need to perform drum quenching, draining, unheading, hydraulic decoking, reheading, pressure testing, and warming procedures in the decoking cycle. In the inventive system, the decoking cycle preferably comprises simply a steamout stage and a coke product draining procedure. The coke product produced in the coking drums is a hot, solid, flowable material from which heat can be recovered for preheating the coker feed and/or producing steam.

Abstract: A method of and a plant for combusting carbonaceous fuel, the method including the steps of introducing particulate oxygen selective sorbent, such as a perovskite type material, into an adsorption reactor of the combustion plant to form a first particle bed in the adsorption reactor, fluidizing the first particle bed by an oxygen-containing first fluidizing gas to adsorb oxygen from the fluidizing gas to the sorbent, conveying oxygen-rich sorbent from the adsorption reactor to a combustion reactor of the combustion plant to form a second particle bed in the combustion reactor, fluidizing the second particle bed by an oxygen-deficient second fluidizing gas to desorb oxygen from the sorbent, so as to produce free oxygen gas, and introducing carbonaceous fuel into the combustion reactor to oxidize the fuel with the free oxygen gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for energy conversion of solid fuels in particular containing carbon comprising a first step which consists in reacting said fuels in a first energy conversion reactor (2, 20). The invention is characterized in that it comprises a second step which consists in injecting oxygen brought to the output of said reactor (2, 20), the reaction of the first step being carried out in at least a circulating fluidized bed (30, 31, 40) and in that the metal oxides circulate between two interconnected circulating fluidized beds (30, 31, 40) converting the fuel and oxidizing the oxides.

Abstract: An integrated combustion chamber and fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor. In one embodiment, the combustion chamber is cylindrical and the pyrolysis reactor is provided annularly about the combustion chamber with an annular wall that provides a common surface for heat transfer. A lift tube in fluid communication with the pyrolysis reactor is provided within the combustion chamber for circulating biomass and an inert fluidizable media upwardly through the lift tube; this advantageously increases heat transfer and leads to more rapid pyrolysis. The media and biomass exit the lift tube into either a freeboard area of the pyrolysis reactor or into a low density region of the fluidized bed. A condensable gaseous product is produced during pyrolysis that has economic value. The apparatus and process are especially well suited to the pyrolysis of low density agricultural biomass. The apparatus is compact and particularly well suited to mobile operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for removing contaminants from seawater by an evaporation/condensation process. The method and system utilize alternative energy sources, such as geothermal, solar, and wind energy. The system may include a water separation unit powered by a geothermal system to sufficiently vaporize source water. The system may further include a first input line configured to receive the source water for distillation by the water separation unit. A first heat exchanger coupled to the first input line is powered by a plurality of energy harnessing devices. The first heat exchanger is configured to preheat the source water. At least one second heat exchanger powered by the plurality of energy harnessing devices is configured to condense the vaporized source water into a distilled water product. The plurality of energy harnessing devices are electrically connected to a roadway system electricity grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a bottom cover on a coke drum. A support structure supports at least the coke drum. A vertical actuator has a cover end attached to the bottom cover and a support end attached to the support structure, and is arranged to move the bottom cover vertically in a removal operation of the bottom cover. A rotating actuator has a cover end attached to the bottom cover and a support end attached to the support structure, and is arranged to rotate the bottom cover in a removal operation. A frame assembly having opposing ends is provided, a pivoting end being attached to the bottom cover and a sliding end being slidably mounted. The frame assembly, the vertical actuator and the rotating actuator cooperate to remove the bottom cover in a removal operation.

Abstract: A coke drum bottom head removal system and method for deheading the bottom head cover of a coke drum comprises a carriage that is positionable beneath the bottom head cover, and a cart mounted to the carriage. Several clamps vertically mounted to the cart are positionable in a closed position, in which the clamps apply a compressive force that maintains substantially fluid tight engagement between the bottom head cover and bottom head flange, and an opened position, in which the clamps allow a limited spacing between the bottom head cover and the bottom head flange. A plurality of supports mounted to the cart support the bottom head cover once the fasteners coupling the bottom head cover to the bottom head flange are removed and the clamps are in the opened position. The system can be remotely operated to enhance operator safety when the bottom head cover is removed.

Abstract: A process and method is provided for operating a small-scale high-throughput gasifier. As is known in the art, the exothermic combustion reactions can be separated from the endothermic gasification reactions. The exothermic combustion reactions can take place in or near the combustor while the endothermic gasification reactions take place in the gasifier. Heat from the exothermic zone is transferred to the endothermic reaction zone by circulation of an inert particulate solid such as sand. In order to increase efficiency by reducing heat loss from the gasifier, the gasifier is concentrically-disposed within the endothermic reaction zone of the combustor.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for recycling a powdery solid material used as a catalyst or a heat medium. The system simple in structure compared with a conventional system does not need to use a gas for transporting the solid and can readily maintain the pressure balance to recycle the solids smoothly in a stable manner.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for producing gaseous energy which may be used as fuel for driving electricity generating means comprises an oven (2), a ram (11) for feeding gas-producing waste material to the oven (2), gas burners (5) for heating the waste material while in the oven (2), and a collection vessel (25) for collecting gaseous fuel liberated by heating the waste material. The oven (2) and waste material feeder duct (7) connected thereto are of airtight construction, so that combustion of the waste material is not allowed to take place. The airtight oven (2) has a central gasifier section (15) having an inlet end (15a) and an outlet end (15b). The feeder duct (7) is connected to the inlet end (15a) and an outlet duct (16) is connected to the outlet end (15b). The outlet duct (16) extends into the collection vessel (25), which has an upper end housing a gas filter (26) and a lower end connected to an ash receptacle (27).

Abstract: A thermolysis process for the production of volatiles for an external combustor or liquefaction of biomass solids in which specific and previously unrecognized conditions are employed. The thermolysis is carried out in a single fluidized bed of inert material operating at near atmospheric pressure, relatively low temperature, long solids and gas residence times and moderate heating rates. The distribution of the thermolysis products among, solid (char) and gases under these conditions is unique. The product effluent can be either quenched to produce a high liquid yield in addition to a low char yield or the volatile effluent can be used in either the same combustor or a second combustor to produce heat energy a particularly high efficiency system. In using a quencher, the quenched liquid is of similar composition to those obtained by so called fast pyrolysis processes of the prior art. The specified conditions are such as to allow production of liquids in high yields in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A thermolysis process for liquefaction of biomass solids in which specific and previously unrecognized conditions are employed. The thermolysis is carried out in a single fluidized bed of inert material operating at near atmospheric pressure, relatively low temperature, long solids and gas residence times and moderate heating rates. The distribution of the thermolysis products among liquid (bio-oil), solid (char) and gases under these conditions is unique. In particular, contrary to the prior art, both high liquid and low char yields are obtained. Furthermore the liquid is of similar composition to those obtained by so called fast pyrolysis processes of the prior art. The specified conditions are such as to allow production of liquids in high yields in an energy efficient manner. The low severity of the conditions in comparison with previous approaches allows simplified process design and scaleup leading to lower capital and operating costs as well as easier control.

Abstract: A two stage carbonizer places as much heat as possible into the gas streams entering the carbonizer to drive off volatile matter and reduce tars and oils by thermal cracking which is enhanced by the addition of sorbent. The carbonizer operates as a fluidized bed with a combustor providing flue gas as one fluidizing medium and preheated air as the other. This allows the coal to be devolatilized and the tars and oils to be thermally cracked due to the direct contact with the coal and hot flue gas. The device is designed to operate at high pressures from about 12-20 atmospheres.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reprocessing crushed organic waste products, such as rubber waste from worn car tires, by pyrolysis, the method including pyrolytically decomposing the crushed waste products in a pyrolysis bath which is one of a bed or a bath, and which has a temperature ranging from 450.degree. to 550.degree. C., into a mixture including volatilized constituents, liquid constituents, and solid constituents; collecting at least a part of the volatilized constituents from a gas space above the pyrolysis bath and transporting the collected volatilized constituents away from the pyrolysis bath for further utilization; and introducing a gas intermittently or continuously into the gas space above the pyrolysis bath.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovering oil from solid hydrocarbonaceous terial, such as oil shale, in particulate form using a combustion chamber and a reaction chamber arranged side-by-side and connected by a first passageway extending between the upper regions of the chambers and a return passageway. The particulate material is fluidized in the chambers and induced to circulate therebetween by the configuration of the chambers and passageways and/or the nature of the fluidization. Residual carbon on the spent hydrocarbonaceous material introduced into the combustion chamber through the return passageway is burnt, heating the material which then circulates through the first passageway to mix with and heat fresh feed material introduced into the reaction chamber giving off effluent vapours which are collected and processed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the pyrolysis of coal which comprises the effective utilization of two zonal inclined fluidized beds, where said zones can be selectively controlled as to temperature and heating rate. The first zonal inclined fluidized bed serves as a dryer for crushed coal and additionally is controlled to selectively pyrolyze said coal producing substantially carbon dioxide for recycle use. The second zonal inclined fluidized bed further pyrolyzes the coal to gaseous, liquid and char products under controlled temperature and heating rate zones designed to economically integrate the product mix. The gas and liquid products are recovered from the gaseous effluent stream while the char which remains can be further treated or utilized in a subsequent process step.

Abstract: A method for mild gasification of crushed coal in a single vertical elongated reaction vessel providing a fluidized bed reaction zone, a freeboard reaction zone, and an entrained reaction zone within the single vessel. Feed coal and gas may be fed separately to each of these reaction zones to provide different reaction temperatures and conditions in each reaction zone. The reactor and process of this invention provides for the complete utilization of a coal supply for gasification including utilization of caking and non-caking or agglomerating feeds in the same reactor. The products may be adjusted to provide significantly greater product economic value, especially with respect to desired production of char having high surface area.