Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus has a first screw conveyor, a second screw conveyor, a first nozzle pipe, and a second nozzle pipe. If the first screw conveyor rotates right, the first nozzle pipe is disposed on the left lateral side of the first screw conveyor. If the first screw conveyor rotates left, the first nozzle pipe is disposed on the right lateral side of the first screw conveyor. If the second screw conveyor rotates right, the second nozzle pipe is disposed on the left lateral side of the second screw conveyor. If the second screw conveyor rotates left, the second nozzle pipe is disposed on the right lateral side of the second screw conveyor.

Abstract: A reactor system made up of a single canister or a plurality of separate canister sections for the advanced thermal chemical conversion processing of municipal solid waste (“MSW”), either sorted or unsorted, and autoclaves specially designed to process the waste at suitable temperature and pressure combinations is disclosed. The canister sections can be individually and separately filled with compressed bales of MSW or with selected loose MSW. The reactor system can produce syngas that has an enhanced BTU value, typically between about 300 to 700 BTU/ft3. The remainder solid waste material generally amounts to approximately 5% of the original MSW volume. This material can then be sorted for metals with the balance being sent to a landfill or other recycling processes depending on its composition.

Abstract: Feeding a slurry comprising inert solids, liquid hydrocarbons, liquid water and sometimes dissolves solids to a unit having a casing defining a thermal extraction chamber heated both directly and indirectly in which first and second intermeshing screws rotate, the screws in close tolerance with each other and with inside casing surfaces. The casing and screws define a tortuous flow path in which the slurry and a vaporous composition evolved therefrom flow. The intermeshing screws push the slurry toward a discharge end of the chamber at a first velocity while reducing pressure and increasing temperature in the chamber, while rotating the screws to create turbulent vacuum thermal conditions in the chamber to physically transform some or all of the slurry into the vaporous composition. The vaporous composition traverses the tortuous flow path with a second velocity at least 1.5 times the first velocity, optionally forming a heated, substantially dry, composition comprising the inert solids.

Abstract: A biomass gasification system for producing aqueous or water gases after biomass has been carbonized is disclosed. Temperatures of a thermal decomposition and gasification furnace can be quickly and uniformly stabilized with smaller thermal loss. Reaction residuals after thermal decomposition and gasification are prevented from adhering on the inner surface of the system. The biomass gasification system comprises: a main body, a first cylindrical member, a first cut-out member, a first cylinder accommodating therein a first screw conveyor, a second cylindrical member, a second cut-out member, a second cylinder accommodating therein a second screw conveyor. The first cylinder is so constructed that it penetrates the main body, the first cylindrical member and the first cut-out member in an axial direction. The first screw conveyor, the second screw conveyor and the second cut-out member have a plurality of gasifying agent ports, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating carbon-containing waste materials include a gasifying system, a drier system for pre-drying the material, and an energy-recovery system for recovering waste heat and/or producer gas from the gasifying system/method for use in pre-drying the material. The energy-recovery system can include a recirculation system for recovering the waste heat and/or a thermal oxidizer or other combustion device for burning the producer gas, along with a heat-transfer-loop for transferring the recovered heat energy to the drier for pre-drying the material. In another aspect of the invention, the gasifying systems and methods use a thermal-screw conveyor with a product chamber and rotary thermal screws, and an oxygen-delivery system configured for delivering oxygen into the product chamber for immediate absorption into the material, with or without the dryer system and/or the energy-recovery system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing charcoal. It is characterized in that: first hot gases are generated by at least one heating means; its first gases are mixed with second gases in order to form a gas mixture; this mixture is sent into a charge of wood in order to generate therein a pyrolysis front; an overpressure is created between the upstream end and the downstream end of the charge so as to force this front to pass through it in one direction, namely from the upstream end to the downstream end; and third gases are recovered downstream of the charge, at least a first portion of said third gases, in the form of a stream of said second gases, is conveyed by a conveying means. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for obtaining hydrocarbons from organic or inorganic solid waste, wherein said system comprises: an inlet chamber, within which is a mixer assembly which mixes and conveys the waste through said chamber, which is also at ambient temperature, thus avoiding any thermal shock to the solid waste for processing; a dehydration chamber with a mixing assembly therein, and the upper part of this chamber contains an expansion chamber for promoting more efficient molecular breakdown; the thermal breakdown is carried out in two reactors which are operated at different temperatures, the first thermal disassociation reactor which has inside a mixer unit, and which in its upper part houses an expansion chamber, the second thermal breakdown reactor, therein has a mixer unit, and in the upper portion thereof houses an expansion chamber and at the top end thereof a vertical expansion tower; wherein the thermolytic steam is homogenized, a separator of heavy hydrocarbons, which does not require

Abstract: A process for the thermal-chemical modification treatment of wood is described, in which such a modification is obtained through multiple chemical reactions of the substances comprising the wood structure generated by exposing the wood to temperatures at which the pyrolysis phenomenon begins, i.e., in the range of 180° C.-240° C., in a vacuum autoclave-cell while always maintaining the internal pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, in a range of values of 70-350 mBar of absolute pressure, consisting in the steps of pre-heating, actual heat treatment, and cooling of a wood mass.

Abstract: A device for regulating the chamber pressure of coking chambers of a coke-oven battery using adjustable iris diaphragms or iris nozzles at the ascending pipe elbow openings in the raw gas receiver. The gas stream flowing from the gas chamber of a coking chamber into the raw gas receiver can thus be regulated so that the pressure in the gas chamber of the coking chamber can be controlled. A method is also disclosed for regulating the gas stream which flows out the gas chamber of a coking chamber, wherein the pressure in the coking chamber is regulated by the control, and wherein also the liquid stream is regulated which serves to wash out the coking gases from the raw gas stream of the coking chamber.

Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized, then air is introduced at the proximal end of the container and released at the distal end of the container. The biomass is ignited by a heater at the distal end. The operation of the heater is halted after initial ignition and the biomass is allowed to continue to burn in a proximal-to-distal end airflow to finish the conversion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coking plant. The coking plant includes a series of coke ovens, each oven including a coking chamber provided with side unloading doors. The chamber communicates with a riser provided with a coking-gas discharge pipe. The discharge pipes of each oven lead into a collecting cylinder, which is in turn connected to a coking gas treatment circuit. At least one discharge pipe of one of the ovens further includes a device for spraying pressurized liquid onto the wall of the discharge pipe. The liquid flows counter-current with respect to the direction of the flow of the gases exiting the chamber. The present invention also provides a method for controlling such a plant.

Abstract: Described is a methodology aiming to the removal of harmful ash constituents from the ash of biomass, such as alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur, prior to is thermochemical conversion, in order to minimize/eliminate the ash-related corrosion, deposition and agglomeration problems, as well as the emissions of alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur. This removal is achieved by a combined pre-treatment which includes prepyrolysis of biomass at temperatures varying in the range of 200-300° C. and for a period of 5 min up to 2 h, followed by the leaching of the biomass materials using water with a solid/water mass ratio varying from 33 g/L up to 300 g/L with water temperature varying from 13° up to 55° C. and residence time varying from 5 min up to 24 h.

Abstract: A coke oven of a horizontal construction of the non-recovery or heat recovery type is shown. The oven has at least one coking chamber, in which laterally vertical downcomers as well as horizontal bottom flues extend underneath the coking chamber for indirect reheating of the coking chamber. At least a part of the interior walls of the coking chamber is configured as a secondary heating source by coating it with a high-emission coating (HEB) that shows an emission degree equal to or higher than 0.9, and consists of the substances Cr2O3 or Fe2O3 or a mixture containing these substances, with the portion of Fe2O3 amounting to at least 25% by weight in the mixture, and with the portion of Cr2O3 amounting to at least 20% by weight in the mixture.

Abstract: A biocoke producing apparatus has a reaction vessel that has a preset temperature range and pressure range for, without carbonizing of the pulverized biomass, inducing a pyrolytic or thermal curing reaction of lignin and hemicellulose thereof. The reaction vessel has a pressurization device for pressurizing to the pressure range, a heating device for heating to the temperature range in the state of the pressurization and a cooling device for cooling after maintaining of the above state. Multiple reaction vessels are provided. A pulverization delivery conveyor is provided superior to these reaction vessels, and each of the multiple reaction vessels is connected via a connection tube to the conveyor. The connection tube is provided with a pulverizate charging device for charging a given amount of pulverized biomass in accordance with a timing of pulverizate charging to the reaction vessels.

Abstract: A carbonization process of rubber products, such as shredded waste tires, in a sealed carbonizing vessel whose operating pressure is below atmospheric pressure and under controlled high temperature environment while continuously being moved in a defined path at a controlled speed thus enabling the shredded tires to be fed constantly into the vessel while the by-products of the carbonization process are continually discharged.

Abstract: Apparatus and a process are described for compressing superheated steam into porous coal batches in chambers, and, after a time interval, expanding this steam out of the chambers, and repeating this steam cycle of compression followed by expansion. Thusly heated by the steam, volatile matter separates from the solid coke portion of the coal and separate volatile matter and coke products can be produced from coal or biomass fuels. These volatile matter liquids and tars can be used as fuel components in slurry fuels, for internal combustion engines used in our surface transportation industries. These solid coke products can be used as boiler fuel in steam electric plants. In this way our large domestic reserves of coal can be used as a fuel source, not only for electric power generation, but also for our surface transportation needs.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for gasifying a fuel to form synthesis gas wherein also a slag is formed. The apparatus comprises: a pressure shell; a slag bath; a gasifier wall; a free-fall trajectory for slag; and a heat shield. The gasifier wall is arranged inside the pressure shell defining a gasification chamber. It comprises a converging wall part that is provided with a slag discharge opening, located above the quench fluid in the slag bath. The heat shield is arranged above the slag bath between the free-fall trajectory and the pressure shell. The heat shield has a wall structure for allowing passage of a cooling fluid, the wall structure comprising an upper wall part and a lower wall part. The lower wall part of the heat shield is essentially refractory free.

Abstract: To provide a method for catalytically cracking waste plastics wherein the efficiency in decomposition is high; even polyethylene composed of linear chain molecules difficult in decomposition is decomposable at a low temperature and decomposed residue is hardly produced; the process is simple since dechlorination can be achieved at the same time with catalytically cracking waste plastics in one reaction vessel; and oil fractions can be recovered at 50% or more on a net yield basis. The method for catalytically cracking waste plastics of the present invention has a constitution in which waste plastics are loaded as a raw material into a granular FCC catalyst heated to a temperature range from 350° C. to 500° C. inside a reaction vessel, thereby decomposing and gasifying the waste plastics in contact with the FCC catalyst.

Abstract: A method for extracting flue gases from a coke oven chamber, wherein the flue gases that develop briefly during the process of discharging and charging the coke cake from and to the coke oven chamber are extracted by a vacuum generated in the headspace above the coke cake. The vacuum in the headspace above the coke oven chamber is generated via channels through the lateral walls of the coke oven chamber or in the coke cake. The vacuum is generated in the secondary heating chamber and, by way of example, can be extracted again from a vacuum supply tank which, for the time that the coke oven chamber doors are open, is connected to the secondary heating chamber by opening shut-off devices in the connecting line. The method avoids the undesirable emission of flue gases into the atmosphere. A device whereby the method can be carried out is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pyrolysis apparatus for processing carbon rich precursor feedstock into carbon rich biochar and associated carbon rich by-products includes a combustion chamber for high temperature low oxidative combustion of the feedstock having an inlet for the feedstock at a first end and outlet for the biochar at a second end; a heater to heat the combustion chamber; at least one gaseous outlet positioned between the first and second ends and communicating with an interior of the chamber, each of the gaseous outlets provided with an air venturi to control extraction of pyrolysis gas generated within the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A method of producing biocokes in which pulverized biomass is fed and pressed in a reaction container is provided, wherein the pulverized biomass in a substantially-packed state is pressure-formed while being heated in a temperature range and a pressure range to obtain a semi-carbonized solid matter or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter and then cooled to produce biocoke. The method may includes a filling step; a reaction step; heating the pulverized biomass by means of a heating device to the temperature range and keeping such state for a prescribed period of time to form a shaped matter of the pulverized biomass in the reaction container, and then cooling the shaped matter by switching from the heating device to a cooling device; and an ejecting step.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated and has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg. A method for producing the solidified biomass: includes crushing raw biomass material; loading a barrel with the crushed raw biomass material; inserting a pressure applying piston into a hollow of the barrel; pressure-forming the crushed raw biomass materials by applying pressure with the pressure applying piston while heating the material; obtaining semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter by retaining constant time of the heating and the pressurizing; cooling the semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter while maintaining pressure to obtain a cooled solid; and taking out and drying the cooled solid, wherein the pressure applying piston and the hollow of the barrel have very small clearance between their outer and inner peripheries.

Abstract: A pyrolytic conversion assembly for processing biomass including: a rotary kiln including a tube for heating the biomass at pressure having a sealable inlet at a first, higher end for ingress of the biomass, and a sealable outlet at a lower end for egress of charcoal formed from the biomass; and heating elements disposed around the kiln to provide a localised source of heating at a predetermined distance from the sealable inlet for reflux condensation of gas from the biomass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effective pyrolysis of a biomass utilizing rapid heat transfer from a solid heat carrier or catalyst. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses which incorporate progressive temperature quenching and rapid disengagement of the heat carrier material and reaction product.

Abstract: To provide a method for catalytically cracking waste plastics wherein the efficiency in decomposition is high; even polyethylene composed of linear chain molecules difficult in decomposition is decomposable at a low temperature and decomposed residue is hardly produced; the process is simple since dechlorination can be achieved at the same time with catalytically cracking waste plastics in one reaction vessel; and oil fractions can be recovered at 50% or more on a net yield basis. The method for catalytically cracking waste plastics of the present invention has a constitution in which waste plastics are loaded as a raw material into a granular FCC catalyst heated to a temperature range from 350° C. to 500° C. inside a reaction vessel, thereby decomposing and gasifying the waste plastics in contact with the FCC catalyst.

Abstract: A catalytically activated vacuum distillation system, several novel component parts of said system, a process for producing carbon based products and novel carbon black that is produced from such a system and process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching metallurgical coke made in a coking oven. The method includes pushing a unitary slab of incandescent coke onto a substantially planar receiving surface of an enclosed quenching car so that substantially all of the coke from the coking oven is pushed as a unitary slab onto the receiving surface of the quenching car. The slab of incandescent coke is quenched in an enclosed environment within the quenching car with a plurality of water quench nozzles while submerging at least a portion of the slab of incandescent coke by raising a water level in the quenching car. Subsequent to quenching the coke, the planar receiving surface is tilted to an angle sufficient to slide the quenched coke off of the planar receiving surface and onto a product collection conveyer and sufficient to drain water from the quenched coke.

Abstract: A method for treating saturated activated coke comprises the following steps: A) The saturated activated coke is subjected to a dehydration treatment so that the water content in the activated coke is ?25%; B) The product obtained from step A is dried at a starting temperature of 120° C.-150° C.; C) The product obtained from step B is subjected to dry distillation and the condition of the dry distillation is that: by heating to a final temperature for the drying of 500° C.-600° C. at a speed of 4° C.-10° C./min and maintaining for 10-60 minutes, the organics adsorbed on the surface and in the pores of the activated coke is cracked, volatilized and carbonized; D) The product obtained from step C is activated and the activation condition is that: after heating to 800° C.-950° C. at 2° C.-8° C./min, a stream is supplied, wherein the weight ratio of the activated coke to the stream is 1:0.5-5 and the activation time is 0.5-2 h. The activated coke after several times of treatment can be used as the fuel.

Abstract: A novel method of producing charcoal. The method of producing charcoal comprises treating an organic material with iodine followed by the carbonization treatment. The organic material is desirably an organic material stemming from the biomass. The treatment with iodine is desirably conducted by bringing an iodine vapor into contact with the organic material. Further, the treatment with iodine is desirably conducted by heating a container which contains the organic material and iodine. The temperature in the treatment with iodine is desirably in a range of not lower than 50° C. but not higher than a decomposition temperature of the organic material. Further, the carbonization treatment is desirably a heat treatment conducted in an inert gas atmosphere or in vacuum.

Abstract: A hybrid method for producing energy from a carbonaceous material including the steps of: heating the carbonaceous material under a reduced oxygen atmosphere in a distillation plant to generate distillate vapours; processing the resulting distillate vapours; transferring the char residue from the distillation plant to a power station boiler; and combusting the char residue in the power station boiler for the generation of electrical power. The char residue is transferred to a power station boiler while the char residue retains heat from the heating in the distillation plant. An integrated energy conversion system including: a distillation plant for the destructive distillation of carbonaceous material to afford distillate vapours and a char residue; a power station boiler; a means of transferring the char residue at a temperature between 300 to 700° C. from the distillation plant to the bed power station; and collection means for the distillate vapours.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for pyrolizing carbonaceous materials to carbonaceous materials having lower boiling points by heating the carbonaceous material to a desired reaction temperature and holding the carbonaceous material in contact with the heat for a sufficient time to achieve the desired reaction to a lower boiling point carbonaceous materials, then rapidly cooling the desired reaction products. The heating source is a jet which will provide hot and high velocity gas streams to the carbonaceous material to be heated.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a coke oven battery including many identical coking chambers, a raw gas receiver, and throttle devices arranged in the receiver for individually controlling the gas pressure in the chambers. Each throttle device includes an immersion bucket acted upon by water. Gas lines terminating in immersion pipes in the immersion buckets connect the chambers with the receiver. Throttle devices are employed that include an overflow that can be vertically adjusted by an actuating drive for controlling the liquid level in the immersion bucket. For a coking chamber to which a pressure control device is allotted, the setting signals for the actuating drive allocated to the time pressure curve in the process of carbonizing coal to coke are recorded as a position-time curve. The actuating drives of throttle devices that are allocated to coking chambers without pressure control devices are controlled according to the position-time curve.

Abstract: A device for controlling the gas pressure in a coke oven chamber, has an immersion cup, to which water is supplied, and with an immersion pipe which is connected to the gas space of the coke oven chamber and terminates in the, immersion cup. The immersion cup has an overflow and a closeable outflow. To control the liquid level, an outflow pipe for water is provided, the inflow-side end of which projects into the immersion pipe and contains casing-side inflow orifices for the inflow of water. Within the outflow pipe is arranged a slide which is open on both end faces and which closes the inflow orifices of the outflow pipe in the longitudinal direction according to the position of said slide and forms a vertically adjustable overflow for the water flowing into the outflow pipe.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.

Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for operating a coke oven battery comprised of a large number of identical coking chambers, a raw gas receiver, and throttle devices arranged in the raw gas receiver for individually controlling the gas pressure in the coking chambers. The throttle devices each comprise an immersion bucket that is acted upon by water. The coking chambers are connected with the raw gas receiver by gas lines terminating in immersion pipes in the immersion buckets of the throttle devices. According to the invention, throttle devices are employed that comprise an overflow that can be vertically adjusted by an actuating drive for controlling the level of the liquid in the immersion bucket. For a coking chamber to which a pressure control device is allotted, the setting signals for the actuating drive allocated to the time pressure curve in the process of carbonizing coal to coke are recorded in the form of a position-time curve.

Abstract: A portable reactor container that contains a removable fire grate enclosure and an incline on its floor that slopes to a discharge port. Heating elements are arranged between the enclosure and the container. A heat recovery section, which may be a water reservoir, surrounds the outside of the container to convert water into steam by absorbing heat leaving the container. The enclosure may be inserted into or removed from the container with a forklift. Wood waste or other wood waste material may be filled into the fire crate enclosure to be transformed into wood charcoal by heating appropriately while the container is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A pressure controller for a coke box has a fan assembly and a valve assembly selectively coupling the fan assembly to the coke box. A barometer senses a pressure level in the coke box. A control element controls a speed of the fan assembly to maintain the pressure level in the coke box below a desired pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in removing at least one volatile contaminant from contaminated material by using a rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. The apparatus employs, in another preferred embodiment, at least one material transfer element. Furthermore, the contaminated material may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the decontaminated material can be cooled through a heat exchanger prior to discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating volatile from nonvolatile substances, separation of volatile substances, one from the other, and for performing various chemical reactions. In particular, an apparatus which performs these functions utilizing a combination of above ambient temperatures and above one inch of mercury vacuum within a rotating vessel. The apparatus uses a conventional rotary vacuum seal. The apparatus, however, operates well above the maximum operating temperature of the conventional rotary vacuum seal by isolating and cooling the conventional rotary vacuum seal.

Abstract: The pressure in the coking chamber of a coke oven is held at about atmospheric pressure, and the temperatures at the opposite longitudinal ends of the combustion chamber are independently controlled. Fuel gas is supplied to hold the temperature at the opposite longitudinal ends to be at least about 1000.degree. C. separately from a main burner for the combustion chamber, and the pressure in the coking chamber during the first part of coking is kept in a range from 5 mmH.sub.2 O below atmospheric to 10 mmH.sub.2 O above atmospheric pressure. This allows efficient coke production even with low moisture content coking coal, and coal crumbling near the oven doors is not a problem. The process is typically carried out in a coke oven having a pressure control system for each coking chamber including plural piping devices for supplying a pressure fluid and switching valves for selectively applying the pressure fluid to the nozzle in the rising pipe through any selected one of the piping systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in continuously loading material to be treated into a rotary vacuum retort and continuously unloading one or more vapors or similar volatile substances and treated material out of the rotary vacuum retort during high temperature and high vacuum processing. The loading and unloading are performed in a manner that minimizes the introduction of low boiling point gases. The apparatus employs, in one preferred embodiment, elastomeric pinch valve airlocks to isolate the entire system between the airlocks and a vacuum generator. Furthermore, the material being treated may be dried in a dryer prior to introduction into the retort. Moreover, the processed material can be cooled through a heat exchanger to permit the use of a low temperature pinch valve airlock on the discharge end of the process.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method to produce uniform quality coke for a blast furnace by quenching coke at a pre-determined rate to produce coke with essentially uniform moisture; further, this invention possesses specific features to produce coke of uniform stability (strength) by equilibrating the temperature of the coke prior to its being quenched. Uniform moisture and uniform stability are very important factors that contribute to the efficient operation of the blast furnace to result in lowering the cost of making a ton of iron. This method is carried out under pressure, in a closed system, and in an environmentally acceptable manner with minimum formation of CO.sub.2. Further, the method possesses additional features which lead to the production of coke of higher stability than obtained conventionally.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.

Abstract: A system for transporting and burning under negative pressure in a boiler a raw coke oven gas to produce steam energy. The system has the usual battery of coke ovens and corresponding ascension pipes connected to a collector main. Flushing liquor is sprayed into the hot coke oven gases to effect cooling in the collector main. A transport main delivers the cooled raw coke oven gases and flushing liquor to a burner of a steam producing boiler where the transport main includes a downcomer for separating the raw coke oven gas from the flushing liquor. The coke oven gas is burned in the boiler where a suction fan is provided at the exhaust of the boiler to develop a negative pressure in the system where the boiler has reinforced walls to withstand the negative pressure. A change in negative pressure in the system is detected and monitored by a controller system which varies draw of the suction fan in response to a detected change in negative pressure in the system.

Abstract: A coke oven door for closing the open end of an elongated coking chamber of a nonrecovery coke oven, including process air vents extending through the door at a level above a coal charge to be coked, has a structural frame on its outer surface including an elongated manifold extending across the door adjacent its bottom with a plurality of inlet openings in the manifold, and a tubular duct system connecting the manifold to the process air inlets whereby reduced pressure in the oven will draw air through the process air inlets and the duct system to thereby draw emissions from the area at the base of the door into the oven for incineration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for fastening and sealing the flanges of the inlets of pressure vessels operating under extreme temperature conditions and with frequent opening/closing cycles, as is the case of coking vessels (5), consisting of an assembly of a flange of the tongue (1) and groove (2) type, a C-clamp (3), and a soft compression gasket (4). Such a system offers total remote control of the opening of the vessel inlets, resulting in greater safety, less unit downtime, and lower operating costs. The invention also relates to a method for opening inlets which results therefrom.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the destructive distillation or pyrolysis of rubber, such as used rubber tires, to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and a solid carbonaceous char. A heat transfer gas circulating in a circulation loop is used to cool the hot char produced in the distillation chamber of a distillation oven, the circulation loop having some means for removing the heat transferred to the heat transfer gas from the hot char. In one embodiment, two distillation ovens are operated in off-set, batchwise distillation cycles. The distillation cycles in the two ovens are coordinated so that a fresh charge of rubber feed is introduced into the distillation chamber of one of the ovens as the distillation of rubber in the other oven is concluded.

Abstract: An apparatus for the carbonization of materials, such as coal, comprising an elongated coking retort defined by an annulus which constitutes the coking chamber within which the coal is carbonized indirectly by conduction. In order to provide an efficient mechanism for transferring thermal energy to the coal by conduction, highly conductive tiles equipped with flues and adapted to transport hot flue gas makes up the walls of the annulus within which the coal is carbonized. The raw gas (discharged from carbonization) and the cooled flue gas (discharged from the flues) are collected and separately treated to prevent polluting emissions.