Abstract: A process is disclosed for regulating the gas pressure in the retort of a coke oven. Pivotable cup valves arranged in the elbows of the ascending pipe are actuated as throttling members according to the pressure curve resulting from gas formation from the coal to be cokefied. Throttling of each individual retort is effected by varying water supply, thus regulating the extent of submersion in water, and regulation follows actual pressure conditions in the retort of the coke oven.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new method for the production of coke from coals. In the present invention, coke is continuously produced by heating a moving charge of coal inside the annular space between two tubes. The coking chamber, which includes a large tube and a smaller tube, is force-fed with a coal such as a metallurgical coal. The coal is bi-directionally heated along a controlled temperature gradient between the outer wall of the small tube and the inner wall of the large tube. The coal is transformed to coke as it travels through the annulus of the coking chamber. Coke is discharged from the chamber at the end opposite to which it was charged and is cooled before being exposed to the atmosphere. Gases generated during the coking process are collected and treated. All of these operations are accomplished in a closed system to prevent pollution.

Abstract: Metals are recovered from automobile shredder residue by subjecting the shredder residue to vacuum pyrolysis to produce non-condensable gases, condensable hydrocarbon vapors and water vapor, and a solid residue containing non-oxidized metals and a carbonaceous material. The vacuum pyrolysis is carried out at a temperature in the range of about 450.degree. to about 650.degree. C., under a subatmospheric pressure in the range of about 50 to about 200 mm Hg so as to thermally decompose and substantially completely vaporize organic matter adhered to the metals. At least one metal is separated from the solid residue, the metal being recovered in nonoxidized and substantially carbon-free form suitable for direct recycling.

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: An improved batch process for the pyrolytic conversion of woody and herbaceous plant material is provided which yields charcoal, on a dry weight basis, in yields ranging from about 35% to about 50%, having volatile matter content of about 25% or less, and fuel value of 13000 BTU/pound. The batch process can be conducted in two hours or less per batch with virtually instantaneous reloading for subsequent batches without substantial cooling of the reactor utilized for the process and without exposing the hot processed charcoal to air or oxygen sufficient to cause combustion upon removal from the reactor.

Abstract: The organic material (such as waste tire compound) is pyrolysed by pre-heating the organic material (without pyrolysis) in a preheat zone 9 by a hot gas stream; feeding pre-heated material directly to a microwave discharge zone 10 by means of conveyor 8; pyrolysing the pre-heated material in the microwave discharge zone to produce solid fission products containing elemental carbon and gaseous by-products; and recycling at least some of the latter to the hot gas stream which is supplied to the pre-heating zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the refinement of organic material is disclosed. Converting and processing organic material is achieved with or without organic and inorganic additions. The base material uses waste material, i.e. forest industry waste and slaughter-house waste. The method and apparatus produce a packeted end product, specifically carbon powder/granulate as full and charcoal for grilling/smoking, as well as active coal and additives for steel production.

Abstract: The organic material (such as waste tire compound) is pyrolyzed by pre-heating the organic material (without pyrolysis) in a preheat zone 9 by a hot gas stream; feeding pre-heated material directly to a microwave discharge zone 10 by means of conveyor 8; pyrolyzing the pre-heated material in the microwave discharge zone to produce solid fission products containing elemental carbon and gaseous by-products; and recycling at least some of the latter to the hot gas stream which is supplied to the pre-heating zone.

Abstract: A method of continuously carbonizing a mixture of primarily organic waste material wherein a stream of comminuted waste material with a substantial organic material content is fed to one end of a mixer barrel, the material is compressed to form a barrel filling mass functioning as a first vapor block, and the work energy required to compress it and squeeze out entrapped air is used virtually exclusively to maintain the temperature of the material adiabatically, air and any steam created are vented, the material downstream from the first vapor block is decompressed in a second vent region, the material is recompressed in the absence of air to form another vapor block, while exclusively utilizing the work energy required to compress it to maintain the temperature of the material adiabatically at volatile releasing and carbonizing temperatures, the volatiles are vented, and the product is discharged as a dry, friable particulate char.

Abstract: A process and system for low-temperature carbonization of oil shale, oil sands and similar oil-bearing solids includes low-temperature carbonization of oil-bearing solids in a high-pressure fluidized bed reactor in the presence of a substance selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and steam at temperatures substantially between 400.degree.and 600.degree. C. for producing low-temperature carbonization gas. The low-temperature carbonization gas is condensed in at least two stages for producing relatively higher boiling and relatively lower boiling oil fractions. The oil-bearing solids are peripherally mashed with the higher boiling oil fraction of the low-temperature carbonization gas, before introducing the oil-bearing solids into the high-pressure fluidized bed reactor. The oil-bearing solids mashed with the higher boiling oil fraction are returned to the high-pressure fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A method of continuously carbonizing a mixture of primarily organic waste material to a high British Thermal Unit char product wherein a stream of comminuted garbage material with a substantial organic material content is fed to one end of a mixer barrel, the material is compressed to form a barrel filling mass functioning as a first vapor block, and the work energy required to compress it and squeeze out entrapped air is used virtually exclusively to raise the temperature of the material adiabatically, air and any steam created are vented, the material downstream from the first vapor block is decompressed in a second vent region, the material is recompressed in the absence of air to form another vapor block, while exclusively utilizing the work energy required to compress it to raise the temperature of the material abiabatically to a volatile releasing temperature in the neighborhood of 400.degree. F. to 600.degree. F.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel from the pyrolysis of coal or oil shale in the presence of iron oxide in an inert gas atmosphere. The method includes the steps of pulverizing feed coal or oil shale, pulverizing iron oxide, mixing the pulverized feed and iron oxide, and heating the mixture in a gas atmosphere which is substantially inert to the mixture so as to form a product fuel, which may be gaseous, liquid and/or solid. The method of the invention reduces the swelling of coals, such as bituminous coal and the like, which are otherwise known to swell during pyrolysis.

Abstract: A flexible carbon material is produced by carbonizing a composite material comprising carbon fibers having an average length of 6 to 50 mm and a binding agent. Carbon lumps are derived from the binding agent and are dispersed in a matrix of the carbon fibers so as to restrain a plurality of the carbon fibers while yet permitting relative slippage to occur as between the carbon fibers and carbon lumps such that the carbon fiber material exhibits a flexibility ratio D/d of not greater than 200 (where D is the diameter of curvature of the carbon material, when bent, just before breakage, and d is the thickness of the carbon material). The carbon fibers and lumps are preferrably present in an amount of from 5 to 50%, and 5 to 70% by volume, respectively, based upon the total volume of the carbon material.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of used rubber tires by vacuum pyrolysis in a reactor to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and a solid carbonaceous material is disclosed. According to the invention, the pyrolysis of the tires is carried out at a temperature in the range of about 360.degree. C. to about 415.degree. C., under a sub-atmospheric pressure of less than about 35 mm Hg and such that gases and vapors produced in the reactor have a residence time of the order of a few seconds. The process according to the invention enables one to increase the yield of the liquid hydrocarbons and lower the yields of the gaseous hydrocarbons and solid carbonaceous material, and to thereby produce hydrocarbon oils in substantially maximum yield. These hydrocarbon oils have a high calorific value and are thus suitable for use as heating fuel.

Abstract: A method for low temperature carbonization of coal hydrogenation residues, wherein a coal hydrogenation residue is subjected to a reduced pressure distillation in a one-shaft or multishaft screw extruder, liberated gases and vapors are drawn off, and non-volatilized remaining material is subjected to low temperature carbonization in a screw extruder.

Abstract: A method of producing synthesis gas from coal hydrogenation residues, wherein a coal hydrogenation residue is subjected to a reduced pressure distillation in a one-shaft or multishaft worm apparatus where the gases and vapors evolved are withdrawn and the unvolatilized remaining material is re-pressurized and is then introduced into a gasification reaction.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier process and apparatus are described wherein reactant gases are first compressed into the pores of a char fuel to react and then the reacted gases are expanded out of the char fuel pores. This cycle of compression and expansion is repeated with fresh reactant gases supplied for each compression and with reacted gases removed at each expansion. Air and steam are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be gasified by oxidation. Reacted gases from such an oxidation gasifier plant are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be partially gasified by devolatilization. Rapid reaction to a rich product gas can occur over the large surface area inside the char pores and the undesireable Neumann reversion reaction is suppressed by the strongly reducing conditions prevailing therein. The gases of devolatilization gasification can be used to enrichen the gases of oxidation gasification by using two cyclic char gasifier plants in a combination system.

Abstract: In the continuous production of coke or semicoke from coal grains and/or fines an inclined air-tight rotating tubular oven is fed with coal grains and/or fines from a hopper. As the coal grains and/or fines progress down the rotating oven they are heated by a stoichiometric mixture from a burner and converted into coke or semicoke having a volatile content of from 1% to 20%. During the heating of the coal grains and/or fines the interior of the oven is maintained under a slightly elevated pressure in relation to the atmosphere. The coke or semicoke is then extracted from the oven and passed to an extinguishing device where the coke or semicoke is extinguished to prevent recombustion.

Abstract: A plurality of sole flue-heated, non-recovery coke ovens constructed in side-by-side relation in a battery have their chimney uptake outlets connected to a common combustion tunnel extending longitudinally of and above the battery and connected to stacks at spaced intervals along its length. Each oven has a bypass flue directly connecting the top of its coking chamber to the combustion tunnel, and a normally closed valve in each bypass is operable to selectively connect the coking chamber to the tunnel to permit charging gases to be drawn from the chambers to be burned in the tunnel and stack. The bypass valve is closed during coking so that the partially burned gases from the crown of the coking chambers are led through downcomers in the oven walls to the sole flues where a controlled amount of combustion air can be admitted to promote the continued burning process and provide maximum heat in the sole flues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling dustlike or fine-grained reaction residue emanating from a reactor is disclosed. According to the method reaction residue emanating from a reactor passes downwardly into a cooling shaft where it is maintained in the form of a pile of bulk material under a gas pressure of 20 to 200 bars while cooling gas passes upwardly through said cooling shaft in counter-current and is removed at the top of said cooling shaft into the reactor. The apparatus comprises means for effecting cooling of such reactor residue.

Abstract: An elongated tube is maintained at a temperature of about 1100.degree. F. throughout its length. Organic waste material such as shredded rubber automobile tires or industrial plastic waste or residential trash which preferably has metal and inorganic matter removed therefrom, is moved through the tube at a uniform rate of speed in the absence of air and/or oxygen, with the material being churned or tumbled as by means of a screw conveyor. The vapors and gases which are produced and/or liberated within the tube are quickly removed therefrom by means of a vacuum of from about four inches to about six inches of mercury, with the vapors being condensed and the gases separated therefrom. The char or residue which is a black, powdery, carbon-type material is also recovered.

Abstract: Injection of steam into the ascension pipe of each coking chamber in a coking plant is continued for a period of time after charging of that chamber so as to create a slightly sub-atmospheric pressure in the chamber during the initial stage of the coking process, in order to reduce leakage of gas and fumes to the atmosphere past the doors and filling openings. A time clock operated by the coke pusher machine or by the coal charging machine stops this injection of steam after a desired period of time.

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: The coke forms are produced in four stages, each constituted by a respective oven chamber, and in which the briquets are, respectively, preheated, dehydrated or dried, carbonized and cooled. Hot gas circuits are provided, in which the hot gas is composed substantially of burnt lean gas of the carbonization, and, for each stage, the hot gases are recirculated in a separate respective circuit. In the preheating, dehydrating and carbonization stages, the hot gases are heated and produced, or supplemented, in a respective separate combustion chamber with the recirculating hot gas in the carbonization stage being supplemented with cooled lean gas from this stage. The recirculating hot gases are dedusted separately in a dust settling chamber in which their flow velocity is reduced to approximately 0.2 to 2.0 m/sec, with the dust being collected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a continuous thermal treatment of organic carbonaceous materials under controlled pressure in which the feed material is introduced into the system in the form of a slurry, and the level of liquid is maintained at a preselected operating level, serving as a gas-tight seal. The feed material is conveyed upwardly of the liquid operating level and is thereafter introduced into a reaction chamber in which it is heated to within a controlled elevated temperature range under controlled pressure in a manner to effect vaporization of at least a portion of the volatile substances therein, forming a gaseous phase composed of condensible and noncondensible vapors.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods for converting a supply of solid, naturally occurring coal and like hydrocarbon material to a plastic-like condition solely by the application of heat, and without employing any extraneous additives, and conducting the plastic-like conditioned material to a pressurized receiver.

Abstract: This invention concerns a carbonization and desulfurization process in which elevated pressures are used so that the product gases contain sufficient hydrogen for use as a recycle stream in the carbonization and desulfurization. The elevated pressures permit product recovery systems for the gas products which utilize the elevated pressures of the carbonization and desulfurization.

Abstract: A method for continuously reacting particulate solids with gases and/or vapors at elevated pressures by feeding the particulate solids into a reaction zone under the pseudohydrostatic pressure generated by very tall fluidized columns of particulate solids, with the descent velocity of the solids and gas in the columns being greater than the ascent velocity of the gas. Fluidizing gas is preferably used at selected points in the column in order to avoid a harmful compaction of the particulate solids.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the pyrolysis of waste material such as old tyres in which cuttings of the waste material are fed to a reactor vessel and heated under sub-atmospheric pressure by an outside heat source, the decomposition products being given off mainly in the form of gases. Some of the gas is burnt to provide the heat.

Abstract: An elongated tube (preferably stainless steel) is maintained at a temperature of at least about 1000.degree. F. throughout its length. Coal or other carbonaceous feed material is moved through the tube at a uniform rate of speed in the substantial absence of air, with the feed material being constantly churned or turned as by a screw conveyor. The churning of the feed material and the diameter of the tube is such that the material is subjected to "shock" heating, whereby gases and vapors are violently released from the solid mass and are removed therefrom at a vacuum of from about two to about five inches of mercury, with said gases and vapors passing through the aforesaid churning mass. The residue is recovered and the gases and vapors are subsequently passed through conventional condensers and scrubbers to liquify the oil and separate the gases and the water.

Abstract: A closed self-contained system (method and apparatus) for efficiently extracting oil and other hydrocarbons from oil-bearing hydrocarbonaceous solid material, which may be preheated to remove water and hydrocarbons which vaporize below about 600.degree. F., is advanced in the form of discrete individual pieces along a pathway in a substantially evacuated zone (e.g., less than 50 torr) while in the presence of heat energy sufficient to raise the temperature of the shale (e.g., to 600.degree. to no more than 900.degree. F.) to cause the oil and other hydrocarbons to be liberated as a vapor in the evacuated zone. The hydrocarbonaceous solid material advances in proximity with at least one condenser surface so that oil and other hydrocarbons are condensed and recovered from the liberated vapor. The system operates at temperatures which are at all times below 900.degree. F., and generally below 700.degree. F.

Abstract: Organic and pseudo-organic materials such as waste materials, for example, are processed in a converter system and decomposed into various usable and reusable forms. Inorganic metals and salts are treated likewise in the same converter system and processed into various usable and reusable forms. While being carried by a conveyor through a controlled atmosphere treatment chamber, virtually free from combustion supporting air or other oxidizing agents, the feed material is caused to progressively thermally break down into its more basic constituents which flow out of the material treatment chamber in a continuous liquid and gaseous vapor stream. Negative pressure is applied upstream from the material treatment chamber to lead the liquid and gaseous vapor stream through successive processing stages of collection containers, condensers and gas scrubbers. The variable negative pressure is sufficient to maintain the pressure in the material treatment chamber within a range of slightly above ambient pressure.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing briquettes from brown coal includes drying brown coal, which is preferably in fine granular form. The dried brown coal is then heated at a first rate up to a temperature in a range of from about 300.degree. to about 320.degree. C. The brown coal is subsequently heated at a second rate, which is less than the first rate, to a temperature in the range of from about 350.degree. to about 400.degree. C. The brown coal is thereafter pressed into briquettes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing coal and like material, wherein the material is converted by heat into plastic-like condition and then supplied to a pressurized receiver such as a coal gasification reactor or a synthesis gas generator.

Abstract: A solid, low-sulfur, industrial fuel having a fuel value similar to bituminous coal, and a continuous process for producing the fuel from woody materials are presented. The process includes the step of initially predrying the materials if they are moist until the water content thereof is less than about 15%. The woody materials are then subjected to a limited carbonization. The materials are heated in a furnace or kiln until noticeable carbonization begins, and carbonization is permitted to continue until the fiberous structure of the materials disappears to thereby maximize production of solid fuel having a high content of volatile combustible matter. Subsequently, the solid fuel is cooled and conditioned against spontaneous combustion. The solid fuel may then be pulverized or compacted, and immediately used, stored, or transported. The process of this invention optionally may also produce a small quantity of gas having a fuel valve sufficiently high for use as burner fuel in the predryer.