Abstract: A burner for a metal-melting furnace can releasably receive a tapered plug in sealing engagement with an access passage aligned with an air passage. The burner may be configured to extend through a wall of the metal-melting furnace so that the air passage is through a front face within the furnace and so that the access passage is through a rear face outside of the furnace. The access passage may be aligned with the air passage to permit a rigid structure to be passed through the burner from outside the furnace to dislodge build-up of solidified metal from the air passage. The tapered plug may be moveable between a sealing configuration of being received in a seat to seal the access passage during burner operation and a cleaning configuration of being removed from the seat to expose the access passage for insertion of the rigid structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for producing a gas from a combustible material. In particular, disclosed are methods and systems for batch-type production of a gas from a combustible material. The methods and systems include igniting at least a portion of the combustible material loaded in the sealed containment structure to form a thermally affected layer, wherein the step of feeding the oxidant into the sealed containment structure is carried out so that conversion of the combustible material to a gas at one point in the sequence is initiated prior to complete conversion of the combustible material at a previous point in the sequence.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting particles within a fluid, the sensor system comprising: i) a gauge body having a working surface for receiving a particle containing fluid; ii) an impactor spaced apart from the working surface of the gauge body defining a spacing between the impactor and the working surface of the gauge body through which particle containing fluid can pass, wherein the sensor system is configured such that as the particle containing fluid passes through the spacing between the impactor and the working surface of the gauge body, particles disposed over the working surface are impacted by the impactor generating a signal which is dependent on one or both of the size and concentration of particles in the fluid; and iii) a sensor configured to detect the signal generated by the particles impacting the impactor and provide an output signal.

Abstract: A process for the controlled gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock includes pyrolizing the feedstock by conveying the feedstock through a retort surrounded by a plurality of successive heating chambers each comprising an axially adjustable chamber separation wall and each operated at a predetermined temperature, wherein a predetermined dwell time of the feedstock in each of the plurality of successive heating chambers is controlled by a conveyance rate of the feedstock through the retort and a position of each of the axially adjustable chamber separation walls to produce a gas product and a solid product. The gas product includes methane and noxious chemicals and the solid product includes carbon, and the pyrolizing step is controlled using feedback related to constituents of the gas product.

Abstract: A coke plant includes multiple coke ovens where each coke oven is adapted to produce exhaust gases, a common tunnel fluidly connected to the plurality of coke ovens and configured to receive the exhaust gases from each of the coke ovens, multiple standard heat recovery steam generators fluidly connected to the common tunnel where the ratio of coke ovens to standard heat recovery steam generators is at least 20:1, and a redundant heat recovery steam generator fluidly connected to the common tunnel where any one of the plurality of standard heat recovery steam generators and the redundant heat recovery steam generator is adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the plurality of ovens and extract heat from the exhaust gases and where the standard heat recovery steam generators and the redundant heat recovery steam generator are all connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and a method for feeding primary combustion air for the combustion of coke oven gas into a coking chamber of a coke oven of the non-recovery or heat recovery type, the coke oven is provided with openings in the oven chamber through which the oven chamber can be charged with primary air, and heating flues in the oven chamber sole with openings through which the heating flues can be charged with secondary air, and downcomer-channels which allow for guiding partially burned gas for combustion with secondary air from the oven chamber into the heating flues, wherein in the oven wall above the door or in the upper door area there are one or more non-controlled openings comprised of a heat-proof material through which part of the primary air can be guided, and in the top area of the oven there are further controllable air feeder ducts conducting primary air through the oven top.

Abstract: A improved solar biochar reactor, system including the reactor, and methods of forming and using the reactors and systems are disclosed. The methods and system as described herein provide sufficient solar energy to a biochar reactor to convert animal waste or other biomass to biochar in a relatively cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.

Abstract: Biomass based feeds are processed under hydrothermal treatment conditions, e.g., to produce a hydrocarbon liquid product and a solids portion. The hydrothermal treatment can be performed in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst particles that can optionally include a catalyst metal or metal salt. The presence of the heterogeneous catalyst can modify the nature of the hydrocarbon products produced from the hydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: A processing vessel is loaded with a feedstock including organic material and at least one additive which is non-inert to the organic material. A bottom portion of the feedstock is heated to a pyrolytic state for producing a horizontal thermal layer within the feedstock which thermally decomposes organic material into carbon as the non-inert additive reacts with the organic material. Vapor is directed downwardly through the feedstock while discharging volatile organic compounds from a lower portion of the chamber. Prior to complete thermal decomposition of the feedstock, the direction of vapor flow within the feedstock is reversed wherein the vapor flows upwardly through the feedstock while the volatile compounds are discharged from an upper portion of the chamber. Pressure and vapor flow within the chamber are regulated during upward vapor flow to regulate vertical movement of the thermal layer within the feedstock for controlling the extent of thermal decomposition of the feedstock.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide emissions during recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating, the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Additionally, during heating, any carbon dioxide that is produced can be sequestered. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.

Abstract: In one aspect, the inventive process comprises a process for pyrolyzing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing nonvolatiles in a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system. The inventive process comprises: (a) heating the nonvolatile-containing hydrocarbon feedstock upstream of a regenerative pyrolysis reactor system to a temperature sufficient to form a vapor phase that is essentially free of nonvolatiles and a liquid phase containing the nonvolatiles; (b) separating said vapor phase from said liquid phase; (c) feeding the separated vapor phase to the pyrolysis reactor system; and (d) converting the separated vapor phase in said pyrolysis reactor system to form a pyrolysis product.

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: A device for feeding primary combustion air or a gas into an oven for the carbonization of coal is provided. The device has nozzle-shaped openings the inlet ports of which are made of a refractory material. These openings are situated above the door area or in the upper door area of the coke oven and having no adjusting devices for the air or gas flow. Part of the primary air or of a gas is passed through these openings. In the top area of the oven additional openings into the oven are provided through which another part of primary air or of a gas is passed and which are equipped with controlling units comprised of a folding mechanism or a helical spindle or a cone lock and connected to a mechanical actuator element. These openings in the oven top area are configured as pipes which pass through the top wall, the pipes being configured, for example, as U-pipes or as a siphon to provide protection from outer influences.

Abstract: Described is a thermal decomposition treatment system and method of using the thermal decomposition treatment system wherein flammable waste is inputted into a trash burner which is shielded from air or gas and the waste is thermally decomposed and carbonized. The thermal decomposition treatment chamber includes a plurality of heating tubes wherein the flammable waste is inputted into the chambers while hot air is passed through the heating tubes which indirectly heats the flammable waste in an anaerobic environment the resulting gases are purified, recovered and reused.

Abstract: Wastes mainly containing any one or two or more of raw garbage, waste lumber, paper diapers, waste plastics, and organic sludge discharged from the food industry, common houses, etc. are exposed to high-temperature steam of 510 to 900° C. in an oxygen-free state, preferably while being stirred, to be carbonized. Thereby, the amount of wastes is reduced safely and efficiently with no fear of generating harmful substances such as dioxin, and moreover the carbonized wastes can be reused effectively for applications to fuel or the like.

Abstract: In the method for thermal biomass processing, comprising charging the material in a converter, pyrolyzing said material at a temperature ranging between 650 and 950° C. in the medium of a reducing gas, feeding of steam after the pyrolysis reaction has been completed, and isolating the resultant solid residue, reducing gas is prepared by combusting a hydrocarbon fuel at an air consumption factor &agr; ranging from 0.85 to 1.1, and by mixing the resultant combustion products together with the biomass pyrolysis gases, the ratio between said gases and said combustion products being (1-3):1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of shaped activated carbon by steam activation in an continuously operating rotary tunnel kiln, by continuously drying spherically preformed raw materials in a rotary tunnel dryer with 6-fold product turnover per kiln rotation, with a product temperature of from 250 to 300° C. in the 50 to 80% kiln length range and a residence time of from 30 to 6O minutes by means of a hot gas in countercurrent, then, in an indirectly heated rotary tunnel kiln, which is subdivided into a carbonising zone and activating zone, continuously carbonising the material with 8-fold product turnover per kiln rotation and with a product temperature profile in the carbonising zone of from 850 to 900° C. and a residence time of from 120 to 180 minutes, and activating the material with a product temperature profile in the activating zone of from 910 to 920° C. and a residence time of from 480 to 720 minutes with the addition of steam in an inert-gas flow.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a formed activated coke for simultaneous desulfurization and denitrification, which includes passing a ground coal through a tubular or cylindrical carbonization retort by using a hot gas stream, to subject the coal to preliminary carbonization to obtain a semi-coke, adding a caking agent to the semi-coke and forming the mixture, subjecting the formed material to carbonization to obtain a formed coke, and transferring the formed coke from the top to the bottom of a vertical multi-tubular retort of indirect heating and cooling (cooling is optional) type that includes a distribution section, a heating section, an activation section and a cooling section (the distribution section and the cooling section are optional) arranged in this order (the distribution section is at the top), to activate the formed coke.

Abstract: A continuously operable combustion-type retort apparatus includes an insulated retort. A preheater is preferably associated with the retort for preheating incoming material, and means are preferably provided for injecting acetic acid and steam into the incoming material. Heat is supplied from a combustion zone arranged near the bottom of the retort, wherein means are provided for combusting spent shale to provide the heat necessary for retorting. Means for injecting acetic acid and water are arranged above the combustion zone for preventing the combustion from spreading into the material being retorted. The invention also comprises a method of retorting to produce a very high quality oil from shale and having a 7:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen, along with the production of valuable nitrogen related chemicals, activated lignin and cement.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are described for removing contaminants from soil or other substrate materials. A hot pressurized liquid is continuously supplied to a volume of soil or other material contained in a processing vessel. The hot pressurized liquid may be steam, which vaporizes a fraction of the contaminant which is then released through a vapor filter to prevent atmospheric cross-pollution. The remaining contaminant is removed as either a liquid phase or a solid solution phase along with the steam driver. The waste stream and stream driver condense in a collector and are removed from the system. The driver may be recovered for reuse or may be discarded along with the waste stream. The processor may also be used to remove various types of contaminants ranging from light hydrocarbons, chlorinated, solvents, and water soluble organics to heavy oils, paints, heavy metals, and radionucleides.

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 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: Entrained pyrolysis of lignocellulosic material proceeds from a controlled pyrolysis-initiating temperature to completion of an oxygen free environment at atmospheric pressure and controlled residence time to provide a high yield recovery of pyrolysis oil together with char and non-condensable, combustible gases. The residence time is a function of gas flow rate and the initiating temperature is likewise a function of the gas flow rate, varying therewith. A controlled initiating temperature range of about 400.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. with corresponding gas flow rates to maximize oil yield is disclosed.

Abstract: Increased yields of liquid hydrocarbon are obtained from a carbonaceous material (e.g., coal) by a two-stage process comprising pretreatment of the carbonaceous material with an appropriate gas in a first stage, followed by pyrolysis of the pretreated carbonaceous material, in a second stage.

Abstract: Active form coke is made from coal by passing the coal granulate downwardly through a preheating and pyrolysis zone, a heating zone, an aftertreatment zone and a cooling zone by moving respective grate bars of grates in each zone so that a bed of granules on one grate trickles uniformly onto the next lower grate. In the preheating, heating and aftertreatment zone CO.sub.2 or steam are passed through the beds by laterally introducing the gas at one side and withdrawing the gas on the opposite side of a respective bed.

Abstract: Untreated coal is activated with steam at temperatures of 600.degree. to 950.degree. C. in a vibrating fluid bed, which is directly heated. The untreated coal is pre-dried by counter-current passage of the waste gases from the reaction either during feeding of the untreated coal or in the first part of the vibrating fluid bed trough. During the activation, secondary air can be passed in through a sparge pipe which is arranged parallel to the vibrating fluid bed trough. It is possible to carry out the heating exclusively with the supply of secondary air.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a methane-enriched gas wherein a hydrogen-deficient carbonaceous material is treated with a hydrogen-containing pyrolysis gas at an elevated temperature and pressure to produce a product gas mixture including methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The improvement comprises passing the product gas mixture sequentially through a water-gas shift reaction zone and a gas separation zone to provide separate gas streams of methane and of a recycle gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane for recycle to the process. A controlled amount of steam also is provided which when combined with the recycle gas provides a pyrolysis gas for treatment of additional hydrogen-deficient carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A tilted, fixed kiln with rotory steam gasifier having a fixed elongated, pressurizable kiln body member with an input end and an output end and with the center axis supported at an angle to the horizontal so as to bring into effect gravitational forces acting on high moisture content biomass material fed into the input end and travelling through the kiln to the output end and having in the kiln body an axially extending rotor and a motor, radially spaced-apart scoop-like blade elements extending along the axial length of the kiln for tumbling the material, means for increasing the temperature from its input to its output end, spaced-apart blades and chains disposed in the rotor kiln cavities for stirring the biomass material as it travels through the kiln to prevent agglomeration, a plurality of parallel, axially extending hot gas counter-flow feedback pipes arranged around the kiln body and along the backsides of the scoop-like blade elements, a metering auger mounted vertically to the input end of the kiln

Abstract: Coal and residual oil are simultaneously processed in a reactor with a combustion zone at the bottom and a fluidized bed on top of it. The residual oil is injected into heat exchange relationship with the top of the fluidized bed where it is cracked with heat generated by the combustion.

Abstract: Coking of residual oil and devolatization/partial gasification and desulfurization of solid particulate fuel are carried out in a single reactor. The particulate fuel is burned in a combustion zone in the bottom of the reactor. A bed of particulate fuel is fluidized above the combustion zone with gases rising from the combustion zone. The fluidized bed is maintained at a temperature which cokes the residual oil and volatizes the particulate fuel. A high temperature, low velocity zone is maintained between the combustion zone and the fluidized bed for calcination and desulfurization of the solid fuel.

Abstract: A process for extracting hydrocarbons from oil shale comprising the steps of subjecting oil shale under superatmospheric pressure in the presence of hydrogen and steam, to low temperature hydrogenating distillation; separating the resulting fluid distillation mixture into liquid and gaseous products; and returning water and hydrogen separated from the fluid distillation mixture to the low temperature distillation; in which:heat is drawn-off from the hot oil shale, after treatment in a low temperature hydrogenating distillation reactor, by the shale being sprayed wtih water whereby saturated steam is produced in decreasing pressure stages;the saturated steam of the pressure stages and water extracted during product separation are fed into the individual stages of a multi-stage compressor driven by a gas turbine, and are then delivered via a steam supply line to the reactor;the gas turbine is fuelled by supplying separated-off gaseous distillation products thereto; andthe exhaust gases of the gas turbine are fe

Abstract: Materials which become carbonized at high temperatures, such as wood, cellulose, household refuse, used tires, plastics, tar sand, oil shale, and the like, are subjected to thermal treatment, i.e., pyrolysis or gasification, in an electric shaft furnace having top and bottom electrodes. The material is charged into the furnace at the top and continuously moved downward through the furnace so slowly that as a result of heat transfer from the hotter parts of the furnace, it is carbonized to an extent which renders it electrically conductive by the time it comes in contact with those parts of the electrodes by means of which electric current is conducted through the material. The material charged at the top of the furnace can be caused to move downward by withdrawing suitable amounts of solid material from the bottom of the furnace, for example, or by gasifying the material with steam.

Abstract: An improved method for generating gas from coal including caking and high sulfur coals, in a completely enclosed system wherein no oxygen or air is used to burn a portion of the coal and/or char to produce heat for the reaction. The heat for the reaction of the instant invention is produced by electric induction coils surrounding a vertical retort which possesses a plurality of compartments or cells whose walls are heated by induction. Energy requirement is reduced by pressurizing and methanating within the compartments in order to benefit from exothermic reaction of the methane formation. The coal charged is heated by said walls so that the coal is converted from coal to coke or char by driving the volatiles from the coal in a controlled and efficient manner. The char is further kept hot by the same heated walls of said compartments and also by direct induction to make possible the generation of gas, mainly CO and H.sub.2 by reacting steam with said hot char.

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

Abstract: The production of hydrogenated tar and distillates from coal which is passed through successive condensing, hydrogenation, desulfurization and cooling zones of a dense bed while a flue gas is discharged into the lower portion of the desulfurization zone in admixture with steam and hydrogen for countercurrent flow contact with the coal and coke solids. The gases evolved from the desulfurization zone are passed into countercurrent contact with the coal in the preceding hydrogenation zone where the high boiling coal tar fractions evolved from the coal are hydrogenated and pyrolyzed. The total effluent from the hydrogenation zone is then passed into countercurrent contact with the coal in the condensing zone, preheating the coal by direct contact and initiating the pyrolysis of the coal. The preferred method is practiced in a vertical kiln through which the coal is passed as a dense, compact gravitating bed of solids.

Abstract: The production of oil by retorting shale and other hydrocarbonaceous and lignocellulosic solid materials is facilitated by retorting in the presence of steam and acetic acid.

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 process of gasifying fine-grained solid fuels for the production of a product gas that contains hydrogen, carbon oxides and methane comprises a treatment with steam, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in two interconnected gasifying stages under a pressure in the range from 2 to 150 bars and at temperatures of 500.degree. to 1500.degree. C. In the first gasifying stage, the fuel is gasified in a circulating fluidized bed by a treatment with gasifying stage. The residual solids which become available in the first gasifying stage are fed to the second gasifying stage and are virtually completely gasified therein, except for residual ash, by a treatment with a gasifying agent which includes oxygen. At least one-half of the product gas from the second gasifying stage is fed to the first gasifying stage and used as fluidizing fluid therein.

Abstract: A process for carbonizing and then activating carbonaceous materials in a continuous process as performed by an apparatus consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined rotary retort into the higher end of which the material is deposited and from the lower end of which the product is removed, the material moving therethrough in the form of a tumbling bed, a system for introducing air in independently regulatable amounts into each of a series of longitudinally spaced zones of the retort, except a final zone closest to its lower end, in such a manner that contact of the air with the material bed is delayed for a substantial time after the air enters the retort, and a system for introducing superheated steam into the final retort zone as an oxidizing agent in such a manner as to immediately engage and thoroughly intermix with the material bed. Provision is also made for introducing air, rather than steam, into the final retort zone, in the event carbonization, but not activation, may be desired.

Abstract: Carbonaceous material such as petroleum coke is calcined in the upper part of an air-injected vertical shaft kiln, and steam injected into the lower part of the kiln reacts with hot coke below the combustion zone to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A product gas stream rich in hydrogen and low in nitrogen is withdrawn from a level below the combustion zone in the kiln. High sulfur coke can be desulfurized in the process by maintaining the temperature in the calcining zone above 1400.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuously operable retort-type processing system for the recovery of petroleum-like products from comminuted oil-bearing shale and other oil-yielding particulate solid materials. The retort portion of the system includes an insulated retort outer shell for a wall jacket-type heat exchanger. Disposed within the retort, all driven from a common axially disposed motor-driven shaft, are a plurality of stirring fingers, wall scrapers and discharge shovels, the latter for use in discharge of spent solid material from the retort. The system envisions burning gases from the process to provide a fluid heat exchange medium as a source of the heat required for the process. The system further includes means for the admixture of steam and acetic acid with the starting particulate materials prior to its introduction into the retort.

Abstract: In the fluidized carbonization and calcination of coal to form a reactive coal calcinate for admixture with bituminous binder for briquetting, curing, and coking to produce form coke, the improvement of recovering medium BTU gases in the overheads by using as the fluidizing medium oxygen diluted with steam or carbon dioxide and removing the steam or carbon dioxide from the overheads.

Abstract: An apparatus for carbonizing and then activating carbonaceous materials in a continuous process consisting of an elongated, slightly inclined rotary retort into the higher end of which the material is deposited and from the lower end of which the product is removed, the material moving therethrough in the form of a tumbling bed, a system for introducing air in independently regulatable amounts into each of a series of longitudinally spaces zones of the retort, except a final zone closest to its lower end, in such a manner that contact of the air with the material bed is delayed for a substantial time after the air enters the retort, and a system for introducing superheated steam into the final retort zone in such a manner as to immediately engage and thoroughly intermix with the material bed. Provision is also made for introducing air, rather than steam, into the final retort zone, in the event carbonization, but not activation, may be desired.

Abstract: An integrated fluid coking and gasification process is provided in which a solid cracking catalyst is added to the coker chargestock and in which a partially gasified coke matrix comprising the cracking catalyst is recycled to the coker vapor phase product.

Abstract: At least a portion of coke produced in a hearth-type furnace is fed into an activation reactor, and at least a portion of the waste gas from the hearth-type furnace is fed to the activation reactor to act as a heating gas and/or an activation gas for the coke feed. Hot waste gas from the activation reactor is passed to a waste-heat boiler. Active coke which has at least partially lost its adsorption capacity may be fed into the furnace in mixture with the coal or alone, or it may be fed directly into the activation reactor for re-activation of the coke.

Abstract: A single-pass, continuous process converts organic feedstocks into activated carbonaceous products having high surface area values. The introduction of air and steam into the bed of material at selected locations, and at controlled rates, enables the economic, dependable and convenient production of such products, while maximizing the efficiency of energy utilization.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing fuel gas from lignocellulose material such as wood. Wood is converted to fuel gas in a descending bed reactor which encloses a descending bed of wood material. Gas produced in the reactor travels upwardly through and thence out from the top of the descending bed, with a portion of the gas being recirculated and introduced as reflow gas, together with air, to a combustion zone established at the base of the descending bed.

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.