Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pyrolysis machine that includes a reactor tube configured to conduct pyrolysis on plastic feedstock, wherein the reactor tube is made of a steel material. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of ceramic band heaters located in the reactor tube configured to heat the steel material of the reactor tube. The pyrolysis machine includes a plurality of resistance coils located in the ceramic heaters configured to heat the ceramic heaters. Further, the pyrolysis machine includes a temperature sensor located in the reactor tube and a controller configured to regulate the temperature of the ceramic band heaters.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pyrolysing a solid organic feed material are disclosed. Solid organic material is moved through a reaction chamber and exposed to a temperature profile within the chamber that dries and pyrolyses the organic material and releases water vapour and a volatile products gas phase. The water vapour phase and the volatile products gas phase are moved counter-current to the solid organic material so that the water vapour phase and condensable components of the volatile products gas phase condense in cooler upstream sections of the chamber and form a liquid water product and a separate liquid oil product. The liquid water product is discharged via an outlet along the length of the chamber and a dried and pyrolysed solid product is discharged from a downstream outlet in the chamber. The chamber includes a plurality of heat transfer members extending within the chamber and a supply of oxygen-containing gas for establishing and maintaining the temperature profile within the chamber.

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 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 system for refining hydrocarbon containing materials in a continuous coking mode may provide a pyrolyzer (1) which may be inclined to effect a liquid seal between a liquid conduction environment (6) and a gaseous conduction environment (7). A heat source (9) may heat the material past the coking point and the system may include a screw or auger (10) which can continuously remove the coke while simultaneously outputting refined products.

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: A blast furnace coal is produced by rapidly heating a coal blend having 10 to 30% by weight of a non-slightly-caking coal having softening initiation temperature T with the balance including a caking coal having softening initiation temperature T.sub.0 (T.sub.0 .ltoreq.T +40.degree. C.) at a rate of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.6 .degree. C./min to a temperature region from (T -60.degree. C.) to (T +10.degree. C.) wherein T represents the softening initiation temperature of the non-slightly-caking coal; or rapidly heating a non-slightly-caking coal having softening initiation temperature T and a caking coal having softening initiation temperature T.sub.1 separately at a rate of 1.times.10.sup.3 to 1.times.10.sup.6 .degree. C./min to a temperature region from (T -100.degree. C.) to (T +10.degree. C.), wherein T represents the softening initiation temperature of the non-slightly-caking coal, or a temperature region from (T.sub.1 -100.degree. C.) to (T.sub.1 +10.degree. C.), wherein T.sub.

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.

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: Pieces of coke of high density and strength are made continuously from fine particles of bituminous or subbituminous or lignite coals or of mixtures thereof. The particles are generally oxygenated, mixed with water, compressed to squeeze out some of the water to obtain single bodies which are heat processed lying on a traveling grate on which they undergo drying, pyrolyzing, carbonizing and cooling.Modifications include mixing in with the coal material(s) listed above, coke fines or char or anthracite coal; or limestone; or carbon-reducible oxides such as oxidic ores of Fe, Mn, Cr and quartzite in recited important proportions. Such formed coke bodies are useable in a submerged arc furnace or in a blast furnace or in an open hearth to produce desired intermediate or end metallic products. The pieces of coke with incorporated fine limestone burn without developing SO.sub.2.

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: The density and crush resistance of calcined coke are improved by depositing coker feedstock on green (uncalcined) coke, thereafter subjecting the coke to a heat soak and then calcining the coke.

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: The friability of green needle coke is reduced by heating the green needle coke to a temperature between about 875.degree. F. and about 1,200.degree. F. for a time sufficient to reduce the friability of the green needle coke.

Abstract: A method fo controlling fuel for a coke oven by a programmed heating method in which the fuel supply rate is changed at least once during the coal carbonization process in the coke oven, wherein the improvement comprises conducting the substantial reduction of the fuel supply rate from a large flow rate at the initial stage of the carbonization to a small flow rate inclusive of a zero rate when the coal center temperature, i.e. the temperature at the center of the coal packed in the carbonization chamber, is within a range of from 350.degree. to 700.degree. C.

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 process for the desulphurization of residuals of petroleum distillation in the form of coke particles having an initial sulphur content greater than about 5% by weight. Desulphurization is effected by means of a continuous electrothermal process based on a plurality of sequentially connected fluidized beds into which the coke particles are successively introduced. The necessary heat generation to desulphurize the coke particles is obtained by using the coke particles as an electrical resistance in each fluidized bed by providing a pair of electrodes that extend into the fluidized coke particles and passing an electrical current through the electrodes and through the fluidized coke particles. A last fluidized bed without electrodes is provided for cooling the desulphurized coke particles after the sulphur level has been reduced to less than about 1% by weight.

Abstract: Coke is produced from coal by coking the coal, and optionally by drying and/or preheating the coal prior to coking, and further optionally by dry cooling the coke subsequent to coking. At least the coking step is achieved in a pressure tight container which may be a transportable or tippable container. The coking step is performed in the container by conducting a gas through the container in direct or indirect heat exchange relationship with the coal and forming coke. The coking step includes a phase of lump coke formation achieved by heating the coal in a temperature range of between approximately 250.degree. and 600.degree. C. by indirect heat exchange only.

Abstract: Briquettes made from bituminous or sub-bituminous coal or peat are produced by grinding the coal, mixing it with a binder and compacting the mixture. They are then carbonized in a continuous process in a shaft oven. The coal may be predried and the finished briquettes may be preheated, with a subsequent drying and hardening. The carbonization is effected in two stages in an indirectly heated shaft oven, with the evolved gas being taken off about at the mid-height of the oven shaft, processed, and used for heating in the second, high-temperature stage. The flue gases from this high-temperature stage are used for heating in the first stage and for preheating. The second or high-temperature stage is followed by a cooling stage where the gases evolved in the second stage, and mainly comprising hydrogen are used and circulated. The evolved gas in excess is continuously removed from the cooling circuit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new process for the conversion of the organic components of sludge, particularly sewage sludge, to produce useful, storable, energy-containing oil products, apparatus for carrying out the process and a control process for optimization of the process temperature. The sludge preferably is mechanically dewatered to about 20-25% solids by weight and thermally dried to about 90% solids by weight. The resultant material is comminuted and heated in the apparatus of the invention to at least 250.degree. C. in a heating zone in the absence of oxygen to generate a gaseous atmophere containing volatiles; this atmosphere is then removed, scrubbed of H.sub.2 S and NH.sub.3 if required, and passed preferably in countercurrent flow in a heated reaction zone in intimate contact with the "devolatilized" sludge solids from the heating zone, again in the absence of oxygen, at a temperature of at least 280.degree. C., resulting in catalyzed vapor phase oil-producing reactions.

Abstract: Method for traveling fluidized bed distillation of coarse ground tire scrap, rubber vulcanizate (also vulcanized rubber), in a mixture with coarse aggregate. The rubber and aggregates are charges to a vertical still equipped with power burners near the bottom to burn a portion of the carbonaceous residue and supply the needed heat for the distillation process. The volatile materials and the pyrolysis oil vapors are drawn at the top for recovery and processing. Fines are recovered and the aggregate still at elevated temperatures are recycled to the top of the column and reused again with additional ground rubber. Noncondensable gases resulting from the "pyrolysis oil" condensation and recovery system contain high heating value and can be used for combustion needs in the still, or for steam generation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for direct coking of tar sands which includes contacting the tar sand with heat transfer particles resulting from combustion of coked sand effluent from the coking process, and transporting the combination up a riser/mixer to a coking vessel whereby separation of oil and hydrocarbon gases from the sand is initiated. The tar sand is introduced into a fluid coking vessel which has at least two coking zones. The first coking zone is substantially at the top of the vessel whereas the second coking zone is immediately below the first coking zone and includes a stream of hot spent sand so that a more severe coking temperature is present in the second coking zone. A product stream of oil and light hydrocarbon gases, recovered from the riser/mixer and coking process, is directed to a separator located above said coking vessel in which the heavy oil is removed and preferably directed to the second coking zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing needle coke comprising the steps of heating green needle coke at temperatures between about 935.degree. F. and about 1,100.degree. F. for between about 10 minutes and about 24 hours, cooling the coke to below about 250.degree. F., and calcining the coke at calcination temperatures above about 2,000.degree. F.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing needle coke comprising the steps of heating green needle coke at temperatures between about 875.degree. F. and about 1,200.degree. F. for between about 10 minutes and about 24 hours, and, without first allowing the temperature of the coke to cool below about 250.degree. F., calcining the green needle coke at calcination temperatures above about 2,000.degree. F.

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: An improved retort apparatus for recovering oil from crushed oil shale moved by gravity through a passageway of an elongated housing includes a control assembly connected adjacent the outlet end of the housing to control the rate of movement of the crushed oil shale through the passageway. A plurality of heat exchangers are located in the housing for transferring heat in sequence to or from the crushed oil shale. The heat exchangers are spaced to define a drying zone, a preheating zone, a hydrocarbon recovery zone, and a waste heat recovery zone. A pump recirculating circuit is provided for passing waste heat recovered from the waste heat recovery zone to the preheating zone. An auxiliary heating assembly connected to the heat exchangers in the hydrocarbon recovery zone delivers sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the crushed oil shale moving through the hydrocarbon recovery zone to the critical temperature for separating hydrocarbons in vapor form therefrom.

Abstract: The quality of coke is improved by measuring the width of a plastic zone of a given type of coal, comparing said measured zone with a predetermined zone width known to result in good quality coke, adjusting certain characteristics of said given coal prior to charging it into the coke oven to cause a change in said zone width of the coal that will ultimately result in improved coke quality. Typical adjusting steps include preheating the coal and/or the addition of coal binders, such as, various carbon and petro-based binding agents, for example, pitch.

Abstract: A process and system for continuously pyrolyzing organic feedstock produces a solid carbonaceous residue of controlled volatility, in a manner that is highly energy efficient. The value of the gaseous product and of the pyrolytic oil produced are also optimized.

Abstract: Heat treating of a material containing a carbon degradable content is carried out by segmenting the temperature range of heat treating into at least two intervals, a first one of which is able to support heat treating without blistering of the material at a first maximum rate and a second one of which is able to support heat treating without blistering at a second maximum rate different from the first rate, and the material is heated at a first rate equal to or less than the first maximum rate in the first interval and at a second rate different from the first rate and equal to or less than the second maximum rate in the second interval.

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: An apparatus and method for retorting oil shale using solar radiation. Oil shale is introduced into a first retorting chamber having a solar focus zone. There the oil shale is exposed to solar radiation and rapidly brought to a predetermined retorting temperature. Once the shale has reached this temperature, it is removed from the solar focus zone and transferred to a second retorting chamber where it is heated. In a second chamber, the oil shale is maintained at the retorting temperature, without direct exposure to solar radiation, until the retorting is complete.

Abstract: Heat processing of pulverized brown coal is carried out in two stages. In a chamber for the first-stage heating, brown coal to be processed is heated to a temperature of thermal decomposition thereof with the formation of a solid matter and a vapor and gas mixture. The resultant vapor and gas mixture is removed for purification and condensed to obtain gaseous and liquid products. In a chamber for the second-stage heating, brown coal, in the form of solid matter, is heated to cause additional decomposition thereof, which results in the formation of a solid product and a vapor and gas mixture. The resultant vapor and gas mixture, together with a part of the resultant solid product, is fed through a return conduit into the chamber for the first-stage heating of the brown coal. To develop a draught which causes the solid product particles to move along the return conduit, the latter is provided with a means for feeding a gaseous heat carrier.

Abstract: The yield of good-quality bodies consisting of vitreous carbon is increased to substantially 100% when the pyrolysis is performed in a reaction vessel in which a collecting container or a collecting disc for the condensable volatile decomposition products which is open at its upper side is arranged above the polymeric substances to be pyrolyzed. The collecting disc divides the interior of the reaction vessel into two parts, a passage for gases remaining between the upper part and the lower part. During the pyrolysis, a spatial temperature distribution is adjusted in the reaction vessel which results in a pulsating evaporation and condensation of the decomposition products, so that the decomposition products are completely removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the strength properties of partially desulfurized coke, especially petroleum coke, and in such a way that it is then suitable as raw material for electrodes, in particular anodes for the fused salt electrolytic production of aluminum by the Hall Heroult process. The process according to the invention comprises an after-treatment of the partially desulfurized coke at an elevated temperature for a duration of at least 30 minutes, as a result of which the strength of the coke increases.

Abstract: Coal is gasified, to yield a fuel gas having a medium-B.T.U. heating value, in the presence of air and steam in a plurality of reaction stages having different reaction temperatures. Reaction heat is principally supplied directly by recycle of char particles from a separate combustion zone to higher-temperature reaction zones and indirectly by combustion flue gas to lower-temperature reaction zones. Hydrogen sulfide, from product fuel gas, and flue gas are directly contacted to provide elemental sulfur. The only other product is a substantially non-combustible ash.

Abstract: Process for calcining green coke in at least three heating stages, which comprises preheating the green coke in the first stage, preliminarily calcining the coke in the second stage, cooling the coke; and calcining the coke in the third stage, volatile matter from the second stage being burned during the third stage. The product coke is suitable for preparing graphite electrodes.

Abstract: A method of producing abrasion resistant coke from brown coal briquets in a shaft furnace comprises charging the coke briquets into the top of the furnace and removing coke from the bottom of the furnace while directing inert hot combustion gases into the furnace and through the briquets at a plurality of vertically spaced levels throughout the height of the shaft furnace. Gases are directed at temperatures to effect and successively lower stages of the furnace the preheating, predrying, carbonization, and cooling of the charge.

Abstract: Abrasion-proof coke forms are produced from bituminous coal, brown coal, or peat in the form of briquets, by preheating the briquets, dehydrating or predrying them, carbonizing them and then cooling them in at least three separate stages in which the briquets are dehydrated indirectly by subjecting them to indirect temperature conditions, producing a temperature gradient in the briquets. The briquets are automatically fed into a shaft tower which includes an upper drying shaft portion made up of a plurality of stacked radiators which include tube elements for the passing of a heating fluid, such as steam, therethrough and which define vertical shaft passages through which the briquet forms are passed downwardly and into a carbonizing shaft which has separate gas channels for directing heating gases therethrough and to a heating flue and which subsequently includes a lower cooling zone through which the briquets pass and then into a discharge channel where they are delivered for classification.

Abstract: A method of generating gas and coke dust by means of rapid degasification and rapid vaporization, with simultaneous extensive desulfurization, of coal ground into dust. In a first step, one portion of coal is subjected to complete or partial vaporization. In a second step, which immediately follows the first step, another portion of coal is subjected to degasification in the same or in associated reaction chambers. In the degasification, the solid and gaseous products obtained during the vaporization which are at a higher temperature level than that of the degasification step, transfer heat directly to the coal introduced into the degasification step, thus for covering the heat required for the degasification.

Abstract: Means and method of operating a tunnel kiln in which green carbon articles are baked in the ware (article) space of a baking zone by heat produced by the combustion of fuel directed to chambers adjacent the zone. The combustion chambers are connected in fluid communication with flues extending lengthwise of the kiln, the flues having a pressure gradient that extends lengthwise of the flues. The method of the invention includes the step of changing the pressure gradient within the flues such that a pressure differential between the combustion chambers and the ware space is effected that causes products of combustion to flow into the ware space from the combustion chambers in amounts sufficient to impede and prevent the deposition of coke formations on the walls of the space without burning the carbon articles.

Abstract: Binder is added to any finely divided coal which can be made to coalesce on heating, the particles are formed into any shape desired for its end usage, and pyrolyzed under conditions carefully controlled to limit the rate of temperature rise of the shaped forms.

Abstract: A method of producing abrasion resistant coke from brown coal briquets in a shaft furnace comprises charging the coke briquets into the top of the furnace and removing coke from the bottom of the furnace while directing inert hot combustion gases into the furnace and through the briquets at a plurality of vertically spaced levels throughout the height of the shaft furnace. Gases are directed at temperatures to effect and successively lower stages of the furnace the preheating, predrying, carbonization, and cooling of the charge. Gases are collected in each of the preheating and predrying stages by the use of a tubular suction arm which extends substantially across the width of the furnace and includes a performated bottom and sidewalls which extend partly below the bottom and are provided with a saw-tooth configuration so as to withdraw the gases through the space below the bottom and through the perforations of the bottom and to effect entrainment of dust from the charge in so doing.

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: According to the invention pulverized brown coal is processed by heating brown coal in two stages. During the first stage brown coal being processed is heated by a gaseous heat carrier to a temperature at which thermal decomposition of the brown coal begins. During the second stage the brown coal being processed is heated by the gaseous heat carrier to a temperature at which an intensive thermal decomposition of the brown coal takes place. The stream of the gaseous heat carrier delivered at the second stage of heating is fed with air oxygen and with low-grade products, such as heavy tars and pyrogenic water which are sprayed into the gaseous heat carrier.

Abstract: A process for pyrolysis of coal wherein the subdivided coal is preheated, pyrolyzed, and subjected to heat recovery after pyrolysis, heat transfer being effected by contacting the subdivided coal as a dilute-phase fluidized bed in the first stage of dual preheating zones with a first particulate heat carrier, with a second particulate heat carrier in a dense-phase fluidized bed in the second preheating stage, followed by pyrolysis in a dense-phase fluidized bed pyrolysis zone. The separate particulate heat carriers are employed in such manner that one mass of heat carrier is utilized for preheating the subdivided coal in the first stage and heat recovery, and a second mass of heat carrier is utilized for pyrolysis of the coal and the second stage preheating.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for converting a substance containing organic matter into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue by feeding the substance into the upstream portion of a substantially cylindrical retort having a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis, substantially conveying the substance through the retort toward the downstream portion thereof, heating the retort by means of a fluidized bed of heated particles to a sufficient temperature to convert the substance into hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue and removing the hydrocarbon vapors and solids residue from the retort.

Abstract: Low sulfur calcined coke is produced from high sulfur raw coke without substantially lowering its bulk density by heating the coke at a first temperature such that no more than about 70 wt.% of the volatile matter is removed therefrom and then heating the partially devolatilized coke at a higher temperature sufficient to effect calcination and desulfurization.

Abstract: A process for producing calcined coke agglomerates characterized by having a low reactivity to carbon dioxide. The process includes calcining green coal agglomerates at a temperature within the range of 1700.degree. F. to 1950.degree. F. (927.degree. C. to 1066.degree. C.) in a calciner. The agglomerates are exposed to a gaseous atmosphere which before cracking contains not less than 20% by volume of at least one straight chain aliphatic hydrocarbon gas containing one to four carbon atoms. The gaseous atmosphere is preheated to a temperature within the range of 200.degree. F. to 700.degree. F.(93.degree. C. to 371.degree. C.) prior to being introduced into the calciner. Carbon produced when the hydrocarbon gas is cracked, is deposited as vitreous carbon on the surfaces, in the fissures and in the pores of the agglomerates. The calcined coke aggglomerates discharged from the calciner have a reactivity to carbon dioxide of between 2% to 8%.

Abstract: A carbonaceous residue or char having novel properties is produced from particulate agricultural waste material, such as peanut shells, which upon heating exhibits an exothermic decomposition into an off gas component and a solid component in which the off gas component is more highly reactive to oxygen than is the solid component. By introducing air into the reaction zone whereat the decomposition is effected and controlling the amount of air so introduced such that not all of the off gas component may be oxidized, the preferential reaction of the air with the off gas component will protect the solid component from any significant oxidation while at the same time it will elevate the temperature in the reaction zone sufficiently to effect substantially complete decomposition of the material so that the recovered product is of very high carbon content. At the same time, a temperature gradient is established in the reaction zone which will allow some of the vapor component of the decomposition (i.e.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material with high characteristics of surface area and activity is produced in a continuous process by heating and drying ground pit coal at 200 to 300.degree. C. for 15 to 120 minutes in air, and then heating in two further stages in fluidized bed reactors. The first of these further stages is 400 to 600.degree. C. for 10 to 60 minutes while the second is 800 to 1100.degree. C. for 10 to 60 minutes. Tar is condensed from the offgases of the first further stage and the residual gas is divided and 10 to 95% recycled to the first further stage. Similarly, 10 to 95% of the off-gases from the second further stage are recycled.