Abstract: A film-type vaporizer in a vaporization enclosure, for example the upper column of a double air-distillation column, is associated with a measurement and analysis box where a polished surface and a spillway reconstruct the flow of liquid in the vaporizer in order to check for the absence of the deposition of impurities in the liquid that is to be evaporated. If deposition occurs, the impurities involved are quantified and analyzed and appropriate action taken on the settings of the machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a practical and efficient method and apparatus for thermally processing organic based raw materials of either primary or secondary (recycled) origin, in order to extract volatile organic vapors and to selectively produce either condensable hydrocarbon gases or, more preferably, non-condensable synthesis gases that are rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide for use as a raw material in chemical processes, or as a fuel. In particular, the invention provides a single rotary reactor having two contiguous hearth reaction areas, i.e., a drying and volatizing area and a reformation area, the areas being separated from each other by a bed-retaining refractory weir. The weir has an aperture for fluidly connecting the two hearth reaction areas of the single reactor.

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

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting the carryover of foam in a delayed coker unit processing hydrocarbon liquids are disclosed. A non-silicone defoamer compound is added to the hydrocarbon until the foam height surpasses a predetermined value. A silicone defoamer compound is then added to the hydrocarbon to knock down the foam head and inhibit carryover of the foam.

Abstract: Used batteries and other material for reclamation and recovery or environmentally safe disposal are transferred from a feed bin by an auger into a crusher and then into a pyrolysis chamber. The feed system excludes air or oxygen from passing through the auger and crusher into the pyrolysis chamber. The material from the crusher is transferred by an auger through the pyrolysis chamber which is heated to a decomposition temperature between 350.degree. and 650.degree. F. and is decomposed. The pyrolysis chamber includes a vapor recovery system for removing the vapors and maintaining a vacuum in the pyrolysis chamber. The vapors are withdrawn through a heat exchanger and into the liquid/gas separator where the condensed liquids are removed and the gas is further processed. The residue from the pyrolysis chamber is discharged into a residue recovery system which includes a closed auger for transferring the residue from the pyrolysis chamber into a bin.

Abstract: A thermal decomposition apparatus for plastics wherein plastics are melted and thermally decomposed, and the resulting decomposition gas is cooled for condensation and recovered in the form of a thermal decomposition oil. The apparatus comprises a thermal decomposition reactor for melting and thermally decomposing the plastics therein, an extraneous matter discharge duct having one end opened in a melt of plastics within the reactor, an extraneous matter collecting container connected to the other end of the discharge duct, and an aspirator for aspirating extraneous matter within the reactor together with the melt through the discharge duct into the container.

Abstract: Heating of polyvinyl chloride, in particular plasticizer-containing polyvinyl chloride, to a temperature of from 250.degree. to 500.degree. C. in the absence of oxygen gives a low-chlorine, carbon-containing residue, plasticizer and hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: A method of handling, as bulk material, a substance which is one member of a class of multi-component substances includes subjecting successive test samples of the substance to a series of measurements which provide multiple data points which are influenced by at least one selected parameter and from which are determined the factor loadings for the respective test sample of each of multiple pre-determined abstract factors. Pre-determined regression coefficients are utilized to calculate from the factor loadings a predicted value for the selected parameter for the respective test sample. The predicted value is compared with one or more related set points, and the constitution and/or disposition of the substance is controlled in response to the outcome of the successive comparisons.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for beneficiating and dewatering high water content carbonaceous materials utilizing a pneumatic stream to entrain, transport, dewater and to carbonize organic carbonaceous material in a fluidized bed. The process utilizes physical separation for principal removal of moisture and reduces contact between organic carbonaceous matter and hot process water, thereby retaining a high organic content in the product fuel. The organic carbonaceous materials are chemically beneficiated during carbonization in a fluidized bed contactor. Heat exchange and heat recovery procedures provide an economical, energy efficient process.

Abstract: A fluidized bed charcoal particle production system, including apparatus and method, wherein pieces of combustible waste, such as sawdust, fragments of wood, etc., are continuously disposed within a fluidized bed of a pyrolytic vessel. Preferably, the fluidized bed is caused to reach operating temperatures by use of an external pre-heater. The fluidized bed is situated above an air delivery system at the bottom of the vessel, which supports pyrolysis within the fluidized bed. Charcoal particles are thus formed within the bed from the combustible waste and are lifted from the bed and placed in suspension above the bed by forced air passing upwardly through the bed. The suspended charcoal particles and the gaseous medium in which the particles are suspended are displaced from the vessel into a cyclone mechanism where the charcoal particles are separated. The separated charcoal particles are quenched with water to terminate all further charcoal oxidation.

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: A method and a system for disposing of the pyrolysis gas generated in a pyrolyzing system to refine the same are presented in which an absorbing agent for eliminating harmful gas is introduced into a thermal reactor in such an amount that a large percent of such agent is unreacted but it is efficiently recovered together with char from the pyrolysis gas and also these recovered materials are utilized to remove oil and tar from water used in cleaning the pyrolysis gas, the recovered solid particles of the char and unreacted absorbing agent and the oil and tar separated from the cleaning water being recirculated in the pyrolyzing system.

Abstract: A method of pyrolyzing and desulfurizing coal in a transport reactor to recover volatile fuel values and hydrogen by heating particulate coal entrained in a carrier gas substantially free of oxygen to a pyrolysis temperature in a zone within three seconds.

Abstract: A pyrolysis process and system produces a solid residue and a clean, enriched fuel gas. In the process, the pyrolytic oil and filter cake are recycled in such a manner as to produce products of optimal value, and to minimize the need for servicing and downtime of the system. Recycling of water recovered in the process may also be employed to achieve enrichment of the gaseous product. The process may be carried out in such a manner as to produce a non-polluting wastewater stream that can be discharged directly from the system.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a pulverized solid fuel by heat, which comprises the steps of drying said fuel and subjecting the latter to two-stage pyrolysis with the resulting formation of vapor, gaseous products and small coke. According to the invention, at least a part of the small coke is additionally heated to a temperature of 800.degree. to 1500.degree. C. by combustion gas and/or by partial burning of the small coke, whereafter the heated small coke is separated from the combustion gas, fed to the first stage of pyrolysis and for drying the fuel. The heated small coke is gasified by steam. The resultant gasification products are separated from the small coke which is then fed as the heat carrier to the first stage of pyrolysis.

Abstract: Pollutant-containing gases which are generated in a steel-making and/or coking plant are mixed with fresh air in at least one stream and passed through an incandescent bed of minerals, e.g. the sintering cake of an ore-sintering furnace. The resulting gases are then subjected to gas cleaning in at least one filtering or washing station.

Abstract: A device for separating gases and solids, particularly coal dust, during the carbonization of coal, particularly predried and preheated fine coal in coke ovens arranged in a battery which includes a standpipe extending upwardly from the top of the battery having a bend extending from the top of the standpipe downwardly into a collecting main, comprises, a vertically extending standpipe which extends upwardly from the top of the battery and has a bend at the top thereof extending outwardly and downwardly from the top and which includes a longitudinally extending collecting main connected into the lower end of the bend with a solids discharge line overlying the bend and extending substantially parallel to the collecting main. The solids matter discharge line includes a connection extending downwardly into the bend. Means are provided for spraying a liquid into the bend over the collecting line and the solids matter discharge line includes a shutoff control in the connection to the bend.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of liquid hydrocarbons from a solid carbonaceous material by pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material in the presence of a particulate source of heat, particulate contamination of the liquid hydrocarbons is minimized. This is accomplished by removing fines from the solid carbonaceous material feed stream before pyrolysis, removing fines from the particulate source of heat before combining it with the carbonaceous material to effect pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material, and providing a coarse fraction of reduced fines content of the carbon containing solid residue resulting from the pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material before oxidizing carbon in the carbon containing solid residue to form the particulate source of heat.

Abstract: Coal or other carbonaceous material is gasified by reaction with steam and oxygen in a manner to minimize the problems of effluent water stream disposal. The condensate water from the product gas is recycled to slurry the coal feed and the amount of additional water or steam added for cooling or heating is minimized and preferably kept to a level of about that required to react with the carbonaceous material in the gasification reaction. The gasification is performed in a pressurized fluidized bed with the coal fed in a water slurry and preheated or vaporized by indirect heat exchange contact with product gas and recycled steam. The carbonaceous material is conveyed in a gas-solid mixture from bottom to top of the pressurized fluidized bed gasifier with the solids removed from the product gas and recycled steam in a supported moving bed filter of the resulting carbonaceous char. Steam is condensed from the product gas and the condensate recycled to form a slurry with the feed coal carbonaceous particles.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source fed over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue.

Abstract: A method of producing blast furnace coke from bituminous coals, particularly coals having poor coking capacities in which the coal to be carbonized is ground, predried or preheated, mixed with binders, compressed or formed into briquets having small mechanical resistances and charged into oven chambers, is characterized by fine coals or fine coal mixtures having a swelling index in mixture according to DIN 51741, smaller than 7, and preferably, below 6, and comprising more than 50% of poorly or non-baking coal having a content of volatile matter in excess of 30% or less than 20% which coals or coal mixtures are ground up to attain asurface per unit mass, according to DIN 66145, of from 400 cm.sup.2 to 1200 cm.sup.2 per gram, and with from 3% to 8% by weight of organic binders, compressing the mixture to form it into a briquet at a temperature range of from 70.degree. C. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing ethylene from lignite and subbituminous coal by chemical condition and temperature control using cellulosic material within the treated mass or added thereto whereby ethylene gas is evolved from such carbonacous feed and recovered with other products.

Abstract: Method of keeping sprinkling water used for sprinkling in the uptakes of coke ovens in a clean condition, comprises directing the sprinkling water condensate which is collected after circulation in the uptakes, and which includes tar, tar oils, hydrocarbons and ammonia, into a separator to separate a clean sprinkling liquid therefrom, and returning this liquid to the flue and also directing a tar which is free of solids into the flue with the sprinkling liquid, at least during an initial period of operation of the coking oven.

Abstract: A process for the facile isolation of distillation by-products of coking operations, which include dusts and tars, comprising cooling said distillation by-products with ammoniacal waters and adjusting the dust:tar ratio between 1.3 and 1.6, thereby allowing separation of substantially clarified ammoniacal waters and a substantially solid product of said tars and dusts.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus and methods for recovery of coal fines and for recycling thereof incidental to a self-contained system for charging preheated coal into coke ovens. The apparatus enables a system for charging preheated coal into coke ovens to meet pollution control regulations. The apparatus comprises four circulating streams of liquid for carrying coal fines in a slurry, namely, the charge main liquor circuit, the excess recycle gas scrubber circuit, the charge line condenser circuit and the charge bin vent condenser circuit. The -28 mesh coal with the liquor from the various circuits goes to a clarifier or thickener. Floating fines from top and settled fines from the bottom of the thickener are pumped via a fines tank to filters from which the solid or coagulated fines are restored to the wet coal feed to the heaters.

Abstract: A process for making low sulfur oil by reacting aqueous reactive sludges and slurries with hot, pressurized carbon monoxide and hydrogen (synthesis gas) wherein the wastes are first concentrated by coking in the liquid phase under a pressure of 300 to 3000 psig at a temperature of 400.degree. to 550.degree. F for from 5 minutes to 2 hours.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue and separating out the fines.

Abstract: A coke oven system is provided having a coke oven preferably with pipeline charging for converting coal into coke. Carryover fines are collected from the coke oven and preferably a preheater therefor, and then agitated by agitator means and the collected carryover fines thereby agglomerated. Preferably, the carryover fines are first mixed with water to form an aqueous mixture, and then agglomerated. The agglomerated carryover fines are then preferably separated from the aqueous mixture by separated means. The agglomerated carryover fines are preferably conditioned in dryer means and recirculated to the coke oven preferably through a preheater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for reducing the particulate content in a gaseous stream containing entrained particulate matter and condensable hydrocarbons wherein said stream is obtained from the retorting of hydrocarbon-containing solids, particularly from retorted shale. A gaseous effluent containing condensable hydrocarbons and entrained solid particulate matter is produced during the retorting of hydrocarbon-containing solids and is discharged from a retorting vessel through a conduit containing a rotating elongate spiral-shaped element on which a portion of the particulate matter and condensable hydrocarbons form a semi-solid mass. The rotating spiral collects and conveys the semi-solid mass back into the retorting vessel for further processing thereby reducing the solid particulate content of the condensable hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of comminuting coal to about 1 to 10 microns size comprising introducing the coal particles into a plurality of vessels, each of which is subjected to high pressure, superheated steam which infuses into the pores of said particles equalizing the pressure therein with that surrounding the particles in the vessel. By opening a discharge valve of each vessel connected to a nozzle leading into a housing, in which a paddle wheel is located, the particles will burst in each vessel to smaller size because of the reduction of the pressure therein surrounding the particles. Opening of said valve will effect acceleration, turbulence and collision of the particles to cause further breakage particularly as the particles are further expanded through the nozzle and against the blades of the paddle wheel driven in a direction opposite that of the nozzle jets. The vessel may be operated under partial vacuum by connection to a steam condenser through which cooling water flows.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for decomposing kerogen and recovering oil, high BTU gas and energy for the process wherein a crushed oil shale is fed to a rotary preheater (300.degree. to 350.degree. F.) hence into a rotary retort (850.degree.-1050.degree. F.) where the kerogen is decomposed and the oil evaporated, removed and condensed. From the retort the crushed shale goes to a hopper where any residual oil is stripped out by super heated steam leaving a char on the crushed shale. The stripped shale is fed into a furnace wherein the char is burned to provide heat for the process. To supplement the char and provide enough BTU's for the process, it is necessary to add a small amount of coal to the feed to the process. The hot gases from the furnace first pass into contact with the rotary retort and hence indirectly heat the oil shale in the retort. The hot furnace gases (or a portion thereof) then pass into direct contact with the crushd oil shale feed in the preheater.

Abstract: Process for making low sulfur oil by reacting aqueous reactive sludges and slurries with hot, pressurized carbon monoxide and hydrogen (synthesis gas) wherein the wastes are first concentrated by coking in the liquid phase under a pressure of 300 to 3000 psig at a temperature of 400.degree. to 550.degree. F for from 5 minutes to 2 hours.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for removing coal dust from gases evolved from coke ovens while they are being charged comprehends a common duct for both charging gas and coking gas leading to a common gas collecting main, means in the duct for spraying the charging gas with a charging liquor to scrub out solid particles therefrom, means in the duct for spraying the coking gas with flushing liquor, and means for withdrawing liquor and solid particles from that duct.