Abstract: A cooker includes a steam generator that supplies steam into a cooking chamber of the cooker. The steam generator includes a heating chamber having a heating space; a steam discharge port through which steam in the heating space is discharged; a residual water discharge port through which steam water in the heating space is discharged; a heater that heats the heating space; and a residual water discharge pipe connected with the residual water discharge port and that selectively discharges steam water from the heating space to an outside. A first end of the residual water discharge pipe is connected with the residual water discharge port, a second end of the residual water discharge pipe is arranged lower than the residual water discharge port, and a portion of the residual water discharge pipe between the first and second ends is arranged higher than the residual water discharge port.

Abstract: Process of producing a treated coal and combusting the treated coal, by heating the coal to remove volatiles and drying the product to produce a treated coal containing carbon and hydrogen. The treated coal is combusted by introducing a slipstream of natural gas alongside the treated coal in a quantity sufficient to sustain a stable burn in an industrial boiler configured to burn bituminous coals.

Abstract: A coke drum apparatus including: a cylindrical section; a cap connected to an upper end of the cylindrical section; a bottom, and a knuckle connecting the bottom and the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section includes a plurality of arcuate segments attached together by vertical welds. Each arcuate segment includes a plurality of arcuate plates attached together by circumferential welds. The circumferential welds of each arcuate segment are offset from the circumferential welds of each adjacent arcuate segment.

Abstract: The present document describes a system and a process for the thermochemical treatment a matter containing organic compounds such as biomass, for the production of useful energetic products such as biochar, bio-oil and gases from non-condensed vapors. The system comprises a reactor comprising a feedstock reservoir having entry and exit, a thermochemical reaction chamber having an entrance disposed under and coupled to the reservoir exit, an exit, and a first heating means for thermal treatment of the matter to produce a solid and a vapor. The system also comprises a feeder having at least one substantially vertical auger operatively coupled to the feedstock reservoir and the thermochemical reaction chamber exit to drive the matter downwardly from the feedstock reservoir exit through the thermochemical reaction chamber.

Abstract: Cross flow trays are provided with a support system. The support system interconnects the upper cross flow tray to a downcomer of the lower cross flow tray to provide support for the upper tray. In some aspects, the support system may also interconnect the downcomer of the lower cross flow tray to an upper tray of an underlying pair, providing additional support for the assembly. Such tray assemblies may facilitate easier installation without impeding the performance of the column.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface vertical shaft retort (100), heated by an external source, which includes (i) a multifunctional central pipe (110), (ii) a top sealing device (120), (iii) a load distribution system (130), (iv) a retorting vessel (140) with an annular shaped bed (141) furnished with a set of load pipes (142), spaced among themselves, to form a collecting chamber to gather gas and mist (143), a hot gas injector (144), a cold recycle collector (145) and distributor (146), and a bed control and unloading mechanism (147), (v) a plenun chamber (150), (vi) a device for heat recovery of the spent shale (160) containing a piping network (162)for recirculation and spraying of the retorting water and accumulation hoppers (161) and (vii) a device for dry bottom sealing (170).

Abstract: A carbonization apparatus for coal with wide particle size distribution, a carbonization apparatus unit, and a carbonization method based on the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a char discharge outlet (1), a combustion heating chamber (3), a coal feeding inlet (5), and a pyrolysis gas exhausting pipe (4). Wherein, two partition plates between which a pyrolysis gas channel (2) is formed are further provided in the carbonization apparatus, and orifices are provided on the partition plates to form a gas flow path from the fuel bed to the pyrolysis gas channel (2). Further, another internal having good heat transfer performance and made of a material resistant to high temperature, is provided in this coal carbonization apparatus to enhance the heat transfer from the heated wall of the apparatus to the fuel bed inside the apparatus. With the pyrolysis gas channel in the carbonization reaction apparatus, the gaseous products generated from coal pyrolysis are enabled to flow out timely.

Abstract: A fast pyrolizer includes an elongated tubular housing having a feed inlet to receive material, an outlet, and a flow path. The flow path has an internal contact surface extending from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet is to be oriented to a non-vertical relative elevation with respect to the outlet. At least a portion of the internal contact surface directly contacts the material. A heater heats the internal contact surface such that the material is heated via direct thermal transfer from the internal contact surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a heat transfer element adapted for use in a rotary furnace for torrefaction and particle size reduction of biomass material. The heat transfer element is made up of a rounded object having a specific gravity substantially higher than a specific gravity of the biomass material to be torrefied, a heat capacity sufficient for the heat transfer elements in the rotary furnace to heat the biomass material to be torrefied, and a hardness sufficient for the heat transfer element to serve as grinding media to reduce the particle size of the biomass material to be torrefied. The heat transfer element has one or more surface features formed in a surface of the rounded object. The surface features are configured to increase traction between the heat transfer elements and the biomass material to be torrefied.

Abstract: An improved rapid thermal conversion process for efficiently converting wood, other biomass materials, and other carbonaceous feedstock (including hydrocarbons) into high yields of valuable liquid product, e.g., bio-oil, on a large scale production, is disclosed. In the process, biomass material, e.g., wood, is fed to a conversion system where the biomass material is mixed with an upward stream of hot heat carriers, e.g., sand, that thermally convert the biomass into a hot vapor stream. The hot vapor stream is rapidly quenched with quench media in one or more condensing chambers located downstream of the conversion system. The rapid quenching condenses the vapor stream into liquid product, which is collected from the condensing chambers as a valuable liquid product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing metallurgical coke from petroleum coke generated in crude oil refineries, by coking in “heat-recovery” coking ovens, starting from petroleum coke obtained or generated in crude oil refineries and possessing from the outset a volatiles content of 15 to 19 weight percent and an ash fraction of up to 2 Weight percent, this petroleum coke being introduced in densified form into a coking oven of “non-recovery” or “hat-recovery” construction for the purpose of cyclical coking, said oven being equipped with at least one externally heated burner, so that the primary healing space or the secondary heating space below the coking oven chamber, or both, are heated to a temperature of between 1000° C. to 1550° C.

Abstract: This invention presents a versatile and continuous drying technology that utilizes controlled heat combined with forced air supply for drying a feedstock. The dryer virtually divided top-down into different zones, each having definite heated air distribution rate to secure desired condition for drying of the feedstock. The heat source of the dryer is waste heat, either provided by the feedstock itself through exothermic heat generated by the feedstock or reclaimed waste heat or solar heat. The discharge system of the dryer is a fail-safe discharge system, which ensures equal residence time for the feedstock through all the zones.

Abstract: Process and reactor for the production of synthesis gas by partial combustion of a hydrocarbon feed. A burner is used with a plurality of coaxial burner channels, wherein at least one channel supplies a flow of a non-gaseous hydrocarbon feed, at least one other channel supplies a flow containing a gaseous hydrocarbon feed and at least one further channel supplies a non-hydrocarbon moderator gas.

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.

Abstract: A system for the production of carbonized biomass that includes an infeed for accepting biomass feed material and an associated twin screw extruder. A water heater is connected with respect to at least one inlet along a length of the twin screw extruder and a pressure sustaining valve is connected at an outlet of the twin screw extruder.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for recycling carbon-containing material, in particular tires and plastics materials. The system includes a heating arrangement for anaerobically heating carbon containing material to produce carbon-containing gases. A condensing arrangement is also used to condense a proportion of the carbon-containing gases to provide condensed gases and non-condensed gases. In addition, a recirculating arrangement is provided for recirculating the non-condensed gases into the heating arrangement. Further systems and methods for pre- and post-processing of the carbon-containing material are also disclosed and products of the systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: This invention is about an industrial continuous cracking device of plastics. The technical program of this invention is as following: it includes the outer cylinder and the internal cylinder, and the two sides of the internal cylinder are connected with the outer cylinder; at least one of the outer cylinder and the internal cylinder is set with heating mechanism, and the helical ribbon is fixed in the inside of the outer cylinder wall; the transport mechanism is fixed in the internal cylinder, with its direction contrary to the outer cylinder's the feeding direction. The structures of this invention are simple, and it can reduce the possessive space. Furthermore, when cycling in the cylinder, the solid heat carrier has no heat energy loss, and that can substantially reduce the operation cost of the equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing activated carbon that has a reactor vessel for containing carbon based feedstock and a processor that encloses the reactor vessel. An insulating barrier is disposed between the reactor vessel and the processor for defining generally vertical outer and inner pathways that are communicably interconnected. The reactor vessel has a gas receiving intake port in communication with the inner pathway. First and second inlet conduits are formed through the processor and into the reactor for respectively introducing a first ignition gas into the reactor to ignite the feedstock and a second gas into the first pathway. The second gas circulates through the outer and inner pathways and enters the reactor vessel through the gas receiving intake port. The exhaust gas is circulated through a catalyst chamber/cartridge/bed. At least one exhaust port discharges gas from the vessel exteriorly of the processor.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for thermolysis of waste plastics, particularly polyolefins. The apparatus includes a feeding system, an extruder, a main thermolysis reactor, a dual propeller/mixer housed within the reactor, and a discharging system. The height of the thermolysis reactor is at least 1.5 times bigger than the diameter. The apparatus is arranged such that the extruder follows the plastic feeding system, the thermolysis reactor follows the extruder, and the discharge system follows the thermolysis reactor. The invention also provides a method for using the apparatus for thermolysis of waste plastics. In this method, reaction feedstock, reaction residuals, and reaction products are removed continuously.

Abstract: A plant for producing char and fuel gas includes a fluidized bed reactor having a first inlet in a lower region of the fluidized bed reactor configured to supply a primary fluidizing gas, a second inlet disposed above the first inlet and configured to supply a secondary gas, and a third inlet configured to supply dried and crushed coal. A further reactor is configured to perform a further process, the further reactor being directly connected to the fluidized bed reactor via a first conduit. A pneumatic injection and/or transportation system is disposed between the fluidized bed reactor and the further reactor. The first inlet is connected to a first supply of a first gas having an oxygen content which is smaller than a second supply of an oxygen enriched second gas connected to the second inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlled pyrolysis of waste material includes an elongate, perforated rotary drum lined with refractory material, having a longitudinal axis of rotation, and forming a chamber to receive and decompose the waste material. The drum includes a cylindrical metal exterior which has numerous apertures distributed over its cylindrical surface provided for passage of a limited amount of process air into the chamber. A mechanism is provided for supporting the drum for rotation about the longitudinal axis. An external shell encloses the rotary drum and prevents external ambient air from flowing through the apertures and into the chamber. Air distribution housings are distributed along the length of the rotary drum and form air distribution chambers each of which is enclosed except on an inner side of the chamber. This inner side is open for delivery of process air through a selected portion of apertures in the metal exterior.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas, and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas, and recycled contaminants.

Abstract: A process for treating coal includes introducing coal into a chamber and passing an oxygen deficient sweep gas into contact with the coal, the sweep gas being at a higher temperature than the temperature of the coal so that heat is supplied to the coal. The process further includes providing additional heat to the coal indirectly by heating the chamber, wherein the heating of the coal by the sweep gas and by the indirect heating from the chamber causes condensable volatile components to be released into the sweep gas. The proportion of heat supplied to the coal by the sweep gas is less than 40% of the total heat supplied to the coal. The sweep gas is then removed from the chamber and treated to remove condensable components of the coal.

Abstract: A coal material decomposition apparatus includes a sealed rotary kiln body provided with a coal inlet and a coal outlet. A coal decomposition gas collecting pipe is arranged in the kiln body and is provided with two parallel spirals for dividing space in the kiln body into a heating gas bin and a coal material decomposition bin. The coal decomposition gas collecting pipe communicates with the coal material decomposition bin through a gas guide hole arranged in the coal material decomposition bin. As the kiln body is internally divided into the a heating gas bin and a coal material decomposition bin isolated from each other, a large amount of hot gas in the heating gas conducts and radiates the heat to pulverized coal in the coal material decomposition bin, and the pulverized coal fully absorbs the heat to be decomposed into gas, coal tar gas and coal with high heat-value.

Abstract: A system including a pyrolysis unit for pyrolyzing organic material to produce at least pyrolysis oil and coke, a regenerator unit to combust the coke and produce a regenerator flue gas, and a mixer connected to the regenerator unit to mix the regenerator flue gas with air to produce a cooled flue gas. The system may further include at least one heat exchanger connected to the mixer to extract heat from the cooled flue gas, and a conveyer belt in thermal communication with the at least one heat exchanger and operably connected to the pyrolysis unit. The conveyer belt conveys a organic material in need of drying past the at least one exchanger to produce organic material suitable for use as a feed to the pyrolysis unit.

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 retort involves a stack of retort units arranged to process coal or other raw material by heating the coal in a heating compartment and directing vapors emitted from the raw material into a vapor compartment surrounding the heating compartment. The heating compartment may include a plurality of louver units with embedded heating components. Each louver unit includes heating fins (a heat transfer medium) that delivers heat to the coal. Each louver unit also includes an insulation layer adjacent a vapor opening where vapors emitted from the coal pass into the vapor compartment. The vapors are directed to a distillation column where carbon based vapors, volatiles, fuel vapors and the like may be liquefied for transport to a refinery or directly refined into fuels. Further, a clean coal char (toxins and carbon vaporized) is delivered to a power generation plant to provide cleaner emissions relative to unprocessed coal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for substantially continuously treating comminuted material containing carbon and hydrogen, for example, used tires, are provided. The methods include the steps of introducing the tire material to an elongated chamber, transferring the tire material through the elongated chamber, heating the tire material to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the material to produce a gaseous stream; discharging the gaseous stream from the chamber, and cooling at least some of the gaseous stream to liquefy components of the stream. The transfer may be effected by a flexible, center-less screw conveyor to minimize material buildup in the vessel. The cooling of the gaseous stream may be practiced by reverse condensation. The apparatus may further comprise an agitator positioned in a conduit operatively connected to an outlet from the chamber, the agitator adapted to displace any condensate formed in the conduit.

Abstract: A system for conveying material in a high volume, substantially continuous retort process. In the system a material is introduced into the retort and forms a live pile atop a distribution system. As the material falls through the distribution system it is heated to pyrolyze any organic matter. The resulting hydrocarbons are collected and the material is collected at a bottom of the retort structure.

Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling waste plastic can convert the waste plastic into a form of purified crude oil that includes one or more organic molecular species and that is free, or substantially free, of impurities such as acids and metals. In some systems and methods, the plastic is heated under vacuum conditions to effect depolymerization of the plastic, which yields a vapor, and the vapor is then directly contacted with a pH adjusted solution in a vapor treatment system. In some systems and methods, a continuous batch process is employed.

Abstract: An integrated combustion chamber and fluidized bed pyrolysis reactor. In one embodiment, the combustion chamber is cylindrical and the pyrolysis reactor is provided annularly about the combustion chamber with an annular wall that provides a common surface for heat transfer. A lift tube in fluid communication with the pyrolysis reactor is provided within the combustion chamber for circulating biomass and an inert fluidizable media upwardly through the lift tube; this advantageously increases heat transfer and leads to more rapid pyrolysis. The media and biomass exit the lift tube into either a freeboard area of the pyrolysis reactor or into a low density region of the fluidized bed. A condensable gaseous product is produced during pyrolysis that has economic value. The apparatus and process are especially well suited to the pyrolysis of low density agricultural biomass. The apparatus is compact and particularly well suited to mobile operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to waste processing and to producing hydrocarbons from domestic and industrial organic waste by pyrolysis. The inventive waste processing method involves carrying out the first and second pyrolysis stages, fractionating pyrolysis products and processing each fraction for producing useful products. The second pyrolysis stage is carried out simultaneously with the electromagnetic action produced on the pyrolysis products. The device for carrying out said method comprises a two-sectional pyrolysis reactor. An electromagnetic source is arranged on the second section of the reactor. The output of the second section is connected to a system for dividing the vaporous pyrolysis products. The technical result consists in increasing the waste processing effectiveness and producing solid, liquid and vaporous fuel components.

Abstract: A first process step comprises creating a hot gas, containing some molecular oxygen, by burning gas fuel with air and subsequently adding air to the burned gases. A second process step passes these hot oxygen containing gases through a bed of coal chunks, to remove volatile matter from the coal, and partially oxidize some of the volatile matter, as well as to transform the coal chunks into coke chunks. These hot coke chunks are transferred into a coke reaction chamber, where air is passed upward through the coke bed and oxidizes the coke largely to carbon monoxide, a fuel gas. This carbon monoxide fuel gas is combined with the volatile matter gases, and this fuel gas combination can be cleanly burned with addition thereto of overfire air. These process steps create a clean hot gas suitable for use in various apparatus, such as, steam boilers, gas turbines, and cement kilns.

Abstract: A technique by which various types of organic waste can be easily treated so as to obtain a reusable material. An apparatus is provided which comprises a vessel (20) for introducing organic waste (18) therein, the vessel being equipped with: stirring means (82), (92), and (98) for stirring the organic waste (18); steam supply means (62), (64), and (66) which supply high-temperature high-pressure steam to the vessel (20); evacuation means (77), (78), and (80) which evacuate the vessel (20); and heating means (24), (68), (64), and (66) which heat the organic waste (18) present in the vessel (20). The apparatus has such constitution, in which the organic waste (18) in the vessel (20) is decomposed by hydrolysis and pyrolysis and vacuum dried using those means.

Abstract: A method of and a plant for combusting carbonaceous fuel, the method including the steps of introducing particulate oxygen selective sorbent, such as a perovskite type material, into an adsorption reactor of the combustion plant to form a first particle bed in the adsorption reactor, fluidizing the first particle bed by an oxygen-containing first fluidizing gas to adsorb oxygen from the fluidizing gas to the sorbent, conveying oxygen-rich sorbent from the adsorption reactor to a combustion reactor of the combustion plant to form a second particle bed in the combustion reactor, fluidizing the second particle bed by an oxygen-deficient second fluidizing gas to desorb oxygen from the sorbent, so as to produce free oxygen gas, and introducing carbonaceous fuel into the combustion reactor to oxidize the fuel with the free oxygen gas.

Abstract: Organic matter, i.e., biomass, fibrous plant matter, organic chemicals or organic waste, or other carbon-based matter is converted to synthesis fuel gas by reactive contact with superheated steam at a temperature of about 200 to 2000 degrees C., typically 500 to 1700 degrees. A reactor has a generally tubular envelope, a rotor within the envelope, and hot reaction spaces disposed annularly within the wall of the tubular envelope. The steam and biomass particles can be heated to the required temperatures by RF induction. The product gases include H2, CO, and CO2 in ratios controlled by a programmable controller. Control of temperature, biomass feed rate and water flow preselects the output synthesis gas mix. The synthesis gas may be processed into portable liquid fuels, or can be used directly in a fuel cell.

Abstract: A distillation system is provided for batch thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material, such as lump wood and shredded rubber tires. The system preferably includes multiple distillation units mounted side-by-side. Each unit includes a reactor bath for holding molten tin at approximately 455° C., a two-compartment reservoir for storing molten tin, and a porous basket pivotally mounted within the reactor bath for tipping motion. A process for batch thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material includes rotating the porous basket into a reactor bath by rotating the basket about an axis passing through the reactor bath; putting a charge of wood into the basket; closing a retractable lid onto the reactor bath; filling the reactor bath with molten material to produce gas and char by thermolytic conversion of the charge, draining the reactor bath of molten material while the lid is closed; quenching the char in the reactor bath with steam; opening the lid; and tipping the char from the basket.

Abstract: A plastic liquefying device, includes a gasifying furnace (19) for generating pyrolytic gas by heating and melting plastic waste and a liquefying tank (2) for liquefying and separating the pyrolytic gas generated in the gasifying furnace (19). The gasifying furnace (19) further comprising a heating device (22) for heating the inside of an oven-shaped furnace body (20) provided at the bottom of the furnace body (20) having a plastic waste inlet (H) provided at the top thereof and an opening and closing mechanism (21) for opening and closing the inlet (H) installed at the inlet (H). The opening and closing mechanism (21) further includes a plate shutter (24) larger than at least the opening area of the inlet (H) and a fixing device (25) for pressingly fixing the shutter (24) to the seal surface (S) around the peripheral edge part of the inlet (H).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is disclosed for reclaiming volatile products and non-volatile residue through the pyrolysis of a polymeric material comprising placing the polymeric material in a reactor and establishing an oxygen deficient atmosphere in a reactor. The polymeric material is simultaneously compressed and heated to a temperature sufficient to pyrolyze the polymeric material to produce volatile products and non-volatile residue. The volatile products and non-volatile residue are subsequently removed from the reactor and collected.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for decreasing gas flow rates in a sole flue gas system for a coke oven during at least an initial coking operation after charging a coking oven with coal. The method includes providing a duct system between a first coke oven having a first coking chamber and a second coke oven having a second coking chamber to direct at least a portion of gas from a gas space in first coking chamber to the second coke oven thereby reducing a gas flow rate in the first sole flue gas system of the first coke oven. Reduction in sole flue gas flow rates has a beneficial effect on product throughput, the life of the coke oven and environmental control of volatile emissions from coke ovens.

Abstract: A dry distillation and volume reduction apparatus for waste comprising a superheated steam generator 1 for generating a superheated steam, a dry distillation and volume reduction vessel 2 for heating waste 5 and subjecting the same to dry distillation and volume reduction with the superheated steam supplied from the superheated steam generator 1, and heating gas supplier 4 for supplying exhaust gas of an engine 3 as a heat source for heating the superheated steam generator 1. Furthermore, the superheated steam can also be generated by producing a combustible gas by incomplete combustion of carbides 52 produced by heating of organic waste 52 in the dry distillation and volume reduction vessel 2 using heating gas supplier 4.

Abstract: A method for decomposing plastic waste to produce fuel materials makes the plastic waste decomposed by cracking and then inverted the plastic waste to be multiple fuel materials such as gas, gasoline, and diesel oil, and other byproducts such as hydrochloride acid and active carbon by fractionation. Whereby, the plastic waste is reused in an efficient and beneficial way.

Abstract: A pressure-tight vessel subjected to severe thermal cycling through a temperature range including temperatures up to in excess of approximately 700° F. Unlike conventional pressure-tight vessels that are constructed of plates arranged horizontally, the vessel is built of plates that are greater than sixteen feet high. As a result, there are no circumferential seams in a critical area of the cylindrical section of the vessel, providing superior durability.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming liquid hydrocarbons from solid coal. The coal is pulverized to provide a particulate coal feed, which is then extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed coal supported inside of a support tube. A clay feed is extruded to provide a hollow tube of compressed clay supported inside of the coal tube and a combustible fuel is burned inside of the clay tube. The temperature of combustion is sufficient to fire the extruded clay and pyrolyze the extruded coal to produce hydrocarbon gases and coal char. The support tube has holes for releasing the hydrocarbon gases, which contain suspended particles formed during combustion. The suspended particles are removed from the hydrocarbon gases to provide clean gases, which are passed through an ionizing chamber to ionize at least a portion thereof. The ionized gases are then passed through a magnetic field to separate them from each other according to their molecular weight.

Abstract: A method for heating a low temperature carbonization drum includes generating a low temperature carbonization gas in the drum; combusting a partial flow of the low temperature carbonization gas for generating a heating gas; conducting the heating gas in a heating gas circuit; preheating the cooled heating gas flowing out of the drum; and then returning a controllable partial flow of the cooled heating gas to the drum while re-admixing the controllable partial flow with the heating gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for recycling or decompstiong waste plastic is decomposed in a diluent such as hot oil through actions involving free readical precursors, such as polyvinyl chloride or polyurethane is achieved at low temperatures. The thermal decompostion (or pyrolysis) reaction is for about 1 hour at 375.degree. C. annd usable products, such as distillate, coke and oil are recovered. Additonally the diluent my ber recycled within the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the pyrolysis of carbonation materials such as wood which comprises directly or indirectly heating the carbonaceous material with flue gases. When carbonization commences the direct heating is stopped while indirect heating continues until carbonization is complete. There is also described an application for effecting the process.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for the thermal treatment of feed material containing solids and liquids such as solid waste or the like. The apparatus includes one or more coaxial rotatable drums and one or more free rotating spirals advancing the material in the drums. The material flowing through the drums is heated to form solids and vapors. In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the hot solids and vapors exchange heat with the cold feed material. An extruder for preparing the solids being produced from the apparatus for disposal and a means for rotating the drums are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal conversion of organic waste materials includes a tank having a molten metal bath, preferably lead, through which apertured containers are transported by primary conveyer members in a plane intermediate two arrays of heating devices. Buoyancy of the waste-filled containers is resisted by abutment members within the tank while alignment elements on the containers prevent the containers from becoming askew during their travel through the tank. The abutment members may comprise fixed rails or secondary coveyor members spaced atop the primary conveyor members. Agitation devices within the tank assist in maintaining maximum heat distribution throughout the bath. Produced hydrocarbons are collected by a main hood overlying the major portion of the tank bath surface while separate shroud assemblies overlie other, individual isolated bath surfaces at the entrance and exit of the tank.