Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for continuously converting biomass are described herein. A device has a feed section for holding a moving bed of biomass, namely wood, having a drying section, a flame zone for degassing, and a, smolder zone for carbonizing the biomass into a solid converted product, namely charcoal. The device includes a tank for collecting the solid converted product arranged below a grate and coupled with the feed section in a gas-tight manner. The system comprising the device, a biogas plant and/or a combined heat and power plant conveys the liquid converted product, namely pyroligneous acid or acetic acid, to the biogas plant and/or the solid converted product, namely charcoal, to the combined heat and power plant.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for thermolysis of waste plastic in which reaction residue and carbonization products are continuously removed. The apparatus includes a feeding system, an extruder, a reactor for thermolysis, a dual agitator housed within the reactor, a trigger system in operative connection with the reactor, a flux heater, and a collecting system in operative connection with the reactor. The reactor for thermolysis has a height at least 1.5 times bigger than a diameter. The trigger system includes a circulation pump and the collecting system has a three-way valve in an external circulation loop. The apparatus is arranged such that the extruder follows the feeding system, the reactor follows the extruder, the trigger system is at a bottom of the reactor, and the flux heater and collecting system follow the reactor.

Abstract: A method of gasifying carbonaceous material is described. The method comprises a first step of pyrolysing and partially gasifying the carbonaceous material to produce volatiles and char. The volatiles and the char are then separated and, subsequently, the char is gasified and the volatiles are reformed. The raw product gas is then finally cleaned with char or char-supported catalysts or other catalysts.

Abstract: A system for regenerating or manufacturing activated carbon wherein exhaust gases and vapors for various lower sections of the furnace are recycled in up-flow fashion to higher sections of the furnace.

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 system and method for the calcination of minerals.

Abstract: Apparatus for the pyrolysis of solid waste material includes a thermal reactor including an elongate hollow housing with a reaction chamber disposed within the housing. The thermal reactor is vertically oriented in order to cause solid waste material fed thereinto to pass through said reaction chamber by the force of gravity and a plurality of vanes are disposed for both conducting heat into said reactor chamber and for tumbling said solid waste material as said solid waste material passes through said reaction chamber. Inlets and outlets are provided for passing oxygen transversely through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A liquid condensation system heats a liquid raw material under a decompressed circumstance and evaporates a volatile component from a liquid surface to condense the liquid raw material. Therefore, the liquid condensation system includes: liquid condensers, each of which condenses the liquid raw material; a vacuum pump that is in communication with the liquid condensers; and a warm water circulation system as a heating source that heats the liquid raw material in the liquid condensers. The volatile component evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through vapor lines. The condensed liquid that is not evaporated in the liquid condensers is led to the outside of the liquid condensers through condensed-liquid lines. Condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves are interposed on the condensed-liquid lines, and heating means is attached to the condensed-liquid lines. A control unit controls the heating means and the condensed-liquid-line adjusting valves.

Abstract: This invention provides a carbonizing apparatus for easily carbonizing a material to a desired state of carbonization, which apparatus requires a reduced installation space, and lowers concentration of harmful gases contained in an exhaust gas. The interior of a cylindrical furnace body 82 having a vertical axis is divided by a partition wall 83 into an upper furnace body acting as a combustion section 80 and a lower furnace body acting as a carbonization section 6. The partition wall 83 defines a through hole for supplying distillation gas to the combustion section 80. The carbonization section 6 has a vertical structure, with a supply part 33 disposed in an upper portion for supplying a material under treatment 1, and a carbide take-out part 35 and a first blowoff part 36 of spontaneous combustion air disposed in a lower portion, so that the material under treatment 1 is movable by gravity toward the take-out part 35. An agitating device 39 includes agitating members 43 revolvable about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a processing furnace used by the oil industry to heat feedstocks that are to be treated thermally, which is provided with bi-pivotal support columns to carry the radiation exchange tubes which form the coil of radiation exchange tubes. The support columns are provided with a lower bearing and an upper bearing means, which pivot, respectively, on a lower support and an upper guide, in such a way that all the stresses from the support and the radiation exchange tubes are transmitted to the base, causing no thermal stress from bending momentum to be transmitted to the base of the furnace.

Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating coke includes a coke drum having an upper head, a lower section, and a generally cylindrical wall having a height parallel to its longitudinal axis and extending between and joined to the upper head and the lower section. The wall includes an upper ring and a lower ring, each of which has a height parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall which is in a range of zero percent to 25 percent of the height of the wall. The wall also includes an intermediate ring which extends between and is joined to the upper ring, if present, and the lower ring, if present. The intermediate ring has a length which is equal to a cumulative length of the upper ring and the lower ring subtracted from the length of the wall. The intermediate ring is free of joints which extend in a circumferential direction of the wall.

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: A thermal decomposition apparatus for decomposing polymer waste is provided which is simple in structure, small in size and inexpensive, and also the operating cost thereof is low.A feed pipe 18 and an inclined pipe 23 are connected in the form of the letter V at a large angle therebetween, and a feed screw 19 and an feed-up screw 25 are arranged inside the respective pipes. Polymer waste introduced into a hopper 17 is melted in the interior of the feed pipe 18 by heat from a first hot air furnace 10 and accumulated in the V-shaped portion. The polymer melt is then conveyed upward by the feed-up screw 25. In the process of conveyance, the polymer melt undergoes primary decomposition by means of heat from a second hot air furnace 11 and the cracked gas thus generated undergoes secondary decomposition by the heat from a third hot air furnace 12, the resultant gas being guided to a condenser 7. Sludge drops down through a chute pipe 35 into a water tank 36.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a new method and apparatus for the fast pyrolysis of carbonaceous materials involving rapid mixing, high heat transfer rates, precisely controlled short uniform residence times and rapid primary product quench in an upflow, entrained-bed, transport reactor with heat carrier solids recirculation. A carbonaceous feedstock, a non-oxidative transport gas and inorganic particulate heat supplying material are rapidly mixed in a reactor base section, then transported upward through an entrained-bed tubular reactor. A cyclonic hot solids recirculation system separates the solids from the non-condensible gases and primary product vapors and returns them to the mixer. Product vapors are rapidly quenched to provide maximum yields of liquids, petrochemicals, high value gases and selected valuable chemicals.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus for obtaining oil from waste plastic by thermal decomposition has a thermal decomposition tank 2 comprising a tank proper 3. The inside of the tank proper 3 is divided by a partition 7 into a thermal decomposition chamber at its front and a melting chamber at its rear, with a communicating space to connect the thermal decomposition and melting chambers and provided below the partition. Heating pipes are disposed in the tank proper so that hot air travels from the thermal decomposition chamber through the communicating spaces to the melting chamber. This arrangement permits keeping the thermal decomposition chamber, communicating spaces and melting chamber at temperatures suited for thermal decomposition and melting, thereby realizing design simplification and size reduction, permitting substantial cost savings and ease of maintenance, and increasing productivity and economy.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the pyrolysis of waste material which is not itself susceptible to heating by microwave radiation. The method comprises:(a) contacting the waste material, under an atmosphere wherein flame generation is substantially prevented, with a bed of pulverulent carbonaceous material (such as pulverised scrap tires) which is susceptible to heating by microwave irradiation; and(b) heating the pulverulent material by means of microwave irradiation so as to transfer thermal energy from the pulverulent material to the waste material and cause substantial pyrolysis of the waste material.

Abstract: Apparatus producing fuel from waste products of the type capable of forming a flammable oil and gas when heated. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for disposing of discarded vehicle tires and at the same time producing fuel capable of operating engines or burners. The system utilizes a cooking pot and cooling apparatus for condensing gas formed in the cooking vessel to produce a flammable oil. The system including the cooking vessel is closed except for outlets from the cooling apparatus for both the oil and gas, whereby no appreciable pollution is discharged to atmosphere.

Abstract: A retort apparatus for recovering oil from crushed oil shale moved through an elongated housing, includes a plurality of heat exchangers located in the housing for transferring heat to or from the shale. The heat exchangers are spaced to define in sequence a drying zone, a preheating zone, a cracking and distillation zone, and a waste heat recovery zone. An auxiliary heating assembly connected to the heat exchangers delivers sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the shale in the cracking and distillation zone to the critical temperature for separating hydrocarbons in vapor form therefrom. The tubes of the heat exchangers are elongated ovals in cross-section and are offset from each other in alternate rows to increase the area of heat exchange and to reduce the temperature drop between the entering heated air and exiting heated air flowing through each heat exchange tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for a process for solar retorting of oil shale which comprises pyrolyzing fluidized ground oil shale particles by solar radiation in a retort, wherein said ground oil shale particles are provided in a state of continuous fluidization entrained in a gas and exposed to solar radiation focused through a transparent window, and retorted shale oil fines, gases, and shale oil are removed from the retort to separation and recovery.

Abstract: Retorted shale particles are recovered from a retort and delivered to a gas lift for transport to a fluidized combustor by passage, serially, through a sealing vessel, a crusher preferably operating at retort pressure, and a surge vessel. In the sealing vessel, a sealing gas is introduced, and after commingling with the shale, the gas passes countercurrently to the shale and enters the retort, thus sealing the retort gases in the retort while separating the retorted shale from the retort gases. Retorted shale from the sealing vessel is transported to a crusher, wherein the shale is reduced in size to that suitable for combustion under fluidized conditions. To prevent the crushed shale from packing, the shale is passed to a surge vessel, wherein the crushed shale is held as a fluidized bed, from which the crushed shale is continuously withdrawn at a regulated rate and introduced into the gas lift leading to the fluidized combustor.

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: Method of mixing particulate materials comprising contacting a primary source and a secondary source thereof whereby resulting mixture ensues; preferably at least one of the two sources has enough motion to insure good mixing and the particulate materials may be heat treated if desired.Apparatus for such mixing comprising an inlet for a primary source, a reactor communicating therewith, a feeding means for supplying a secondary source to the reactor, and an inlet for the secondary source. Feeding means is preferably adapted to supply fluidized materials.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in a descending flow pyrolysis reactor in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing solid residue. The particulate source of heat is obtained by educting with a gaseous source of oxygen the particulate carbon containing solid residue from a fluidized bed into a first combustion zone coupled to a second combustion zone. A source of oxygen is introduced into the second combustion zone to oxidize carbon monoxide formed in the first combustion zone to heat the solid residue to the temperature of the particulate source of heat.

Abstract: A conical reaction region in a pyrolysis device has an adjustable height, adjustable speed agitator in the vicinity of the grate and a second agitator stirring the incoming material. A feed auger stops short of the reaction chamber to produce a sealing region in which the incoming feed material effectively produces a gas tight seal preventing the exit of reaction products. A gas outlet flow rate sensor controls the air inflow rate and/or lower agitator speed. Temperature and other sensors may be used to further optimize the process.

Abstract: A continuous process for removing a substantial amount of the water present in oil shale prior to retorting the same to facillitate the rate of recovery of the oil therefrom in the retorting step of the process and to substantially increase the capacity of the latter step in the process and improve the overall efficiency thereof; which comprises subjecting the said oil shale in subdivided form to indirect heat treatment with hot combustion gases in a partial dehydration step under relatively milder temperature conditions than that of the retort, collecting the vapors and gases from the partial dehydration step, in the temperature range from the prevailing temperature up to about 550.degree. F. to about 650.degree. F.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing synthetic crude oil from bitumen-bearing sands. The apparatus includes a vessel segregated into a pyrolysis zone and a combustion zone, each zone being in the form of a fluidized bed reactor. At least one heat pipe is provided for transferring thermal energy from the combustion zone to the pyrolysis zone where the thermal energy is used to pyrolyze the bitumen. The apparatus may also include additional heat exchange equipment for heating the incoming combustion air for the combustion zone. The combustion air serves as the fluidizing medium for the fluidized bed reactor of the combustion zone while flue gases from the combustion zone serve as the fluidizing medium for the fluidized bed reactor of the pyrolysis zone.

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

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the destructive distillation of high molecular weight organic materials such as organic wastes, particularly those containing hydrocarbon groups, using ultrasonic and microwave generators together to irradiate, and molecularly disperse the organic molecules in the organic materials. At least initially a portion of the organic materials are preferably irradiated with a laser beam or other initiator to initiate molecular motion in the organic materials and produce elemental carbon in situ from the organic materials so that the process will begin rapidly. Carbon and/or particulate catalysts which promote or increase the absorption of microwaves are preferably admixed with the organic materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously pyrolyzing, vaporizing or gasifying a particulated carbonaceous feed material in which preheated heat-containing bodies or pebbles are admixed with the feed material in a stratified manner to form a downwardly moving columnar reaction mass, with a remaining portion of the pebbles substantially devoid of any feed material disposed in a surrounding layer relative to the reaction mass. Gas is continuously passed transversely through the reaction mass and surrounding layer in a manner to sweep the gaseous pyrolysis reaction products out of the reaction chamber and wherein the layers of pebbles surrounding the reaction mass serve to effect a deposition of carbonaceous residue preventing encrustation and fouling of the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for continuously pyrolyzing or gasifying a particulated carbonaceous feed material in which preheated heat-containing bodies or pebbles are admixed with the feed material in a stratified manner to form a downwardly moving columnar reaction mass, with a remaining portion of the pebbles substantially devoid of any feed material disposed in a surrounding layer relative to the reaction mass. Gas is continuously passed transversely through the reaction mass and surrounding layer in a manner to sweep the gaseous pyrolysis reaction products out of the reaction chamber, and wherein the layers of pebbles surrounding the reaction mass serve to effect a deposition of carbonaceous residue, preventing encrustation and fouling of the reactor system.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous materials are pyrolyzed by feeding the carbonaceous material along with a particulate source of heat to a fast fluidized bed contained within a vertically disposed duct. An internally circulating stream of spent particulate source of heat and carbon containing solid residue of the pyrolysis of the carbonaceous material flows upwardly along the inner surface of the duct, thereby preventing carbonaceous material from caking on the duct.

Abstract: A pyrolitic reducer and condenser apparatus within which waste material is reduced to char and volatiles with provision made for collecting heavy and light volatiles for their reuse. A reduction bin receives waste material which is reduced by a low oxygen heat flow passing downwardly through the bin. A lower bin portion intermittently discharges the resulting char while volatile matter passes outwardly and then upwardly along a condenser wall whereat heavier oils are condensed out. The condenser structure additionally includes an insulative member confining heat within the reduction bin. Lighter oils are condensed by water cooled surfaces within an upper, baffle equipped condenser portion. Provision is made for elevating of the condenser structure for periodic access to the reduction bin. A feed assembly embodies an air lock to enable the intermittent discharge of waste into the reduction bin while preventing the escape of reduction gases.

Abstract: A method of producing form coke that is coke having pieces of substantially identical form using a heated shaft furnace comprises mixing fine coke with a caking coal and pressing the mixture at temperatures at which the mixture is plastic in order to form briquettes. The briquettes are permitted to harden and degasify and thereafter they are exposed to a high temperature after hardening for example to a temperature of from 400.degree. to 900.degree. C from 60 to 120 minutes. Thereafter the briquettes are cooled. A first mixing substance is prepared by permitting a fine coal to fall in a non-compressed stream in the shaft furnace while heat is transferred thereto substantially by radiation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an apparatus and process are disclosed wherein coal or peat or lignite is first transmitted to a devolatilizer from which tar and fuel gas are removed for transmission to a separator and recovery system, from which by-products are obtained and sulphur-free fuel gas is transmitted to the steam boiler. Char is recirculated between the devolatilizer and a heat generator. In one form of the invention a fraction of the char discharge from the devolatilizer is transmitted to a gasifier for gasification and complete sulphur extraction, and another fraction in readily combustible form is transmitted to the steam boiler for use. In another form of the invention the complete output of the devolatilizer is transmitted to the gasifier wherein a fraction is gasified and another fraction is transmitted to the steam boiler. The proportion of the fractions may be controlled to thereby control the overall sulphur emission of the system.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an outermost, an intermediate, and an innermost compartment, the outermost compartment being provided with burners, activated carbon being supplied into, treated in, and removed from the intermediate compartment, and there being communication for gas between the three compartments. In revivification by the direct heating process, reactor gas is supplied into the outermost compartment, heated by the burners, passed into the intermediate compartment to contact the activated carbon being treated, and is then passed into the innermost compartment and exhausted therefrom. In revivification by the indirect heating process, reactor gas is supplied into the innermost compartment, passed into the intermediate compartment for treatment of activated carbon, and then passed into the outermost compartment and is exhausted therefrom, the innermost and intermediate compartments and elements therein being indirectly heated by the burners of the outermost compartment.

Abstract: Heat from spent shale combustion is removed from shale ash and combustion gases by direct contact thereof with raw shale particles wherein the fine raw shale particles not easily separable from the shale ash are removed prior to contact of the raw shale with the shale ash and combustion gases.