Abstract: A method of capturing soot includes the steps: combusting a first precursor in a burner to produce a soot stream, the soot stream comprising soot and exiting the burner at an outlet; and directing a capture medium to the soot stream, the capture medium contacting the soot in an impact region, the soot having a temperature greater than 50° C. in the impact region.

Abstract: The apparatus described herein comprises a first reaction chamber having an inlet for a hydrocarbon medium, particularly a gas having the composition CnHm, and an outlet. Means for decomposing the hydrocarbons into carbon particles and hydrogen by introducing heat are provided between the inlet and the outlet in the first reaction chamber. The apparatus also comprises a second reaction chamber having an elongated configuration and having a first inlet at one end and an outlet at the opposite end, wherein the first inlet of the second reaction chamber is connected with the outlet of the first reaction chamber, and wherein the second reaction chamber comprises a widening flow cross-section (measured perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the second reaction chamber) between the inlet and the outlet. In addition, at least one second inlet into the second reaction chamber is provided, wherein the second inlet can be connected to a source for CO2 and/or H2O.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor for gasifying and/or cleaning, especially for depolymerizing a plastic material (12), which reactor comprises: a reactor vessel (14) for receiving a starting material (12), especially the plastic material (12); a metal bath (26) which is arranged in the reactor vessel (14) and includes a liquid metallic material that has a metal bath melting temperature (TSchmelz); a plurality of filling elements (25) in the metal bath (26); a heater (18) for heating the plastic material (12) in the reactor vessel (14); and a residual material removal device for at least partially removing residual material (38) which is produced during the gasification and/or cleaning of the starting material (12). According to the invention, the residual material removal device comprises an overflow which is centrally arranged in the reactor vessel (14) so that residual material (38) floating on the metal bath (26) can be removed via the overflow.

Abstract: A system and method for a constituent rendering of biomass and other carbon-based materials is provided. The system can be configured for receiving a feedstock material to be rendered into its constituent components, grinding the feedstock to a desired size and/or consistency, and placing the feedstock in contact with a hot mix heat transfer medium within a pressure chamber. In an aspect, the system can utilize a feedstock input system to receive the feedstock material, with the feedstock input system including an auger feed tube, at least one feed stock auger screw, a grinding station with a die configured to interact with the feed stock auger screw, and a movable compression gate. Pyrolysis of the feedstock can lead to a breakdown of the feedstock into constituent components that can then be collected.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally decomposing organic feedstock material utilizing a series of connected vessels. Each of the vessels is provided with an inlet and an outlet for transferring the organic feedstock material between the vessels. Separate heat exchangers are located between the inlet and outlet of each vessel. A catalyst material, such as a permeable mesh, is included between the inlet and outlet of each vessel to accelerate liquefaction of gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A metal film-forming method is capable of forming a metal film on a surface of a base metal film, formed on a surface of a substrate, with sufficient adhesion to the base metal film even when a natural oxide film is formed on the surface of the base metal film. The metal film-forming method includes: preparing a substrate having a base metal film formed on a surface; and carrying out electroplating of the substrate using the base metal film as a cathode and another metal as an anode while immersing the substrate in a solution containing a metal complex and a reducing material, both dissolved in a solvent, to form a metal film, deriving from a metal contained in the metal complex, on the surface of the base metal film.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding apparatus for converting a biomass reactant into synthesis gas. The method includes the steps of (1) heating biomass in a first molten liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, wherein gas comprising water is evaporated and air is pressed from the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass with minimal air content. (2) Recapturing the moisture evaporated from the biomass in step 1 for use in the process gas. (3) Heating the dried biomass in a second molten liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char. (4) Inserting recaptured steam into the process gas, which may optionally include external natural gas or hydrogen gas or recycled syngas for mixing and reforming with tar and non-condensable gases.

Abstract: A method and a device using pyrolysis for recycling used printed circuit board are disclosed, in which water (moisture) is introduced in the pyrolysis process and a fully sealed low pressure environment is established to ensure that no combustion is happened in the pyrolysis process to enhance the safety of the process; pyrolysis gases generated in the process is concentrated and purified to provide useful fuels or chemical materials; therefore, the present invention can reduce process cost, improve recycling efficiency and provide processing device with high safety, thereby enhancing industry usability.

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 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.

Abstract: A gas impermeable vessel carrying a molten metal bath within the vessel bottom includes a downwardly directed baffle from a top wall of the vessel, which penetrates the bath to separate the vessel into a burner feed chamber and an outlet chamber with gas spaces above the level of the molten metal bath. A burner having a combustion chamber receiving an oxidant under pressure and fuel gas and pitch, combusts the pitch and passes the products of combustion at high velocity through a nozzle which opens directly or indirectly to the gas space above in the burner feed chamber such that a stream of carbon soot impinges against the surface of the molten metal bath and penetrates the same, thereby dissolving the carbon soot and disassociating gases such as carbon monoxide in the molten metal. Water may be supplied to the stream to effect disassociation of the hydrogen content in the molten metal.

Abstract: In apparatus for thermolytic distillation of lump carbonaceous material, an enclosure contains a degassing bath, a reactor bath and a quenching bath. A closed loop continuous chain conveyor drives a plurality of baskets carrying carbonaceous material through the three baths of the enclosure. The carbonaceous material is degassed in hot distillate, then immersed in molten lead in the absence of oxygen to produce char and vapor by thermolytic distillation. The char is quenched with water in the absence of oxygen. At least a portion of the vapor is condensed to produce combustible distillate.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermal conversion of solids containing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment for solids which can be converted entirely to vapour, pieces of the solids are continually fed into a molten lead bath in an oxygen free atmosphere in an elongated conversion chamber. An auger partially immersed in the lead bath carries the floating pieces along in the molten lead bath until they are gradually converted to hydrocarbon vapour which rises upwardly to a condenser. In another embodiment for solids which can be converted to a vapour, particulate matter and residual solids, the lead bath extends further into a separation chamber with an inclined retaining skirt extending between the conversion chamber and the separation chamber, The auger forces the particulate matter and residual solids remaining after vaporization down under the inclined skirt, but the hydrocarbon vapour is prevented from escaping into the separation chamber.

Abstract: The reactor forms a chamber which contains the reaction process. There are accesses to the chamber for receiving shredded tires and oil. There are egresses from the chamber for discharging the tire oil and for discharging unreacted elements. Apparatus is located within the chamber which separates the unreacted components of the shredded tires from the tire oil. The apparatus also provides for the removal of the unreacted elements from the chamber means. The reactor also includes a heater which heats the inside of the chamber to a temperature sufficient to cause a reaction between the shredded tires and the oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal conversion and recovery of organic waste materials includes an oxygen-free chamber filled with molten lead and a method of use of the apparatus. The chamber is elongate and inclined so that organic material introduced in a lower portion of the chamber migrates through the molten lead to a higher portion of the chamber due to the organic material having a specific gravity less than that of lead. As the organic material migrates through the molten lead, the material is thermally converted to gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons that are captured in a condenser. The gaseous hydrocarbons are utilized to heat the lead in the chamber and the vapor is condensed to liquid hydrocarbons in the condenser. Residual solids flow to a reservoir connected to the chamber. Light carbon black is drawn into a receiver by a vacuum line located near the top of the reservoir and all other residual solids flow over a reservoir wall.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for converting sewage-sludge filter cakes into oil, gas and coke by pyrolysis. The apparatus has two dewatering stages--a preliminary evaporating stage and a residual evaporating stage, a conversion stage and a cooling stage. Each of the evaporating, converting and cooling stages are constructed with at least one module. Each module has a housing divided by walls into a transfer chamber at one end and a second chamber at the other end. The second chamber is divided between a feed chamber and a delivery chamber. Between the transfer chamber and the second chamber is a heat transfer chamber. In the heat transfer chamber there are a plurality of first tubes connecting the feed chamber to the transfer chamber and a plurality of second tubes connecting the transfer chamber to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying, devolatilizing and/or sheeting a thermoplastic material in which a high density, flowable heat exchange material, having a density substantially above the density of the thermoplastic material and which is essentially immiscible therewith, is continuously circulated through a contact zone in a manner to maintain an extended surface area body of the high density heat exchange material in the contact zone, the thermoplastic material is introduced into and withdrawn from the contact zone in a manner to form a continuously flowing layer of the thermoplastic material across the surface of the body of high density heat exchange material. Thermoplastic material may be introduced into the contact vessel as a powder, melted in an intermediate section of the contact vessel, resolidified at the opposite end of the contact vessel and withdrawn as a sheet of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A pyrolysis chamber includes a bath of molten salt divided by a horizontally disposed baffle into an upper layer and a lower layer. Connected to one end of the chamber is a furnace including submerged burners for heating the salt and for maintaining it in its molten state. The molten salt flows from the furnace across the upper bath layer and back to the furnace in the lower layer. Hydrocarbon containing material is fed onto the upper bath layer and is pyrolyzed as it moves toward the discharge end of the chamber where the spent material is removed; the hydrocarbon gases being recovered by an exhaust system in the chamber. The molten salt acts as a seal between the atmospheres of the furnace and the pyrolysis chamber and also functions to remove pollutants from the combustion gases of the burners in the furnace.

Abstract: A shale oil retorting system and novel continuous feed means for retorting oil shale within a retort housing employs a tilted circular conveyor within the housing which allows for continuous feeding of crushed oil shale within the conveyor for subsequent immersion in a hot process oil bath and unloading from the housing. The retort housing is constructed of side body members arranged to provide primary refluxing action of flammable process oil vapors evolved during retorting to prevent explosion. Safety is further augmented by providing an overhead vapor outlet and a sufficient level of process oil in the bath to produce a slight overpressure in the free board region conducive to quickly exhausting shale oil vapor from the housing into an overhead condensing unit. The spent shale particles discharged from the housing are immediately quenched to recover process oil coating the particles and minimize generation of flammable vapors from the hot particles.

Abstract: Toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and other organic wastes are destroyed by injecting them, together with oxygen, into a metal or slag bath such as is utilized in a steelmaking facility. The metal bath may be melted initially by induction or an electric arc; the desired temperature greater than 2500.degree. F. may be maintained thereafter by the reaction of the oxygen and the organic waste. Various by-products may be obtained from the gas.

Abstract: Toxic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls and other organic wastes are destroyed, optionally together with inorganic wastes, by injecting them, together with oxygen, into a molten bath such as is utilized in a steelmaking facility. The bath may be melted initially by induction, an electric arc or otherwise; the desired temperature greater than 2500.degree. F. may be maintained thereafter by the reaction of the oxygen and the organic waste. Various by-products may be obtained from the gas.

Abstract: A shale oil retort apparatus is provided for retorting oil shale under airtight conditions. The retort apparatus employs a split hub wheel device which allows for the axial feeding of crushed oil shale and the axial dispensing of spent oil shale. The retort apparatus utilizes a rotatable shaft on a stationary axle, said shaft containing three spokes that are set approximately equidistant apart. The spokes serve to feed raw oil shale, dip it into a hot oil bath and dispense spent oil shale out of the apparatus.

Abstract: Organic materials are separated and retrieved by mixing them with a liquid medium which is solid at room temperature and which is at atmosphere pressure. The material and medium are pumped by an electromagnetic pump while creating turbulence and then the velocity of the medium is decreased while heat is applied. Gases generated during the application of heat are collected. The medium is then cooled and returned to the pool at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: In a device for the gasification of carbon and/or carbon-containing media, in particular for the continuous production of a gas essentially containing CO and H.sub.2 with a molten bath of iron or an iron alloy, a reactor receives the carbon-containing media and oxidizing gasification media under the surface of the molten bath, and outlets are provided for gas and for removing at least one liquid phase, in particular slag. The reactor is stationary and is tightly sealed to a gas outlet and to a liquid outlet. In a wall region of the reactor and close to the floor thereof a plurality of nozzles are provided for feeding the gasification media. The nozzles are distributed almost symmetrically with respect to a vertical plane which extends axially with respect to the liquid outlet and to the reactor floor about the circumference of the wall region.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with novel apparatus and process for converting crude carbon such as coal, carbonaceous wastes and the like into valuable chemical products and/or energy. A mass of solid crude carbonaceous fuel is fed into a high temperature liquid which acts as a solvent for carbon at a temperature sufficient to carbonize the mass and by which the carbon is separated from impurities. Volatile fractions are removed from the mass which acts as a distillation column. Air, or another oxygen source, is introduced into the reactor wherein it reacts with the carbon dissolved in the liquid therein, which may preferably be iron to form a hot fuel gas. The hot fuel gas is then used to produce useful energy, generally via a stepwise procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, a refractory-lined furnace is provided with a depression along its base for holding a pool of molten metal which acts as the external electrode for a bank of long arc column plasma torches which provide a heat mass for the process. The plasma arc pressure imparts momentum to the surface of the melt and causes it to flow in cusping eddy currents during the process. Crushed coal is deposited through the roof of the furnace by a rotary feeder in continuous plural streams. The coal is devolatilized in a matter of milliseconds and the volatiles are cracked as the coal falls by gravity through the interior of the furnace. The remaining carbon-rich char collects at plural sites on the surface of the melt and the mounds of char are rotated by the eddy currents. Steam is continuously injected into the furnace to produce hydrocarbon gases through reaction with the carbon-rich char.

Abstract: A system for the recovery of the vaporizable constituents of a particulate, hydrocarbon-containing composite. A suitable source material is continuously conveyed into the system through an air entry prevention means and submitted to at least one heating by a molten heat transfer material contained in a chamber surrounding the conveyor transporting the particulate composite. The vaporized products released from the particulate composite, when heated, are collected in at least one products recovery means and are condensed and separated into respective gaseous and liquid components. The particulate composite is then conveyed from the molten heat transfer liquid which is also an exit air seal, cooled, and then discarded in a conventional member.