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: A method and a device for producing synthesis gas from biomass, wherein the biomass is decomposed into pyrolysis coke and pyrolisis gas in at least one pyrolisis reactor, the pyrolysis coke is introduced into the fluidised bed of a synthesis gas reactor and the pyrolysis gas is used as fluidisation gas for the synthesis gas reactor.

Abstract: A process for treating solid organic materials, especially for recycling treated wood, uses energy provided by hot gases at the bottom of a reactor column to perform a distillation operation which ensures splitting of organic bonds in the material and uses, as the distillation operation progresses, constant control between a first temperature of the hot gases before they are introduced into the lower part of the reactor column and a second temperature of a layer of the material located in an area immediately above the grid of the reactor column. When the first temperature and the second temperature are identical or virtually identical, corresponding to removal of all the organic bonds of the material by evaporation and transport by the hot gases from the bottom to the top of the column, the layer of material at the second temperature is removed in order to collect a material that largely consists of carbon and constitutes a secondary raw material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing synthetic gas from bio-waste includes a chamber, a feeder, a plasma torch, a steam-providing and water-circulating system and a synthetic gas cleaner. The feeder is in communication with the chamber. The feeder feeds the bio-waste into the chamber. The plasma torch is in communication with the chamber. The plasma torch provides plasma into the chamber for gasifying the bio-waste into the synthetic gas. The steam-providing and water-circulating system circulates water for cooling the chamber and the plasma torch. Furthermore, the steam-providing and water-circulating system and provides steam into the plasma torch for the generation of the plasma. The synthetic gas cleaner is in communication with the chamber. The synthetic gas cleaner receives the produced synthetic gas and polishes it into fuel-class gas.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes: a carbonizer (1) which pyrolyzes a biomass to yield a pyrolysis gas and a carbonization product; a furnace (2) in which the carbonization product supplied from the carbonizer (1) is burned; a closed vessel (3) which is disposed in the furnace (2) and holds therein a carbonate (4) which has been melted by the heat generated by the carbonization product burned in the furnace (2); an introduction pipe (5) disposed so that the pyrolysis gas is introduced into the molten carbonate (4) in the closed vessel (3); and a fuel gas supply pipe (6) disposed so that a fuel gas, which is the pyrolysis gas sent through the introduction pipe (5), passed through the molten carbonate (4), and purified by reaction with the molten carbonate (4), is sent from the closed vessel (3) to the outside of the furnace (2).

Abstract: The bio-fuel reactor injection system includes supplementing a biomass feedstock with a feedstock gas so that thermal conditions within the reactor body are optimized. The feedstock gas facilitates the flow of the feedstock through the feedstock injection system and maintains the feedstock below the feedstock's melting point until the feedstock is injected into the reactor body. In the preferred embodiment, the supplemental feedstock gas is nitrogen. The injection system also includes a plurality of screens that form a gas distributor plate. The gas distributor plate at least partially supports a fluidized bed within the reactor body. In the preferred embodiment, the nitrogen-supplemented feedstock is injected into the fluidized bed within the reactor.

Abstract: A reactor, system and method for producing hydrogen features a reactor containing a heating stream channel and a hydrogen channel with a reaction channel positioned there between. A heat transfer sheet separates the heating stream channel and the reaction channel and a porous support plate separates the reaction channel and the hydrogen channel. A membrane constructed from palladium, vanadium, copper or alloys thereof covers the porous support plate. The heating stream channel receives a heating stream so that heat is provided to the reaction channel through the heat transfer sheet. A catalyst is positioned in the reaction channel and the reaction channel receives a reaction stream including a mixture of supercritical water and a hydrocarbon fuel so that hydrogen is produced in the reaction channel and is passed through the membrane into the hydrogen channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unmixed fuel processors and methods for using the same. In one embodiment, an unmixed fuel processor comprises: an oxidation reactor comprising an oxidation portion and a gasifier, a CO2 acceptor reactor, and a regeneration reactor. The oxidation portion comprises an air inlet, effluent outlet, and an oxygen transfer material. The gasifier comprises a solid hydrocarbon fuel inlet, a solids outlet, and a syngas outlet. The CO2 acceptor reactor comprises a water inlet, a hydrogen outlet, and a CO2 sorbent, and is configured to receive syngas from the gasifier. The regeneration reactor comprises a water inlet and a CO2 stream outlet. The regeneration reactor is configured to receive spent CO2 adsorption material from the gasification reactor and to return regenerated CO2 adsorption material to the gasification reactor, and configured to receive oxidized oxygen transfer material from the oxidation reactor and to return reduced oxygen transfer material to the oxidation reactor.

Abstract: A cost-effective biomass gasification method and system for converting biomass materials into gaseous fuel. The system and method are capable of converting at least about 50-70% of the carbon in a biomass material into gaseous carbon at a temperature lower than about 1300° F. Also provided is a highly-efficient, cost-effective biomass gasification system comprising a combustor and a gasifier with an inside diameter of at least about 36 inches and a height of at least about 40 feet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant (100) for the gasification of biomass. It comprises a gasifier (10) and an apparatus (23) for the filtration of the gas. The apparatus comprises a scrubber (31), a tank (41), and a wet electrostatic precipitator (51). The scrubber is in fluid communication with the gasifier and with the tank, and is adapted for the injection of a washing liquid in the gas flow. The tank comprises a bottom area adapted for collecting the liquid and a top area adapted for holding the gas, separated by gravity. The wet electrostatic precipitator is in fluid communication with the top area of the tank, so as to receiving only the gas. The invention further relates to a gasifier comprising a gasification reactor (12), a grate (125) for the support of the biomass in the reactor (12) and a plug (126) for closing the middle part of the grate. The plug is vertically movable so as to close and/or open the middle part of the grate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus performing high temperature fast pyrolysis of dry biomass are described. High yield of gases with medium caloric value and low tar content are claimed. Passing electric current through the mixture of biomass with conductive particles in the stirred bed inside the reactor provides the intensive direct heating of the biomass in the pyrolytic reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing fuel gases from carbon-containing material, in particular a wood gas generator, comprising a degassing zone and an oxidation zone, as well as a method for producing a fuel gas having a high calorific value by simple means, for which the degassing zone consists of a degassing chamber containing a molten metal, preferably tin, wherein the degassing chamber is designed to operate with air excluded.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermochemical conversion of solid carbonaceous materials into fluid fuels using a fluid source of oxygen and an external source of concentrated radiation includes a reactor having a wall defining a cavity; a radiation inlet positioned in the wall for passing concentrated radiation into the cavity; and at least one inlet for introducing a fluid reactant flow of a source of oxygen and particles of carbonaceous material into direct exposure to the concentrated radiation in the cavity so as to heat and thermochemically convert the particles into fluid fuel. A process and system are also provided. The fluid source of oxygen is preferably steam and the carbonaceous material is preferably particles of petcoke.

Abstract: A device for producing a product gas from biomass includes a reactor which is delimited by a base part and reactor walls. The reactor walls include a circumferential wall and an upper wall. The reactor includes a supply opening for the supplying of biomass, and also at least one riser for the chemical conversion of supplied biomass to a product gas and a solid substance. The riser is attached within the circumferential wall and includes an upper end and a lower end. The reactor also has a discharge opening for the discharging of the product gas. The riser is fastened to at least one reactor wall. The base wall of the reactor has a through-opening through which the lower end of the riser movably extends.

Abstract: A process for converting organic waste into reusable hydrocarbons and a system for doing so, the system including a feeding mechanism for the waste, a reactor and a residue-disposing mechanism. The waste is to be fed into the reactor in which a molten lead bath is confined in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The system is used to practice a process for the pyrocatalytic conversion of the waste, which process comprises, feeding the waste into a reaction zone of a pyrocatalytic reactor, the waste being essentially free of a halogenated synthetic resinous material, and mixing the waste with a minor proportion by weight of a particulate catalyst in the bath held at a temperature in the range from about 450° C. to 550° C. in an elongated vat. The catalyst consists essentially of a major proportion by weight of particulate bauxite <2 mm, in combination with a minor proportion of aluminum powder <0.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing hydrogen using a generator, heating the vessel that is part of the generator, loading waste comprising steel into the heated vessel, melting the loaded waste to a molten state using a non-transferred torch to cut and melt the waste and then using a transferred torch to maintain a molten metal pool, adding additional steel to raise the molten metal pool to a minimum depth, raising the temperature to 2000 degrees Centigrade, acquiring EPA approval, loading waste into the vessel at a defined rate, maintaining the molten metal pool further melting any non-melted waste into a molten status with the transferred torch, determining BTU content and gas flow, injecting steam into the vessel, flowing gas from the vessel through scrubbers into storage containers and collecting the hydrogen in a collection vessel.

Abstract: The gasifier includes a furnace bed segmented into individual cells, each cell is independently monitored using a ramp temperature probe, and provided with controlled air injection to provide individually controlled burn regions within the gasifier. Gasifier air injection includes tuyere arrays, lances, or both.

Abstract: Solid waste resource recovery in space is effected by pyrolysis processing, to produce light gases as the main products (CH4, H2, CO2, CO, H2O, NH3) and a reactive carbon-rich char as the main byproduct. Significant amounts of liquid products are formed under less severe pyrolysis conditions, and are cracked almost completely to gases as the temperature is raised. A primary pyrolysis model for the composite mixture is based on an existing model for whole biomass materials, and an artificial neural network models the changes in gas composition with the severity of pyrolysis conditions.

Abstract: Solid waste resource recovery in space is effected by pyrolysis processing, to produce light gases as the main products (CH4, H2, CO2, CO, H2O, NH3) and a reactive carbon-rich char as the main byproduct. Significant amounts of liquid products are formed under less severe pyrolysis conditions, and are cracked almost completely to gases as the temperature is raised. A primary pyrolysis model for the composite mixture is based on an existing model for whole biomass materials, and an artificial neural network models the changes in gas composition with the severity of pyrolysis conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of gasifying carbon-containing compounds incorporating mineral elements and/or potential contaminants, and it also relates to a gasification installation having means for containing a bath of molten slag, means for charging said compounds into said bath, means for injecting at least oxidizer into the bath so that the mixture of carbon-containing compounds and oxidizer is super-stoichiometric, whereby a first fraction of the compounds is pyrolyzed, a second fraction is subjected to a combustion reaction suitable for delivering heat energy to the bath of slag, and a third fraction diffuses into the bath, means for recovering the gas given off by the pyrolysis and the combustion of the first and second fractions, and means for lowering the temperature of a portion of the molten slag so as to allow it to solidify, thereby immobilizing at least a portion of the third fraction of the compounds containing mineral elements and/or potential contaminants.

Abstract: This invention provides a waste-processing system capable of processing high-solids wastes such as manure. This invention provides a compact U-shaped digester that allows for recycling of activated sludge to improve the efficiency of the process. Efficiency is also improved through a sludge heating design that creates a current in the digester and efficiently heats the sludge. A composter is provided to further process the sludge through aerobic digestion to create usable fertilizer. Finally, one embodiment provides a turbine that is fueled by biological gases from the digester to generate heat and electricity to be used by the system.

Abstract: A PCPG (Pulverized Coal Pressurized Gasifier) including improved fuel distribution means among burners, better burner feeding, enhanced flame retention burner, and improved process control. The flame retention burner has a both a rapidly spinning air flow to create a tornado effect plus a Coanda effect from the swirled air causing traverse eddies into the burning air/fuel mixture and induced circulation eddies of hot gas to prolong exposure of coal particles to hot flame conditions near the ignition area to achieve increased multiple chances to mate air with coal particles. This burner coupled to individualized fuel feed and precise measurements and controls and two-stage PCPG entrained flow and ash bed reactor spaces minimizes carbon in the ash and maximizes gas-making efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combustible gas reforming method, a combustible gas reforming apparatus, and a gasification apparatus for gasifying a combustible material such as coal, biomass, municipal wastes, industrial wastes, RDF (refuse-derived fuel), waste plastics, and the like, and reforming a generated combustible gas. According to a combustible gas reforming method of the present invention, combustibles are gasified in a gasification apparatus (11), a generated gas (GA) produced by gasifying the combustibles is reformed in a gas reforming apparatus (12) using a catalyst to produce a product gas (GB), and a catalyst (CA′) degraded by the gas reforming apparatus (11) is regenerated in a catalyst regenerating apparatus (13). Waste heat (TP) of the combustible gas reforming process is used as heat to regenerate the catalyst in the catalyst regenerating apparatus (13).

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.

Abstract: An ash melting system of the present invention includes a slagging combustion furnace (10) for melting ash into molten slag; and a slag separating apparatus (50) for bringing the molten slag (121) discharged from the slagging combustion furnace into contact with slag cooling water (152) to produce water-quenched slag (122), and separating the water-quenched slag from the slag cooling water. The ash melting system further includes a gas blowing means for blowing air or inert gas (132) between a slag discharge port (14) of the slagging combustion furnace and the surface of the slag cooling water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for thermal conversion of biomass and organic wastes. According to the invention, the feedstock is fed into a fluidized-bed reactor, wherein the feed is converted at an elevated temperature under the influence of particulate matter kept in a fluidized state by a fluidizing gas, the particulate matter is transferred from the reactor to a regenerator for regeneration and then recirculated to the reactor after the regeneration, and the converted hydrocarbon products are recovered from the reactor. Both the reactor and the regenerator comprise risers having an axially annular cross section and being equipped with multi-inlet cyclones for the separation of particulate matter. By means of the invention, it is possible to producer pyrolysis oil, the quality of which is higher than that of oil produced with the processes of the prior art.

Abstract: Tire pyrolysis systems and processes are provided which include feeding tire shreds to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the shreds in a pyrolysis reactor to produce a hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and carbon-containing solid, removing the carbon-containing solid from the reactor, directing the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream into a separator, contacting the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oil spray in the separator thereby washing particulate from the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and condensing a portion of the gas stream to oil, removing and cooling the oil from the separator, directing non-condensed gas from the gas stream away from the separator, and directing a portion of the cooled oil removed from the separator to an inlet of the separator for use as the separator oil spray.

Abstract: Facility for producing synthesis gas from a solid feedstock including organic matter, said facility including means for circulating a heat-carrying solid providing the heat necessary for such production, and several stages including gasification means (Z1, Z3), intermediate separation means (Z2, Z4) for separating the effluents coming from each stage, and combustion means (Z5).

Abstract: Apparatus for producing synthesis gas from a biomass feed in a closed, helical coil reactor fired by at least a natural gas fed burner. The reactor includes the helical coil disposed concentrically in the reactor vessel with a burner positioned at the bottom of the vessel and a generally cylindrical heat shield, with the bottom end (facing the burner) being closed at the top of the vessel. The heat shield is concentrically disposed within the coil, and they are placed adjacent to, but spaced from, the sidewall of the vessel so that convective heat may flow upwardly and around the individual coils. The lower section of the coils are exposed tot he direct heat of the burner. The placement of the burner and heat shield provide respective heating zones to facilitate and control the heat supplied to the biomass for pyrolysis, reduction of char and bringing the target synthesis gas to equilibrium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof. Combustion gases from the gasifier are held at temperature using a recovery and regeneration chamber, and then undergo secondary oxidation in an oxidizer. The high temperature gases produced by the system can be utilized to advantage, for example, as the thermal energy source for a conventional heat recovery device such as a heat exchanger, steam generator, hot oil or air heater, or steam boiler.

Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.

Abstract: A gasification reactor apparatus (10) comprising a gasification vessel (12), a gas-fired combustion chamber (70) and a combination fan and cyclone unit (20) in an upper part (12′) of the vessel (12) with two functions: first, the fan (62, 64) impels incoming feedstock (14, 14′) centrifugally into contact with the hot inside surface of the vessel to produce rapid onset of gasification. Second, the unit (20) exerts a cyclonic motion on the product gas causing outward separation of particulate matter from the gas, which passes to the outlet via a path through the middle of the vessel (12).

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: An apparatus for converting carbonaceous raw materials into a carbonized product and activating the product, includes a device for heating the carbonaceous raw materials to form a carbonized product, and equipment for activating the carbonized product and supplying by-product of the activation to the device to help in the heating. The device heats a column of carbonaceous raw materials to pyrolize it and form a carbonized product and vapors and gases. Upward flow of the gases and vapors is restrained so that they flow, with the carbonized product, out of the bottom of the column where they are burned in a combustion box and the resultant hot gases used to heat the column through a tube defining the column. Descending carbonized materials pass rapidly through the combustion box into the equipment which through electical resistance heating and steam, activates the carbonized materials and passes gas and vapor by-products thereby created up into the combustion box to help fuel the heating of the raw materials.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for producing gaseous energy which may be used as fuel for driving electricity generating means comprises an oven (2), a ram (11) for feeding gas-producing waste material to the oven (2), gas burners (5) for heating the waste material while in the oven (2), and a collection vessel (25) for collecting gaseous fuel liberated by heating the waste material. The oven (2) and waste material feeder duct (7) connected thereto are of airtight construction, so that combustion of the waste material is not allowed to take place. The airtight oven (2) has a central gasifier section (15) having an inlet end (15a) and an outlet end (15b). The feeder duct (7) is connected to the inlet end (15a) and an outlet duct (16) is connected to the outlet end (15b). The outlet duct (16) extends into the collection vessel (25), which has an upper end housing a gas filter (26) and a lower end connected to an ash receptacle (27).

Abstract: Apparatus for processing and recycling CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic) treated wood chips that includes a vertical reaction chamber into which a continuous stream of wood chips is poured. Hot gases at about 400.degree. C. are introduced into the bottom of the column to heat the chips below their ignition point. The combustion gases flow upwardly through the chips to progressively cool the gases and allow them to condense in the column. The condensate is deposited upon the surface of the chips and the gases, which are now free of heavy metals, are evacuated from the column.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating burnable gas by gasifying water- and ballast-containing organic materials, be it coal or garbage. The drying, low temperature carbonization and gasification steps are carried out separately. The heat taken form cooled gasified gas is supplied to the endothermic drying low temperature in low temperature carbonation stages. The low temperature carbonization gas is burned in a melting chamber furnace with air and/or oxygen or oxygen-rich flue gas and the liquid slag is evacuated, whereas the low temperature carbonization coke is blown into the hot combustion gases that leave the melting reactions which take place and give carbon monoxide and hydrogen reduce the carbon is removed from the gasified gas, supplied to the melting chamber furnace and completely burned.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of feedstock materials are disclosed. The apparatus includes an oblate spheroid (egg-shaped) gasification chamber having inlets for feedstock material and gaseous oxidizer. A combustion gas outlet permits removal of combustion gases, and an ash collection region allows collection and removal of ash produced in the gasification chamber. A plurality of recirculating venturi tubes located within the gasification chamber recirculate combustion gases and particulates into and out of a gasification zone. Each venturi tube includes a plenum having a gaseous oxidizer inlet and a plurality of orifices capable of producing high velocity air flow towards the feedstock material bed in the gasification zone. Filtration action of the bed entrains combustion particulates. A plurality of air cannons coupled to one or more pulse valves provide pulsed air flow into the gasification zone to agitate the feedstock material bed.

Abstract: A pyrolysis gasifier includes a first auger (26) which moves carbon from a carbon collection tank (24) through an air lock valve (30) to a carbon holding tank (28) The gasifier includes an inner cylindrical sleeve (80) which is configured such that there is a small air gap between it and an interior wall of the gasifier (16). The air lock valve (30) includes an inlet member (96) which connects the housing to a connecting tube from the first auger (26). A plate (100) within the housing is mounted such that in a closed position, the plate is sealingly positioned against a lower edge of the inlet member (96), while in an open position, the plate is away from the inlet member, permitting carbon to move into the carbon holding tank. A fuel spreader apparatus 53 is positioned at the top portion of the gasifier. It includes a stirring rod (44) and two opposed fuel paddle assemblies (67, 69) at the lower end thereof to spread the fuel over the cross-sectional area of the gasifier.

Abstract: A system and method for producing product gas using residual waste liquor is described with a gasifier reactor having a fluidized bed located therein. The gasifier reactor is heated to a predetermined temperature range with either an external heater or a second fluidized bed located at a position below the first fluidized bed. A heat exchanger may be positioned in the first fluidized bed and/or the second fluidized bed for indirectly heating the respective fluidized beds. Condensing heat exchanger means recovers heat from the product gas and condenses an acid gas therefrom for recycling the chemicals. A reagent is sprayed in the condensing heat exchanger means to clean the product gas. Pressurization allows the cleaned product gas to be directly fired in a turbine.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus in which combustible matter, e.g., waste matter, coal, etc., is gasified to produce a combustible gas containing a sufficiently large amount of combustible component to melt ash by its own heat. A fluidized-bed furnace has an approximately circular horizontal cross-sectional configuration. A moving bed, in which a fluidized medium settles and diffuses, is formed in the central portion of the furnace, and a fluidized bed, in which the fluidized medium is actively fluidized, is formed in a peripheral portion in the furnace. The fluidized medium is turned over to the upper part of the moving bed from the upper part of the fluidized bed, thus circulating through the two beds. Combustible matter is cast into the upper part of the moving bed and gasified to form a combustible gas while circulating, together with the fluidized medium.

Abstract: A system and method for producing product gas using residual waste liquor is described with a gasifier reactor having a fluidized bed located therein. The gasifier reactor is heated to a predetermined temperature range with either an external heater or a second fluidized bed located at a position below the first fluidized bed. A heat exchanger may be positioned in the first fluidized bed and/or the second fluidized bed for indirectly heating the respective fluidized beds. Condensing heat exchanger means recovers heat from the product gas and condenses an acid gas therefrom for recycling the chemicals. A reagent is sprayed in the condensing heat exchanger means to clean the product gas. Pressurization allows the cleaned product gas to be directly fired in a turbine.

Abstract: A gasification system for solid wastes having a thermal reactor and a mechanical gas cleaner, an indirect heat exchange cooler, and an electrostatic precipitator for cleaning and cooling the produced gas. Feed material is continuously fed to he central section of the thermal reactor above an air introduction manifold and nozzles and in an upward direction, forming a stratified charge. As feed material moves upward and outward from the reactor center it is reduced to ash. An agitator assures contact between the hot particulate product and hot gases resulting in gasification of the feed material and net movement to the sidewall of the thermal reactor, forming ash. The air introduction nozzles serve as a grate. Ash descends along the sidewall to the reactor base for removal. The mechanical cleaner has a high speed rotating brush-like gas separator element and scraper combination which removes condensed tars and particulates from the produced gas stream.

Abstract: An improved batch process for the pyrolytic conversion of woody and herbaceous plant material is provided which yields charcoal, on a dry weight basis, in yields ranging from about 35% to about 50%, having volatile matter content of about 25% or less, and fuel value of 13000 BTU/pound. The batch process can be conducted in two hours or less per batch with virtually instantaneous reloading for subsequent batches without substantial cooling of the reactor utilized for the process and without exposing the hot processed charcoal to air or oxygen sufficient to cause combustion upon removal from the reactor.

Abstract: A system for providing heated fluidized bed gasification of a residual waste liquor provides a bed of granular material and a source of liquor provided to the material bed. An injector is situated in the material bed and communicates with an air source, a fuel source and a steam source. Fuel and air are combusted in the injector and mixed with the steam which forms a combustion product and steam mixture which is in turn injected into the material bed. The combustion and mixing is separated from the bed material by being confined within the injector. The injector is a bubble cap having at least one hole or an injector made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A graded temperature methanol reactor includes an inclined container containing a liquid heat transfer medium, such as water, having a varying temperature along the container. Conduits, extending through the container and in contact with heat transfer medium, conduct a feed gas having hydrogen and carbon monoxide and permit heat transfer between the feed gas and the heat transfer medium. A copper catalyst is disposed within each conduit to cause the hydrogen and carbon monoxide to react to form methanol, which condenses as the temperature decreases along the container from the upper end to the lower end. Preferably, the conduits are configured as a rotor and can be rotated relative to the container. By using this methanol reactor, methanol can be produced from a feed gas having hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a 2:1 molecular ratio, regardless of the source of this feed gas.

Abstract: A gasifier for producing methane-rich fuel gas from a biomass material feed includes at least one cylindrical vessel, and an axially extending rotor mounted within the vessel. A feeding system is mounted to the vessel at the input end for introducing feed to the vessel. The feeding system includes two independently operated pistons, slidable in an inclined cylinder, and two slide valves, disposed in a vertical pipe above the inclined cylinder. The slide valves serve to apportion the amount of feed delivered to the gasifier, while the pistons selectively seal the pressurized interior of the kiln from the feed hopper. A discharge system for removing residue from the kiln also includes two pistons which selectively seal kiln from the environment. The gasifier of the present invention may also include double-plate intake and exhaust manifolds, and a box beam rotor, optionally including zinc oxide disposed in the hollow, central rotor shaft defined by the vanes of the box beam rotor.

Abstract: A low-temperature carbonization/combustion process is carried out in a low-temperature carbonization/combustion plant with pressure control that includes a pyrolysis drum to which waste is delivered. Low-temperature carbonization gas generated there is passed to a combustion chamber. Flue gas produced there is fed through a cooling device and a gas compressor to a stack. With the aid of a control device, the speed of rotation of the gas compressor is controlled in relation to the pressure in the gas path between the pyrolysis drum and the gas compressor in such a way that when the pressure decreases, the speed of rotation is decreased. Preferably, an additional gas compressor is connected in series with the gas compressor and the speed of rotation of the additional gas compressor is appropriately controlled. An additional pyrolysis drum can also be provided.