Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for withdrawing and dewatering slag from a gasification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying lockhopper and method of using the conveying lockhopper to collect slag and other waste byproducts from the gasifier of a gasification system. The conveying lockhopper is configured to receive slag from a gasifier, simultaneously extract and dewater the slag, and expel the processed slag directly into an awaiting container suitable for carrying the processed slag away. The conveying lockhopper generally comprises a housing with inlet and outlet valves to receive and expel slag, respectively. The housing is inclined at an angle typically between 5 and 60 degrees to the horizontal so that the outlet is at a higher elevation than the inlet. Inside the housing, an auger or similar conveying mechanism conveys the slag from the inlet towards the outlet while simultaneously dewatering the slag.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of organic materials (typically incorporated in domestic and industrial wastes, including auto shredder residues) to produce useful synthesis gas (primarily CO & H.sub.2) with effectively non-toxic ash residue by means of a preferably stoichiometric burner directed into a single stage reactor containing a tumbling charge thus heated to 650.degree. to 800.degree. C. (below the incipient fusion temperature of the charge) resulting in thermally cracking and gasifying the organic materials in the charge and reacting the complex hydrocarbons and gas evolved with the CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O generated by the burner by combustion of a fuel and oxygen-containing gas at a high flame temperature, typically 2500.degree. to 3000.degree. C.

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.