Abstract: A gasifying apparatus including a variable gasifier and used as both a power generator and a combustion boiler and a method of driving the same are disclosed. A combustion boiler and a generator engine, driven with synthesis gas, are associated with a single gasifier, and the gasifying apparatus produces synthesis gas proper to a technical field of the gasifier by selectively applying an upflow gasifier and a downflow gasifier according to the technical field of the gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for treating waste, such as municipal waste via pyrolysis and yielding one or more of heat energy, electrical energy and fuel. In some embodiments, waste feed stock can be municipal waste in black bag form. In some the present invention additionally provides for processing of thousands of tons of municipal waste each day.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reactor for pyrolysis and a method for charging and emptying such a reactor. A reactor according to the invention for the recovery of carbon and hydrocarbons from organic input material through pyrolysis, comprises a vessel (2) that extends along a vertical central axis (6) and demonstrates a chamber (3) that is limited outwardly by an outer surface (5) and by an upper and a lower end-wall section (7, 8), in which chamber it is intended that input material (4) in fragmented form is to be placed whereby the vessel has an opening (12) with a hatch (14) that when in a closed position forms a limit between the chamber and the surrounding atmosphere, an inlet (9) for the introduction of heated gas into the chamber, and an outlet (10) for the passage out from the chamber of gas that has passed through the input material that has been placed in the chamber.

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: According to one embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and an access door coupled to a side of the combustion chamber. The access door allows removal of the retort from the side of the combustion chamber. According to another embodiment of the invention, a gas generator system includes a combustion chamber having an insulation coupled to an inside surface thereof, a retort having a catalyst therein disposed within the combustion chamber, and a recuperator disposed proximate an open bottom of the combustion chamber. The recuperator prevents secondary combustion air from traveling in a direct path into the combustion chamber from outside the open bottom of the combustion chamber and raises the temperature of the secondary combustion air.

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 fuel processor apparatus comprising a catalytic tubular reactor is heated using an infrared radiant burner to provide the endothermic heat of reaction needed to reform a mixture of hydrocarbon and steam for the production of a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The hydrogen-rich gas stream is further purified using a sequence of catalytic steps that is fed to a fuel cell whereupon a portion of the hydrogen contained in the gas stream is consumed for the production of electricity by electrochemical reaction with oxygen. An unused portion of the purified hydrogen-rich gas stream exits the fuel cell stack and is combusted in the infrared radiant burner. A fuel cell control system rapidly responds to a variable fuel cell electric demand by adjusting the feed of hydrocarbon to the catalytic tubular reactor to maintain the surface temperature of the infrared radiant burner within defined limits.

Abstract: A reactor for autothermal reforming of hydrocarbons that allows a reduction of excess-air factor &phgr; during the reforming without resulting in a reduced conversion of the hydrocarbons in an end region of the reaction zone. The reactor includes at least one reaction zone in which is arranged at least one catalyst structure for the reformation so that the educts involved in the reformation are converted while flowing through the reaction zone. A heating device is included for heating the end region of the reaction zone to accelerate the conversion of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of solid and liquid fuels to a synthesis gas, steam and/or electricity in which about 10% to about 40% of a solid fuel and/or a liquid fuel is introduced into a gasifier and gasified, resulting in formation of a synthesis gas. The remaining portion of the solid fuel and/or liquid fuel is introduced into a first stage of a multi-stage combustor, resulting in formation of products of combustion and ash and/or char. The synthesis gas is introduced into a second stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the first stage and overfire oxidant is introduced into a third stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the second stage. The ash and/or char from the multi-stage combustor is then recycled into the gasifier.

Abstract: A process for an endothermic reaction includes the steps of carrying out an exothermic reaction in which a fuel is combusted to generate heat for transfer to a feedstock subject to an endothermic reaction, the waste heat from the exothermic and endothermic reactions being transferred to at least three fluid streams within a single heat recovery zone downstream of the endothermic and exothermic reactions, the apparatus therefor being contained within a single vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic waste decomposing apparatus which is capable of quickly and efficiently separating from a liquid phase polymer a vapor component produced from the liquid phase polymer so as to suppress generation of carbon following a decomposition reaction, and further capable of performing the decomposition reaction in the state where the temperature of the whole liquid phase polymer is uniform, so as to efficiently recover the vapor component of a desired molecular weight, so that decomposition of plastic waste can be carried out at a reasonable cost.

Abstract: The invention provides a practical and efficient method and apparatus for thermally processing organic based raw materials of either primary or secondary (recycled) origin, in order to extract volatile organic vapors and to selectively produce either condensable hydrocarbon gases or, more preferably, non-condensable synthesis gases that are rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide for use as a raw material in chemical processes, or as a fuel. In particular, the invention provides a single rotary reactor having two contiguous hearth reaction areas, i.e., a drying and volatizing area and a reformation area, the areas being separated from each other by a bed-retaining refractory weir. The weir has an aperture for fluidly connecting the two hearth reaction areas of the single reactor.

Abstract: A device for utilizing combustion, residual and waste materials containing carbon and ash by gasification with an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent at temperatures above the melting point of the inorganic parts in a reaction chamber and at a pressure between ambient pressure and 60 bar. The reaction chamber contour is formed in part by a refractory-grade lining and in part by a cooling system comprising cooling coils connected in a gas-tight manner. The coils are coated with a thin layer of a ceramic mass that conducts heat well on a side facing the reaction chamber. The cooling coils are operated, while being cooled by pressurized water, below or above the boiling point of the cooling water.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for gasifying carbon-containing products, in particular waste and residues conditioned or processed in a suitable way. Gasification takes place in a mixed flow composed of a counter flow, direct flow and transverse flow. A portion of the gasifying agent is introduced through an inclined grate in the form of a step grate and thrust grating and ash is removed at the bottom end of the grate. Fuel gas is drawn off above the upper level of the grate on the side opposite the lateral feed of the gasifying agent. The gasification apparatus is enclosed in a double-layer insulating/cooling system in which air is used as the insulator and coolant. The gasification process is regulated by the temperature profile of the gasification apparatus, the position of the principal gasification zone is adjusted by ash discharge, the gasification temperature is regulated by the flow of gasifying agent and the output is regulated by the width of the gasification zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for producing synthetic crude oil from oil bearing material, e.g., oil shale or tar sand, through continuous loading, calcining and unloading operations in three triangularly placed reactor tubes that are loaded with oil bearing material from a common feed source.

Abstract: A gasification shaft in the reactor collects a loose heap of solid waste matter on a support at the bottom of the shaft in the form of a triangular hollow prism having longitudinal edges leaving gaps between it and the walls of the shaft. The support can be swung about its axis to open the gaps wider and shake the solid material. Oxygen containing gas is supplied at the top of the shaft and supports partial combustion of the solid material. Gas and partly burned solid material pass down through the variable gaps into a combination chamber below the shaft into which more oxygen containing gas is fed both from above through the prismatic support and from below through an ash chamber at the bottom of the combustion chamber after passing through lower gaps between an emptying device of triangular prism shape, below which is an ash removal chamber.

Abstract: A self powered blue water gas generator includes a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an input air lock coupled to receive carbonaceous material and a lower output air lock. The column includes a grate positioned within the column and disposed to receive impinging carbonaceous material passed through the input air lock. The grate and column are heated through conduction by burners communicating with the interior of the column and positioned outside and below the column to establish a vertical temperature gradient therewithin. Blue water gas produced within the column by carbonaceous material refluxing within the column fuels the burners and is extracted for utilization by a pipe communicating with the interior of the column. A steam pipe is positioned beneath the grate and within the column for producing steam beneath the grate.After initial fire up the generator is self-powered by its own product and produces blue water gas having an increased CO yield with decreased CO.sub.2 production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposal of rubber wastes is provided wherein rubber wastes such as scrap tires are dry-distilled in a vertical dry distillation retort of an internal heating type having a rotary discharge chute with a water seal, valuable substances contained in the rubber wastes, such as carbon black and oil, are effectively recovered and dry-distilled gas is used as a heat source for the dry distillation of the rubber wastes.