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 chemically disinfected sewage sludge-containing material comprising (1) an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge-containing material having a solids content in the range of about 10 to 30 wt. %; and (2) a chemical disinfectant comprising a water soluble silicate of sodium in the amount of 5 to 20 wt. % (basis dry wt. of said sewage sludge). In one embodiment, a pumpable chemically disinfected sewage sludge-containing material was produced by the steps of (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry having a solids content of about 10 to 30 wt. %; (2) shearing the dewatered sewage sludge from (1) at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 230.degree. F. and at a shear rate of at least 30 per second for a period in the range of about 0.5 to 180 minutes; and (3) mixing the following materials together at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 230.degree. F. to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry having a solids content in the range of about 30 to 65 wt.

Abstract: Direct gasification of a high BTU content fuel gas from a hydrocarbon content solid waste material W which may include some glass content is effected by preheating heat carrier solids HCS in a flash calciner to a temperature capable of thermally cracking the hydrocarbon content of the solid waste material W directly into the high BTU content fuel gas. The HCS are separated from the products of combustion and fed into a gas sealed refractory lined horizontal axis rotary kiln retort concurrently with the solid waste W. Momentary contact and mixing of the solid waste W with the HCS in the rotary kiln in the absence of oxygen is sufficient to directly thermally crack the solid waste material into the high BTU gas product. Separated HCS are returned to the flash calciner for reheating.

Abstract: A mixture of hydrocarbons, oxygen and steam is reacted over a fluidized bed, in a first reaction stage, at high temperature to produce, at hydrocarbon conversion levels ranging from about 85 percent to about 92 percent, a reaction product of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in admixture with unreacted hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and steam. The level of hydrocarbon conversion is further increased by about 0.5 to 5 percent by contacting and endothermically reacting the reaction product mixture over a fixed bed of a high void fraction catalyst in a second reaction stage.

Abstract: A process for the in situ attrition and break up of an agglomerating, or agglomerated catalyst to maintain and control the fluidization characteristics of a bed wherein low molecular weight hydrocarbons, oxygen and steam are contacted with the bed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide via both partial oxidation and steam reforming reactions. The feeds are injected into the reaction zone with mechanical energy input sufficient to balance the intrinsic rate of agglomeration by fracturing and breaking apart in situ the agglomerated catalyst to maintain the fluidization characteristics of the bed throughout the cycle of operation.

Abstract: A process for the production of syn gas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) by reaction at high temperature between low molecular weight hydrocarbons, steam and oxygen in an impurities-containing refractory lined reaction zone. The lined reaction zone is pretreated with steam, or with steam and a reducing gas, e.g. a mixture of steam and hydrogen to leach out, react with, and transport the impurities, i.e., the reaction products of silica, or silica plus phosphorus or sulfur, or silica plus phosphorus and sulfur, from the reaction zone. Steam alone may be used to leach out, convert the silica to gaseous silicic acid, and remove same from the reaction zone; and then the hydrocarbons, steam and oxygen feeds are introduced into the reaction zone to produce syn gas.

Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of cooled and cleaned synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas substantially free from entrained particulate matter and slag. The hot raw gas stream from the partial oxidation gas generator is quench cooled with deaerated grey water in a quench tank to produce black quench water or cooled in a radiant and/or convection cooler. The cooled gas is scrubbed with deaerated grey water in a scrubbing zone to remove all of the entrained particulate matter and to produce black scrubbing waters. The black water is resolved in a flashing zone and reused by flashing it in two or three flash stages connected in series and separating the overhead flash vapors comprising vaporized grey water and sour gas from the bottoms comprising concentrated black water. The flash vapors from the first flash stage are used to heat a stream of deaerated grey water being recycled to the quench tank and gas scrubbing zone or to the gas scrubbing zone.

Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of hot clean gas substantially free from particulate matter, alkali metal compounds, hydrogen halides, hydrogen cyanide, sulfur-containing gases, and with or without ammonia for use as synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. A pumpable hydrocarbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or liquid emulsions thereof, an aqueous slurry of petroleum coke, and mixtures thereof and wherein said hydrocarbonaceous fuel contains halides, alkali metal compounds, sulfur, nitrogen and inorganic ash containing components, is reacted in a gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a hot raw gas stream comprising H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, HCN, HCl, HF, H.sub.2 S, COS, N.sub.2, Ar, particulate matter, vapor phase alkali metal compounds, and molten slag. The hot raw gas stream from the gasifier is cooled in a radiant cooler and cleaned.

Abstract: A partial oxidation process for the production of a stream of hot clean gas substantially free from particulate matter, ammonia, alkali metal compounds, halides and sulfur-containing gas for use as synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. A hydrocarbonaceous fuel comprising a solid carbonaceous fuel with or without liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, wherein said hydrocarbonaceous fuel contains halides, alkali metal compounds, sulfur, nitrogen and inorganic ash containing components, is reacted in a gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a hot raw gas stream comprising H.sub.2, CO, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, HCl, HF, H.sub.2 S, COS, N.sub.2, Ar, particulate matter, vapor phase alkali metal compounds, and molten slag. The hot raw gas stream from the gasifier is split into two streams which are separately deslagged, cleaned and recombined. Ammonia in the gas mixture is catalytically disproportionated into N.sub.2 and H.sub.2.

Abstract: A method for dissociating organic waste to produce a gasified hydrocarbon. The method of the invention includes directing an organic waste, into a reaction zone containing a molten metal bath in a reactor maintained under conditions sufficient to dissociate the organic waste and to form a gasified hydrocarbon component. Wherein the organic waste includes an inorganic component, the an inorganic component is retained in a vitreous and/or molten metal phase or is removed form the gaseous phase by physical or chemical separation.

Abstract: Mechanical and electrical power are produced along with synthesis or fuel gas by the partial oxidation process with integrated combustion and steam turbines. By-product vaporized liquefied natural gas for feed to a pipeline for gas consumers is obtained by heat exchange with heat containing streams from the partial oxidation gasification and gas cleaning and purification zone; and optionally from heat containing streams from combustion and/or steam turbine zones which are integrated with the partial oxidation process. Heat from the combustion turbine exhaust gas is used as follows: (1) superheat steam for use in a steam turbine; (2) preheat water saturated clean sulfur-free synthesis or fuel gas with or without supplemental methane enrichment; (3) preheat oxygen gas for the partial oxidation zone; and (4) vaporize LNG. Pre, inter, and after stages of an air compressor are cooled by indirect heat exchange with LNG which is thereby warmed or vaporized.

Abstract: An oxygenated organic liquid product and a fuel gas are produced from a portion of synthesis gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur-containing compounds in a integrated feed treatment and catalytic reaction system. To prevent catalyst poisoning, the sulfur-containing compounds in the reactor feed are absorbed in a liquid comprising the reactor product, and the resulting sulfur-containing liquid is regenerated by stripping with untreated synthesis gas from the reactor. Stripping offgas is combined with the remaining synthesis gas to provide a fuel gas product. A portion of the regenerated liquid is used as makeup to the absorber and the remainder is withdrawn as a liquid product. The method is particularly useful for integration with a combined cycle coal gasification system utilizing a gas turbine for electric power generation.

Abstract: A process for depolymerizing polymers by selective, partial oxidation at supercritical or near supercritical conditions for water and wherein supercritical water or water near supercritical conditions is used as a solvent and reforming agent, is used to produce relatively high yields of the monomers originally used to produce the polymers. The invention provides an environmentally friendly process for recycling polymeric waste materials to generate valuable polymer feedstock in a closed oxidation process which is free of hazardous stack emissions. The polymers which can be recycled in accordance with the process can include typical amounts of conventional additive and other impurities without significantly affecting the overall conversion.

Abstract: A method for gasifying a combustible liquid or powder using a gas detonation wave including a step of introducing detonable mixed gas including oxidizing gas into a detonation tube, a step of spraying, coating or laying combustible liquid or powder in the detonation tube and a step of detonating the mixed gas by ignition so that the combustible liquid or powder is thermally decomposed by the high-temperature and high-pressure behind the detonation wave.

Abstract: Organic wastes of diverse types including toxic materials are converted to synthesis gas or molecular hydrogen or methanol and an inorganic solid residue by heating the material to 1200 .degree. C. or higher in the presence of steam in a chemically reducing atmosphere. The gassified wastes travel along a vertical flow path in a sealed reactor vessel. Heat is applied by vertically extending recuprative heaters situated at both lower and upper regions along the flow path to provide a high temperature zone of sufficient length to thermally decompose the wastes during a single passage along the path. Steam may be provided by intermixing liquid water, which may be dirty and/or contaminated, into the wastes prior to entry of the wastes into the reaction chamber thereby avoiding any need for an external boiler and pure water. The apparatus realizes a very high throughput and does not release any pollutants into the air, ground or water.

Abstract: A method for upgrading a petroleum material comprises charging the material into a vessel having a cylindrical wall, then heating the cylindrical wall. The petroleum material adjacent the wall is heated to a temperature sufficient to form a layer of carbon on the wall, and volatile material generated at the wall during the carbon formation passes through the bulk of the petroleum material thermally cracking it to form smaller molecules and simultaneously desulfurizing same.

Abstract: A pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge as produced by the steps of (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry having a solids content of about 10 to 25 wt. %; (2) pretreating said aqueous slurry of sewage sludge to improve its slurrying characteristics by one or a combination of (a) heating, (b) hydrothermal treatment, and (c) heating, mixing and shearing; and (3) mixing the following materials together at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 400.degree. F. to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry having a solids content in the range of about 30 to 65 wt. %: (a) pretreated aqueous slurry of sewage sludge; (b) a nonionic water soluble alkoxylated alkylphenol additive; and (c) sewage sludge-containing material and/or solid carbonaceous fuel-containing material to increase the solids loading.

Abstract: A highly efficient partial oxidation process with the production of power comprising the steps of producing fuel gas by the partial oxidation of hydrocarbonaceous fuel, cooling said fuel gas at high pressure by quenching in water to produce quenched fuel gas and by indirect heat exchange with BFW to maximize the production of IP and MP steam, cleaning said fuel gas, preheating scrubbing water comprising process condensate and make-up water by direct contact and direct heat exchange with clean fuel gas and using said preheated scrubbing water in the cleaning of said fuel gas, reducing the pressure of said cooled fuel gas stream prior to heating water for fuel gas saturation, cooling the process fuel gas stream in stages and condensing water for use as said scrubbing water, purifying the process fuel gas and saturating it with water, and burning said purified and saturated fuel gas in the combustor of a power-producing gas turbine along with saturated nitrogen to produce exhaust gas with a reduced NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying tires comprises a housing divided into a tire hopper and vaporization chamber into which air and combustible fluid are inserted through intake manifolds to initially combust and thereafter oxidize tires placed in the housing. Oxidation results in volatile gases and solid residue. The latter is removed through a hatch in the vaporization chamber and the former is shunted to a mixing chamber which comprises an outer compartment, a middle compartment, and an inner compartment. The middle compartment receives the volatile gases which are then mixed with air in the outer and inner compartments. The mixture is combusted with the aid of a combustible fluid mixed in and thereafter shunted to a combustion chamber which further mixes the combustible fluid by means of baffles to thoroughly combust the mixture.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being utilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: Mechanical and electrical power are produced along with synthesis or fuel gas by the partial oxidation process with integrated combustion and steam turbines. By-product vaporized liquefied natural gas for feed to a pipeline for gas consumers is obtained by heat exchange with heat containing streams from the partial oxidation gasification and gas cleaning and purification zone; and optionally from heat containing streams from combustion and/or steam turbine zones which are integrated with said partial oxidation process. Heat from the combustion turbine exhaust gas is used as follows: (1) superheat steam for use in a steam turbine; (2) preheat water saturated clean sulfur-free synthesis or fuel gas with or without supplemental methane enrichment; (3) preheat oxygen gas for said partial oxidation zone; and (4) vaporize LNG. Pre, inter, and after stages of an air compressor are cooled by indirect heat exchange with LNG which is thereby warmed or vaporized.

Abstract: A method for generating, from refuse or refuse in combination with coal, a fuel gas suited for public utility purposes wherein refuse and coal can be introduced into the process in any proportion one to the other. The method provides the steps of subjecting the refuse to allothermal low-temperature carbonization, if desired in combination with coal, burning the gasification residue, purifying the crude gas and conditioning the pure gas for public utility purposes.

Abstract: Methanol is produced by reacting a CO-rich synthesis gas in the presence of a powdered methanol synthesis catalyst suspended in an inert liquid in a liquid phase reactor system. Unreacted CO-rich synthesis gas is recycled to the reactor, thus increasing methanol production and reducing specific power compared with once-through operation without recycle or compared with recycle of hydrogen-rich gas recovered from unreacted synthesis gas. The process preferably is integrated with a coal gasification electric power generation system in which a portion of the unreacted synthesis gas is used as power generation fuel and a portion of the methanol product is used as additional power generation fuel during periods of peak power demand.

Abstract: A black liquor gasification system intended for use as a replacement for a Tomlinson cycle, Chemical Recovery Unit, and which operates at a temperature below the ash melting temperature thereby removing the potential for smelt-water reactions and explosions. The subject black liquor gasification system is based on the use of a circulating fluidized bed operating at atmospheric pressure that produces dry, recoverable salts as well as low calorific gases to be used within the paper-making process.

Abstract: A burner comprises a plurality of nozzles used to introduce a reactive mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidizing gas into a reaction chamber where synthesis gas is produced. A pyrometer connected to the nozzles senses the temperature of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Hydrogen and gaseous hydrocarbons are stored by introducing the gases into a transition metal dichalcogenide having the formula MX.sub.2. M is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W and Ti and X is selected from the group consisting of S and Se. The MX.sub.2 is in the form of platelets affixed to basal planes of adjacent platelets. The basal planes of adjacent platelets are separated by voids. The composition is prepared by intercalating MX.sub.2 powder with lithium, adding water to separate the MX.sub.2 into single layers and then adding acid to adjust the pH to a range where edges and basal planes of the single layers have opposite charges. Preferably a catalyst is added to the MX.sub.2, the catalyst being selected from the group of metals consisting of Pt, Pd, Ni, Co, Fe, Mg, Zr, Cr, Al, Zn, Mn or combinations thereof. The gas can be recovered from the composition by heating to a temperature of 250.degree. C. when the catalyst is used.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge by heating and shearing an aqueous mixture of sewage sludge in a tubular-shaped processing means containing a plurality of rotating agitators to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is mixed with solid carbonaceous fuel or an aqueous slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel is heated in a first steam jacketed rotary disc mixing-heating means. Alternately, first and second hoppers are filled with said heated aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel and cycled between a second steam jacketed rotary disc mixing-heating means; wherein while one hopper is being filled the contents in the other hopper are being dewatered. The thickened pumpable slurry is burned in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce a hot effluent gas steam.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge comprising the steps of, (1) dewatering the sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a solids content of about 10 to 30 wt. %; (2) simultaneously heating and shearing said dewatered sewage sludge at about 150.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. in the absence of air for 0.5 seconds to 60 minutes while being continuously passed through a tubular-shaped processing means containing a plurality of rotating agitators, thereby producing a pumpable slurry having a viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise; (3) dewatering the sewage sludge if necessary; (4) mixing at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 180.degree. F. in a ribbon or in-line static mixer the slurry of sewage sludge from (2) and/or (3) with a supplemental solid carbonaceous fuel e.g. coal and/or petroleum-coke to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and supplemental fuel having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 60 wt.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated by removing water by means of a conventional belt filter press, centrifuge, or hydroclone. The dewatered slurry of sewage sludge is preheated and sheared; hydrothermally treated; and its solids content increased. A chelating agent, for example an aminopolycarboxylic acid or a hydrocarboxylic acid is mixed with the aqueous slurry of sewage sludge during the preheating and shearing step and/or the step for increasing its solids content. By means of the subject process, the viscosity of the slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel is reduced and coagulation is suppressed.

Abstract: Method to convert refuse derived fuel (RDF) into a combustible gas, whereby the refuse derived fuel is gasified and the derived gas undergoes a process of catalytic cracking in which at least one alkaline additive or an equivalent product is used, the gas being passed through a cyclone separator to collect the particulate solids and thereafter undergoing a cooling process with recovery of hot air before being passed through sleeve filters, the ashes of the gasification and the particulate solids being sent to a dump for ashes, the ashes of gasification being riddled beforehand to gather the fines, which are mixed with fines coming from the sleeve filters and are employed as further catalysts in the catalytic cracking process.

Abstract: Hot raw fuel gas is produced by the partial oxidation of liquid or gaseous hydrocarbonaceous fuel or an aqueous slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel with substantially pure oxygen. The raw fuel gas is cleaned, cooled in a plurality of indirect heat exchangers, and purified to produce clean sulfur-free fuel gas. Water is the coolant in one of said indirect heat exchangers and is thereby heated. Dry nitrogen gas is humidified with the warm water and the humidified nitrogen gas is separately introduced into the combustor of a combustion turbine. The clean sulfur-free fuel gas is passed in indirect heat exchange with the raw fuel gas, expanded to reduce its temperature and pressure, and separately introduced into the combustor where it is burned with air while in the presence of the water humidified nitrogen gas. Flue gas containing water humidified nitrogen gas and a substantially reduced amount of NO.sub.x gases is produced and passed through a power-producing expansion turbine as the working fluid.

Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of a sulfur- and silicate-containing carbonaceous fuel to produce a synthesis gas with reduced sulfur content which comprises partially oxidizing said fuel at a temperature in the range of 1900.degree.-2600.degree. F. in the presence of a temperature moderator, an oxygen-containing gas and a sulfur capture additive which comprises a calcium-containing compound portion, a sodium-containing compound portion, and a fluoride-containing compound portion to produce a synthesis gas comprising H.sub.2 and CO with a reduced sulfur content and a molten slag which comprises (1) a sulfur-containing sodium-calcium-fluoride silicate phase; and (2) a sodium-calcium sulfide phase.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating electricity from coal comprising a vertically stacked, three-stage combustor in which a sorbent is calcined in a calciner zone of the combustor and transferred to a carbonizer zone disposed below the calciner zone, coal introduced into the carbonizer zone is carbonized, producing char and spent sorbent, both of which are transferred to a combustor zone disposed below the carbonizer zone, in which the char is combusted at a substoichemetic air-to-coal ratio, producing a fuel gas. The fuel gas is cleaned and combusted in a turbine combustor, producing a flue gas which is introduced into a gas turbine for producing electricity.

Abstract: The output of gas turbines is enhanced by gas moisturization using a water contact tower and a pumped water recirculation loop with low pressure steam addition thereto.

Abstract: A method for converting solid organic fuels, most particularly coals, into high temperature gases that can easily be transformed into useful energy. This method employs a substantially closed reactor, referred to as a gasifier, having an internal reaction chamber or cavity made of materials that can tolerate the presence of oxygen at high temperatures, that possess low thermal mass, that limit or restrict the passage of heat, that function as almost perfect black bodies at high temperatures, and that are resistant to the abrasive effects of the solid fuels.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge comprising the steps of, (1) dewatering the sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a solids content of about 10 to 50 wt. %; (2) heating and mildly shearing said dewatered sewage sludge at about 150.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. in the absence of air for 3 seconds to 60 minutes by a rotor/mixer at a speed of about 15 to 1000 r.p.m., thereby producing a pumpable slurry having a viscosity of less than about 2500 centipoise; (3) mixing at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 200.degree. F. the slurry of sewage sludge from (2) with a supplemental fuel to produce a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge and supplemental fuel having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 65 wt. % and a higher heating value in the range of about 6,000 to 18,000 BTU/LB; and (4) burning said pumpable slurry from (3) in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce an effluent gas stream.

Abstract: Cryogenic liquefied natural gas (LNG) is used as a source of refrigeration and methane in the production of dry sulfur-free, methane-enriched synthesis gas or fuel gas. Raw syngas is indirectly and directly contacted with cryogenic liquefied natural gas (LNG) and cooled thereby below the dew point. Water is thereby condensed out and separated from the process gas stream. Further, the liquid LNG vaporizes and increases the methane content of the dewatered synthesis gas. Cold liquid absorbent solvent contacts the dry CH.sub.4 -enriched synthesis gas in an absorption column and absorbs the acid gases e.g. H.sub.2 S and COS and optionally H.sub.2 S+COS+CO.sub.2. In a preferred embodiment, the rich solvent absorbent is regenerated in a stripping column and the released acid gases are sent to a Claus unit for the production of elemental sulfur. In a second embodiment, the regenerated lean liquid absorbent solvent may be mixed with the dry, purified synthesis gas leaving from the top of the absorption tower.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. First, an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated to produce sewage sludge cake. The sewage sludge cake is preheated and sheared while in contact with sulfuric or sulfurous acid to produce a pumpable acidified aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a pH of about 1 to 5. After two-stage hydrothermal treatment with neutralization of the sewage sludge after the second hydrothermal stage, the solids content of the pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is increased. By means of the subject process, the viscosity of the slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel is reduced and coagulation is suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the refining of a raw gas produced from a carbonaceous material by means of a gasification process, refining taking place in a secondary stage separated from the gasifier. In order to reduce the gas contents of tar in the form of organic compounds condensible at lower temperatures, such as ambient temperatures, and of ammonia, the refining is carried out in a secondary stage being a fast circulating fluidized bed, the bed material of which at least mainly being an active material in the form of a material that is catalytic for tar and ammonia conversion, whereby a catalytic conversion of tar and ammonia contained in the raw gas is obtained. In order to decrease the content of hydrogen chloride in the gas, an active material that also can absorb chloride is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an equipment for the recovery of energy and chemicals in a sulphate process, wherein black liquor is passed into a gasification reactor (3) in which it is gasified at a pressure above the atmospheric pressure in the presence of an amount of oxygen smaller than the stoichiometric amount, whereby inorganic compounds are recovered as liquid-phase compounds useable in the present pulping process, and the energy of the organic compounds of black liquor is bound mainly to the chemical compounds of the gas phase. Gases formed in the gasification, containing sodium compounds, are passed into a particle cooler (4), in which the compounds are brought into solid state. Gases cooled in the particle cooler (4) are purified by a filter (5) and then passed into a gas turbine (7).

Abstract: An improved process for the low-cost disposal of noxious sewage sludge in a safe way without polluting the environment. In the process, sewage sludge having a solids content of about 0.5 to 20 wt.% is concentrated by pressing in a belt filter press, optionally followed by pressing in a high intensity press. It was unexpectedly found that the morphology of the resulting dewatered sewage sludge is changed by such mechanical treatment so that slurries with higher concentrations of solids are achieved. The dewatered sewage sludge is heated, flash evaporated and/or centrifuged, and mixed with a supplemental fuel e.g., liquid hydrocarbonaceous and/or solid carbonaceous fuel to produce a pumpable fuel slurry having a total solids content in the range of about 50 to 70 wt.% and comprising about 10 to 40 wt.% dewatered sewage sludge and having a higher heating value in the range of about 5,000 to 14,000 BTU/Lb.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel pumpable sewage sludge fuel and process for burning it. An aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is dewatered and dried to a solids content in the range of about 50 to 99 wt. % in a drying zone in the absence of free-oxygen containing gas but while in contact with a gaseous material selected from the group consisting of N.sub.2, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2, CO, and mixtures thereof. The dried sewage sludge is mixed with a supplementary fuel from the group consisting of solid carbonaceous fuel, liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel, mixtures thereof, and optionally with water to produce a pumpable slurry fuel feedstream having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 65 wt. % and a higher heating value of at least about 6,000 Btu/lb. The slurry fuel feedstream may be burned in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator.

Abstract: Quenched slag discharged from a gasification process such as a coal gasification process can be continually dewatered and removed without disrupting operations by alternately discharging the quenched slag from means such as lockhoppers and directing the slag to one of two disengagement zones symmetrically arranged on either side of a clear water pit. The slag settles along a sloping active disengagement zone, allowing water to separate and drain into an adjacent slag pit. The accumulated water is drained into the clear water pit through vertically-spaced drains in the walls separating the slag pits from the clear water pit and pumped away after solids have settled. After an active disengagement zone-slag pit is used for a period of time, perhaps 24 hours, the discharge of slag is redirected to the other such area while dewatered slag is removed from the first slag pit.

Abstract: Fine-grained fuels are gasified in a fluidized state with a mixture of gasifying agents which comprise oxygen, water vapor and/or carbon dioxide. NH.sub.3 is substantially entirely removed from the product gas from the gasifier. All or part of the NH.sub.3 is combusted and any remaining NH.sub.3 is added to the exhaust gas from the combustor. In a preferred embodiment the content of nitrogen oxides and/or NH.sub.3 in the exhaust gas from the combustor and NH.sub.3 is supplied to the combustor at such a controlled rate that the contents of nitrogen oxides and NH.sub.3 in the exhaust gas to which NH.sub.3 has been admixed are minimized.

Abstract: The combustion of gas produced from the combination of coal pyrolysis and gasification involves combining a combustible gas coal and an oxidant in a pyrolysis chamber and heating the components to a temperature of at least 1600.degree. F. The products of coal pyrolysis are dispersed from the pyrolyzer directly into the high temperature gasification region of a pressure vessel. Steam and air needed for gasification are introduced in the pressure vessel and the materials exiting the pyrolyzer flow down through the pressure vessel by gravity with sufficient residence time to allow any carbon to form carbon monoxide. Gas produced from these reactions are then released from the pressure vessel and ash is disposed of.

Abstract: Fuels are gasified in a fluidized state by a treatment with oxygen-containing gas and water vapor in a gasifying reactor. A solids mixture which contains ash and fine-grained fuels is combusted in a heating-up phase, which precedes the gasification and in which the temperature in the reactor is increased approximately to the temperature desired for the gasification. In a succeeding inertizing phase the supply rate of oxygen-containing gas is decreased and an inert gas is fed to the reactor until the product gas no longer contains free oxygen whereas the temperature is maintained virtually constant. In the succeeding gasification the fuel supply rate is increased and, after an adjusting time, the temperature is maintained virtually constant at the value desired for the gasification in the range from 600.degree. to 1500.degree. C. The gasification temperature is controlled by a change of the fuel supply rate.

Abstract: A method of radiant cooling of a product gas mass stream discharged from a gasification reactor and loaded with particles in a cylindrical radiant cooler with a radiant cooling casing comprises the steps of subdividing the product gas mass stream into concentric cylindrical layer streams by cylindrical radiant cooling walls arranged at a distance from the radiant cooling casing, adjusting layer thickness of the cylindrical layer streams to provide a high radiant heat exchange, and cooling regions of the product gas mass stream which flow to the radiant cooling walls in a pre-cooling region to a temperature caking of the particles.

Abstract: Mixed refuse containing organic and inorganic material forms a column-like mass within a furnace chamber. The column of material is heated by a plasma torch having a forward plasma-emitting end disposed within the lower portion of the column and surrounded by the refuse therein. The height of the stack is maintained at a preselected elevation above the forward end of the torch. Gases produced by pyrolytic conversion of organic components of the refuse are discharged through ports of the chamber. Melted metallic and other inorganic refuse forms a pool upon a hearth of the furnace chamber. The plasma torch imparts circulatory movement to the pool. An injector downstream from the torch directs steam onto material adjacent the surface of the pool. Excess molten material is drained from the pool and the furnace chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating soil that has been contaminated with vaporizable contaminants are disclosed. Contaminated soil is conveyed through a treatment vessel by means of an auger that has internal passages therein with a hot heat transfer fluid flowing through such passages. As the contaminated soil passes through the treatment vessel, it is heated to a point where the contaminants are vaporized and are withdrawn from the treatment vessel. The vaporized contaminants can be processed in suitable equipment to safely recover or dispose of such contaminants. Air is added to the interior of the treatment vessel from the atmosphere. Appropriate control means are present for controlling the amount of air added to the treatment vessel to ensure that the oxygen level in the mixture of vaporized contaminates and air does not fall within a flamable or explosive range. Following the vaporization of the contaminates from the soil, the thus treated soil is removed from the treatment vessel.

Abstract: An improved one stage, upflow process for coal gasification whereby a dry particulate carbonaceous material and an oxygen-containing gas are combusted in a vertical gasifier thereby converting the carbonaceous material (coal) into a hot gas. The hot, entrained flyslag gas is then contacted with a cooled, recycled gas in a quench zone, thus cooling the gaseous product stream and causing the molten slag particles to convert to nonsticky flyslag particles. The high level thermal energy from the flyslag-laden gaseous product stream is recovered in a fire tube heat exchanger and the flyslag particles from the gaseous product stream are separated by conventional means and recycled back to the gasifier. The product raw gas is further treated for use in a gas turbine to produce electricity.