Abstract: A solid fuel gasifying unit is used to convert coal and other combustible organic solids to gaseous end products. Solid feed enters the vertical preheat zone of S-shaped gasifying unit and is mixed with a hot recycle reagent such as clay. The solid material fills the preheating zone of the unit to an elevation sufficient to create a gravitational particle flow which forces the solid particles in the lower end of the zone into the bottom of a vertical gasifying zone and through the remaining sections of the unit. In the gasifying zone, a fluidizing gaseous stream such as carbon dioxide or steam is injected to enhance the flow of the solid particles.Also disclosed is a gas fractionating unit and a relatively high pressure solid fuel gasifying unit which contain a reagent powder having a significant weight difference in reduced form as compared with the weight of the powder in oxidized form and which may be circulated through the unit under gravity flow during oxidation-reduction chemical processing.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material, such as crushed coal, is admixed or impregnated with an inexpensive alkali metal compound, such as sodium chloride, and then pretreated with a stream containing steam at a temperature of 350.degree. to 650.degree. C. to enhance the catalytic activity of the mixture in a subsequent gasification of the mixture. The treatment may result in the transformation of the alkali metal compound into another, more catalytically active, form.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Abstract: Converting carbon-containing raw material, particularly coal, wood or crude oil, into a combustible product gas by a gasification reaction in the presence of a catalyst which is dissolved in the steam intended for the gasification reaction, forming a homogeneous gaseous solution. The ash-containing gasification residue is separated and the catalyst is extracted from the separated gasification residue by the steam intended for the gasification reaction at a temperature and a pressure, at which a homogeneous gaseous solution of the catalyst in steam is formed.

Abstract: A process for gasifying coal comprising supplying to an upper portion of an entrained flow gasifier a coal powder having a particle size of 100 .mu.m or less whereby gasification is conducted at 900.degree. C. or higher in the absence of oxygen, supplying a coal powder including coarser particles and oxygen in an amount from that necessary for complete combustion of coal to a half of said amount to a lower portion of the gasifier whereby gasification is conducted at a melting point of coal ash or higher, and leading the gases produced at the lower portion of the gasifier directly to the upper portion of the gasifier, does not require recycle of char to the gasifier and gives a high gasification efficiency by passing coal powder through the gasifier only one time.

Abstract: A process for utilizing waste heat and producing water gas during cooling of red-hot coke, in two stages, is indicated. In a first, dry cooling stage, a mixture of water gas and steam passes the coke charge, is recooled in a heat sink and recirculated into the first cooling stage, whereby it is possible to take off a part quantity of the gas mixture. In a second, wet cooling stage, water is fed into a quench zone and the steam formed is passed through the coke charge partially into the first cooling stage and partially released into the surroundings or fed back into the second cooling stage or partly released into the surroundings and partly fed back into the second cooling stage. Both the mixture of water gas and steam in the first cooling stage and the quench water or the steam formed from it in the second cooling stage are passed through the coke charge from the inside outwards.

Abstract: A coal-water suspension containing 50 to 75 percent by weight coal, based on the weight of the suspension, the bulk of the coal having a particle size of 50 to 500 .mu.m, the proportion of the particles having a diameter greater than 0.5 mm in the coal being less than 15 percent by weight and the particle size distribution curve of the coal in the Rosin-Rammler particle size distribution grid according to DIN 4190 having a slope of .gtoreq.1; a process for the production of such water-coal suspension which is suitable for use in coal gasification under elevated pressure by mixing lump coal with water directly, the water being added in a concentration just sufficient to form a water-coal dust suspension suitable for the gasification reaction and grinding the resultant suspension in a disc attrition mill, a toothed disc attrition mill or a toothed colloid mill.

Abstract: A method of controlling the solids circulation between a downflow reactor and an entrained bed reactor is disclosed wherein at least some of the solids are transferred from the downflow reactor to a crossflow fluidized bed through a first seal leg, wherein the crossflow fluidized bed has a baffle separating the crossflow fluidized bed into two zones. Then the solids are transferred from the crossflow fluidized bed to the entrained bed reactor, and the solids are transferred from the entrained bed reactor to the downflow reactor through a second seal leg. The solids circulation rate is controlled by adjusting the rate of fluidizing gas entering the crossflow fluidized bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for gasifying solid carbon fuels with steam. After forming a supersaturated solution of catalyst in steam the pressure is reduced to reaction pressure.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing fuel is passed into a first fluidized bed (13) containing CaSO.sub.4 and CaO and an oxygen-transfer mediator (e.g. H.sub.2) whereby the fuel is converted to combustible gas (18), some CaSO.sub.4 being reduced to CaS and sulfur being fixed as CaS by reaction with CaO. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the first bed (13) into the bottom layer of the second bed (14) which is fluidized by air at conditions such that some, but not all of the CaS is selectively oxidized to CaSO.sub.4 with no liberation of sulfur moieties. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the second bed (14) to the bottom layer of a third bed (15) optionally after passage via a fourth bed (60, FIG. 2) between the second and third beds. In the third bed (15), particles are fluidized with air to convert CaS selectively to CaSO.sub.

Abstract: Partial oxidation gases such as formed in a coal gasifier are passed into a mechanical dust separator and prior to their further treatment in a wet cleaner are then passed into a direct cooler where they are cooled to a temperature close to the dewpoint. The gases are thereafter cooled in an indirect cooler to a temperature which is about 5.degree. to 10.degree. C. above the water temperature at the entry into the cooler.

Abstract: An increased reaction velocity is achieved when gasifying a raw carboniferous material with H.sub.2 O. The raw material is suspended or emulsified in a liquid aqueous solution of a catalytically active salt, and the amount of the catalytically active salt and the pressure are such that the aqueous solution is maintained in the liquid phase.

Abstract: In coal gasification processes for the production of synthetic natural gas by the reaction of coal with steam and oxygen under pressure to form a gasifier synthesis gas and a liquid hydrocarbon by-product, the liquid hydrocarbon by-product is treated for solids and metal removal and is then passed to a catalytic partial oxidation zone containing a monolithic platinum-palladium catalyst. The hydrocarbon by-product liquids are converted to secondary synthesis gas by being reacted with steam and oxygen. Optionally, the effluent from the catalytic partial oxidation zone may be passed through a second, steam reforming catalyst to react residual hydrocarbons with water to produce hydrogen and carbon oxides. The gasifier and secondary synthesis gases may be treated to remove acid gases therefrom and then methanated to provide a product synthetic natural gas.

Abstract: A combustible gas producer plant is described in which a finely divided inert particulate material fluidized bed is divided into a first, combustible-gas producing section and a second, heating section, to both of which sections fuel is fed. Heat transfer, by bed material migration, from the second to the first section sustains the reaction in the first section leading to the production of combustible gas. A diaphragm water wall divides and surrounds the volumes above bed sections and is part of a boiler generating steam used (optionally with added oxygen) to fluidize the first bed section. The steam is also used to fluidize the bed material at the boundary of the bed sections and prevent in-bed gas migration across that boundary. The second section of the bed is fluidized with air or an air/inert gas mixture. Fluidization is effected with sparge tubes and the plant may include evaporator, superheater and economizer sections for the boiler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing pumpable coal-water suspensions by grinding pre-comminuted coal with water in a packed column in a ratio corresponding to the composition of the suspension ready for use. The addition of water or coal is controlled by measuring the density of the suspension leaving the mill, and the grain size of the coal particles is controlled by measuring the viscosity of the suspension. The density and viscosity of the coal-water suspension are simultaneously mutually adjusted. The addition of additives to the water is regulated according to the amount of coal added to the mill. The coal-water suspension can be fed to a coal gasification reactor without substantially changing the relative amounts of coal and water in said suspension.

Abstract: A method for the gasification of a carbonaceous material is disclosed wherein a carbonaceous material containing potassium nitrate and a solid heat-transfer material comprising sintered bauxite are introduced into a reaction vessel, then the carbonaceous material is reacted with steam to form a hot char and a gaseous product, wherein the heat necessary for said reaction is supplied by the heat-transfer material. Preferably, the carbonaceous material contains from 2 percent to 15 percent potassium nitrate. More preferably, the carbonaceous material is petroleum coke mixed with about 5 percent potassium nitrate.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal consisting essentially of forming a free-burning arc discharge between at least one anode and a cathode having a conical tip, wherein said arc discharge forms a contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, forcefully projecting a reactive material consisting of a mixture of pulverized coal and steam parallel to the surface of said conical tip of said cathode and through said contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, at such a rate that said mixture of pulverized coal and steam is exposed to the free-burning arc for less than 3 milli-seconds, and recovering a solid carbonaceous fume having a surface area equivalent to a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 microns and a gaseous product comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An improved method for generating gas from coal including caking and high sulfur coals, in a completely enclosed system wherein no oxygen or air is used to burn a portion of the coal and/or char to produce heat for the reaction. The heat for the reaction of the instant invention is produced by electric induction coils surrounding a vertical retort which possesses a plurality of compartments or cells whose walls are heated by induction. Energy requirement is reduced by pressurizing and methanating within the compartments in order to benefit from exothermic reaction of the methane formation. The coal charged is heated by said walls so that the coal is converted from coal to coke or char by driving the volatiles from the coal in a controlled and efficient manner. The char is further kept hot by the same heated walls of said compartments and also by direct induction to make possible the generation of gas, mainly CO and H.sub.2 by reacting steam with said hot char.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a gas substantially containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from a starting material containing carbon and/or hydrocarbon, the starting material is injected in powder or liquid form together with an oxidizing agent and slag former in a combustion zone while heat energy is simultaneously supplied. The combustion zone is formed in the lower portion of a shaft filled with particulate, solid, carbonaceous material and sulphur-binding slag former.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for smelting nickel which comprises treating nickel-containing material with a reducing gas to reduce the nickel component contained in the nickel-containing material and thereby produce metallic nickel; soaking the thus-obtained material in an ammoniacal aqueous ammonium salt solution and treating it with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of free ammonia in order to produce an aqueous nickel ammine salt solution; treating coal with the thus-produced aqueous nickel ammine salt solution so that the coal becomes impregnated with the nickel ammine salt; separating and recovering ammonia from the thus-treated coal; gasifying catalytically the coal containing the nickel compound in the presence of a gasifying agent, thereby producing a reducing gas and a solid residue; employing part of the thus-produced reducing gas for the treatment of the nickel-containing material; and separating and recovering metallic nickel from the solid residue.

Abstract: An overall process of cooling, dust removal, tar removal and heat recovery of high temperature gas generated in coal gasification furnaces, and apparatuses employed therefor are provided. In this process, specific apparatuses such as fluidized bed-cooler, fluidized bed-combustion furnace for regenerating granules, granular bed filter, gas cooler and, tar scrubber are successively and effectively employed. During the process, high, medium and low pressure steam, for example, are recovered by heat exchange in these apparatuses.

Abstract: An overall process of cooling, dust removal, tar removal and heat recovery of high temperature gas generated in coal gasification furnaces, and apparatuses employed therefor are provided. In this process, specific apparatuses such as fluidized bed-cooler, fluidized bed-combustion furnace for regenerating granules, granular bed filter, gas cooler, and tar scrubber are successively and effectively employed. During the process, high, medium and low pressure steam, for example, are recovered by heat exchange in these apparatuses.

Abstract: In a coal gasification operation (32) or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles by contacting them (46, 53, 61, 69) with water or an aqueous solution to remove water-soluble alkali metal constituents and produce an aqueous solution enriched in said constituents. The aqueous solution thus produced is then contacted with carbon dioxide (63) to precipitate silicon constituents, the pH of the resultant solution is increased (81), preferably to a value in the range between about 12.5 and about 15.0, and the solution of increased pH is evaporated (84) to increase the alkali metal concentration. The concentrated aqueous solution is then recycled to the conversion process (86, 18, 17) where the alkali metal constituents serve as at least a portion of the alkali metal constituents which comprise the alkali metal-containing catalyst.

Abstract: Particulate carbonaceous solids are pyrolytically converted to fuel gas in a fluidized bed containing quartz sand as the primary inert heat-transfer medium. In addition to the quartz sand, the fluidized bed contains an anti-agglomerating composition consisting of a carbonate or oxide of calcium, magnesium, or barium, or mixtures thereof. The formation of sand agglomerates (viz. clinkers) interferring with fluidized bed operation is prevented. Coarsely ground limestone is the preferred additive.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material, such as coal, is gasified in a vertically elongated reaction vessel having a lower portion, an upper portion, and a re-entrainment zone which is located above the upper portion. The effective diameter of the upper portion of the vessel is larger than that of the lower portion of the vessel and the re-entrainment zone. A gasification agent is passed upwardly through the vessel at a rate sufficient to entrain the coal and fluidize a heat-transfer material in the lower portion of the vessel. The gasification agent reacts with the coal to form a hot char and a gaseous product, with the necessary heat being supplied by the heat-transfer material. In this process, the heat-transfer material substantially flows downwardly in the reaction vessel, in a fluidized state or an unfluidized state through the upper portion of the vessel and in a fluidized state through the lower portion of the vessel.

Abstract: A coal gasification process is disclosed wherein two portions of heat transfer material are introduced into the reaction vessel at different locations and different temperatures. Steam is passed upwardly through the vessel to react with the carbonaceous material to form a hot char and a gaseous product, wherein the heat necessary for the coal gasification reaction is supplied by both the first portion of heat transfer material and the second portion of heat transfer material. Then the hot char and gaseous product are cooled by contact with the first portion of heat transfer material.

Abstract: A process of tar destruction in gasification of carbonaceous material comprising providing a mixture of finely divided calcium compound of a particle size smaller than 65 mesh and finely divided carbonaceous material of a particle size smaller than 65 mesh, the calcium compound to carbonaceous material ratio being from about 0.5 to 1.0 and contacting the mixture with CO.sub.2 and tar exothermally whereby the tar is destroyed.

Abstract: A high ash fusion catalyzed gasification process comprising providing a mixture of 50 to 90 weight percent finely divided carbonaceous material particles of a size smaller than 65 mesh and 10 to 50 weight percent finely divided calcium compound particles of a size smaller than 65 mesh,gasifying the carbonaceous material,the gasifying comprising heating the mixture of finely divided carbonaceous material and finely divided calcium compound to a temperature above the ash fusion temperature of the carbonaceous material and below the ash fusion temperature of the mixture to form a carbonaceous suspension of calcium compound whereby the calcium compound catalyzes the gasification.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of carbon of solid carbonaceous material to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen by contacting the material with superheated steam and irradiating the product of said contacting with an amount of microwave energy sufficient to gasify said carbon, and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Coal or similar carbonaceous solids impregnated with gasification catalyst constituents (16) are oxidized by contact with a gas containing between 2 volume percent and 21 volume percent oxygen at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. in an oxidation zone (24) and the resultant oxidized, catalyst impregnated solids are then gasified in a fluidized bed gasification zone (44) at an elevated pressure. The oxidation of the catalyst impregnated solids under these conditions insures that the bed density in the fluidized bed gasification zone will be relatively high even though the solids are gasified at elevated pressure and temperature.

Abstract: Coarse-grained solid fuels in particle sizes of at least 2 mm are gasified under a pressure of 5 to 150 bars in a fixed bed which is slowly descending and into which the gasifying agents are introduced from below whereas the incombustible mineral constituents are withdrawn as solid ash or liquid slag from the lower end of the bed. Fine-grained solid fuels are gasified in a fluidized bed under a pressure of 1 to 100 bars. Oxygen, steam and/or carbon dioxide are used as gasifying agents for the gasification in the fixed bed and in the fluidized bed. The product gas from the fluidized-bed gasifier has a temperature of 700.degree. to 1200.degree. C. and is indirectly cooled with water. The resulting steam is fed as gasifying agent to the fixed-bed gasifier. The product gas from the fixed-bed gasifier can be indirectly cooled to produce steam and at least part of said steam is fed as gasifying agent to the fluidized-bed gasifier.

Abstract: A method of particulate-carbon recovery from the product gas in a coal gasification process of the type using water-carbon slurry combusted with oxygen in a reactor uses water scrubbing for the product gas to obtain particulate carbon together with ash. Certain ash content is trapped in carbon particles which have a tendency of lumping together. The carbon and ash fraction is treated with liquid hydrocarbon for carbon particle wetting and facilitating separation of ash. The recovered carbon is ground to break down bigger carbon particles and sent through a wet-particle separator; carbon particles which pass a predetermined mesh size, e.g., approximately 63 micron mesh, are sent back to the reactor for mixing with the water-carbon slurry inlet for further combustion. The bigger fractions of carbon are either ground down to size again, or diverted for other uses.

Abstract: A method for the gasification of coke is disclosed in which coke produced in a coking chamber and having a temperature of 900.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C. is forced into a coke bucket, after coking in the coking chamber, and fed by means of hot coke conveyors without substantial temperature changes to a gasifier. The coke is gasified in the gasifier while adding at least one of oxygen and air, and steam and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for the gasification of coke is disclosed in which coke produced in a coking chamber and having a temperature of 900.degree. C. to 1100.degree. C. is forced into a coke bucket, after coking in the coking chamber, and fed by means of hot coke conveyors without substantial temperature changes to a gasifier. The coke is gasified in the gasifier while adding at least one of oxygen and air, and steam and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for utilizing shot coke which is in the form of hard-to-grind 4 mm spherical particles comprises fluidizing the shot coke particles in a first pressurized reactor vessel and introducing sufficient oxygen and steam to produce a synthetic gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, fluidizing a bed of shot coke particles contained in a second pressurized reactor vessel with the synthetic gas and introducing sufficient oxygen to combust the synthetic fuel and produce water and sufficient heat such that water can react with the shot coke particles to regenerate carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The synthetic gas formed in the second reactor vessel can be recovered at sufficient pressures to drive a power turbine or used to obtain hydrocarbon fuels. A heat recovery system in the second reactor vessel produces steam by indirect heat exchange of the shot coke bed with water. The steam that is generated can be used to supply both the first and second reactor vessels with reactive steam.

Abstract: A method for thermally decomposing and gasifying either liquid or solid combustible material in a single reactor filled with working medium in a high active fluidization, said reactor being provided with two partitions, one of which is extended downwards upto the lower portion of the reactor, while the other is vertically extended at the lower and middle portions thereof substantially at a right angle to the first partition, whereby the reactor is divided into two sections, that is, thermal decomposition and gasification section and combustion and heating section, so that thermal decomposing and gasifying are performed by way of supplying the combustible raw material into the downwardly travelling working medium and at the same time supplying steam thereinto for generating and maintaining the high active fluidization of the working medium in the thermal decomposition and gasification section, while burning and heating are performed by way of supplying air or steam mixture gas of oxygen and steam into the upwa

Abstract: A method for reduction of sulfur oxides generated by a coal gasification process is disclosed wherein a regenerable sorbent absorbs the sulfur oxide in an oxidizing atmosphere and releases the sulfur oxides in the form of hydrogen sulfide in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: A combined gasification/devolatilization process for coal in coal residues is disclosed wherein hydrogen rich volatiles are recovered prior to gasification of the coal. The recovery of hydrogen volatiles is dependent upon the rapid heating of coal obtained by admixture with hot char previously gasified in a riser with steam and a catalyst if necessary. The hot char is provided by combustion of devolatilized coal in a fluid bed regenerator. Alternative systems are provided for purifying the devolatilized coal prior to its charring.

Abstract: A gaseous effluent rich in hydrogen and carbon monoxide is produced from coal by a process which involves the gasification of the coal in a fluidized gasification zone interconnected with a combustor zone comprising a combustion unit and an entrained flow lift column with transfer of solid material between the gasification zone and the combustor zone, in a system in which lime-treated coal and steam are fed to the gasification zone to which heat is supplied by clinker material transferred from the combustor zone. At the same time, gasified coal residue or "char" and clinker are transferred from the gasification zone to the combustor zone wherein the char is brought into contact with air in the presence of the clinker particles circulating from the bottom of the gasification zone, and the final gas and heat values from the coal are extracted by combustion of the char, the coal ash with the lime emerging as fine particles.

Abstract: A novel gaseous fuel source and method of production thereof are disclosed. The gaseous fuel is produced by the reaction of carbon and water with the products of the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate-containing solids such as limestone.

Abstract: In a system of fluidized gasification of carbonaceous solids in which fines are burned in an external combustor to heat recycle solids, fines entrainment is reduced by introducing the finest of the fines into the combustor from the lower end of a fluidized fines feeder vessel whereby the said finest fines are selectively burned.

Abstract: Product gas is produced by partial gasification of coke or coal. The coke or coal is admitted in particulate form into a gasification zone where it undergoes partial gasification. The residue of coke or coal is then forwarded into a combustion zone where it is combusted to liberate heat. A gaseous heat carrier is first passed through the combustion zone to become heated therein, is then passed through the gasification zone to sustain the partial gasification process, and is then recirculated into the combustion zone to be reheated.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the conversion of solid carbonaceous fuels to combustible gases having a high energy content. The system utilizes a two-stage reaction system where a particulate fuel is entrained in a high velocity, hot gas stream emanating from a fixed-bed char reactor, the particulate fuel delivered to a gasification reactor by the hot gas stream while being rapidly heated (fast pyrolized). The gases produced are drawn a fixed distance through a bed of char at the bottom of the gasification reactor, after which they are withdrawn from the reactor and cooled. To promote methanation, the generated gases, after passing through the fixed bed of char in the gasification reactor, exit the reactor through a dip leg within the reactor filled with a catalyst which promotes methanation.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for gasifying solid coal particles in a rotary kiln that produces simultaneously and continuously two distinctly different fuel gas streams from the opposite ends of a single kiln. A relatively low temperature gas is discharged from the solids inlet end of the kiln, which contains substantially all tars produced by the process. A second of the gas streams is discharged from the solids discharge end of the kiln at approximately 1,900.degree. F. and substantially tar-free. Heat is recovered from this tar-free gas after only a simple cleaning of particulate matter, as may be provided by a cyclone separator.

Abstract: A fuel gas containing methane is produced from a carbonaceous material in a single reaction zone by reacting the carbonaceous material in the presence of a stabilized metal carbide catalyst and water vapor and/or carbon dioxide at a temperature of from about 500.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C. The water vapor and/or carbon dioxide is maintained in an amount of from about 10 to about 30 percent by volume.

Abstract: Coal is processed first through a moving bed reactor and then through a fixed bed reactor. Hot carbonized coal char is fed from the first stage reactor to the second stage reactor via a lock hopper and gas is taken off from the reactors either in separate streams or in a common stream.

Abstract: A process for converting coals to principally hydrocarbon gases, by intimately contacting coals such as lignite coal with a reagent, e.g., alkali metal polysulfides or alkali metal hydrosulfide, in the presence of steam, or a combination of steam and hydrogen, at temperatures between 65.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. Liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons of preselected compositions may be produced; as it is well known these are useful as fuel, or as chemical starting materials, e.g., for upgrading fuel or making industrial chemicals.

Abstract: A process for converting coals to hydrocarbon values, by intimately contacting coals such as lignite coal with a reagent, e.g., an alkali metal sulfide or polysulfide or an alkali metal hydrosulfide, in the presence of steam, or a combination of steam and hydrogen sulfide, at temperatures between 65.degree. C. to 450.degree. C.; liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons of preselected compositions may be produced; these are useful as fuel, or as chemical starting materials, e.g., for upgrading fuel or making industrial chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing sponge iron by the continuous reduction of iron oxides in a shaft utilizing recirculation gases. Reaction gas is removed from the shaft furnace, substantially cleaned of all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, and then divided into at least two flow portions one of which is passed to a gas generator comprising a plasma burner. A reducing agent such as pit coal is injected together with an oxidant into the hot gas from the plasma burner so as to form a gas mixture comprised primarily of CO and H.sub.2, which gas mixture is then mixed with the other flow portion of the cleaned reaction gas in such proportion that the temperature of the resulting reduction gas is suitable for the reduction of iron oxides in the shaft furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing sponge iron by the continuous reduction of iron oxides in a shaft utilizing recirculation gases. Reaction gas is removed from the shaft furnace, substantially cleaned of all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, and then divided into at least two flow portions one of which is passed to a gas generator comprising a gas generating shaft substantially filled with a solid reducing agent and a plasma burner arranged in the lower portion of said shaft. An oxidant is injected into the hot gas from the plasma burner so as to form a gas mixture comprised primarily of CO and H.sub.2, which gas mixture is then mixed with the other flow portion of the cleaned reaction gas in such proportion that the temperature of the resulting reduction gas is suitable for the reduction of iron oxides in the shaft furnace.