Abstract: An integrated process for the gasification of coal alone or with other carbon-containing materials such as solid municipal wastes, biomass and sewage sludges, wherein the endothermic heat required by the gasification reaction is supplied at least in a significant part by the exothermic reaction of CaO in the form of calcined lime or dolomite with carbon dioxide. The CO.sub.2 is recycled to provide a high CO.sub.2 vapor pressure for the exothermic reaction. The calcium carbonate formed in the reaction is decomposed in a combustor to produce the CaO which is recycled to the gasification stage.

Abstract: Methanol is produced by gasifying a carbonaceous feed material with steam in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and added hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F.

Abstract: Methanol is produced by gasifying a carbonaceous feed material with steam in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and added hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F.

Abstract: A process of gasifying fine-grained solid fuels for the production of a product gas that contains hydrogen, carbon oxides and methane comprises a treatment with steam, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in two interconnected gasifying stages under a pressure in the range from 2 to 150 bars and at temperatures of 500.degree. to 1500.degree. C. In the first gasifying stage, the fuel is gasified in a circulating fluidized bed by a treatment with gasifying stage. The residual solids which become available in the first gasifying stage are fed to the second gasifying stage and are virtually completely gasified therein, except for residual ash, by a treatment with a gasifying agent which includes oxygen. At least one-half of the product gas from the second gasifying stage is fed to the first gasifying stage and used as fluidizing fluid therein.

Abstract: In the preparation of the gaseous reactant feed to undergo a chemical reaction requiring the presence of steam, the efficiency of overall power utilization is improved by premixing the gaseous reactant feed with water and then heating to evaporate the water in the presence of the gaseous reactant feed, the heating fluid utilized being at a temperature below the boiling point of water at the pressure in the volume where the evaporation occurs.

Abstract: A method of operating an entrained flow coal gasifier (10) via a two-stage gasification process. A portion of the coal (18) to be gasified is combusted in a combustion zone (30) with near stoichiometric air to generate combustion products. The combustion products are conveyed from the combustion zone into a reduction zone (32) wherein additional coal is injected into the combustion products to react with the combustion products to form a combustible gas. The additional coal is injected into the reduction zone as a mixture (60) consisting of coal and steam, preferably with a coal-to-steam weight ratio of approximately ten to one.

Abstract: Method for generating methane or synthesis gas from carbon-containing materials, e.g. coal, by reacting part of the carbon with hydrogen in a hydrogenating gasifier to produce a methane containing gas, and reacting the residual carbon with steam in a steam gasifier to produce a raw gas containing synthesis gas. Features are:(a) The steam gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the hydrogenating gasifier.(b) The hydrogen gas entering the hydrogenating gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the steam gasifier.(c) The output stage of the steam gasifier is heated electrically.(d) The entire nuclear heat is given off to a steam loop.In addition a methane cracking furnace may be provided with the following features:(a) The methane cracking furnace is heated electrically in the upper temperature range.(b) The raw gas leaving the methane cracking furnace serves for heating the entering methane.

Abstract: Carbonaceous solids are contacted in the presence of water with potassium sulfate and a calcium compound selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, and calcium carbonate thereby producing treated carbonaceous solids which are then gasified. The calcium compound apparently activates the relatively noncatalytic potassium sulfate thereby producing a substantial catalytic effect on the gasification reactions.

Abstract: In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles primarily in the form of water-soluble alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites by treating the particles with a solution of sulfurous acid. During the treating process the water-insoluble alkali metal compounds in the alkali metal residues are converted into water-soluble alkali metal sulphites and bisulphites, which have been found to be catalytically active.

Abstract: Generating methane or synthesis gas from carbon-containing materials, e.g. coal, by reacting part of the carbon with hydrogen in a hydrogenating gasifier to produce a methane containing gas, and reacting the residual carbon with steam in a steam gasifier to produce a raw gas containing synthesis gas, which latter may be converted to hydrogen and directed to the hydrogenation gasifier or may at least in part be used as a product. The steam gasifier is heated with raw gas leaving the hydrogenating gasifier. The hydrogen gas entering the hydrogenation gasifier is heated with the raw gas leaving the steam gasifier. At least part of the methane is reacted with steam to synthesis gas while heat is being supplied.

Abstract: Improvements in the known steam-iron coal gasification process. Coal and iron particles are cofluidized in a gas producing zone and agglomeration of the particles is prevented by including at least 30% and, as the temperature is raised within the operable range, 60% or even 90% or more iron in the mix. The FeO produced as a by-product is transferred to a regeneration zone where, preferably, one of two iron oxide reduction processes are utilized. One regeneration process comprises reacting the FeO in a dense fluidized bed with a mixture of CO and CO.sub.2. The other process involves cofluidizing FeO and CaO with a CO-CO.sub.2 mixture to produce iron and calcium compounds which may be separated from the iron prior to its introduction back into the gas producing zone.

Abstract: Combination method for the gasification of coal and the reduction of metal ores involving hydrogenation gasification of coal to produce hydrocarbons and a coke component. The coke is subjected to steam gasification and the gas therefrom used to reduce ores. Spent gas from the reduction is treated to convert CO in the gas to H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2. The CO.sub.2 is scrubbed out and the H.sub.2 is sent to the hydrogenation gasification to hydrogenate the coal.

Abstract: A carbonaceous feed material, a potassium compound having a relatively poor catalytic activity as compared to that of potassium carbonate, and a sodium or lithium salt are introduced into a gasification reactor. The carbonaceous material is then gasified in the presence of the added potassium and sodium or lithium constituents. The added sodium or lithium salt apparently activates the relatively noncatalytic potassium compound thereby producing a substantial catalytic effect on the gasification reactions. In general, activation of the noncatalytic potassium compound will take place when the sodium or lithium compound introduced into the reactor is either a salt of a weak acid or a salt of a strong acid that is converted to a sodium or lithium salt of a weak acid in the reactor at gasification conditions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for the conversion of hydrocarbonaceous materials, such as coal, to more valuable gaseous products in a fluidized bed gasification reaction and efficient withdrawal of agglomerated ash from the fluidized bed is disclosed. The improvements are obtained by introducing an oxygen containing gas into the bottom of the fluidized bed through a separate conduit positioned within the center of a nozzle adapted to agglomerate and withdraw the ash from the bottom of the fluidized bed. The conduit extends above the constricted center portion of the nozzle and preferably terminates within and does not extend from the nozzle. In addition to improving ash agglomeration and withdrawal, the present invention prevents sintering and clinkering of the ash in the fluidized bed and permits the efficient recycle of fine material recovered from the product gases by contacting the fines in the fluidized bed with the oxygen as it emanates from the conduit positioned within the withdrawal nozzle.

Abstract: In a coal gasification system using hot recycled inert heat transfer medium solids, before the solids are heated and recycled back to a gasification reactor, the solids are separated from ash and unreacted char. The unreacted char is thereafter burned producing a hot flue gas. The hot flue gas and separated inert heat transfer solids are thereafter mixed to reheat the solids. Two alternate forms of multiple bed solids heating arrangements are described. One uses countercurrent slowly moving beds. The other uses countercurrent fluidized beds. The slow moving bed arrangement is preferred.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a pulverized solid fuel by heat, which comprises the steps of drying said fuel and subjecting the latter to two-stage pyrolysis with the resulting formation of vapor, gaseous products and small coke. According to the invention, at least a part of the small coke is additionally heated to a temperature of 800.degree. to 1500.degree. C. by combustion gas and/or by partial burning of the small coke, whereafter the heated small coke is separated from the combustion gas, fed to the first stage of pyrolysis and for drying the fuel. The heated small coke is gasified by steam. The resultant gasification products are separated from the small coke which is then fed as the heat carrier to the first stage of pyrolysis.

Abstract: A dry coke quenching process comprises the steps of preheating a coke from a coke oven to a temperature of not lower than 1200.degree. C. by way of burning over its layer a combustible gas mixed with heated air, cooling the coke first to a temperature of not lower than 700.degree. C. with a mixture of hydrocarbons and water vapor, and then with an inert gas to a temperature of from 200.degree. to 250.degree. C.An apparatus for effecting the process of the invention comprises a chamber lined from inside with refractory brick and provided with a means for introducing a combustible gas and heated air to the upper part of the chamber and for discharging combustion gases therefrom. Provided in the middle part of the chamber are means intended for a heated mixture of hydrocarbons and water vapor to pass in therethrough and for a flow of the resultant gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide to escape therethrough.

Abstract: Coal is gasified, to yield a fuel gas having a medium-B.T.U. heating value, in the presence of air and steam in a plurality of reaction stages having different reaction temperatures. Reaction heat is principally supplied directly by recycle of char particles from a separate combustion zone to higher-temperature reaction zones and indirectly by combustion flue gas to lower-temperature reaction zones. Hydrogen sulfide, from product fuel gas, and flue gas are directly contacted to provide elemental sulfur. The only other product is a substantially non-combustible ash.

Abstract: In a fluidized coal gasification process in which heat for the gasifier is provided by recycle combustor residue from a slagging combustor, SO.sub.2 in the combustor's flue gas is removed by contacting the flue gas with the incoming coal feed whereby the SO.sub.2 is adsorbed on the coal and converted to H.sub.2 S in the gasifier. Sulfur is recovered from the H.sub.2 S in a Claus Plant.

Abstract: Gasification of coal by hydrogenation to produce CH.sub.4 hydrocarbons, and by steam to produce hydrogen. Forming a medium-grain and a small-grain fractions from coal. Hydrogenating the volatile and readily reactive components of part of the small-grain fraction to form hydrocarbons and coke. Mixing the coke with the other part of the small-grain fraction. Forming briquets from the mixture. Mixing the briquets with medium size coal fraction and steam gasifying to produce hydrogen. The hydrogentation is preferably carried out in a fluidized bed operation and the steam gasification in a fixed-bed operation.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic devolatilization of coal is disclosed wherein a selected mixture of preheated coal particles and hot catalyst solids is contacted with a gaseous material such as steam and/or a hydrogen-containing gas to form a high temperature suspension in a riser reactor to obtain a high initial rate of heat transfer from high temperature catalyst particles to coal particles thereby promoting high yields of devolatilized liquid hydrocarbon product. Morever, the quality of the devolatilized material is improved by the hot catalytic solids which either convert devolatilized tars and phenols to more desirable products or prevent tar and phenol formation by catalytic interception of the initial products devolatilized from the coal. Char produced by this devolatilization technique is particularly suited for subsequent gasification and other use.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon liquids and a methane-containing gas are produced from carbonaceous feed solids by contacting the solids with a mixture of gases containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a devolatilization zone at a relatively low temperature in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst. The devolatilization zone effluent is treated to condense out hydrocarbon liquids and at least a portion of the remaining methane-rich gas is steam reformed to produce the carbon monoxide and hydrogen with which the carbonaceous feed solids are contacted in the devolatilization zone. The char produced in the devolatilization zone is reacted with steam in a gasification zone under gasification conditions in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and the resultant raw product gas is treated to recover a methane-containing gas.

Abstract: Carbonaceous solids slurried in an aqueous solution, which preferably contains catalyst constituents having gasification activity, are dried by contacting the slurry with superheated steam in a fluid bed slurry dryer and the resultant dried solids are subsequently gasified with steam generated in the dryer.

Abstract: A synthetic CO.sub.2 acceptor consisting essentially of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide and calcium carbonate supported in a refractory carrier matrix, the carrier having the general formula Ca.sub.5 (SiO.sub.4).sub.2 CO.sub.3. A method for producing the synthetic CO.sub.2 acceptor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of carbonaceous matter, preferably coal, is disclosed. A stream of previously produced char, preferably produced from coal, or other fuel together with an oxidizer and steam is introduced into a first or combustion stage. The combustion gas produced by the combustion passes into a second or gasification stage and through a nozzle at at least sonic velocity. Pulverized carbonaceous matter, preferably coal, is introduced and dispersed in the combustion gas in the gasification stage. The temperature, velocity and velocity changes principally of the gas in the gasification stage are controlled to provide a heating rate for the particles of pulverized carbonaceous matter of at least about 10.sup.5 degrees Kelvin per second, and to effect rapid removal of volatile components from the immediate vicinity of the particles.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of carbonaceous matter, preferably coal, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a stream of previously produced char, preferably produced from coal or other fuel, together with an oxidizer and steam is introduced into a combustion stage. The combustion gas produced by the combustion passes into a mixing zone and thence with high turbulence into a gasification zone or stage at subsonic velocity. Pulverized carbonaceous matter, preferably coal, is introduced and dispersed in the combustion gas in the mixing zone. The temperature, velocity and velocity changes principally of the gas in the gasification zone or stage are controlled to provide a heating rate for the particles of pulverized carbonaceous matter of at least about 10.sup.5 degrees Kelvin per second, and to effect rapid removal of volatile components from the immediate vicinity of the particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for coal and organic solid waste gasification using a granular fluidized bed of clay to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The clay used in the gasification is circulated to an air burner to obtain producer gas via burning of carbon deposited thereon and then recirculated to the gasifier. The producer gas is used to reduce a metal oxide and the reduced metal is reoxidized with steam to generate hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method of producing direct reduced iron with fluid bed coal gasification in which a portion of cooled, recycled gas is used as coolant in the gasification chamber and a second portion of the cleaned recycled gas is heated and mixed with the hot, dust-free gasification gas to form reducing gas for the direct reduction process. Limestone is preferably mixed with the pulverized coal feed to the gasification chamber to desulfurize the gas.

Abstract: Peat, lignite, coal, many forms of biomass (land or marine) and solid wastes may have from 1/2 to 30 times as much water associated with the dry solids. Some of this water may be chemically bound or otherwise may be practically inseparable by mechanical means. The solids may be partially oxidized by oxygen or air in the first chemical reactions of a Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) taking place in the presence of the large amount of water at temperatures of 175.degree. C. to 325.degree. C. and pressures of 10 to 100 atmospheres--preferably 240.degree. to 300.degree. C. and 70 to 100 atmospheres. All sulfur in high sulfur coal is oxidized selectively to the sulfate radical; and heat to bring the combustible up to the necessary temperature is supplied by burning part of the combustible itself. The sulfur free coal may be used as conventionally. Residual solids (now 70 to 95% of the original fuel) have a higher heating value on a dry basis, and are mechanically separated from all but 1/2 to 2 pounds of water.

Abstract: Coal or other carbonaceous material is gasified by reaction with steam and oxygen in a manner to minimize the problems of effluent water stream disposal. The condensate water from the product gas is recycled to slurry the coal feed and the amount of additional water or steam added for cooling or heating is minimized and preferably kept to a level of about that required to react with the carbonaceous material in the gasification reaction. The gasification is performed in a pressurized fluidized bed with the coal fed in a water slurry and preheated or vaporized by indirect heat exchange contact with product gas and recycled steam. The carbonaceous material is conveyed in a gas-solid mixture from bottom to top of the pressurized fluidized bed gasifier with the solids removed from the product gas and recycled steam in a supported moving bed filter of the resulting carbonaceous char. Steam is condensed from the product gas and the condensate recycled to form a slurry with the feed coal carbonaceous particles.

Abstract: A process for the utilization of tar-dust which is separated from the gases derived from gasification of granular fuel under pressure, especially of bituminous coal, and in which the tar-dust separated from the gases is fed back into the pressure gasification cycle of the fuel. The tar-dust is added as a binder in the pelletization of the fine grained portions of the fuel and is fed in pellet form into the generator. Apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a pressure generator having a feed device for granular fuel, a tar-dust separator, and a pelletizing device connected by a tar-dust coveying pipe to the tar-dust separator, for the pelletizing of fine grains of fuel with tar-dust as a binder, the pelletizing device conveying the green pellets produced thereby into the feed device. The granular fuel is screened to pass only that portion below a predetermined grain size to the pelletizer, the remaining portion being fed directly to the generator.

Abstract: Gasification by reaction of carbon (e.g., in coal) with sulfur in the presence of steam, at 500.degree.-1500.degree. K., and controlled to favor production of carbon monoxide/-dioxide and hydrogen sulfide (further reactable to hydrogen and sulfur, which can be recycled). Heat generated by combustion of reaction products and/or through possible exothermic portions of the process can be utilized in the process for preheating reagents or reducing energy requirements of the main reaction.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen and carbon-oxide-containing gases for use for reducing ores and synthesizing hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing organic substances, comprises, directing a suspension of finely ground coal and oxygen through a burner into a pressure reactor to convert the coal into gases and partly burning the gases, separating the gases from non-converted coal and ash, directing the separated gases into a quenching water so that their heat content is converted into pressure steam and the gases are precooled. The precooled gases are further purified and further cooled. During quenching, the gases are cooled from temperatures in the range of from 1300.degree. C. to 1500.degree. C. down to 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C., depending on the gasification pressure. The ash-free gases then become highly loaded with steam to a steam-to-gas ratio of 2 as they are cooled down to a temperature of from between 100.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., and to also form a condensate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preventing adhesion or caking of raw materials such as oil or coal as it is subjected to hydrogenation gasification while being heated to above 700.degree. K. as it passes downwardly through a reaction vessel. The particles of raw materials as they pass through the vessel in a temperature zone of about 600 to 700.degree. K. directly contact a medium intermittently at a temperature above 1000.degree. K. to rapidly heat the surfaces of the particles to above 700.degree. K. by direct contact with the hot medium alone, in the absence of combustion reaction, to cause the particles to become non-caking in its further downward passage through the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A gasification process is disclosed using a synthetic CO.sub.2 acceptor consisting essentially of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide and calcium carbonate supported in a refractory carrier matrix, the carrier having the general formula Ca.sub.5 (SiO.sub.4).sub.2 CO.sub.3. A method for producing the synthetic CO.sub.2 acceptor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for using focused solar radiation to gasify coal and other carbonaceous materials. Incident solar radiation is focused from an array of heliostats onto a tower-mounted secondary mirror which redirects the focused solar radiation down through a window onto the surface of a vertically-moving bed of coal, or a fluidized bed of coal, contained within a gasification reactor. The reactor is designed to minimize contact between the window and solids in the reactor. Steam introduced into the gasification reactor reacts with the heated coal to produce gas consisting mainly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, commonly called "synthesis gas", which can be converted to methane, methanol, gasoline, and other useful products. One of the novel features of the invention is the generation of process steam at the rear surface of the secondary mirror.

Abstract: Briquettes of specified geometry and composition are produced to serve as feed material or "burden" in a moving-burden gasifier for the production of a synthesis or fuel gas from organic solid waste materials and coal, including especially, the so-called "caking" coals, as in the process of copending application number 675,918. The briquettes are formed from a well-blended mixture of shredded organic solid wastes, including especially, municipal solid waste (MSW) or biomass, and crushed caking coal, including coal fines. A binder material may or may not be required, depending on the coal/MSW ratio and the compaction pressure employed. The briquettes may be extruded, stamped, or pressed, employing compaction pressures in excess of 1000 psi, and preferably in the range of 2000 to 10,000 psi. The briquettes may be circular, polygonal, or irregular in cross-section; they may be solid, or concentrically perforated to form a hollow cylinder or polygon; they may be formed into saddles, pillows or doughnuts.

Abstract: A single heat method of producing reduction gases which consist essentially of carbon monoxide and hydrogen for ore-reducing processes, comprises, directing a coal and water suspension into a reactor to generate combustion gases under pressure having a temperature in the range of from 1300.degree. C. to 1500.degree. C. and mixing the combustion gases immediately after they are formed with reduction furnace waste gases which have a temperature in the range of from 100.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. The mixed gases are then directed through a water seal separator to separate and quench slag particles and the slag particles are removed with water from the gas stream. The pressure gases are mixed with the waste gases in a proportion of from 1:0.5 to 1:2.0. The resultant gases after purification and hydrogen sulfide scrubbing are directed back into the ore-reducing process and the quenched slag particles are fused to larger size agglomerates and are carried out of the gas stream and taken up in water.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for gasifying pelletized coal to produce a low Btu gas containing large amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Advantageously, the process is carried out on a circular traveling grate machine on a continuous basis. A horizontally moving, quiescent, gas-permeable bed of coal is formed by depositing at least one layer of a sized recycle charge of coal and at least one layer of fresh coal. To initiate an oxidizing reaction zone, the surface of one of the layers is ignited and the zone travels as a wave downwardly into the layer and upwardly into any superposed layer. Air and steam or air and carbon dioxide are either updrafted or downdrafted through the bed to control combustion. The coal is reduced in zones ahead of the advancing zone or zones of oxidation, and the reactions are terminated before the oxidation zone reaches both outermost surfaces of the bed to minimize the formation of carbon dioxide. Unreacted coal is separated from fine ash and is used as the recycle feed.

Abstract: In a coal gasification operation or similar conversion process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein solid particles containing alkali metal residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the particles by treating them with a calcium or magnesium-containing compound in the presence of water at a temperature between about 250.degree. F. and about 700.degree. F. and in the presence of an added base to establish a pH during the treatment step that is higher than would otherwise be possible without the addition of the base. During the treating process the relatively high pH facilitates the conversion of water-insoluble alkali metal compounds in the alkali metal residues into water-soluble alkali metal constituents.

Abstract: An extruder for feeding finely divided solids. And, in combination therewith, means for using gas in various ways to repulverize the finely divided solids. It lends itself to a procedure for continuously charging finely divided solids with water into a high pressure reactor. The high pressure is inherently contained, and the solids are repulverized for use in a reaction.

Abstract: In a coupled coal solvent liquefaction-gasification system wherein a recycle mineral residue-containing slurry is mixed with the raw coal feed slurry for the liquefaction zone, the resulting feed slurry is under a pumpability total solids level constraint. Where a coupled system is operating under such a total solids level contraint for the feed slurry, any increase in the mineral residue recycle rate relative to the coal feed rate advantageously provides a catalytic activity and selectivity advantage in favor of liquid coal product at the expense of higher and lower boiling products. It is shown herein that this activity and selectivity effect is enhanced with decreasing liquefaction zone residence times. In accordance with the present invention, the ratio of recycle mineral residue to feed coal is enhanced by recycling a second mineral residue-containing slurry to the liquefaction zone independently of the raw coal feed slurry.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for the production of fuel gas such as synthetic natural gas from coal. A sized coal feed of larger particle size is gasified in a moving bed gasifier such as the British Gas/Lurgi slagging gasifier, and forms a methane rich synthesis gas containing heavy and light organics which is quenched to form a water phase containing dissolved phenolic and other compounds. The water phase is separated from the gas phase and insoluble organics and mixed with a second portion of the coal containing fine particles which are not suitable for moving bed gasification to form a slurry. This coal-phenolic water slurry is gasified in an entrained bed gasifier, for example, the Texaco partial oxidation process, and forms a methane lean synthesis gas. The phenol, ammonia and dissolved organics in the water phase are destroyed and converted to valuable product gas.

Abstract: An intermediate Btu gas is produced by reacting steam with a carbonaceous feed material in the presence of a carbon-alkali metal catalyst and substantially equilibrium quantities of added hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature between about 1000.degree. F. and about 1500.degree. F. and a pressure in excess of about 100 psia to produce an effluent or raw product gas consisting essentially of equilibrium quantities, at reaction temperature and pressure, of methane, steam, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen; recovering at least a portion of the effluent or raw product gas from the gasifier as an intermediate Btu product gas; contacting a carbon-containing material with steam in a steam reforming zone under conditions such that at least a portion of the carbon-containing material reacts with the steam to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen; and passing the effluent from the reforming zone into the gasifier, thereby supplying the added hydrogen and carbon monoxide required in the gasifier.

Abstract: A method of feeding powdered coal to a high pressure reactor which is being used with a fluidized bed/entrained flow coal gasification process. It includes steps of feeding a moist powdered coal to an extruder, and extruding the mixture into a high pressure stream of gas. The extrudate is dispersed into the gas stream, and the stream of extrudate and gas carrier is dried. Then the dry extrudate is separated and fed into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A novel process, and the compositions of matter formed thereby, wherein Group II-A metals, or compounds thereof, can be ion-exchanged onto coal, preferably a high rank coal, notably a subbituminous or bituminous coal, by soaking the coal in an alkali solution of a Group I-A metal compound sufficient to incorporate said metal compound, or cation portion thereof, into said coal to form ion-exchange sites, and ion-exchanging, and thereby replacing all or a portion, preferably a portion, of the Group I-A metal cations with said Group II-A metals. Enhanced gasification rates are achieved by gasification of the so-treated coal, or composition which contains both the Group I-A and Group II-A metals, as contrasted with a coal composition otherwise similar except that it contains an equal molar quantity of either a Group I-A metal or Group II-A metal, rather than both Group I-A and Group II-A metals.

Abstract: Solid fuel is acted on by a gasifying medium in a fluidized bed W. The resulting gas enters a cyclone 20 having an outlet for solid particles connected to a gasification chamber 30 in which the particles are gasified by a separate stream of gasifying medium supplied by an injector 25.

Abstract: A process wherein Group I-A or Group II-A metals, or both, can be ion-exchanged onto coal, especially a high rank coal, notably a subbituminous or bituminous coal, to produce a highly reactive carbonaceous feed for use in gasification reactions, especially to produce high-BTU fuel gases, but also intermediate-BTU or synthesis gas. The coal is treated by contact with an alkaline solution of an admixture of compounds, inclusive of a soluble alkali metal salt and an excess of an alkaline earth metal hydroxide, each of which interacts one with the other to form an alkali metal hydroxide, and an insoluble alkaline earth metal salt precipitate. The coal is treated in a single step by contact with the solution within which both the Group I-A and II-A metal compounds are dispersed, or dissolved.

Abstract: Coarse, graded coal is fed to a pressurized relatively fixed bed, non-slagging gasifier from which crude gas is recovered. Fine coal is slurried in an aqueous mixture comprising the discharge from the relatively fixed bed gasifier, which discharge is composed of hydrocarbons, phenolic water and other liquids as major components and additional makeup water, if required, and the slurry is fed to a slagging, pressurized entrained flow gasifier from which additional crude gas is recovered. The two streams of gas are cleaned and then used to meet a variety of demands, including, but not limited to, gas turbine generation of electric power, manufacture of synthetic natural gas and manufacture of methanol.

Abstract: A coal slagging gasifier and method of operating such gasifier are improved by providing an improved slag removal orifice. The orifice is located centrally within the hearth of a gasifier of the type in which hot burner gases are directed up through the orifice to retain the slag in molten condition on the hearth and in which the slag is periodically discharged through the slag removal orifice. The slag removal orifice is formed as a substantially vertical passageway through the removable slag tap member which comprises a solid cast mass of high thermal conductivity metal having an integrally formed metal tube for circulating liquid coolant through the cast mass. The upper tundish surface of the slag tap member slopes downwardly and inwardly and merges with the slag removal orifice.