Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oversized, unentrained char particles from a two-stage coal gasification process so as to prevent clogging or plugging of the communicating passage between the two gasification stages. In the first stage of the process, recycled process char passes upwardly while reacting with steam and oxygen to yield a first stage synthesis gas containing hydrogen and oxides of carbon. In the second stage, the synthesis gas passes upwardly with coal and steam which react to yield partially gasified char entrained in a second stage product gas containing methane, hydrogen, and oxides of carbon. Agglomerated char particles, which result from caking coal particles in the second stage and are too heavy to be entrained in the second stage product gas, are removed through an outlet in the bottom of the second stage, the particles being separated from smaller char particles by a counter-current of steam injected into the outlet.

Abstract: A partial oxidation burner and process for the manufacture of synthesis gas, reducing gas and other gas mixtures substantially comprising H.sub.2 and CO. A hydrocarbon, oxygen-rich gas and, optionally, H.sub.2 O or some other temperature moderator are introduced into the reaction zone of a synthesis gas generator in which, by partial oxidation at an autogenous temperature in the range of about 1700.degree. to 3500.degree.F. and a pressure in the range of about 1 to 250 atmospheres, said synthesis, fuel, or reducing gas is produced. For example, a hydrocarbon is introduced into the reaction zone by way of the inner assembly of a novel multitube burner, and a mixture of oxygen-rich gas and steam is passed through a coaxial conduit disposed about the outside of said inner assembly. Said inner assembly comprises a central conduit of circular cross-section, having a plurality of parallel open-ended tubes extending downstream from the exit end of said central conduit and in communication therewith.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of substitute natural gas (SNG) from carbonaceous materials such as hydrocarbon liquids including hydrocarbon fractions and/or solid carbonaceous fuels, by non-catalytic partial oxidation of the carbonaceous materials in the presence of process generated oxygen and high pressure steam, to form a gas stream containing principally hydrogen and oxides of carbon which are suitable for catalytic conversion to methane under conditions where sufficient waste heat is recovered in the form of high pressure steam to satisfy the steam requirements for the process and that necessary to drive compressors to produce oxygen from air as required by the partial oxidiation stage. A product gas stream containing up to 99.9% methane and less than 1 ppm sulfur compounds may be obtained.

Abstract: Coal is gasified under elevated pressures and temperatures in a reactor having a rotatably mounted grate and supply conduits for oxygen-containing and oxygen-free gasifying agents. The rotary grate contains an internal chamber adjacent to the bearing for the grate and one of the supply conduits is adapted to feed an oxygen-free fluid to this internal chamber. The uppermost portion of the rotary grate contains a substantially closed internal chamber which has a supply conduit for feeding an oxygen-free fluid thereto. A mixing chamber is positioned between the uppermost chamber and the chamber adjacent the bearing for the grate and is provided with passages which lead to the charge to be gasified. The mixing chamber communicates with the uppermost chamber as well as the chamber adjacent the bearing and also has a supply conduit for feeding gasifying agents containing free oxygen thereto.

Abstract: An oxidizing gas is injected through a nozzle into a bed of carbonaceous particles in a downward direction at an angle of declination at least as great as the angle of repose of the bed particles and at a gas inlet velocity of about 50 to 500 feet per second to supply the gas needed to fluidize the bed of carbonaceous particles.

Abstract: Feed coal particles are mixed with fine particles of devolatilized carbonaceous material having an average particle diameter less than about 25% of that of the coal and then injected into a high temperature fluidized bed gasification zone. The devolatilized material adheres to the coal particles as they soften and forms a nonsticky coating which hinders the formation of large coal agglomerates. During the gasification process the adhering particles are retained in the bed and at least partially gasified, resulting in better carbon utilization than might otherwise be obtained.