Abstract: An integrated polygeneration system and process is disclosed for generating liquid hydrogen as a main energy product for use as a propellant for space vehicles. Secondary energy products and commodities for supporting a space center complex and launching of the space vehicle includes the production of electrical and thermal energy and gaseous nitrogen. The integrated process includes a coal gasification and gas cleanup system (12), a combined cycle power generation system (18), a hydrogen production and liquefaction system (22) and a air separation system (32). A medium BTU gas (16) is produced by the coal gasification system and is delivered at (16a) to the power generation system and (16b) the hydrogen production and liquefaction system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a gas suitable for the production of energy, out of coal. The coal is gasified in counterflow with air-blast in a gasifier, and the gas generated is then mixed with a gas containing oxygen, in a ratio such that the quotient CO.sub.2 /CO in the resultant gas does not exceed 0.1, in order to crack tar substances occurring in the gas. The gas is thereafter introduced into a dolomite or lime shaft for removal of sulphur compounds, any remaining tar substances and to gasify any accompanying coal particles not yet gasified.

Abstract: A method for gasifying or combusting solid, carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor. Particles are separated from the product gas at least in two stages so that in the first stage, mainly coarser, so-called circulating particles are separted and returned to the reactor. In the second stage, fine carbonaceous particlates are separated from the gas and are made to agglomerate at a raised temperature. Coarser particles thus recieved are returned to the reactor through a return duct together with circulating particles. Adhesion of agglomerating particles to the walls of the duct is prevented preferably by leading hot particulates to the center of the duct and circulating particles to the walls of the duct.

Abstract: A method of generating a de-sulphurized volatile matter and a relatively low Btu gas includes the initial step of pyrolyzing coal to produce volatile matter and a char. The volatile matter is fed to a first de-sulphurizer containing a de-sulphurizing agent to remove sulphur therefrom. At the same time, the char is gasified to produce a relatively low Btu gas. The low Btu gas is fed to a second de-sulphurizer containing the de-sulphurizing agent to remove sulphur therefrom. A regenerator is provided for removing sulphur from the de-sulphurizing agent. Portions of the de-sulphurizing agent are moved among the first de-sulphurizer, the second de-sulphurizer, and the regenerator such that the regenerator regenerates the de-sulphurizing agent. Preferably, the portions of the de-sulphurizing agent are moved from the second de-sulphurizer to the first de-sulphurizer, from the first de-sulphurizer to the regenerator, and from the regenerator to the second de-sulphurizer.

Abstract: An improved gasification system, in which synthesis gas is produced through the operation of a fuel gas production bed comprising an upper layer (66) of organic input material, typically in the form of pellets or briquettes of substantially uniform size and configuration, two intermediate layers, one intermediate layer (70) for carbonizing the input material, and the other intermediate layer (72) for partially oxidizing and substantially completely pyrolyzing the input material and a lower layer (68) of tar-free charcoal. The length of the gas production bed from the top of the upper intermediate layer to the point where gas exits from the gas production bed is approximately at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bed, but not less than 7 feet. The removal of charcoal from the gas production bed is controlled and the operation of the bed otherwise controlled such that the charcoal produced during the process is activated carbon.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic production of hydrogen, from a wide variety of low heating value fuel gases containing carbon monoxide, comprises circulating a carbonaceous material between two reactors--a carbon deposition reactor and a steaming reactor. In the carbon deposition reactor, carbon monoxide is removed from a fuel gas and is deposited on the carbonaceous material as an active carbon. In the steaming reactor, the reactive carbon reacts with steam to give hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The carbonaceous material contains a metal component comprising from about 75% to about 95% cobalt, from about 5% to about 15% iron, and up to about 10% chromium, and is effective in suppressing the production of methane in the steaming reactor.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur compounds from gasification product gas during gasification of carbonaceous materials in a fluidized bed, agglomerating discharge reactor and converting harmful and unstable sulfur compounds to an environmentally acceptable form for safe disposal. Particulate sulfur fixation agent is introduced into an ash agglomerating fluidized bed gasifier along with carbonaceous feed solids and reacts with gaseous sulfur compounds formed when gasifying feed solids under reducing conditions in the fluidized bed. Unstable sulfur compounds formed by reaction with the fixation agent are then converted to a stable, environmentally disposable, solid in a lower oxidizing portion of the gasifier for discharge with the ash.

Abstract: A process for producing gas containing CO and H.sub.2 from pulverulent to coarse-grained coal in a coal gasifier in which a fluidized bed is produced, and to which are supplied coal, oxygen and/or one or more oxygen-containing gases. The coal is supplied in counter-current to the gas removed from the fluidized bed. Thus, the coal is dried, degassed and preheated before it enters the fluidized bed. The upper limit of the particle size of the coal is between about 10 mm and 40 mm, and is determined by the volatile matter content of the coal.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the conditions in the reaction zone of a gasifier in a process for the gasification of coal to produce synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by continual or periodic calculation of the rate of steam production by the heat exchange system of the gasifier, and comparison of the calculated rate with a pre-selected value.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing additional desulfurization of the hot gas produced in a fluid-bed coal gasifier, within the gasifier. A fluid-bed of iron oxide is located inside the gasifier above the gasification bed in a fluid-bed coal gasifier in which in-bed desulfurization by lime/limestone takes place. The product gases leave the gasification bed typically at 1600.degree. to 1800.degree. F. and are partially quenched with water to 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. F. before entering the iron oxide bed. The iron oxide bed provides additional desulfurization beyond that provided by the lime/limestone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gasification process for a coal gasification furnace in a coal gasification plant and to an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: When gasifying fuels with oxygen in a shaft-like furnace adapted to receive solid charging stock and including a primary gas chamber on its lower end to be charged by at least one burner, a fixed bed is formed in the primary gas chamber by the charging stock. The charging stock is gasified by the hot offgases from the burner. The gas forming, upon passage through the fixed bed, is extracted from the furnace as a product gas. In order to keep the product gas free of impurities that constitue a load on the environment and limit its usability, such as tar and other higher hydrocarbons, an oxygen-containing gas is injected into the furnace space filled by the product gas and a slight portion of the product gas is burnt.

Abstract: A pyrolysis reactor is coupled with an incinerator plant in the pyrolysis apparatus of our invention. In one variant the pyrolysis gas arrives directly in the furnace of the incinerator plant. In another variant the pyrolysis gas is burned in an additional separate combustion chamber and the flue gas arising from its combustion is fed into the flue gas duct of the incinerator. Because of that the units required in an economically self sufficient pyrolysis plant for purifying and using the pyrolysis gas and for the exhaust gas cleaning are made more economical. A process for consuming waste according to our invention is also described.

Abstract: A process for recovering the energy and chemical content of an aqueous black liquor utilizing a reactor containing a drying zone located above a gasification zone. The reactor contains a bed of porous solid carbonaceous material in the gasification zone. Heat losses are restricted, preferably from both zones, by the provision of a layer of insulating material about the reactor. An oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the gasification zone in an amount less than about 60% of that required for complete combustion of the black liquor such that there is produced partial combustion and gasification reactions sufficient to maintain the temperature at an upper surface of the bed in the range of from about 870.degree. to 1200.degree. C. and to form a hot combustible gas which rises from the gasification zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in processing waste materials of various kinds and for reclaiming useable by-product materials from the pyrolized waste materials. The waste materials to be pyrolized are efficiently dehydrated prior to their introduction into the pyrolysis retort using microwaves generated by a large microwave generator. After the waste material is dried, initial ignition is accomplished using a very high intensity laser beam. Laser ignition is continued until sufficient methane and other volatile gases are produced for burning in a burner unit to sustain the pyrolysis reaction.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is facilely converted into carbon monoxide and water, and advantageously into a syngas, by establishing a thermally homogeneous gaseous admixture including carbon dioxide and hydrogen having a temperature of at least 800.degree. C., within a period of time essentially insufficient for the production of carbon monoxide therefrom, and wherein said carbon dioxide is next autogenously reduced under reaction equilibrium conditions to carbon monoxide and water by reaction with hydrogen, with each molecule of carbon monoxide formed having, or essentially instantaneously being brought to, a temperature of at least 800.degree. C.

Abstract: Coal is transported through a hot carbonizing furnace chamber successfully on two endless traveling chain grates, the first of which is higher than the second and the second being run at a slower speed than the first so as to form a thicker bed than the coal on the first grate. Air is fed through the coal on the first grate in sub-stoichiometric amounts at low velocity so as to drive off the volatiles while air and steam are fed to the coal in the second grate in amounts sufficient to burn the coal. Gaseous by-products are exhausted from the furnace chamber and ashes are discharged through a conventional take-off.

Abstract: A system for pyrolysis and combustion of combustible solid material, such as waste, which comprises a pyrolysis chamber having a series of spaced vertically disposed movable grates, forming a plurality of stages in the pyrolysis chamber and permitting downward movement of solid feed material at a controlled rate countercurrent to the upward flow of hot gaseous products, the movable grates being synchronized for successive actuation whereby the charge of feed material is successively passed through each of the stages to the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber. Inlet lines are provided for introducing air into each of such stages and into the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber.

Abstract: A coal gasification method using coal powder introduced along with oxygen or air and steam, into a reaction chamber, supplies the char produced in the reaction chamber or the char and coal, along with oxygen or air and steam is introduced into a combustion chamber, formed in lower part of the reaction chamber and burns in the combustion chamber to maintain the temperature therein at about 1,600.degree. C., and forms the high temperature region of the reaction chamber into an agglomerated bed of fluidized coal having a temperature between 900.degree. and 1,300.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying waste to form a leach-proof slag and a gas containing only H.sub.2 and CO as combustible constituents. The method comprises the steps of: (a) supplying waste material at the top of a shaft furnace while simultaneously supplying energy in the form of hot oxidizing gas at the bottom of the shaft furnace, (b) discharging liquid slag from the bottom of the furnace shaft and withdrawing the gas generated, at the top of the furnace shaft, and (c) supplying the gas generated, to a subsequent reaction chamber while simultaneously supplying energy in the form of a hot gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbonaceous material which reacts rapidly with hydrogen to produce a methane-rich gas containing at least 20% by volume methane. The carbonaceous material is formed by contacting a carbon monoxide containing gas with an initiator including a ferrous group metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. The carbonaceous material grows from the surface of the initiator as fibers which include a ferrous metal component derived from the initiator. This ferrous metal component, which may be a metal, an alloy, a carbide, or other metallic substance, is dispersed throughout the carbon network as small nodules which are at least partially bonded to the carbon.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic materials in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic materials are introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the cellulosic materials. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the cellulosic materials is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized cellulosic materials is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Cellulosic materials residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and cellulosic materials ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention cleans gas produced from solid carbonaceous materials in a two stage gas producer. Second stage gas from the gas producer is passed through a first precipitator to remove oil mist and particulates from the second stage gas. First stage gas from the gas producer is passed through a cyclone to remove particulates from the first stage gas. The first stage gas from the cyclone is cooled and then mixed with the second stage gas from the first precipitator. The temperature of the gas mixture is maintained at least at the temperature of the second stage gas. The gas mixture is cooled to a temperature in the range of about 25.degree. F. to about 125.degree. F. above the water dew point of the gas mixture. The cooled gas mixture is subsequently passed through a second precipitator to remove oil mist and particulates from the gas mixture and to yield an industrial usable gas.

Abstract: A method for the gasification of coal in a fluidized bed gasifier to improve gasification efficiency comprising the steps of introducing coal into the thermal cracking zone of a fluidized bed gasifier, thermally cracking and partially combusting the coal in said gasifier, recovering a fluid product gas containing fine particles therein from the fluidized bed gasifier, separating the fine particles as char from the first product gas, gasifying said recovered fine char particles at a temperature higher than its melting point in a high temperature gasifier to produce ash and a second product gas having H.sub.2 and CO as its main components, recovering the ash as a slag and feeding the second product gas containing H.sub.2 and CO to the coal feeding position of the fluidized bed gasifier in the thermal cracking zone.

Abstract: A method of generating a low-tar generator gas includes contacting the hot tar-containing generator gas in a contact zone with ballast bodies to cool the generator gas and capture tar and dust on the exposed surfaces of the ballast bodies, and admixing the thus heated ballast bodies to the wet solid fuel to be gasified to dry and pre-heat such fuel in preparation for the actual gasification which is performed in two separate gasification zones which are arranged one above the other by reacting the solid fuel with an oxygen-containing gasification medium that is introduced from above into the upper one, and from below into the lower one, of the gasification zones with attendant formation of two conflagration fronts in the gasification zones. The generator gas which is thus generated in the two gasification zones is discharged through a common discharge conduit which has the contact zone incorporated therein.

Abstract: Low sulfur, iron and calcium containing solid carbonaceous fuel having a high melting point ash is mixed with a sufficient amount of iron sulfide containing material or supplemental iron and sulfur containing reactant materials that react in the reaction zone to produce iron and sulfur containing compounds. The mixture of materials is reacted in a free-flow gasifier by partial oxidation to produce a raw gas stream of synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas, containing entrained particulate matter including molten slag. By the process, sufficient iron and sulfur are in the reaction zone so that the melting point of the fuel ash is decreased, and the mole ratio H.sub.2 S/H.sub.2 +CO in the raw gas stream is greater than 0.01. Further, the amount of iron in the molten ash is greater than 10.0 wt. %, and preferably at least 14 wt. % of the molten ash. By this means, the fluid temperature of the molten ash entrained in the raw gas stream is reduced at least 100.degree. F.

Abstract: Method for the continuous gasification of solid carbonaceous fuel, especially fuel having a high water content such as biomass and brown coal, in which the fuel is indirectly heated by condensing steam. Steam removed from the fuel during drying is then utilized to aid in the gasification of the same, thus producing generator gas, which is directly recovered.

Abstract: A concentrated aqueous black liquor containing carbonaceous material and alkali metal sulfur compounds is treated in a gasifier vessel containing a relatively shallow molten salt pool at its bottom to form a combustible gas and a sulfide-rich melt. The gasifier vessel, which is preferably pressurized, has a black liquor drying zone at its upper part, a black liquor solids gasification zone located below the drying zone, and a molten salt sulfur reduction zone which comprises the molten salt pool. A first portion of an oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the gas space in the gasification zone immediatley above the molten salt pool. The remainder of the oxygen-containing gas is introduced into the molten salt pool in an amount sufficient to cause gasification of carbonaceous material entering the pool from the gasification zone but not sufficient to create oxidizing conditions in the pool.

Abstract: Carbonaceous materials comprising major amounts of carbon, and minor amounts of hydrogen and ferrous group metal components, particularly nickel and cobalt, react with steam at low temperatures, and produce commercially attractive quantities of such gases as hydrogen, methane, carbon oxides and other light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A first portion (50) of a sulfur and nitrogen-bearing carbonaceous fuel is gasified in a gasification reactor (20) in the presence of a reducing atmosphere of air to produce a hot, char-containing, carbon-monoxide-rich fuel gas (42) having a low Btu content. After cooling, the char-containing carbon-monoxide-rich fuel gas (42) is introduced into a steam generating furnace (10) and combusted therein with a second portion (40) of the carbonaceous fuel in the presence of at least sufficient additional air to substantially complete combustion whereby a hot flue gas is produced. A sulfur-capturing material (60) is introduced into both the gasification reactor (20) and the combustion zone of the steam generating furnace (10) to absorb a substantial portion of the sulfur-containing gases produced during the gasification and combustion processes.

Abstract: A process for gasification of cellulosic biomass in a single gasification vessel wherein the cellulosic biomass is introduced directly into a single back-mixed fluidized bed of high heat capacity inert solids. The fluidized bed is maintained at temperatures of about 1200.degree. to about 1600.degree. F., pressures of up to about 500 psig devolatilizing the biomass. A substantial portion of the heavier hydrocarbons produced by devolatilization of the biomass is reformed within the gasification vessel and a substantial portion of the devolatilized biomass is gasified by reaction with hydrogen and steam within the fluidized bed. Biomass residue is combusted in an oxygen-rich atmosphere in the lower portion of the fluidized bed to principally form heat and biomass ash. The highly back-mixed fluidized bed results in temperature variation along the height of the bed, including the combustion zone, of less than 100.degree. F.

Abstract: A process for gasifying carbonaceous solids in a rotating zone is disclosed wherein the gasifying agents are injected into a tumbling bed of the solids through an elongated, rotating tubular flow path (19) positioned and supported so as to remain in the tumbling bed during rotation of the zone. The invention is particularly useful in rotary kilns where coal, lignite, peat, heavy oil residual, and other carbonaceous materials are gasified using injected steam, oxygen or air.

Abstract: A steam generator for burning a normally-solid fuel which produces non-combustible solid residues, including, an elongated combustion chamber, a fuel introduction means to introduce fuel adjacent the axis of the combustion chamber as a centrally-disposed stream moving in a downstream direction, a combustion-supporting gas introduction means for introducing the gas as an annular, rotating stream about the fuel stream and which, together with the fuel introduction means forms a rotating, toroidal vortex of the fuel and the combustion-supporting gas moving in a downstream direction. The combustion chamber has a volume sufficient to burn all of the fuel and, together with the fuel introduction means and the combustion-supporting gas introduction means, cause the vortex to collapse and form plug flow thereafter. Water introduction means introduces water into the flue gas at the downstream end of the combustion chamber as a plurality of peripherally-arranged jets.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier process and apparatus are described wherein reactant gases are first compressed into the pores of a char fuel to react and then the reacted gases are expanded out of the char fuel pores. This cycle of compression and expansion is repeated with fresh reactant gases supplied for each compression and with reacted gases removed at each expansion. Air and steam are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be gasified by oxidation. Reacted gases from such an oxidation gasifier plant are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be partially gasified by devolatilization. Rapid reaction to a rich product gas can occur over the large surface area inside the char pores and the undesirable Neumann reversion reaction is suppressed by the strongly reducing conditions prevailing therein. The gases of devolatilization gasification can be used to enrichen the gases of oxidation gasification by using two cyclic char gasifier plants in a combination system.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a reaction chamber which in operation uses an organic fuel input, typically in the form of substantially uniform-sized pellets, to produce a tar-free fuel gas. Prior to initiating operation, the lower end of the reaction chamber is filled with a charge of charcoal, forming a charcoal bed. A portion of the charcoal bed is then ignited, typically near the top, with air from the atmosphere being drawn substantially uniformly down through the reaction chamber by a pump on the outlet line leading from the reaction chamber, creating a thin pyrolysis zone near the top of the charcoal bed. The substantially uniform-size fuel pellets are added to the top of the charcoal bed, and are pyrolized as they move down through the pyrolysis zone.

Abstract: The refractory lined reaction zone of a free flow vertical gas generator for the production of raw synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas by the partial oxidation of an ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel or a high-metal-containing liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel is preheated and deslagged by first heating the slag and ash layer on the surface of the refractory lining to a temperature in the range of about 1800.degree.-2000.degree. F. by means of an annular-type elongated burner whose downstream tip is located near the upstream roof of the reaction zone. The tip of the burner is then lowered along the central longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber to above the bottom central outlet passage of the reaction chamber, and the slag and ash layer is heated to their melting point, or above. The molten slag at the bottom of the reaction chamber and the flue gas pass out through the bottom central outlet.

Abstract: A method for generating steam by a high pressure, high intensity, or high heat release method of combustion in an elongated combustion zone having upstream and downstream ends and an intermediate location and utilizing a normally-solid fuel which produces non-combustible solid residues in which the fuel is introduced axially and a volume of air, at least equal to the stoichiometric amount, is introduced as an annular, rotating stream to produce a rotating vortex of fuel and air, such introduction and flow through the combustion zone being carried out in a manner to collapse the vortex and create plug flow at the intermediate location, burning the fuel and air to produce flue gas at a heat release rate of at least 7 MM Btu/hr, abruptly terminating combustion by the introduction of water, vaporizing the water to produce a mixture of flue gas and steam, and separating solid residues therefrom.

Abstract: A method for restoring slagging conditions in a substoichiometric slagging combustor first requires the establishment of a threshold condition below which an unacceptable risk of slag outlet pluggage exists. Upon observation of current slagging conditions below the threshold conditions, substantially pure oxygen is injected into the combustion reaction zone to increase both zone temperature and reaction rate, leading to improved slagging conditions within the slagging combustor.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying, pyrolyzing and possibly also gasifying of lump wood in a cylindrical vessel with a hearth case includes a vessel of a type which differs from prior art vessel units by a top cooling hood with an annular cooling duct and an outer annular air space for preheating suction air and an inner, likewise annular, gas space to discharge to some external destination the gas recovered from the predried wood. The air drawn from the outer annular space is fed to the hearth via an air chamber and nozzles. Condensate precipitated on the inside faces of the hood drops into an annular gutter and is subjected to evaporation in the further course of the process. A method for operating this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for gasifying carboanceous material with the use of two fluidized beds superimposed on a fixed bed, and a flue dust gasification chamber arranged inside the reactor between the fluidized beds.

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: An apparatus is disclosed for the continuous non-oxidative thermal decomposition of heat-dissociable organic matter to a solid carbon residue, particularly activated carbon, and a mixture of gaseous products, without substantial coking or tar formation. The apparatus involve a cylindrical rotating drum in a substantially horizontal position, into which feed material is introduced at one end and products recovered at the other end. An axial temperature gradient, increasing in the direction of flow, is maintained within the drum, enabling the exercise of a high degree of control over the reaction to fully convert the feed into the desired products.

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 the gasification of large-sized vegetable materials using a ed bed gasogene. This gasification method includes the steps of moving the materials in a fixed treatment chamber extending substantially horizontally and having opposite rear and forward ends, the materials being moved from the rear end towards the forward end through substantially the whole transverse section of the chamber and being successfully subjected to drying, pyrolysis and gasification in successive areas of the chamber. Hot gases are generated by combustion in a zone free of materials to be treated and located in the chamber in front of the natural talus created by the front of the whole bulk of materials which occupy substantially the whole transverse section of the chamber. Gases are extracted from the chamber and recycled into the zone in front of the natural talus, whereby tar produced from the pyrolysis and carried away by the extracted gases is eliminated by heating the recycled gases in the zone.

Abstract: Carbonaceous solid material such as coal is gasified in a fast fluidized bed gasification system utilizing dual fluidized beds of hot char. The coal in particulate form is introduced along with oxygen-containing gas and steam into the fast fluidized bed gasification zone of a gasifier assembly wherein the upward superficial gas velocity exceeds about 5.0 ft/sec and temperature is 1500.degree.-1850.degree. F. The resulting effluent gas and substantial char are passed through a primary cyclone separator, from which char solids are returned to the fluidized bed. Gas from the primary cyclone separator is passed to a secondary cyclone separator, from which remaining fine char solids are returned through an injection nozzle together with additional steam and oxygen-containing gas to an oxidation zone located at the bottom of the gasifier, wherein the upward gas velocity ranges from about 3-15 ft/sec and is maintained at 1600.degree.-200.degree. F. temperature.

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 method and system for injecting coal and process fluids into a fluidized bed gasification reactor. Three concentric tubes extend vertically upward into the fluidized bed. Coal particulates in a transport gas are injected through an inner tube, and an oxygen rich mixture of oxygen and steam are injected through an inner annulus about the inner tube. A gaseous medium relatively lean in oxygen content, such as steam, is injected through an annulus surrounding the inner annulus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating operation of a coal gasification plant which includes a gasification reactor and gas cleansing apparatus fabricated in part from materials susceptible to chloride induced stress corrosion cracking the presence of oxygen. The reactor is preheated by combusting a stoichiometric mixture of air and fuel to produce an exhaust gas which is then diluted with steam to produce product gas which contains essentially no free oxygen. The product gas heats the reactor to a temperature profile necessary to maintain autothermic operation of the gasification process while maintaining air oxygen-free environment within the plant apparatus while chlorine is liberated from coal being gasified.

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.