Continuous Patents (Class 48/206)
  • Patent number: 11918993
    Abstract: Zero emission nested-loop (ZEN) reforming provides a scalable, eco-friendly process to produce high quality hydrogen at a relatively low operating cost. In one embodiment, a ZEN system comprises a reactor, a regenerator, and a photocatalytic reformer. During operation, the reactor receives a gas mixture and outputs hydrogen and catalyst adsorbed with carbon dioxide. The gas mixture is methane, steam, or hydrogen. Next, the regenerator receives the catalyst adsorbed with carbon dioxide and outputs carbon dioxide and desorbed catalyst. Next, the photocatalytic reformer receives carbon dioxide output by the regenerator and outputs methane and oxygen. The reactor receives at least some of the methane output by the photocatalytic reformer. By recycling methane in this way, the need for additional methane to fuel the system is reduced. The ZEN reforming system provides a novel technique to convert greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide into oxygen and reusable methane gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: PURE SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Evan Siditsky, Kenneth Patrick Kelley
  • Patent number: 10934499
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an internally self-circulating fluidized bed gasifier and an air distributor therein for generating a stepped constrained wind. The air distributor includes a gas-material mixture through hole and a plurality of vent holes. Each of the vent holes is designed to have a winding path. Due to the winding paths of the vent holes and an arrangement of converging outlets of the vent holes to the gas-material mixture through hole, which is in communication with a furnace chamber, the present disclosure enables a gas entering the furnace chamber to form a stepped constrained wind and effectively prevents solid-phase materials in the furnace chamber from leaking into a gas mixture chamber. The internally self-circulating fluidized bed gasifier can achieve self-circulation combustion gasification for multiple times and a well-controlled gasification temperature, resulting in a high coal gasification efficiency without an ash leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ZHONGKEJUXIN CLEAN ENERGY & HOT FORGING EQUIPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Lianhua Zhang, Baijin Chen, Ji Wang, Hui Zhang, Yunlong Qiu
  • Patent number: 10836567
    Abstract: A pulverized-fuel supply unit includes a hopper, first nozzles, second nozzles, a pressurizing-gas supply device, a fluidization-gas supply device, and a pulverized-fuel supply line. The hopper has a hollow to store therein pulverized fuel. The first nozzles are provided to the hopper. The second nozzles are provided to a vertically lower part of the hopper below the plurality of first nozzles. The pressurizing-gas supply device is configured to supply pressurizing gas to increase internal pressure of the hopper. The fluidization-gas supply device is configured to supply fluidization gas to fluidize the pulverized fuel in the hopper. The pulverized-fuel supply line is provided to a vertically lower part of the hopper. The pressurizing-gas supply device supplies pressurizing gas to the first nozzles and the second nozzles. The fluidization-gas supply device supplies fluidization gas to the second nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Kasai, Koji Nishimura, Yuichiro Urakata
  • Patent number: 10646879
    Abstract: An apparatus for waste recycling that is suitable for residence building level in both volume and rate of supply of waste with a waste disposal and treatment container having the following parts: waste eliminator comprising a thermally and acoustically insulating casing with odour insulating raw waste receiving space; all-purpose shredder and crusher; crushed and/or shredded waste conveyor; liquid waste purifier; gasification plasma reactor; gas conveyor and purifier; slag collector; re-hydration means for re-hydrating solid waste in the gasification plasma reactor; and safety means. Each one of these parts is organized in fluid communication with its neighbor parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ZOHAR CLEAN TECH. LTD.
    Inventors: Chanan Gabay, Uzi Segal, Tsachi Shohat
  • Patent number: 9695371
    Abstract: An apparatus for a three-stage cooling and scrubbing system for the treatment of hot crude gases and liquid slag downstream of an entrained flow gasification. Crude gas and slag are firstly cooled and prescrubbed in a first stage by injection of water from ring and/or wall nozzles into a free quench space. Crude gas and slag are then fed together with excess water into a waterbath as a second stage before intensive spraying is once again carried out as a third cooling and scrubbing stage in an annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Frank Hannemann, Manfred Schingnitz, Heidrun Toth
  • Patent number: 9321684
    Abstract: A cement clinker manufacturing plant that includes a plant for producing purified syngas, obtained from solid waste, and process for transferring ash recovered from the ash pan of the gasifier to at least one inlet of the feedstock conversion device, which the plant includes, and/or of the furnace for the purpose of incorporating said ash into the feedstock; and a process for conveying the purified syngas to the main tuyere of the furnace and/or to at least one inlet of the feedstock conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: VICAT
    Inventors: Francois Hue, Michel Pasquier, Martine Pasquier, Philippe Lac
  • Patent number: 9170018
    Abstract: The present invention provides a top-feeding double-swirl type gasifier: a feed line through which pulverized coal is supplied by nitrogen; a distributor for dividing the pulverized coal supplied; a plurality of burner nozzles for supplying the pulverized coal, divided in the distributor, and an oxidizer; a pressure reactor in which the pulverized coal and the oxidizer react with each other to produce a flow of synthesis gas; and a swirl generator for imparting a swirling force to the oxidizer which is fed into the pressure reactor, the gasifier further comprising a slag cooling and storing container placed beneath the pressure reactor. Each of the burner nozzles consists of a triple tube having a circular cross section. The pulverized coal and carrier gas are supplied to the most central region of the burner nozzle, and an oxidizer is supplied to an annular region 34 surrounding the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SK INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Wook Lee, Seok Woo Chung, Young Don Yoo, Yongseung Yun, Sam Ryong Park, Gyoo Tae Kim, Yong Il Lee
  • Patent number: 9121644
    Abstract: A moving bed gasification/thermal treatment reactor includes a geometry in which moving bed reactor particles serve as both a moving bed filter and a heat carrier to provide thermal energy for thermal treatment reactions, such that the moving bed filter and the heat carrier are one and the same to remove solid particulates or droplets generated by thermal treatment processes or injected into the moving bed filter from other sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: RENEWABLE OIL INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Phillip C. Badger, Kenneth J. Dunn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9074149
    Abstract: The current invention discloses a novel process and system to improve the quality of the slag product from a gasification process, thereby producing low-carbon marketable aggregate product. The inventive processes and systems employ a hindered-bed settler in conjunction with optional disengager and de-watering devices. A slag slurry stream from a gasification process is de-watered and the solids content is increased from less than 5% to greater than 30% via the de-waterer before being conveyed to a hindered-bed settler, wherein the carbon content is reduced from as much as 70% to less than 5%. Particles with a high carbon content are conveyed to a gravity settler, whereby they are concentrated and then recycled to the gasification reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Albert C. Tsang, Max W. Thompson, Rick Q. Honaker
  • Patent number: 9051522
    Abstract: The invention comprises a gasification reactor which comprises a vessel having at its upper end a downwardly directed burner and a combustion chamber located in the upper half of the vessel. The wall of the combustion chamber comprises an arrangement of interconnected parallel arranged tubes running from a common lower arranged distributor to a higher arranged common header. The distributor is connected to a cooling water supply conduit and the header is connected to a steam discharge conduit. Both the steam discharge conduit and the water supply conduit are fluidly connected to a steam drum. The steam drum is provided with a supply conduit for fresh water and the steam drum is positioned at a higher elevation than the common header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Steffen Jancker, Thomas Paul Von Kossak-Glowczewski, Joachim Wolff
  • Patent number: 8414780
    Abstract: With a method for removing slag, particularly slag that occurs during synthesis gas extraction, from a slag bath situated in a pressurized container, into a collection container for the slag, below the slag bath in the direction of gravity, a device for breaking up the slag is provided below the slag bath, and a sluice valve is provided between the containers. A space filled with a gas bubble, which space stands in contact with the liquid in the containers, particularly a ring space or a separate container, is provided, in which the pressure of the gas bubble is regulated by supplying gas. At least a part of the water situated in the slag sluice/collection space flows through the slag bath valve when the latter is opened, in the direction of the slag bath, counter to the direction of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kowoll, Eberhard Kuske
  • Patent number: 8398730
    Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Steven Wallace, Arnaldo Frydman
  • Patent number: 8398729
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8394154
    Abstract: A process for preparation of synthesis gas and/or hydrogen by counter-currently providing an oxidation reactant stream through an oxidation chamber and a reforming reactant stream through a steam reforming chamber is described. Also provided is a reactor for conducting the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Lixin You, Curtis Krause, Kevin Nguyen, Amanda Vincent
  • Patent number: 8377155
    Abstract: The auger gasifier described includes, in its preferred embodiments, a vertically elongated (“oblong”) primary gasifier chamber with an auger that can move up and down, allowing for large amounts of fuel input when necessary. This improvement, in turn, requires and/or is facilitated by provision for simultaneous elevation adjustments of the auger and bed dam to assure that fuel material is processed in degrees from the top downward without sweeping massive amounts of the fluidized bed materials towards the output end of the chamber. Another improvement involves provision for pressurization of the primary gasifier chamber, allowing substantial improvements in the speed of processing materials through the gasifier. Due to issues arising from thermal expansion of the refractory material lining the chamber, provision is made for nozzle and refractory imbedded pipe hole thermal expansion capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Robert C. Tyer
  • Patent number: 8303916
    Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Oscura, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Patent number: 8252073
    Abstract: A novel tar-free gasification process and system is disclosed that involves the partial combustion of recycled dry solids and the drying of a slurry feedstock comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor zones in a two stage gasifier, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The synthesis gas produced from the high temperature first stage reaction zone is then quenched in the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier prior to introduction of a slurry feedstock. The temperature of the final syngas exiting the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier is thereby moderated to be in the range of about 350-900° F., which is below the temperature range at which tar is readily formed, depending upon the type of carbonaceous feedstock utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Albert C. Tsang, David L. Breton
  • Patent number: 8152875
    Abstract: A method for producing methane (69) from a carbonaceous (22) material includes conveying pulverized carbonaceous material (28) entrained in an inert carrier fluid, such as carbon dioxide (36), into a reactor (34). The reactor (34) includes a vortex region (72) for receiving hydrogen gas (38) and imparting a swirling motion to the hydrogen gas (38). The pulverized carbonaceous material (28) is exposed to the swirling stream of hydrogen gas (38) in a first reaction zone (114) within the reactor (34) to form an exit gas (40) that includes methane (69). Remaining unreacted carbonaceous material (28) is further exposed to the hydrogen gas (38) in a second, low velocity, reaction zone (120). The methane rich exit gas (40) is subsequently extracted from the reactor (34) for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Raymond S Hobbs
  • Patent number: 8088188
    Abstract: A system and process for gasifying carbonaceous feedstock with staged slurry addition in order to prevent the formation of tar that causes deposition problems. Dry solid carbonaceous material is partially combusted, then pyrolyzed along with a first slurry stream comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor sections, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The second slurry stream comprising particulate carbonaceous material is fed to a drying unit downstream of a heat recovery zone along with the mixture product exiting the heat recovery zone The resulting final temperature of the second stage mixture products and dried particulate carbonaceous material is between 450° F. and 550° F., a temperature range that is typically not conducive to the emission of heavy molecular-weight tar species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: David L. Breton, Albert C. Tsang, Max W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8038747
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8002857
    Abstract: A process for preparation of biomass mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon fraction yields a feedstock for the purpose of supplying a gasification unit. The process comprises a first mixing stage followed by a grinding stage and makes it possible to deliver a suspension of biomass particles less than 500 microns in size that are dispersed in the heavy hydrocarbon fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: IEP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventor: Matthieu Rolland
  • Patent number: 7846226
    Abstract: A method of assembling a spray quench apparatus is provided. The method includes coupling a first end of an exit tube to a quench chamber such that the exit tube end is in flow communication with the quench chamber, coupling at least one spray nozzle to an opposite second end of the exit tube such that water emitted from the spray nozzle fills the exit tube and forms a film of water across an inner surface of the exit tube, coupling a water source to the quench chamber for providing a substantially continuous water film along an inner surface of the quench chamber, and coupling at least one discharge apparatus to the quench chamber for providing water spray into the quench chamber, wherein the water of the water film and water sprays drains into a water sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Frederick Leininger, Allyson Joy Jimenez-Huyke, Judeth Brannon Corry, Fulton Jose Lopez, Aaron John Avagliano, John Saunders Stevenson, Lien-Yan Chen
  • Patent number: 7682411
    Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Peter Brian Jones, Darren Jonathan Browning, Gary Owens Mepsted, Darren Paul Scattergood
  • Patent number: 7626061
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous recycling of hydrocarbon containing used and waste materials such as plastic and polymeric waste including, for example, polyurethane, rubber wastes and the like, and in particular scrap rubber tires, are disclosed. The process is carried out under moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and a feed of liquid(s) containing oxygen. The method is characterized by the low residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: MPCP GmbH
    Inventors: Leonid Datsevich, Jorg Gerchau, Frank Gorsch, Ralph Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 7575613
    Abstract: A method for producing methane (69) from a carbonaceous (22) material includes conveying pulverized carbonaceous material (28) entrained in an inert carrier fluid, such as carbon dioxide (36), into a reactor (34). The reactor (34) includes a vortex region (72) for receiving hydrogen gas (38) and imparting a swirling motion to the hydrogen gas (38). The pulverized carbonaceous material (28) is exposed to the swirling stream of hydrogen gas (38) in a first reaction zone (114) within the reactor (34) to form an exit gas (40) that includes methane (69). Remaining unreacted carbonaceous material (28) is further exposed to the hydrogen gas (38) in a second, low velocity, reaction zone (120). The methane rich exit gas (40) is subsequently extracted from the reactor (34) for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Arizona Public Service Company
    Inventor: Raymond S. Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20090077888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process as well as a device for continuous thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) of a mixture of substances (crude glycerol) (1) that contains glycerol, salts and water, whereby the crude glycerol (1) is heated in a reactor (pyrolysis reactor) (R) to a temperature (pyrolysis temperature) of more than 100° C. The pyrolysis of the crude glycerol (1) is performed at a pressure (pyrolysis pressure) that is higher than the vapor pressure of the water, present in the pyrolysis reactor (R), at pyrolysis temperature, and salts and other higher-boiling substances together with water are drawn off continuously from the pyrolysis reactor (R) as waste water (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Hans Jorg ZANDER, Anton Wellenhofer, Axel Behrens, Wibke Korn
  • Patent number: 7261748
    Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Peter Brian Jones, Darren Jonathan Browning, Gary Owen Mepstead, Darren Paul Scattergood
  • Patent number: 7229483
    Abstract: A method for gasifying carbonaceous materials to fuel gases comprises the formation of an ultra-superheated steam (USS) composition substantially containing water vapor, carbon dioxide and highly reactive free radicals thereof, at a temperature of about 2400° F. (1316° C.) to about 5000° F. (2760° C.). The USS composition comprising a high temperature clear, colorless flame is contacted with a carbonaceous material for rapid gasification/reforming thereof. The need for significant superstoichiometric steam addition for temperature control. Methods for controlling a gasification/reforming system to enhance efficiency are described. A USS burner for a fluidized bed gasification/reforming reactor, and methods of construction, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Frederick Michael Lewis
  • Patent number: 7217303
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in the process of producing hydrogen from hydrocarbon-containing streams. A cyclic reforming process, referred to as pressure swing reforming, provides an efficient means for producing a hydrogen containing synthesis gas for fuel cell applications. Pressure swing reforming may be integrated with shift reactions, preferential oxidation, and membrane separation, achieving thermal and material efficiencies relative to conventional hydrogen production. In one embodiment, at least some synthesis gas which is first produced in the pressure swing reforming process is combusted with air to provide the heat for the regeneration step of the pressure swing reforming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Frank Hershkowitz, Paul J. Berlowitz, Randall D. Partridge
  • Patent number: 7090707
    Abstract: A new combustion chamber design for a quench gasifier. Electrical heating is used in the throat area of the combustion chamber to achieve temperatures up to 3500° F. to melt ash deposits and to increase carbon conversion (reduce soot production). Silicon carbide and/or silicon nitride refractory materials are used in the hot face of the throat to withstand high temperatures and high temperature shocks. The proposed design reduces the capital cost of a gasification plant by eliminating the need for soot recovery and recycle system. This design also reduces the operating cost of the gasification plant by decreasing the frequent refractory damages that have been experienced in the throat area of the existing quench gasifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Devendra T. Barot
  • Patent number: 7087097
    Abstract: A pressure-supercharged fluidized-bed gasification chamber has a pressure-tight lock for supplying the feed materials which are to be gasified. The fluidized-bed gasification chamber is connected to a filter chamber via a connecting channel, with the result that the gas produced can flow over from the fluidized-bed gasification chamber into the filter chamber, where it is directed through the filter layer. An external heat source provides the necessary heat for the allothermic gasification. A heat-pipe arrangement directs the heat from the external heat source into the gasification bed of the fluidized-bed gasification chamber, in order to provide the temperature which is necessary for the gasification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Technische Universitat Munchen Lehrstuhl fur Thermische Kraftanlagen
    Inventor: Jurgen Karl
  • Patent number: 6955695
    Abstract: This invention discloses improvements on previous inventions for catalytic conversion of coal and steam to methane. The disclosed improvements permit conversion of petroleum residua or heavy crude petroleum to methane and carbon dioxide such that nearly all of the heating value of the converted hydrocarbons is recovered as heating value of the product methane. The liquid feed is distributed over a fluidized solid particulate catalyst containing alkali metal and carbon as petroleum coke at elevated temperature and pressure from the lower stage and transported to the upper stage of a two-stage reactor. Particulate solids containing carbon and alkali metal are circulated between the two stages. Superheated steam and recycled hydrogen and carbon monoxide are fed to the lower stage, fluidizing the particulate solids and gasifying some of the carbon. The gas phase from the lower stage passes through the upper stage, completing the reaction of the gas phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Petro 2020, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Charles Nahas
  • Patent number: 6929668
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and optionally nitrogen, from at least a hydrocarbon such as methane, propane, butane or LPG or natural gas, which comprises performing a partial catalytic oxidation of one or several hydrocarbons, at a temperature of 500° C., at a pressure of 3 to 20 bars, in the presence of oxygen or a gas containing oxygen, such as air, to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Recuperating the gas mixture, which can subsequently be purified or separated, by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption or by permeation, to produce hydrogen having a purity of at least 80% and a residue gas capable of supplying a cogeneration unit. In another embodiment, the gas mixture can subsequently be purified of its water vapor impurities and carbon dioxide to obtain a thermal treatment atmosphere containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Cyrille Millet, Daniel Gary, Philippe Arpentinier
  • Patent number: 6911058
    Abstract: A method for producing clean energy from coal by feeding the coal in a reactor which is sealed to the atmosphere and moving the coal in the reactor while injecting oxygen to combust a portion of the coal in a substoichiometric mode to devolatilize the coal and yield a pressurized hydrogen rich raw gas which contains coal-derived cancer causing distillates and hydrocarbons together with a hot char. The distillates and the hydrocarbons are cracked to result in a cracked gas of essentially 2H2 and 1CO which after desulfurization becomes an ideal synthesis gas that can be synthesized to a liquid fuel for heating and transportation as an alternate to petroleum. The hot char is gasified in an air blown gasifier to produce a fuel gas and a molten slag which are jointly directed out of the gasifier through a common port which is maintained open for the free flow of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Calderon Syngas Company
    Inventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis
  • Patent number: 6613127
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Connie M. Galloway, Kenneth W. Mall, Dennis W. Jewell, William M. Eckert, Leopoldo L. Salinas, III, Ed E. Timm
  • Patent number: 6312483
    Abstract: Combustible gases from pulverized solid fuel are generated by semi-coking the pulverized solid fuel in a reactor in the absence of oxygen to produce a solids stream that includes carbonaceous material and a gas stream that includes hydrocarbon gases and tar fumes. The carbonaceous material in the solids stream is gasified in a fluidized bed using steam and hot air to produce an output stream that includes combustible gases and coke particles. The output stream is combined with the gas stream to form a combined stream which is separated into a combustible gas stream and a hot particulate stream. At least a part of the hot particulate stream is applied to the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Boris Siniakevith
  • Patent number: 6117199
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for gasifying of a solid carbonaceous material in a fluidized bed reactor in which the solid particles entrained by the gases being removed from the upper part of the reactor are separated and returned to the lower part of the reactor. oxygenous gas is supplied into the lower part of the reactor and the non-reacted carbonaceous material separated from the gases is oxidized in the lower part of the reactor. The carbonaceous material is introduced above the oxidizing zone into a zone substantially free of oxygen and the carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed and reduced by means of the hot gases and particles rising from the lower part of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energia Oy
    Inventor: Seppo K. Ruottu
  • Patent number: 5785721
    Abstract: The operating life of a fuel injector nozzle for a gasifier is prolonged by shielding the fuel injector nozzle with a preformed protective insulating sheath before the fuel injector nozzle is installed inside a preheated reaction chamber of the gasifier. The thermal insulating sheath has low thermal conductivity and is placed around the fuel injector nozzle body. The thermal sheath can also be positioned to cover a downstream end of the fuel injector nozzle that includes a nozzle portion. The thermal insulating sheath is supported by ceramic rope, solder or metal wire and is gradually consumable in the environs of the reaction chamber immediately after the fuel injector nozzle is installed. Before the thermal sheath is consumed, it moderates the temperature rise rate of the fuel injector nozzle while the fuel injector nozzle is being installed in the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Duane Brooker
  • Patent number: 5772708
    Abstract: A system for feeding a coal-water paste material coaxially upwardly through a feed nozzle assembly into a pressurized fluidized bed reactor having a lower portion and a larger diameter upper portion. The feed nozzle assembly includes a nozzle unit for atomizing the coal paste feed material, and a concentric outer shroud tube enclosing the nozzle unit. The feed nozzle assembly is inserted upwardly through an opening in the bottom portion of the pressurized fluidized bed reactor into a coaxial orientation with the bed, so as to provide substantially complete combustion and/or carbonization of the coal paste material fed into the reactor to produce a combustible gas product. If desired, a sorbent material nay be fed into the fluidized bed together with the coal paste feed, so as to absorb sulfur from the coal and produce a clean fuel gas. During reactor operations at 130-200 psig pressure and 1,600.degree.-1,800.degree. F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Development Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Edward Froehlich
  • Patent number: 5656043
    Abstract: When carrying out a radiant heat exchange between two media, one medium being a hot gas (5) and the other medium being a gasification mixture (11) of fuel and steam, the device consists of a gasification vessel (1) which, for its part, consists of a reaction space (2), an intermediate tube (4) and a flow space (3). In the reaction space (2), the hot gases (5) flow away centrally in the direction of the intermediate tube (4) and the flow space (3). The gasification mixture (11) flows in the opposite direction out of the flow space (3) and the intermediate tube (4). This gasification mixture surrounds the hot gases (5) in such a way that the radiant heat exchange takes place between the two media (5, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventor: Klaus Dobbeling
  • Patent number: 5656042
    Abstract: A pumpable slurry of shredded scrap solid carbonaceous plastic-containing material that contains associated inorganic matter in admixture with a comminuted aluminosilicate-containing material having noncombustible constituents is reacted by partial oxidation to produce synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. The noncombustible constituents in the aluminosilicate-containing material captures the inorganic matter in the scrap solid carbonaceous plastic-containing material while in the reducing atmosphere of the gasifier to produce nontoxic, nonleachable slag. The slurrying medium is water, liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel, or mixtures thereof. Scrap plastics may be disposed of by the subject process without polluting the nation's environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Motasimur Rashid Khan, Christine Cornelia Albert, John Saunders Stevenson, George Neal Richter, David Charles Crikelair
  • Patent number: 5656044
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for gasification of organic materials (typically incorporated in domestic and industrial wastes, including auto shredder residues) to produce useful synthesis gas (with a major content CO and H.sub.2) with effectively non-toxic ash residue by means of at least one continuously operated burner, preferably stoichiometrically balanced (1:2 for natural gas/oxygen) at least at startup and shut down (optionally with some excess of oxygen, usually under steady-state conditions, such as at a ratio of 1:4 or higher, especially if the charge has well over 18% water content), directed into a primary single stage reaction zone (through an opening in common with the effluent product gas discharged therefrom such as to assure intimate contact therebetween), which zone contains a tumbling charge in a rotating barrel-shaped horizontal reactor thus heated to from about 650.degree. to about 800.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignees: Hylsa S.A. de C.V., Proler Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman G. Bishop, Ricardo Viramontes-Brown
  • Patent number: 5645616
    Abstract: A system and method for producing product gas using residual waste liquor is described with a gasifier reactor having a fluidized bed located therein. The gasifier reactor is heated to a predetermined temperature range with either an external heater or a second fluidized bed located at a position below the first fluidized bed. A heat exchanger may be positioned in the first fluidized bed and/or the second fluidized bed for indirectly heating the respective fluidized beds. Condensing heat exchanger means recovers heat from the product gas and condenses an acid gas therefrom for recycling the chemicals. A reagent is sprayed in the condensing heat exchanger means to clean the product gas. Pressurization allows the cleaned product gas to be directly fired in a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Robert A. McIlroy, Robert A. Kuchner, John E. Monacelli, Dennis W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5641327
    Abstract: A catalytic gasification process and system for producing medium grade BTU gas including a gasification reactor having an inner air gasification zone, an outer steam gasification zone, a synthetic coal reaction zone, and an upper lime treating zone. The process and system of the present invention further includes a synthetic coal heating vessel which provides superheated recycled synthetic coal to the gasification reactor and a limestone treating vessel which provides superheated air and CO.sub.2 to the gasification reactor. The novel process and system of the present invention provides for the production of a medium grade BTU gas and several commercially valuable by-products with virtually no solid or liquid waste products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Arnold M. Leas
  • Patent number: 5578094
    Abstract: A method facilitating the deslagging of a partial oxidation reactor used to produce syngas is disclosed. The slag comprises vanadium trioxide and a siliceous material that accumulate on the interior walls of the partial oxidation reactor as a byproduct of the syngas production. The deslagging is accomplished by controlled oxidation, wherein the vanadium to glass weight ratio is maintained to at least about 3:2, operating the reactor at a temperature of at least about 2000.degree. F, and maintaining controlled oxidation conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium trioxide in the slag to vanadium pentoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: D. Duane Brooker, James S. Falsetti
  • Patent number: 5577346
    Abstract: A plural-zone molten metal iron gasifier for converting feeds containing hydrogen and carbon, such as propane, solvent deasphalted pitch, etc., into substantially pure hydrogen and CO/CO.sub.2 streams under pressure by incorporating carbo into the molten metal in a first zone or vessel, then circulating the molten metal into contact with an oxygen-containing gas in a second zone or vessel. Preferably hydrogen is primarily produced in a third zone or vessel, and carbon oxides in a second zone or vessel. A one-meter diameter vessel can produce 20 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen at a pressure in the range 2 to 50 atm from methane using this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. Malone
  • Patent number: 5578093
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for desulfurizing a gas and regenerating a sorbent is disclosed. The sulfur-containing feed gas which can be an effluent gas from a coal gasification reactor, for example, is desulfurized with a particulated metallic oxide sorbent in a transport riser. The sulfided sorbent is than separated from a desulfurized effluent gas and regenerated by contact with an oxygen-containing gas in a transport riser. The regenerated sorbent is separated from an SO.sub.2 containing offgas and recycled to the desulfurization step. The degree of sorbent conversion in the desulfurization step is held at a low level and the sorbent regeneration rate is increased to avoid excessive temperature rise in the regeneration step. In such manner, sorbent cooling can be substantially eliminated. The regeneration riser preferably comprises a once-through lift riser to minimize the riser transport gas requirements to just oxidant gas or oxidant gas mixed with a reduced amount of diluent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: The M. W. Kellogg Company
    Inventors: William M. Campbell, Gunnar B. Henningsen
  • Patent number: 5571295
    Abstract: The process for cooling of partial oxidation crude gas includes partially oxidizing a fine grained to powdery combustible material in a flow gasifier in the presence of water vapor and an oxidizing member selected from the group consisting of oxygen and air at pressures of up to 100 bar and at temperatures above a cinder melting point to form a crude gas flow; feeding the crude gas flow in a crude gas duct in an upward crude gas flow direction; and feeding an annular cooling flow of a gaseous or vaporous cooling fluid into the crude gas flow in a downward direction opposite to the crude gas flow direction, the annular cooling flow being bounded by interior walls of the crude gas duct. In a preferred embodiment the annular cooling flow is fed into an upper quenching chamber having a diameter smaller than a downstream connected lower quenching chamber through which the crude gas flows so as to prevent upward extension of any growing cinder layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Krupp Koppers GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Kowoll
  • Patent number: 5545238
    Abstract: The progress and completion of slag removal from the quench chamber of a partial oxidation reactor during controlled oxidation can be monitored by measuring such quench water parameters as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and sulfate concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Brooker, James S. Falsetti, James K. Wolfenbarger, Dinh-Cuong Vuong
  • Patent number: 5445659
    Abstract: A process for converting scrap plastic material into a high quality transportation fuel. The plastic material is granulated and mixed with granulated solid carbonaceous fuel e.g. coal and liquid hydrocarbonaceous solvent e.g. waste motor oil to produce a plastic-containing sludge. The plastic-containing sludge is liquefied in a closed autoclave while in contact with hydrogen gas. A pumpable slurry from the autoclave is heated and fractionated in a fractionation zone to produce a hydrocarbonaceous distillate which may be used for transportation fuel. A bottoms stream from the fractionation zone comprising liquid hydrocarbonaceous material and inorganic material is reacted by partial oxidation to produce nontoxic slag and raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas which may be purified in a gas purification zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Motasimur R. Khan, Christine C. Albert, Stephen J. DeCanio