Wood Patents (Class 48/209)
  • Publication number: 20090151252
    Abstract: A system and method for producing syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Gary C. Young
  • Publication number: 20090126276
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may permit the generation of consistent output synthesis gas from highly variable input feedstock solids carbonaceous materials. A stoichiometric objectivistic chemic environment may be established to stoichiometrically control carbon content in a solid carbonaceous materials gasifier system. Processing of carbonaceous materials may include dominative pyrolytic decomposition and multiple coil carbonaceous reformation. Dynamically adjustable process determinative parameters may be utilized to refine processing, including process utilization of negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, process utilization of flue gas (9), and adjustment of process flow rate characteristics. Recycling may be employed for internal reuse of process materials, including recycled negatively electrostatically enhanced water species, recycled flue gas (9), and recycled contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: THERMO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis E.J. Johnson, Grigori A. Abramov, Richard A. Kleinke, Marcus A. Wiley
  • Publication number: 20090090046
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrothermal treatment process for conversion of a carbon-based energy carrier material. The process comprises a step for sensitizing or activating the carbon based energy carrier material to increase its susceptibility to hydrothermal conversion. As a result of the sensitization step, the hydrothermal conversion step itself may be carried out under relatively mild conditions. The process comprises the steps of sensitizing the carbon-based energy carrier material to increase its susceptibility to hydrothermal conversion; and subjecting the sensitized carbon-based energy carrier material to hydrothermal conversion at a temperature of less than 300 degrees centigrade in a hydrothermal treatment reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: BIOECON INTERNATIONAL HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Dennis Stamires, Sjoerd Daamen
  • Patent number: 7507266
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining combustion gases of high calorific value, wherein carbonaceous materials are allotermically gasified in a fluidized layer containing solid particles, using a gaseous gasifying agent and by supply of heat, and the gases thus produced are separated from the solid particles and withdrawn. Said method is characterized in that the solid particles are indirectly heated in a first descending bed and supplied to a second ascending fluidized bed in which the fluidized layer is formed and gasification takes place for the greatest part. The method further relates to an apparatus for performing said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Steer
  • Publication number: 20090064583
    Abstract: A method and apparatus performing high temperature fast pyrolysis of dry biomass are described. High yield of gases with medium caloric value and low tar content are claimed. Passing electric current through the mixture of biomass with conductive particles in the stirred bed inside the reactor provides the intensive direct heating of the biomass in the pyrolytic reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Genova Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Bronshtein, Yuri Vladislawsky
  • Publication number: 20090019771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for conveying fibrous, solid and slurry materials, such as granulated wood, rice hulls, chopped cane and the like, to a pressurized vessel, wherein the material being conveyed is compacted in the feeder in a controlled manner to create a seal at the feeder exit into the pressurized vessel whereby the processing pressure in the vessel is maintained. The invention is particularly useful when used in conjunction with a biomass reactor for the production of gas selectively rich in hydrogen and carbon containing components, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane, which in turn, may be converted into a select end product fuel, such as methanol or ethanol or used as a feed gas for an industrial power plant, such a the biomass reactor for producing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Larry E. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20090013603
    Abstract: The process that is the object of the invention is a process for preparation of biomass mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon fraction for the purpose of supplying a gasification unit with said feedstock. The process according to the invention comprises a first mixing stage followed by a grinding stage and makes it possible to deliver a suspension of biomass particles that are dispersed in the heavy hydrocarbon fraction that is less than 500 microns in size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Matthieu ROLLAND
  • Publication number: 20080313961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing fuel gases from carbon-containing material, in particular a wood gas generator, comprising a degassing zone and an oxidation zone, as well as a method for producing a fuel gas having a high calorific value by simple means, for which the degassing zone consists of a degassing chamber containing a molten metal, preferably tin, wherein the degassing chamber is designed to operate with air excluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Horst Muller
  • Publication number: 20080307705
    Abstract: A transport device for biomass in a fermenter for the generation of biogas and a large-scale fermenter equipped therewith are provided, in which transport device or fermenter a sufficient capacity for transporting the biomass through the transport passage is ensured. This is achieved by the provision of transport cushions on the base, on the side walls and/or at the top or the cover of the transport passage. By the transport cushions being periodically filled and emptied again, the biomass is moved through the transport passage by means of a peristaltic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 7449158
    Abstract: An apparatus for thermochemical conversion of solid carbonaceous materials into fluid fuels using a fluid source of oxygen and an external source of concentrated radiation includes a reactor having a wall defining a cavity; a radiation inlet positioned in the wall for passing concentrated radiation into the cavity; and at least one inlet for introducing a fluid reactant flow of a source of oxygen and particles of carbonaceous material into direct exposure to the concentrated radiation in the cavity so as to heat and thermochemically convert the particles into fluid fuel. A process and system are also provided. The fluid source of oxygen is preferably steam and the carbonaceous material is preferably particles of petcoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignees: Intevep, S.A., Ciemat, Ethz
    Inventors: Philipp Haueter, Andreas Z'Graggen, Dominic Trommer, Aldo Steinfeld, Manuel Romero, Juan Carlos De Jesus, Domingo Rodriguez, Alfredo Morales, Julian Blanco
  • Publication number: 20080016770
    Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower used in than prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids, about 38% carbon by weight. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Chan Seung Park, Andres Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7285186
    Abstract: A process for converting organic waste into reusable hydrocarbons and a system for doing so, the system including a feeding mechanism for the waste, a reactor and a residue-disposing mechanism. The waste is to be fed into the reactor in which a molten lead bath is confined in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The system is used to practice a process for the pyrocatalytic conversion of the waste, which process comprises, feeding the waste into a reaction zone of a pyrocatalytic reactor, the waste being essentially free of a halogenated synthetic resinous material, and mixing the waste with a minor proportion by weight of a particulate catalyst in the bath held at a temperature in the range from about 450° C. to 550° C. in an elongated vat. The catalyst consists essentially of a major proportion by weight of particulate bauxite <2 mm, in combination with a minor proportion of aluminum powder <0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Zbigniew Tokarz
  • Patent number: 7267698
    Abstract: The invention is a method for producing hydrogen using a generator, heating the vessel that is part of the generator, loading waste comprising steel into the heated vessel, melting the loaded waste to a molten state using a non-transferred torch to cut and melt the waste and then using a transferred torch to maintain a molten metal pool, adding additional steel to raise the molten metal pool to a minimum depth, raising the temperature to 2000 degrees Centigrade, acquiring EPA approval, loading waste into the vessel at a defined rate, maintaining the molten metal pool further melting any non-melted waste into a molten status with the transferred torch, determining BTU content and gas flow, injecting steam into the vessel, flowing gas from the vessel through scrubbers into storage containers and collecting the hydrogen in a collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Pierce, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7241322
    Abstract: The gasifier includes a furnace bed segmented into individual cells, each cell is independently monitored using a ramp temperature probe, and provided with controlled air injection to provide individually controlled burn regions within the gasifier. Gasifier air injection includes tuyere arrays, lances, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Patent number: 7241323
    Abstract: Solid waste resource recovery in space is effected by pyrolysis processing, to produce light gases as the main products (CH4, H2, CO2, CO, H2O, NH3) and a reactive carbon-rich char as the main byproduct. Significant amounts of liquid products are formed under less severe pyrolysis conditions, and are cracked almost completely to gases as the temperature is raised. A primary pyrolysis model for the composite mixture is based on an existing model for whole biomass materials, and an artificial neural network models the changes in gas composition with the severity of pyrolysis conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Serio, Erik Kroo, Marek A. Wojtowicz, Eric M. Suuberg
  • Patent number: 7226566
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Fred P. Beierle
  • Patent number: 7217302
    Abstract: Process for the recovery of chemicals and energy from spent liquor obtained in the chemical pulping process, in which the spent liquor is gasified under sub-stoichiometric conditions to produce partly one phase of solid and/or fused material, together with partly one phase of a flammable gaseous material, whereafter the said phases are cooled by direct contact with a cooling medium (9), is separated from the said phase of flammable gaseous material in order to be dissolved and collected up as a product liquid in a product liquid receiver (11). According to the invention, the said cooling medium (9) consists of an essentially water-free cooling medium, which after vaporizing/cracking increases the calorific value of the flammable gaseous material drawn off. At the same time, the process is improved in this way since the flammable gases can be used more effectively for the purpose of e.g. generating energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Chemrec Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Bengt Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7214252
    Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolysis and gasification of organic substances and mixtures thereof is provided with a pyrolysis reactor (1), a fluidized-bed firing (3) for pyrolysis residue, a reaction zone (2) for the pyrolysis gases (13) and circulating fluidized-bed material (35). The pyrolysis reactor (1) has a sluice for introducing application material (10) thereinto. An inlet for the fluidized-bed material (35) is disposed next to the combustion fluidized bed (3). Transport apparatus (14) for mixture of solid pyrolysis residue and circulating fluidized bed material (35) is disposed at or near a bottom of the fluidized bed (3) and lower end of the pyrolysis reactor (1). An overflow is situated at or near the top of the fluidized bed (3) while a heat transfer member is positioned within the reaction zone (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Herhof Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krumm, Günter Funk, Stefan Hamel
  • Patent number: 7169197
    Abstract: Solid waste resource recovery in space is effected by pyrolysis processing, to produce light gases as the main products (CH4, H2, CO2, CO, H2O, NH3) and a reactive carbon-rich char as the main byproduct. Significant amounts of liquid products are formed under less severe pyrolysis conditions, and are cracked almost completely to gases as the temperature is raised. A primary pyrolysis model for the composite mixture is based on an existing model for whole biomass materials, and an artificial neural network models the changes in gas composition with the severity of pyrolysis conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Serio, Erik Kroo, Marek A. Wojtowicz, Eric M. Suuberg
  • Patent number: 6997965
    Abstract: A method of the gasification of coal using oxygen and steam is provided wherein the coal is gasified at a temperature of from 1000 to 2500° C. and a pressure of from 1 to 100 kg/cm2 using oxygen generated by electrolyzing water and steam having a temperature of from 300 to 600° C. attained by heat exchange heat with a high temperature gas generated by the coal gasification. In the method, a remarkably higher efficiency and low carbon dioxide emission is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, The Institute of Applied Energy
    Inventor: Yukuo Katayama
  • Publication number: 20040261316
    Abstract: A PCPG (Pulverized Coal Pressurized Gasifier) including improved fuel distribution means among burners, better burner feeding, enhanced flame retention burner, and improved process control. The flame retention burner has a both a rapidly spinning air flow to create a tornado effect plus a Coanda effect from the swirled air causing traverse eddies into the burning air/fuel mixture and induced circulation eddies of hot gas to prolong exposure of coal particles to hot flame conditions near the ignition area to achieve increased multiple chances to mate air with coal particles. This burner coupled to individualized fuel feed and precise measurements and controls and two-stage PCPG entrained flow and ash bed reactor spaces minimizes carbon in the ash and maximizes gas-making efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6830597
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Green Liquids and Gas Technologies
    Inventor: Alex E. S. Green
  • Patent number: 6827912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schingnitz, Christian Reuther, Dietmar Degenkolb
  • Publication number: 20040231243
    Abstract: An ash melting system of the present invention includes a slagging combustion furnace (10) for melting ash into molten slag; and a slag separating apparatus (50) for bringing the molten slag (121) discharged from the slagging combustion furnace into contact with slag cooling water (152) to produce water-quenched slag (122), and separating the water-quenched slag from the slag cooling water. The ash melting system further includes a gas blowing means for blowing air or inert gas (132) between a slag discharge port (14) of the slagging combustion furnace and the surface of the slag cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Chikao Goke, Nobuya Azuma, Masaaki Irie, Kazuo Takano, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Kazuaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6814940
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and an apparatus for thermal conversion of biomass and organic wastes. According to the invention, the feedstock is fed into a fluidized-bed reactor, wherein the feed is converted at an elevated temperature under the influence of particulate matter kept in a fluidized state by a fluidizing gas, the particulate matter is transferred from the reactor to a regenerator for regeneration and then recirculated to the reactor after the regeneration, and the converted hydrocarbon products are recovered from the reactor. Both the reactor and the regenerator comprise risers having an axially annular cross section and being equipped with multi-inlet cyclones for the separation of particulate matter. By means of the invention, it is possible to producer pyrolysis oil, the quality of which is higher than that of oil produced with the processes of the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fortum Oyj
    Inventors: Jyrki Hiltunen, Steven Gust, Jukka-Pekka Nieminen
  • Patent number: 6808543
    Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for operating a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier system. A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing ash agglomeration in a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier/combustor system by adding a quantity of MgO to the feedstock used in the gasifier/combustor system. A second aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing erosion at piping bends in fluidized particulate piping systems which utilizes sand retention cavities positioned to receive and retain a portion of the fluidized particulate. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating the flow of sand and char fragments from a first compartment to a second compartment while minimizing the flow of gases between the first and second compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Ferco Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
  • Publication number: 20040182001
    Abstract: Tire pyrolysis systems and processes are provided which include feeding tire shreds to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the shreds in a pyrolysis reactor to produce a hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and carbon-containing solid, removing the carbon-containing solid from the reactor, directing the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream into a separator, contacting the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oil spray in the separator thereby washing particulate from the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and condensing a portion of the gas stream to oil, removing and cooling the oil from the separator, directing non-condensed gas from the gas stream away from the separator, and directing a portion of the cooled oil removed from the separator to an inlet of the separator for use as the separator oil spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Renaissance Recycling, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine Masemore, Robert Zarrizski
  • Patent number: 6790383
    Abstract: A method of gasifying organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal, shredded waste tire or waste oil into gaseous fuel, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and an apparatus therefore are provided. The method comprises the steps of supplying initial fuel gas and oxygen into a gasification reactor to produce water and carbon dioxide, supplying the organic materials into the reactor and reacting them with the water and carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas, discharging the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from the reactor, recycling a part of the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas discharged from the reactor into the reactor, and reacting the carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas supplied into the reactor with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide. The method facilitates the control of temperature in the gasification reactor as well as produces fuel gas of high quality by increasing the concentration of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Hyun Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20040107638
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof. Combustion gases from the gasifier are held at temperature using a recovery and regeneration chamber, and then undergo secondary oxidation in an oxidizer. The high temperature gases produced by the system can be utilized to advantage, for example, as the thermal energy source for a conventional heat recovery device such as a heat exchanger, steam generator, hot oil or air heater, or steam boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Nexterra Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Graham, Jan Barynin
  • Patent number: 6746497
    Abstract: A waste is dry-distilled in a gasification furnace and generated combustible gas is combusted in a combustion furnace. A temperature in the combustion furnace is set to be substantially constant at a first preset temperature or more. When the temperature in the combustion furnace is greater than the first preset temperature by combustion of other fuels, the combustible gas is introduced. When the temperature in the combustion furnace reaches a second preset temperature or more by the combustion of only the combustible gas, the combustion of the other fuels is finished. When the temperature in the combustion furnace falls below a third preset temperature the combustion of the other fuels is resumed. When the temperature in the gasification furnace falls below a fourth preset temperature, the combustion of the other fuels is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Kinsei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masamoto Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20040060236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a relatively small scale apparatus for gasifying solid fuel in which pyrolysis gas produced in a pyrolyzer by thermal-decomposition reaction of the solid fuel can be reformed to crude fuel gas. The apparatus comprises a solid fuel pyrolyzer 1 and a steam reformer 5, and thermally decomposes the solid fuel with a combustion reaction of a low oxygen density to produce the pyrolysis gas, and reforms the pyrolysis gas to produce the crude fuel gas. The pyrolyzer has an air inlet 18 positioned at a bottom part thereof and upwardly blowing combustion air into the pyrolyzer; a bed of pyrolyzer 30 located above the air inlet; and a pyrolysis gas exit positioned at an upper part of a body of the pyrolyzer and conducting the pyrolysis gas out of the pyrolyzer. The bed is made by a layered stack of many spherical heat-resistant materials 32 which form a number of narrow gaps for draft of the combustion air over the whole bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Kunio Yoshikawa, Narumi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040055216
    Abstract: According to a method for gasifying solid materials (waste materials, biomass (wood), coal containing sulphur) in a fluidized bed (5), water vapour and oxygen are blown into the fluidized bed as gasifying agents. Small energy losses are achieved by strongly superheating the water vapour with hot reaction gases, the superheater functioning with a low differential pressure load. The reaction gases that leave the fluidized bed (5) are post-gasified in the open area (9) above the fluidized bed (5) in the reactor (1), with a supply of additional oxygen. A molar ratio of water vapour supplied and carbon contained in the material to be gasified of at least 2.1 is established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Bruno Berger, Ernst Rudelstorfer
  • Publication number: 20040025437
    Abstract: A solid fuel gasifier includes first wall structure (12) defining a gasification chamber (14) and means (50, 52) to collect particulate solid residue from gasification in the gasification chamber. Second wall structure (16) defines a gas combustion chamber (17) and means (19) is arranged for admitting a flow of hot gases from the gasification chamber to the gas combustion chamber as combustion takes place. Also provided is means (178, 170) to conduct hot gases from the gasification chamber and/or gas combustion chamber into thermal contact with said collected particulate solid residue, for facilitating post-combustion and/or post-reduction of the solid residue. Also disclosed are an agitator bed (52, 182) for fine particulate material, and a method of gasification of solid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Williams
  • Publication number: 20040006917
    Abstract: A fuel preparation apparatus in which coal or coal and other carbon containing material is converted to an environmentally acceptable fuel gas by the reaction with air and steam at a pressure of from 20 to 90 pounds per square inch absolute suitable for providing fuel to a gas turbine, or a stoker type or other boiler having a coal delivery system, a coal crusher, coal storage bins, lock hoppers, a gasifier vessel of two stages, liquid and solid separator vessels, heat and steam recovery vessels, equipment to control the flow of steam and air to the gasifier so as to maintain fuel quality, and a gas clean up plant that will remove environmentally unacceptable components of the gas such as hydrogen sulphide and other sulphur containing compounds and tars and light oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Wakefield, Robert Glover Jackson
  • Patent number: 6676716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastes by gasification recovers useful resources including energy, valuables such as metals, and gases for use as synthesis gas for chemical industries or fuel. The wastes are gasified in a fluidized-bed reactor at a relatively low temperature. Gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed reactor are introduced into a high-temperature combustor, and low calorific gas or medium calorific gas is produced in the high-temperature combustor at a relatively high temperature. The fluidized-bed reactor preferably is a revolving flow-type fluidized-bed reactor. The high-temperature combustor preferably is a swirling-type high-temperature combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Fujimura, Shosaku Fujinami, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Takahiro Oshita, Masaaki Irie, Kazuo Takano
  • Publication number: 20030140559
    Abstract: A method serves for the pyrolysis and gasification of substance mixtures containing organic constituents. The organic substances (4) or the substance mixture containing the organic constituents are brought into contact with a heat transfer medium, for preference the ash (5) from a combustion reactor (2) in a pyrolysis reactor (1), for preference a shaft reactor and pyrolysed. The pyrolysis coke (10) derived from the pyrolysis is combusted in a combustion reactor (2), for preference a fluidised bed reactor, under the admission of air (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Krumm, Gunter Funk, Stefan Hamel, Christian Mertens
  • Publication number: 20030115800
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of gasifying a biomass, comprising heating a fluidized bed reactor loaded with a catalyst represented by Rh/CeO2/M, where M represents SiO2, Al2O3 or ZrO2, to temperatures lower than 800° C., introducing biomass particles into the fluidized bed reactor from an upper portion thereof, introducing air and steam into the fluidized bed reactor from a lower portion thereof, and allowing the biomass particles to react at the surface of the Rh/CeO2/M catalyst so as to manufacture hydrogen and a syngas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Muneyoshi Yamada, Keiichi Tomishige, Mohammad Asadullah, Kimio Kunimori
  • Publication number: 20030079411
    Abstract: A device for decomposing an organic compound, which heats and decomposes organic compounds in at least one pyrolysis zone in a gas phase is disclosed. The pyrolysis zone comprises at least one high-frequency induction-heating device provided within a gas passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Ken KANSA
    Inventors: Ken Kansa, Yoshihide Mukouyama, Masatoshi Matsuba
  • Publication number: 20030024165
    Abstract: A low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Antal
  • Publication number: 20020194782
    Abstract: An integrated biomass gasification and fuel cell system wherein the electrochemical reaction in the fuel cell is effected by providing the reactant gases from a gasifier. Fuel gas from the gasifier is directed to the anode of the fuel cell and at least a portion of the exhaust gas from the anode is directed to the combustor. The portion of the exhaust gas from the anode is then combusted to recover residual energy to increase the overall efficiency of integrated biomass gasification and fuel cell system. Also, the oxidant gas from the combustor may be directed to the cathode of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
  • Publication number: 20020134019
    Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for operating a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier system. A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for reducing ash agglomeration in a parallel entrainment fluidized bed gasifier/combustor system by adding a quantity of MgO to the feedstock used in the gasifier/combustor system. A second aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing erosion at piping bends in fluidized particulate piping systems which utilizes sand retention cavities positioned to receive and retain a portion of the fluidized particulate. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for facilitating the flow of sand and char fragments from a first compartment to a second compartment while minimizing the flow of gases between the first and second compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
  • Patent number: 6133328
    Abstract: This is a method to furnish synthesis gas obtained from a biomass. A description of a synthesis gas production method is presented by providing a supply of biomass, air and steam to a vessel. A heat exchanger is provided for heating ambient air to provide a supply of heated air to the vessel and a dryer is provided to remove moisture from a biomass to provide a supply of substantially moisture free biomass to the vessel. Subsequently reacting with the substantially moisture free biomass in the vessel with the heated air forms incandescent carbon and a flue gas. A bed of solids for storage of thermal sensible heat from the flue gas is provided. Upon turning off the heated air, a supply of steam, created from water provided to the heated bed of solids, is employed to purge the remaining flue gas and form a blanket of steam above the incandescent carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Gene E. Lightner
  • Patent number: 6048374
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Alex E. S. Green
  • Patent number: 6035791
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing and recycling CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic) treated wood chips that includes a vertical reaction chamber into which a continuous stream of wood chips is poured. Hot gases at about 400.degree. C. are introduced into the bottom of the column to heat the chips below their ignition point. The combustion gases flow upwardly through the chips to progressively cool the gases and allow them to condense in the column. The condensate is deposited upon the surface of the chips and the gases, which are now free of heavy metals, are evacuated from the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Beaumartin S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Sebastien Hery
  • Patent number: 6001144
    Abstract: A process of gasifying waste containing organic substances which may be combusted or gasified by means of partial oxidation in the presence of air or oxygen and steam. The gasification process includes the step of adjusting the molar ratio of steam/carbon (H.sub.2 O/C) for supplied steam and the organic substances containing carbon to a desired ratio. The process continues with partial oxidation at about 700.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C. and discontinuing the steam supply while continuing only air or oxygen supply to combust the remaining combustibles having carbon as their major component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Akira Satou
  • Patent number: 5984987
    Abstract: Aqueous black liquor is gasified in a molten salt by spraying the black liquor into an enclosed zone above the surface of a turbulent molten salt pool. The black liquor is dried by means of hot gases rising from the surface of the pool and the resulting solid particles falling into the turbulent molten salt pool are dispersed and converted into a combustible gas and a reduced melt in which sulfide comprises at least about 95% of the total sulfur present. In a preferred embodiment the product gas is purified, burned and utilized in a gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Kohl
  • Patent number: 5984150
    Abstract: A transfer device for passing material between two different fluid environments which uses a multi-passageway rotor member rotatable about a vertical axis and interposed between upper and lower ported members. Each passageway (or chamber) passes through the rotor and has a major axis parallel to the vertical axis of the rotor. Rotation of the rotor brings each passageway successively into fluid communication with the upper ported member whereby the passageway is filled with material, then to at least one position where the passageway is not aligned with either ported member, and finally to a position where the passageway is aligned with the lower ported member and the material is transferred to the second environment. The rotation may be continuous or incremental, and the fluid environments are maintained in isolation from each other. Methods of transferring solids, and a solids transfer system in a steam hydrolysis and drying plant are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Convertech Group Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Eli Scott
  • Patent number: 5849050
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating burnable gas by gasifying water- and ballast-containing organic materials, be it coal or garbage. The drying, low temperature carbonization and gasification steps are carried out separately. The heat taken form cooled gasified gas is supplied to the endothermic drying low temperature in low temperature carbonation stages. The low temperature carbonization gas is burned in a melting chamber furnace with air and/or oxygen or oxygen-rich flue gas and the liquid slag is evacuated, whereas the low temperature carbonization coke is blown into the hot combustion gases that leave the melting reactions which take place and give carbon monoxide and hydrogen reduce the carbon is removed from the gasified gas, supplied to the melting chamber furnace and completely burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: CRG Kohlenstoffrecycling Ges.mbH
    Inventor: Bodo Wolf
  • Patent number: 5827336
    Abstract: A process for upgrading plastic material containing inorganic filler or reinforcement material for use as feedstock in a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas. The plastic material is granulated and partially liquefied by heating in a closed autoclave at a temperature in the range of about 400.degree. F. to 495.degree. F. and a pressure in the range of about 150 psig to 750 psig while the plastic material is in contact with a pumpable hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent. A pumpable slurry is thereby produced comprising solubilized plastic, unsolubilized plastic, hydrocarbonaceous liquid solvent, separated inorganic material and unseparated inorganic material. After removing the separated inorganic material, the remainder of the slurry is then reacted by partial oxidation to produce said raw synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Motasimur Rashid Khan, Christine Cornelia Gorsuch, Stephen Jude DeCanio
  • Patent number: 5819992
    Abstract: A transfer device for passing material between two different fluid environments which uses a multi-passageway rotor member rotatable about a vertical axis and interposed between upper and lower ported members. Each passageway (or chamber) passes through the rotor and has a major axis parallel to the vertical axis of the rotor. Rotation of the rotor brings each passageway successively into fluid communication with the upper ported member whereby the passageway is filled with material, then to at least one position where the passageway is not aligned with either ported member, and finally to a position where the passageway is aligned with the lower ported member and the material is transferred to the second environment. The rotation may be continuous or incremental, and the fluid environments are maintained in isolation from each other. Methods of transferring solids, and a solids transfer system in a steam hydrolysis and drying plant are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Convertech Group Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Eli Scott