Abstract: A method and system for treating waste liquors from pulping processes for recovering energy and chemicals from the waste liquors (such as kraft black liquor). A recovery boiler having a furnace for combusting waste liquor includes a plurality of injection nozzles in the furnace walls, for injecting waste liquor into the furnace. At least one conduit is disposed in at least one wall of the furnace below the nozzles for withdrawing a portion of the combustible gas from the furnace. Typically between about 10-50% of the combustible gas produced in the furnace is withdrawn through the conduit or conduits below the nozzles, and the withdrawn gas is cooled and purified. The system may utilize a superheater which is separate and distinct from the recovery boiler, the cleaned and cooled withdrawn gas led to the separate superheater.

Abstract: Use of solar energy for the production of synthesis gas from carbonaceous material. An aqueous dispersion of carbonaceous material is injected into a reactor in the form of a shower or a jet of droplets, and the droplets are allowed to sink inside the reactor across a high-temperature focal zone projected into the reactor by means of a system for the concentration of solar radiation. The residence time inside the reactor is adjustable by means of a countercurrent gas flow or by the injection of two or more discrete droplet jets in an impinging jet arrangement.

Abstract: A system for providing heated fluidized bed gasification of a residual waste liquor provides a bed of granular material and a source of liquor provided to the material bed. An injector is situated in the material bed and communicates with an air source, a fuel source and a steam source. Fuel and air are combusted in the injector and mixed with the steam which forms a combustion product and steam mixture which is in turn injected into the material bed. The combustion and mixing is separated from the bed material by being confined within the injector. The injector is a bubble cap having at least one hole or an injector made of a porous ceramic material.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel gases from a solid fuel including carbonaceous material and having a calorific value of between about 800 to 3,000 Kcal/Kg. The process includes a) pyrolyzing the solid fuel under reaction conditions and for a time sufficient to pyrolyze about 40-80% of the carbonaceous material whereby to form a first gas and a carbon residue without formation of tar, and b) gasifying carbon residue to form a second gas by heating the carbon residue in the presence of oxygen or oxygen-steam; or burning the carbon residue. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second gases are mixed under conditions to neutralize contained sulfur gases by a Claus reaction.

Abstract: A combustion method and apparatus in which combustible matter, e.g., waste matter, coal, etc., is gasified to produce a combustible gas containing a sufficiently large amount of combustible component to melt ash by its own heat. A fluidized-bed furnace has an approximately circular horizontal cross-sectional configuration. A moving bed, in which a fluidized medium settles and diffuses, is formed in a central portion of the furnace, and a fluidized bed, in which the fluidized medium is actively fluidized, is formed in a peripheral portion in the furnace. The fluidized medium is turned over to the upper part of the moving bed from the upper part of the fluidized bed, thus circulating through the two beds. Combustible matter is cast into the upper part of the moving bed and gasified to form a combustible gas while circulating, together with the fluidized medium.

Abstract: A method for converting organic material into a product gas includes: a) providing a liquid reactant mixture containing liquid water and liquid organic material within a pressure reactor; b) providing an effective amount of a reduced metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, osmium and iridium or mixtures thereof within the pressure reactor; and c) maintaining the liquid reactant mixture and effective amount of reduced metal catalyst in the pressure reactor at temperature and pressure conditions of from about 300.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C.; and at least 130 atmospheres for a period of time, the temperature and pressure conditions being effective to maintain the reactant mixture substantially as liquid, the effective amount of reduced metal catalyst and the period of time being sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the liquid organic material to produce a product gas composed primarily of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for gasifying liquid and/or fine-grain solid gasification substances and/or for reforming a gas, using a gasification agent, in a reactor (1). In the process the process heat is supplied by heat carrier particles which are heated within a substantially closed circuit in a heater (5) by combustion gases which are produced in a combustion chamber (3), and passed through the reactor (1) in counter-flow relationship with the gasification substance or the gas to be reformed and the gasification agent, and then returned to the heater (5) for renewed heating. In accordance with the invention the particles and the combustion gas form a fluidized bed above at least one grid (34, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e) arranged in the heater (5).

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for gasification of waste are disclosed. Waste material is fed to the top of a first combustion chamber, and a burning, rotating annular column of waste is supported in the combustion chamber. Combustion air is introduced to the first combustion chamber at or below the support for the burning annular column of waste so that the combustion air moves upwardly through the burning column. Combustion gases are withdrawn from the top portion of the first combustion chamber. Particulates are removed and recirculated to the first combustion chamber. The combustion gases are then fed to the top portion of a second combustion chamber. Secondary combustion air and optional fuel are fed to the second combustion chamber to complete the gasification process. A relatively clean producer gas is withdrawn from the bottom portion of the secondary combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cooling and cleaning gases containing tar-like or other impurities, and to a reactor. In the method, process gas is first fed into a hot fluidized bed (4), where the tar-like impurities contained in it crack into smaller fractions, whereafter the process gas is passed onward, the fluidized bed material entrained in the process gas is separated from the process gas and returned through the cooler (8) into the fluidized bed and into the process gas stream, whereby the process gas cools under the influence of the cooled fluidized bed material. The reactor comprises a cooler (8) above the fluidized bed (4) and an annular conduit (7) outside the cooler (8), through which conduit the process gas flows into the upper portion of the reactor after the fluidized bed (4).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means (10,11,12,110,111,112) for mixing a process material with a process liquid (13,113) (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means (17,18,21,24,117,120,230,420) is provided for pressuring (16,26,116,126) and heating (61,36,173,227) the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means (28,128,320,420) for reducing the pressure (27,127) to the slurry or emulsion and for further increasing the temperature (33,227) of the slurry or emulsion. The drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes components of the slurry or emulsion to convert to gases and separate from the remainder of the slurry or emulsion which is removed from the processor in the form of solids (32,132). The gas is fed to one or more condensers (10,63,64,65,177,178) which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.

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.

Abstract: A latent heat-ballasted gasifier suitable for converting biomass, coal, or low-quality fuels into a producer gas. Latent heat is stored in the reactor in ballasts containing a metal alloy with a melting point approximate the pyrolysis temperatures of the fuel. A fluidized bed reactor is used to enhance heat transfer between the latent heat material and the fuel. The latent heat-ballasts allows the reactor to be operated in a quasi-steady mode rather than a batch operation employed in the prior designs.

Abstract: A low-temperature carbonization/combustion process is carried out in a low-temperature carbonization/combustion plant with pressure control that includes a pyrolysis drum to which waste is delivered. Low-temperature carbonization gas generated there is passed to a combustion chamber. Flue gas produced there is fed through a cooling device and a gas compressor to a stack. With the aid of a control device, the speed of rotation of the gas compressor is controlled in relation to the pressure in the gas path between the pyrolysis drum and the gas compressor in such a way that when the pressure decreases, the speed of rotation is decreased. Preferably, an additional gas compressor is connected in series with the gas compressor and the speed of rotation of the additional gas compressor is appropriately controlled. An additional pyrolysis drum can also be provided.

Abstract: In the process for gasification of municipal waste plastic waste material pieces of about a 20 mm piece size are compressed and heated at a pressure of from 40 to 80 bar until at a temperature of from 230.degree. to 300.degree. C. to produce an HCl-containing gas and a plastic waste material containing less than 3000 mg of HCl per kg and the HCl-containing gas produced is washed with water to produce a hydrochloric acid solution. The plastic waste material is then heated further until at a temperature of from 400.degree. to 500.degree. C. to form a plastic melt having a viscosity of less than 300 cSt, advantageously less than 50 cSt. This plastic melt is gasified at a pressure of 4 bar with oxygen in a flame reaction to form a crude gas containing a preponderant proportion of CO in relation to CO.sub.2 in a gasification chamber having a central temperature of about 1600.degree. C. The crude gas is withdrawn from the gasification reactor at a temperature of 1300.degree. to 1600.degree. C.

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.

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 (primarily CO & H.sub.2) with effectively non-toxic ash residue by means of a preferably stoichiometric burner directed into a single stage reactor containing a tumbling charge thus heated to 650.degree. to 800.degree. C. (below the incipient fusion temperature of the charge) resulting in thermally cracking and gasifying the organic materials in the charge and reacting the complex hydrocarbons and gas evolved with the CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O generated by the burner by combustion of a fuel and oxygen-containing gas at a high flame temperature, typically 2500.degree. to 3000.degree. C.

Abstract: A chemically disinfected sewage sludge-containing material comprising (1) an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge-containing material having a solids content in the range of about 10 to 30 wt. %; and (2) a chemical disinfectant comprising a water soluble silicate of sodium in the amount of 5 to 20 wt. % (basis dry wt. of said sewage sludge). In one embodiment, a pumpable chemically disinfected sewage sludge-containing material was produced by the steps of (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry having a solids content of about 10 to 30 wt. %; (2) shearing the dewatered sewage sludge from (1) at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 230.degree. F. and at a shear rate of at least 30 per second for a period in the range of about 0.5 to 180 minutes; and (3) mixing the following materials together at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 230.degree. F. to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry having a solids content in the range of about 30 to 65 wt.

Abstract: Direct gasification of a high BTU content fuel gas from a hydrocarbon content solid waste material W which may include some glass content is effected by preheating heat carrier solids HCS in a flash calciner to a temperature capable of thermally cracking the hydrocarbon content of the solid waste material W directly into the high BTU content fuel gas. The HCS are separated from the products of combustion and fed into a gas sealed refractory lined horizontal axis rotary kiln retort concurrently with the solid waste W. Momentary contact and mixing of the solid waste W with the HCS in the rotary kiln in the absence of oxygen is sufficient to directly thermally crack the solid waste material into the high BTU gas product. Separated HCS are returned to the flash calciner for reheating.

Abstract: Pumpable aqueous slurries of low rank coal e.g. subbituminous coal and lignite having a comparatively high solids content are made by keeping the particles of coal in contact with a non-oxidizing gas e.g. nitrogen and/or CO.sub.2 thereby maintaining a hydrophobic surface on the particles of coal while they are ground and dried, contacted with an aqueous slurry of liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel which is absorbed and which coats the particles of coal, and then dried. The dried coated particles of low rank coal are mixed with water to produce a pumpable slurry having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 60 wt. %. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the water needed to produce said pumpable slurry is derived by cooling and condensing out water from the non-oxidizing gas that was used to dry the low rank coal. In still another embodiment, the dewatered non-oxidizing gas is introduced into the combustor of a gas turbine to moderate the temperature and thereby reduce the formation of NO.sub.x gases.

Abstract: Organic wastes of diverse types including toxic materials are converted to synthesis gas or molecular hydrogen or methanol and an inorganic solid residue by heating the material to 1200 .degree. C. or higher in the presence of steam in a chemically reducing atmosphere. The gassified wastes travel along a vertical flow path in a sealed reactor vessel. Heat is applied by vertically extending recuprative heaters situated at both lower and upper regions along the flow path to provide a high temperature zone of sufficient length to thermally decompose the wastes during a single passage along the path. Steam may be provided by intermixing liquid water, which may be dirty and/or contaminated, into the wastes prior to entry of the wastes into the reaction chamber thereby avoiding any need for an external boiler and pure water. The apparatus realizes a very high throughput and does not release any pollutants into the air, ground or water.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means for mixing a process material with a process liquid (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means is provided for pressuring and heating the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means for quickly reducing the pressure to a relatively low value and further increasing the temperature. The rapid drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes components of the slurry to convert to volatile gases and separate from the remainder of the slurry which is removed from the processor in the form of solids. The gas is fed to one or more condensers which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.

Abstract: A pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge as produced by the steps of (1) dewatering sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry having a solids content of about 10 to 25 wt. %; (2) pretreating said aqueous slurry of sewage sludge to improve its slurrying characteristics by one or a combination of (a) heating, (b) hydrothermal treatment, and (c) heating, mixing and shearing; and (3) mixing the following materials together at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 400.degree. F. to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry having a solids content in the range of about 30 to 65 wt. %: (a) pretreated aqueous slurry of sewage sludge; (b) a nonionic water soluble alkoxylated alkylphenol additive; and (c) sewage sludge-containing material and/or solid carbonaceous fuel-containing material to increase the solids loading.

Abstract: Methods and suitable devices for the intermediate storage, transport and preparation as well as utilization of waste goods of all kinds are described, said waste goods being compacted down to a plurality of its original volume while maintaining their mixed and composite structure, are stored in intermediate storage and are transported in this form, if required, and are so compacted subjected to a pyrolysis. The totality of the pyrolysis products being under elevated pressure is subsequently subjected immediately to a high-temperature treatment. The compacted waste goods may be crammed into containers and are subjected to a low-temperature pressure pyrolysis. In case of ecological preparation of consumption goods such as motor vehicle wrecks or the like, a large-volume apportioning of the scrap goods is carried out by subdividing and/or crushing prior to the intermittent feeding into the pyrolysis chamber.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being utilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: A method for generating, from refuse or refuse in combination with coal, a fuel gas suited for public utility purposes wherein refuse and coal can be introduced into the process in any proportion one to the other. The method provides the steps of subjecting the refuse to allothermal low-temperature carbonization, if desired in combination with coal, burning the gasification residue, purifying the crude gas and conditioning the pure gas for public utility purposes.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch is used as an independent heat source in an enclosed reactor vessel to gasify municipal solid waste and produce a medium quality gas and an inert monolithic slag having substantially lower toxic element leachability. The gas has lower levels of metals and semi-volatile organic compounds, particularly dioxins and furans. Other materials may also be gasified, for example, coal, wood and peat.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge by heating and shearing an aqueous mixture of sewage sludge in a tubular-shaped processing means containing a plurality of rotating agitators to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is mixed with solid carbonaceous fuel or an aqueous slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel is heated in a first steam jacketed rotary disc mixing-heating means. Alternately, first and second hoppers are filled with said heated aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and solid carbonaceous fuel and cycled between a second steam jacketed rotary disc mixing-heating means; wherein while one hopper is being filled the contents in the other hopper are being dewatered. The thickened pumpable slurry is burned in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce a hot effluent gas steam.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means for mixing a process material with a process liquid (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means is provided for pressuring and heating the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means for quickly reducing the pressure to a relatively low value and further increasing the temperature. The rapid drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes volatile components of the slurry to convert to a gas and separate from the remainder of the slurry which is removed from the processor in the form of solids. The gas is fed to one or more condensers which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge comprising the steps of, (1) dewatering the sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a solids content of about 10 to 30 wt. %; (2) simultaneously heating and shearing said dewatered sewage sludge at about 150.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. in the absence of air for 0.5 seconds to 60 minutes while being continuously passed through a tubular-shaped processing means containing a plurality of rotating agitators, thereby producing a pumpable slurry having a viscosity of less than about 2000 centipoise; (3) dewatering the sewage sludge if necessary; (4) mixing at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 180.degree. F. in a ribbon or in-line static mixer the slurry of sewage sludge from (2) and/or (3) with a supplemental solid carbonaceous fuel e.g. coal and/or petroleum-coke to produce a pumpable aqueous slurry of sewage sludge and supplemental fuel having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 60 wt.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sanitary sewage sludge by producing a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel and burning said slurry as fuel in a partial oxidation gas generator, furnace, or boiler. The aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is concentrated by removing water by means of a conventional belt filter press, centrifuge, or hydroclone. The dewatered slurry of sewage sludge is preheated and sheared; hydrothermally treated; and its solids content increased. A chelating agent, for example an aminopolycarboxylic acid or a hydrocarboxylic acid is mixed with the aqueous slurry of sewage sludge during the preheating and shearing step and/or the step for increasing its solids content. By means of the subject process, the viscosity of the slurry of sewage sludge with or without solid carbonaceous fuel is reduced and coagulation is suppressed.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge comprising the steps of, (1) dewatering the sewage sludge to produce amorphous sewage sludge having a solids content of about 28 to 50 wt. %; (2) heating said amorphous sewage sludge at about 150.degree. F. to 510.degree. F. in the absence of air for 3 seconds to 60 minutes and mildly shearing the sewage sludge, thereby producing a pumpable feed slurry of sewage sludge having a viscosity in the range of about 400 to 1500 centipoise and a higher heating value in the range of about 5000 to 9500 BTU/LB; and (3) burning said pumpable slurry from (2) in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce an effluent gas stream. In one embodiment, the effluent gas stream is cleaned and purified and non-contaminating fly-ash and slag are separated. The fly-ash may be mixed with the sewage sludge in the process to facilitate separation of water during pressing and to encapsulate the non-combustible materials in the sewage sludge.

Abstract: A process for disposing of sewage sludge comprising the steps of, (1) dewatering the sewage sludge to produce an aqueous slurry of sewage sludge having a solids content of about 10 to 50 wt. %; (2) heating and mildly shearing said dewatered sewage sludge at about 150.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. in the absence of air for 3 seconds to 60 minutes by a rotor/mixer at a speed of about 15 to 1000 r.p.m., thereby producing a pumpable slurry having a viscosity of less than about 2500 centipoise; (3) mixing at a temperature in the range of about ambient to 200.degree. F. the slurry of sewage sludge from (2) with a supplemental fuel to produce a pumpable slurry of sewage sludge and supplemental fuel having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 65 wt. % and a higher heating value in the range of about 6,000 to 18,000 BTU/LB; and (4) burning said pumpable slurry from (3) in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator to produce an effluent gas stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the refining of a raw gas produced from a carbonaceous material by means of a gasification process, refining taking place in a secondary stage separated from the gasifier. In order to reduce the gas contents of tar in the form of organic compounds condensible at lower temperatures, such as ambient temperatures, and of ammonia, the refining is carried out in a secondary stage being a fast circulating fluidized bed, the bed material of which at least mainly being an active material in the form of a material that is catalytic for tar and ammonia conversion, whereby a catalytic conversion of tar and ammonia contained in the raw gas is obtained. In order to decrease the content of hydrogen chloride in the gas, an active material that also can absorb chloride is used.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel pumpable sewage sludge fuel and process for burning it. An aqueous slurry of sewage sludge is dewatered and dried to a solids content in the range of about 50 to 99 wt. % in a drying zone in the absence of free-oxygen containing gas but while in contact with a gaseous material selected from the group consisting of N.sub.2, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2, CO, and mixtures thereof. The dried sewage sludge is mixed with a supplementary fuel from the group consisting of solid carbonaceous fuel, liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel, mixtures thereof, and optionally with water to produce a pumpable slurry fuel feedstream having a solids content in the range of about 50 to 65 wt. % and a higher heating value of at least about 6,000 Btu/lb. The slurry fuel feedstream may be burned in a partial oxidation gasifier, furnace, boiler, or incinerator.

Abstract: The combustion of gas produced from the combination of coal pyrolysis and gasification involves combining a combustible gas coal and an oxidant in a pyrolysis chamber and heating the components to a temperature of at least 1600.degree. F. The products of coal pyrolysis are dispersed from the pyrolyzer directly into the high temperature gasification region of a pressure vessel. Steam and air needed for gasification are introduced in the pressure vessel and the materials exiting the pyrolyzer flow down through the pressure vessel by gravity with sufficient residence time to allow any carbon to form carbon monoxide. Gas produced from these reactions are then released from the pressure vessel and ash is disposed of.

Abstract: A bottom-feed, biomass material gasification system feeds fuel such as green and wet woodchips from below up through a central opening in a stationary, perforate fire table which supports the mound-like fuel bed which is formed. A plurality of ring-like air manifolds contiguously below the fire table, and surrounding the fuel supply tube are separately provided with air in a controlled manner according to the demand for the combustible gas produced, and a greater volume of air is supplied to the centralmost manifold, than to the outer manifold, or manifolds. The system includes, in addition to a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber which receives the hot gases generated in the primary chamber and, via a centrifugal cyclonic action, combusts fly ash particles which may remain entrained in the gas, before passing the hot gases to the boiler burner for cumbustion.

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

Abstract: A process for converting solid waste into a synthesis suitable for producing liquid fuel, comprising (a) partially oxidizing and combusting solid waste material in a closed combustion zone at a temperature of 800.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and rotary furnaces for continuously manufacturing charcoal having a carbon content by weight which is greater than 95% of the total weight of carbon and volatile matter. Fragments of vegetable material contained in a hopper are inserted into a rotary furnace, with the transit time of the fragment through the furnace lying in the range 45 minutes to 60 minutes. The temperature in the front zone of the furnace where carbonization takes place is maintained in the range 900.degree. C. to 1000.degree. C. The furnace is heated by an axial burner which burns both combustible gases due to pyrolysis of the vegetable matter fragments and a second fuel. The charcoal falls into a hopper, from which it passes through a cooling chamber where it is colled by sprayed jets of water, after which it is extracted by an endless screw extractor. One application of the invention is manufacturing charcoal for making activated charcoal free from inorganic impurities.

Abstract: A fuel composed of water, a compound in which free radicals have been generated and a solute that stabilizes the free radicals while the fuel is in the liquid state but which releases the free radicals when the fuel is sprayed (vaporized) so that the free radicals then dissociate the water to form hydrogen gas in sufficient concentration to support combustion. The most readily available compounds in which free radicals can be generated to provide the fuel are hydrocarbons and carbohydrates. Free radicals may be generated in solids (e.g., sugar) by charring and grinding the sugar then mixing with acid. Free radicals may be generated in liquids by adding an acid. Polar liquids such as alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been found to be the most effective stabilizers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal conversion and recovery of organic waste materials includes an oxygen-free chamber filled with molten lead and a method of use of the apparatus. The chamber is elongate and inclined so that organic material introduced in a lower portion of the chamber migrates through the molten lead to a higher portion of the chamber due to the organic material having a specific gravity less than that of lead. As the organic material migrates through the molten lead, the material is thermally converted to gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons that are captured in a condenser. The gaseous hydrocarbons are utilized to heat the lead in the chamber and the vapor is condensed to liquid hydrocarbons in the condenser. Residual solids flow to a reservoir connected to the chamber. Light carbon black is drawn into a receiver by a vacuum line located near the top of the reservoir and all other residual solids flow over a reservoir wall.

Abstract: Toxic refractory organic substances are decomposed by exposing them to an oxidizing medium and steam at a temperature in the range of 2500.degree. F. to 3200.degree. F. for a period of 5 to 500 milliseconds in a reaction chamber. The toxic refractory organic substance can be dioxins, polyhalogenated byphenyls, organophosphates, halogenated biocides, waste streams from the production of said toxic substances, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Resonant tubes of a pulse combustor are immersed in a bed of solid particles in a reaction zone to provide indirect heat from the pulsating combustion gases to the solid particles of the bed. The bed is maintained in an agitated state by a gas or vapor flowing through the bed. Reactant materials are introduced into the agitated bed and undergo reaction at enhanced rates resulting from heat transfer coefficients at least about twice as high as those of steady flow combustors and an intense acoustic pressure level propagated from the pulsating combustor into the reaction zone. The apparatus is useful, for example, to steam reform heavy hydrocarbons and to gasify carbonaceous material, including biomass and black liquor to produce combustible gas at relatively low temperatures, with steam being usilized as the bed fluidizing medium. Black liquor gasification, utilizing sodium carbonate as bed solids, results in liquor energy and chemical content recovery without smelt production.

Abstract: A three stage process for producing producer gas from biomass or other carbonizable waste products using a double gasifier is described. A reactor for the three stage process comprising a primary, an intermediate and secondary gasifier is also described. The primary gasifier utilizes a vertically adjustable fill level sieve and a discharge mechanism for the combustion residues. The primary fuel and the preheated primary air are supplied to the primary gasifier via the reactor base. The secondary gasifier, a coke producer is connected to the primary gasifier downstream. The intermediate gasifier, a fluw flow gas converter, is supplied with secondary air. The low temperature carbonized gas from the primary gasifier, as well as the carbon particles leaving the primary gasifier are introduced into the secondary gasifier through a radially symmetrical ring nozzle to provide a long residence time under reducing conditions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting lignocellulosic materials contained in biomass and other feedstocks into a fuel gas. The method comprises maintaining, in a pressure vessel, at a temperature of 300.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. and a pressure of at least 100 atmospheres, lignocellulosic material and water, and amounts of alkali and reduced nickel catalysts sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the lignocellulosic material to produce a product gas composed primarily of methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for economically separating chemical contaminants such as volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), even if the contaminants are present at low concentrations, from inert materials such as soils or sludges, comprising subjecting inert materials contaminated with chemical compounds to a temperature effective to volatilize the contaminants but below incineration temperature, with continuous removal of evolved vapors, for a period of time sufficient to effect the desire degree of separation of contaminants. The evolved vapors may be subjected to catalytic oxidation to destroy the volatilized chemical compounds.

Abstract: Industrial, municipal, sanitary, marine, and infectious waste materials are thermally and chemically converted principally to steam, fuels and environmentally acceptable solids by dehydration, pyrolysis of the solid residue therefrom, and finally gasification of the pyrolysis char residue. In contrast to incineration processes, the products have significant market value and present no atmospheric pollution problems. Temperatures employed range up to about 3000.degree. F.

Abstract: Process water is formed when pyrolysis gas obtained in the pyrolytic decomposition of a starting material is cooled. Due to its content of chemical compounds, it is very costly to dispose of or eliminate the process water. A process for reducing the quantity of by-products in the generation of pyrolysis gas recycles the process water to a pyrolysis reactor operating with a fluidized bed. As a result, the process water is reduced in quantity and purified in a simple manner, and the yield of pyrolysis gas is increased.

Abstract: Toxic refractory organic substances are decomposed by reaction with oxygen and steam at a temperature in the range of 2500.degree. F. to 3200.degree. F. Such toxic refractory organic compounds as PCB's, may be completely destroyed without contamination of the environment.