Coal Patents (Class 48/210)
  • Patent number: 8741000
    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 than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. 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. In another embodiment, the biomass water slurry can be mixed with a coal water slurry to further optimize the carbon content and pumpability of the biomass slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Joseph M. Norbeck, Chan Seung Park, Andres Aguirre
  • Patent number: 8741179
    Abstract: Reforming of a gasification gas is performed by supplying both a tar-containing gasification gas and oxygen to a reforming furnace and burning a part of the gasification gas to heat an inside of the reforming furnace to a target reforming temperature required for reforming. Oxygen 9 and a first stage gasification gas 3a are supplied to a reforming furnace at an end of the furnace in amounts so as to attain the target reforming temperature required for reforming by combustion of the gasification gas with the oxygen to form a heating zone A in the reforming furnace 1. The remaining gasification gas is supplied as second stage gasification gas 3b to a vicinity downstream of the heating zone A in the reforming furnace 1 to form a reforming zone B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Suda, Toshiro Fujimori, Hiroaki Ohara
  • Publication number: 20140144082
    Abstract: A method for converting fuel may include reducing at least one metal oxide in a first reactor with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide, transporting the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the first reactor to a second reactor, oxidizing at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the first reactor in the second reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate, transporting the metal oxide intermediate from the second reactor to a third reactor, removing ash, char, or unwanted materials with a separation unit from the metal oxide intermediate transported from the second reactor to the third reactor, regenerating the at least one metal oxide, and transporting the regenerated metal oxide from the third reactor to the first reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Liang-Shih Fan, Puneet Gupta, Luis Gilberto Velazquez Vargas, Fanxing Li
  • Patent number: 8734547
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing a substantially free-flowing alkali metal gasification catalyst-loaded carbonaceous particulate suitable for use as a feedstock for the production of gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic gasification of the catalyst-loaded carbonaceous particulate in the presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alkis S. Rappas, Robert A. Spitz
  • Patent number: 8734548
    Abstract: Processes are provided for preparing a substantially free-flowing alkali metal gasification catalyst-loaded coal particulate suitable for use as a feedstock for the production of gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic gasification of the catalyst-loaded coal particulate in the presence of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Greatpoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Alkis S. Rappas, Robert A. Spitz, George Frederick Salem
  • Patent number: 8721750
    Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbon products onboard a marine vessel for carbonaceous feedstock includes the steps gasification of the feedstock in a thermal conversion plant connected to an onboard power plant and forming hydrocarbons in a chemical reaction plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: How Kiap Gueh
  • Patent number: 8715380
    Abstract: A method for deep desulfurization of synthesis gas comprising introducing carbonaceous material and optionally steam into a gasifier comprising a heat transfer media, extracting a first heat transfer stream comprising heat transfer media and optionally unconverted carbonaceous material from the gasifier, and introducing at least a portion of the first heat transfer stream into a combustor, introducing oxidant and optionally a fuel into the combustor, extracting a second heat transfer stream comprising heat transfer media from the combustor, and introducing at least a portion of the second heat transfer stream into the gasifier, introducing a compound capable of reacting with sulfur to produce sulfate, sulfide or both, extracting a purge stream comprising ash, sulfate, halide, or a combination thereof from the second heat transfer stream, extracting a flue gas from the combustor, and extracting a gasifier product synthesis gas stream comprising less than 1000 ppm sulfur from the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8690974
    Abstract: A pyrolytic hydrogen generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of cardboard receptacles for the thermally decomposable hydrogen generating material and an associated ignition system. Also, a modular pellet tray assembly for use in the generator comprises a plurality of trays having pellet holders and associated igniters and held in a stack by support rods that also provide electrical connectivity to the trays. Also, a pellet tray assembly comprises a plurality of pellet holders, wherein some of more outwardly disposed pellet holders contain only outwardly facing vents and are fired first. Also, the generator has an array of hydrogen generating elements arranged side by side and separated from one another into cells by partitioning provided with directional venting that only permits laterally exiting gases to vent outwardly. Alternatively, the elements can be separated into cells by a baffle system comprising gas confining and gas venting elements, which may be heat conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventors: Darren Paul Scattergood, Graham Manton, Gareth Thomas Flegg, Robert John Vere Churton, Philip Nicholas Barnes, William Ranulf Slee
  • Publication number: 20140090298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for co-gasification of two or more carbonaceous feedstock, said process comprising combusting a first carbonaceous feedstock having high calorific value with low ash and high hydrogen content, to produce a heated effluent; carrying the heated effluent to second reactor where the heated effluent reacts with a second carbonaceous feedstock, having low calorific value with high ash and low hydrogen content, to produce synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Pranab Kumar Rakshit, Ravi Kumar Voolapalli, Pintu Maity
  • Patent number: 8673036
    Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion chamber in which a fuel is burned to produce a syngas and a particulated solid residue. A quench chamber having a liquid coolant is disposed downstream of the combustion chamber. A dip tube couples the combustion chamber to the quench chamber. The syngas is directed from the combustion chamber to the quench chamber via the dip tube to contact the liquid coolant and produce a cooled syngas. A draft tube surrounds the dip tube such that an annular passage is formed between the draft tube and the dip tube. An asymmetric or symmetric faceted baffle is disposed proximate to an exit path of the quench chamber. The cooled syngas is directed through the annular passage and impacted against the baffle so as to remove entrained liquid content from the cooled syngas before the cooled syngas is directed through the exit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Prashant Tiwari, Gregory Michael Laskowski, Judeth Brannon Corry, Helge Burghard Herwig Klockow, Allyson Joy Jimenez-Huyke, Shailesh Singh Bhaisora, Steven Craig Russell, Karl Hardcastle, Jennifer Lynn Moyer, Scott Reginald Parent, Yulianto Salahuddin Mohsin
  • Publication number: 20140059930
    Abstract: A coal gasifier is retrofitted to achieve multiple advantages such as reduced oxygen consumption, reduced CO2 and NOx emissions, better H:C ratio, better carbon conversion etc. This is achieved by dividing the coal into at least two zones and modifying the gasifier and operating it as described. The coal is injected into a first zone, configured to devolatilize a substantial portion of the injected coal to produce coal char and volatiles. The operation is tuned to substantially consume the oxidant injected in the first zone. A low-calorific-value, high oxidant feedstock is injected in second zone of the gasifier. The devolatilization of the low-calorific-value, high oxidant content feedstock provides the oxygen containing compounds which gasify at least a portion of the coal char generated in the first zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vladimir Zamansky, Vitali Victor Lissianski, Boris Nikolaevich Eiteneer, Wei Wei, Ravichandra Srinivasa Jupudi, Ramanathan Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8647401
    Abstract: A gasification system and method for converting organic materials into a usable syngas are provided. The gasification system includes a kiln for receiving a feedstock; a means for heating the kiln; a steam reforming reactor; and means for inductively heating the steam reforming reactor to drive the gasification reactions. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel processing system includes a steam reforming reactor that is at least partially filled with thermal transmitters which receive electromagnetic energy and generate heat within the steam reforming reactor. The organic material to be used as feedstock may include but will not be limited to petrochemical streams, refinery streams, natural gas, crude oil, coal, plastics, municipal wastes, toxic and hazardous wastes, biomass, medical wastes, and automobile wastes. The syngas that is produced in this process may consist primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shaw Intellectual Property Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Self, Robert A. Olexy, Steve Cochran
  • Patent number: 8641991
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods and systems for processing biomass into usable products, wherein such methods and systems involve an integration into conventional refineries and/or conventional refinery processes. Such methods and systems provide for an enhanced ability to utilize biofuels efficiently, and they can, at least in some embodiments, be used in hybrid refineries alongside conventional refinery processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Schinski
  • Patent number: 8636818
    Abstract: An apparatus which includes: a carbonizer (1) which pyrolyzes a biomass to yield a pyrolysis gas and a carbonization product; a furnace (2) in which the carbonization product supplied from the carbonizer (1) is burned; a closed vessel (3) which is disposed in the furnace (2) and holds therein a carbonate (4) which has been melted by the heat generated by the carbonization product burned in the furnace (2); an introduction pipe (5) disposed so that the pyrolysis gas is introduced into the molten carbonate (4) in the closed vessel (3); and a fuel gas supply pipe (6) disposed so that a fuel gas, which is the pyrolysis gas sent through the introduction pipe (5), passed through the molten carbonate (4), and purified by reaction with the molten carbonate (4), is sent from the closed vessel (3) to the outside of the furnace (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventors: Makoto Kawase, Kazuyoshi Ichikawa, Maromu Ohtaka, Hiroshi Morita
  • Patent number: 8632615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for producing synthetic gas from biomass by high temperature gasification, including: feeding raw material, carbonizing, pulverizing the charcoal, and transporting charcoal powder to the gasification furnace for gasification. Prior to pulverizing, the charcoal is reduced to a normal pressure by a decompression feeding system of charcoal, pulverized into powders, and transported to a supercharging feeding system of charcoal powder by normal pressure transport gas. The pressurized charcoal powder is transported to gasifier. The high-temperature charcoal at an outlet of carbonization furnace is cooled to 60-200° C. by a cooler, and transported into the decompression feeding system to be depressurized. The charcoal powder with pressurized is ejected to gasifier by an ejector, pyrolysis gas produced from carbonization furnace is used as carrier gas, and the ratio of solid to gas in the transportation pipe for charcoal powder is controlled at between 0.03 and 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wuhan Kaidi Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haiqing Zhang, Shirong Zhang, Qin Sun, Peng Qiu, Shenghua Zheng
  • Publication number: 20130340339
    Abstract: A gasifying apparatus including a variable gasifier and used as both a power generator and a combustion boiler and a method of driving the same are disclosed. A combustion boiler and a generator engine, driven with synthesis gas, are associated with a single gasifier, and the gasifying apparatus produces synthesis gas proper to a technical field of the gasifier by selectively applying an upflow gasifier and a downflow gasifier according to the technical field of the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Jae Goo LEE, Sang Jun YOON, Yong Ku KIM, Jae Ho KIM
  • Publication number: 20130340322
    Abstract: The process described in this embodiment relates to the field of synthetic fuel and synthetic chemical production through co-processing methods such as pyrolysis, combustion, gasification, distillation, catalytic synthesis, methanol synthesis, hydro-treatment, and hydrogenation, cavitation, bioreaction, and water treatment. The inventions described herein relates to synthetic hydrocarbons derived from various carbonaceous materials such as biomass, solid municipal waste and coal which can be converted into typical industrial products and various unique synthetic fuels. The byproducts of each process are directed to other processes for additional product yield and to reduce waste and emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Roy Cameron Knight, Lori L. Onjukka, Rolf L. Onjukka, Yuonne Mae Parrack
  • Publication number: 20130326953
    Abstract: Provided is a gasification method of a carbon-containing material, the method including: (a) reacting a carbon-containing material to be treated under the presence of a catalyst with steam to produce a syngas containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; (b) generating a carbon dioxide rich gas by introducing a portion of the syngas that has produced in step (a) into a combustion process, and/or separating hydrogen and carbon monoxide from the syngas produced in step (a); and (c) recycling, to step (a), the carbon dioxide rich gas that has been produced in step (b). By the method, the necessity of separating or collecting and storing carbon dioxide for reducing carbon dioxide is eliminated to minimize costs for constructing a special device and facility for the separation or collecting and storage of the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SK INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Hong Kim, Ja Hyun Yang, IL Yong Jeong, Dae Hee Cho, Jeong Mook Kim, Ok Youn Kim, Jong Chan Lee, Gyoo Tae Kim, Joo Won Park, Sam Ryong Park, Sun Choi, Seung Hoon Oh, Hyun Min Shim
  • Publication number: 20130326954
    Abstract: A process for controlling the carbon conversion of a gasifier fuelled with a carbonaceous feedstock by mixing in biomass, the process comprising the steps of (a) pressurizing the biomass and carbonaceous feedstock; (b) introducing the biomass and carbonaceous feedstock into the gasification reactor vessel; (c) partially oxidizing the carbonaceous feedstock/biomass with a molecular oxygen-comprising gas to obtain a synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen; (d) measuring the C02 content of the syngas and comparing with a pre-determined value range; (e) adjusting the biomass/carbonaceous feedstock ratio by changing the biomass feed rate; wherein said biomass and carbonaceous feedstock comprises from 10 wt % to 50 wt % of biomass and wherein the level of biomass is adjusted within this range to control the carbon conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Sander Van Paasen
  • Patent number: 8603204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating a synthesis gas (SG) from biomass (BM) by entrained-flow gasification. The device comprises a treatment plant (1), in which the biomass (BM) is supplied to a coarse crushing device (2), which is connected downstream via a first lock (3) to a pressurized carbonization plant (4) for the hydrothermal generation of carbonization char (KK) from the biomass (BM). The carbonization plant (4) comprises at least one preheating device (5) and a carbonization reactor (6) arranged downstream of the preheating device (5) and is connected downstream via a second lock (11) to at least one solid-liquid separation device (12, 13) for providing a fuel. A drying device (16) for drying the fuel is provided downstream of the solid-liquid separation device (12, 13), with a crushing device (18) for crushing the fuel to form pulverized fuel (BS) having particle sizes in the range of 55 ?m to 500 ?m being connected downstream of the drying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Linde AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Rüger, Olaf Schulze, Anton Althapp, Christian Eichhorn, Horst Kretschmer
  • Publication number: 20130312328
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for recycling fine ash particles for a multiphase chemical reactor (MCR), wherein coal is partially oxidized in the MCR to produce an exit gas stream in which fine ash particles are entrained, and wherein the MCR comprises a high temperature region with a temperature at or above a fusion temperature of the fine ash particles, wherein substantially all of the fine ash particles from the exit gas stream are returned to the high temperature region, to achieve improved carbon conversion and reduction in fly ash quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Synthesis Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chunfa Xu, Long Wu
  • Patent number: 8591610
    Abstract: A system, for production of high-quality syngas, comprising a first dual fluidized bed loop having a fluid bed conditioner operable to produce high quality syngas comprising a first percentage of components other than CO and H2 from a gas feed, wherein the conditioner comprises an outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream comprising a catalytic heat transfer material and having a first temperature, and an inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream comprising catalytic heat transfer material and having a second temperature greater than the first temperature; a fluid bed combustor operable to combust fuel and oxidant, wherein the fluid bed combustor comprises an inlet connected with the outlet for a first catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner, and an outlet connected with the inlet for a second catalytic heat transfer stream of the conditioner; and a catalytic heat transfer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: George Apanel, Harold A. Wright
  • Patent number: 8591608
    Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion zone where a gas is introduced and fuel is combusted and at least one sensor for measuring a predetermined condition in the gasifier. A grate subsystem contains the fuel and includes at least one grinding mechanism. A controller is responsive to the at least one sensor and controls the grinding mechanism by activating the grinding mechanism if the predetermined condition exists to reduce the collection of non-fuel products on the grate subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: MSW Power Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Young, Steven Anthony, Stephen Armstrong, Steven Chase
  • Patent number: 8574327
    Abstract: A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
  • Patent number: 8574329
    Abstract: A method of operating a gasifier is provided that envisions dividing the gasifier into multiple zones. A high-calorific-value feedstock with an oxidant is injected in the first zone. The gasifier is operated to substantially consume the oxidant within the first gasification zone. The method of operating the gasifier further includes injecting a low-calorific-value, high-oxygen-content feedstock in a second gasification zone. The low-calorific-value, high-oxygen-content feedstock is devolatilized and gasified in second zone. A method of operation provides for a synergistic co-gasification of the high-calorific-value feedstock and the low-calorific-value, high oxidant content feedstock. The method provides for specific control actions that enable operation of multi-fuel, multizone gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vladimir Zamansky, Vitali Lissianski, Boris Nikolaevich Eiteneer, Wei Wei, Ravichandra Srinivasa Jupudi, Ramanathan Subramanian
  • Patent number: 8574326
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a low tar, renewable fuel gas from biomass and using it in other energy conversion devices, many of which were designed for use with gaseous and liquid fossil fuels. An automated, downdraft gasifier incorporates extensive air injection into the char bed to maintain the conditions that promote the destruction of residual tars. The resulting fuel gas and entrained char and ash are cooled in a special heat exchanger, and then continuously cleaned in a filter prior to usage in standalone as well as networked power systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Afognak Native Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Diebold, Arthur Lilley, Kingsbury Browne, III, Robb Ray Walt, Dustin Duncan, Michael Walker, John Steele, Michael Fields, Trevor Smith
  • Publication number: 20130269252
    Abstract: A low-temperature gasification system comprising a horizontally oriented gasifier is provided that optimizes the extraction of gaseous molecules from carbonaceous feedstock while minimizing waste heat. The system comprises a plurality of integrated subsystems that work together to convert municipal solid waste (MSW) into electricity. The subsystems comprised by the low-temperature gasification system are: a Municipal Solid Waste Handling System; a Plastics Handling System; a Horizontally Oriented Gasifier with Lateral Transfer Units System; a Gas Reformulating System; a Heat Recycling System; a Gas Conditioning System; a Residue Conditioning System; a Gas Homogenization System and a Control System.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Kenneth Craig Campbell, Douglas Michael Feasby, Thomas Edward Wagler, Alisdair Alan McLean, Scott Douglas Basham, Mao Pei Cui, Zhiyuan Shen, Ashish Chotaliya, Nipun Soni, Geoffrey Dobbs, Pascale Bonnie Marceau, Xiaoping Zou
  • Patent number: 8551199
    Abstract: A method of recycling a tail gas includes converting sulfur present in an acid gas stream into elemental sulfur to produce a tail gas and recycling the tail gas to at least one of a gasification reactor and a gas removal subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pradeep S. Thacker, George Morris Gulko, Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8551213
    Abstract: A system of coal gasification and direct ironmaking attains both heat recovery in a coal-based direct ironmaking process and a reduction in equipment investment in a coal gasification process. A waste heat boiler in the system recovers heat of gas exhausted from a coal gasification furnace. A heater in exhaust gas lines of a heat reduction furnace in the coal-based direct ironmaking process superheats the steam generated by and exhausted from the waste heat boiler. A superheated steam line supplies the steam superheated by the heater as an oxidant to the coal gasification furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Tateishi, Masahiro Motoyuki
  • Patent number: 8545581
    Abstract: Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Foster A. Agblevor
  • Publication number: 20130247846
    Abstract: A plant and a method for the production of energy from coal CM. In the plant, a macroapparatus comprises: an updraft gasifier, a dedusting unit; an evaporative cooler; a scrubber; and a humidifier. The cooler and the scrubber each comprise means for spraying an aqueous mixture into the gas, a basin for storing a quantity of condensed aqueous mixture, a recirculation circuit for removing the aqueous mixture from the basin and supplying it to the spraying means, and a bleed for removing the condensed pollutants and conveying them to the gasifier. The scrubber also comprises a heat exchanger along the recirculation circuit. The humidifier comprises: means for spraying into an oxygenated gas the aqueous mixture drawn from the cooler basin; a line for supplying the wet oxygenated gas to the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOAR ENERGY RESOURCES LLC
    Inventor: Giovanni Cappello
  • Patent number: 8529644
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a corresponding apparatus for converting a biomass reactant into synthesis gas. The method includes the steps of (1) heating biomass in a first molten liquid bath at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is at least about 100° C., but less than the decomposition temperature of the biomass, wherein gas comprising water is evaporated and air is pressed from the biomass, thereby yielding dried biomass with minimal air content. (2) Recapturing the moisture evaporated from the biomass in step 1 for use in the process gas. (3) Heating the dried biomass in a second molten liquid bath at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is sufficiently high to cause flash pyrolysis of the dried biomass, thereby yielding product gases, tar, and char. (4) Inserting recaptured steam into the process gas, which may optionally include external natural gas or hydrogen gas or recycled syngas for mixing and reforming with tar and non-condensable gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Mark A. Dietenberger, Mark H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8529646
    Abstract: A process is provided, which comprises transforming a synthesis gas into a liquid fuel, producing a fuel gas using the liquid fuel and a first gas, the first gas having an oxygen content less than that of ambient air, and contacting the fuel gas with a second gas, the second gas comprising at least one oxidizing agent, to form a combustion gas. Systems for carrying out the process are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: LPP Combustion LLC
    Inventors: Leo D. Eskin, Richard J. Roby, Michael S. Klassen, Michael J. Ramotowski
  • Patent number: 8529648
    Abstract: A process of producing a combustible gas from a solid sulfur-containing carbonaceous fuel is provided. In the process, an aqueous solution is provided. A solute of the solution is a carbonate salt of an alkali metal. Particles of the fuel and the aqueous solution are mixed (26) to form a mixture. The mixture is fed into a gasifier (22) that contains molten salts of the alkali metal. The fuel is partially combusted in the gasifier to produce the combustible gas. At least a portion of the carbonate salt in the aqueous solution may be recovered (24) from a molten sulfide salt. The molten sulfide salt may be taken from the molten salts in the gasifier (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur L. Kohl
  • Patent number: 8518134
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gasification reactor (1) and associated method for the entrained-flow gasification of solid fuels under pressure. The reactor essentially consists of a pressure vessel (4) that can be cooled and an inner jacket (7) that is equipped with a heat shield. At least one crude gas outflow (8) is located at the upper end of the cylindrical pressure vessel and at least one bottoms withdrawal outlet (30) is located at the lower end, the pressure vessel having at least enough space for a moving bed (13), an entrained flow (11) that circulates internally above the surface of the moving bed and a buffer zone (3) situated above said entrained bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg
    Inventors: Bernd Meyer, Peter Seifert, Steffen Krzack, Sirko Ogriseck, Hardy Rauchfuss, Mathias Rieger, Michael Trompelt, Stefan Guhl
  • Patent number: 8507567
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Gyco, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary C. Young
  • Patent number: 8506672
    Abstract: A system of coal gasification and direct ironmaking attains both heat recovery in a coal-based direct ironmaking process and a reduction in equipment investment in a coal gasification process. A waste heat boiler in the system recovers heat of gas exhausted from a coal gasification furnace. A heater in exhaust gas lines of a heat reduction furnace in the coal-based direct ironmaking process superheats the steam generated by and exhausted from the waste heat boiler. A superheated steam line supplies the steam superheated by the heater as an oxidant to the coal gasification furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Tateishi, Masahiro Motoyuki
  • Patent number: 8506917
    Abstract: In a circulating fluidized-bed gasification system, an ammonia-off gas 30 from an ammonia remover 25 is fed to a catalytic denitrator 15 with a flow rate regulated such that a molar ratio of the ammonia in the ammonia off-gas 30 from the ammonia recover 25 to nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas 6 from a combustion furnace 1 is kept within a setting range, and a reminder of the ammonia off-gas 30 is fed to the combustion furnace 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ohara, Koki Hamada
  • Patent number: 8491680
    Abstract: A gasifier waste stream from a gasification process is directed to a solids separator. A portion of the suspended solids in the waste stream is removed in the solids separator, producing slag and fly ash and a grey water effluent. The grey water effluent is directed to one or more ceramic membranes which remove at least portions of the remaining suspended solids in the grey water. Permeate from the ceramic membrane is directed to an evaporator located downstream from the ceramic membrane for further concentration. Placing the ceramic membrane upstream from the evaporator reduces fouling and plugging in the evaporator that would otherwise occur due to the suspended solids in the grey water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies North America, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Shaw, Stanton R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8486165
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gasification system includes a black water processing system with flash tanks. The flash tanks may separate gases from black water to produce a first discharge of the black water and another discharge of separated gases. The gasification system also includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat from the discharge of separated gases to a process stream of the gasification system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alay S Arya, Saumar Jyoti Hazarika, Ganesh Arumugam
  • Patent number: 8486168
    Abstract: A method for the gasification of solid fuel to produce combustible effluent, comprising the steps of: partially oxidizing a biomass fuel in a first oxidation zone to produce char; reducing the char in a reduction zone to form ash; further oxidizing any char residue ash in a second oxidation zone; and extracting the combustible effluent produced in the above steps, by a discharge pipe wherein in the first oxidation zone the gas flow is in the same direction as fuel flow and in the second oxidation zone the gas flow is in the opposite direction to the fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ITI Energy Limited
    Inventors: Murat Dogru, Galip Akay
  • Patent number: 8480768
    Abstract: A gasifier 10 includes a first chemical process loop 12 having an exothermic oxidizer reactor 14 and an endothermic reducer reactor 16. CaS is oxidized in air in the oxidizer reactor 14 to form hot CaSO4 which is discharged to the reducer reactor 16. Hot CaSO4 and carbonaceous fuel received in the reducer reactor 16 undergo an endothermic reaction utilizing the heat content of the CaSO4, the carbonaceous fuel stripping the oxygen from the CaSO4 to form CaS and a CO rich syngas. The CaS is discharged to the oxidizer reactor 14 and the syngas is discharged to a second chemical process loop 52. The second chemical process loop 52 has a water-gas shift reactor 54 and a calciner 42. The CO of the syngas reacts with gaseous H2O in the shift reactor 54 to produce H2 and CO2. The CO2 is captured by CaO to form hot CaCO3 in an exothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Herbert E. Andrus, Jr., Michael S. McCartney
  • Patent number: 8480767
    Abstract: A fluidized bed gasification system is provided in which bed material and raw material are passed throughout a fluidized bed gasification furnace so that raw material is gasified with higher gasification efficiency to improve gasification productivity. A heat-resistant partition 32 for regulation of bed material flow is arranged between positions I and II of a downcomer 12 of a separator 8 and of a supply flow passage 25 in plane of a fluidized bed gasification furnace 2. As a result, the bed material introduced via the downcomer 12 is directed to a supply flow passage 25 through a circuitous flow passage 33 throughout the fluidized bed gasification furnace 2 defined by the heat-resistant partition 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Matsuzawa, Toshiyuki Suda, Hironobu Fujiyoshi, Makoto Takafuji, Kenichiro Kondo
  • Publication number: 20130167441
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of power engineering and, more specifically, to systems for generating electricity based on the use of solid fuel, primarily brown and black coal. In the coal gasification method, a gasifier is fed with a uniform activated coal water fuel, the droplets of which are of equal size and the coal particles in said droplets having a similar granulometric composition. The fuel droplets are introduced intermittently in separate doses of fuel with a certain amount of motion being imparted thereto. The milling of the coal for the activated coal water fuel preparation method is adjusted adaptively according to the criterion of the actual amount of volatile substances given off by the coal, and the coal is thoroughly classified according to its granulometric composition. The invention provides for more extensive recovery of thermal energy from coal and more efficient electricity generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ASTRA INTERECOTECH PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Vladimir Petrovich Sevastyanov
  • Patent number: 8475551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for reformulating of an input gas from a gasification reaction into a reformulated gas. More specifically, a gas reformulating system having a gas reformulating chamber, one or more plasma torches, one or more oxygen source(s) inputs and control system is provided thereby allowing for the conversion of an input gas from a gasification reaction into a gas of desired composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Plasco Energy Group Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Kenneth Craig Campbell, Mao Pei Cui, Geoffrey Dobbs, Douglas Michael Feasby, Zhiyuan Shen
  • Patent number: 8475587
    Abstract: Method of improving the product properties of clinker in the firing of raw meal in a clinker or cement furnace in which at least part of the fuels used are low-heating-value or alternative fuels, waste products containing organic substances or low-heating-value or alternative fuels are subjected to thermal dissociation and reaction of the dissociation products using radiant energy. The product gas or synthesis gas formed in this way is fed to the burners of the main firing facility to increase the flame temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Holcim Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Albert Obrist, Peter Von Zedtwitz, Christian Wieckert
  • Patent number: 8460410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials. The invention includes partial combustion of dry solids and pyrolysis of carbonaceous material slurry in two separate reactor sections and produce mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The invention employs one or more catalytic or sorbent bed for removing tar from the synthesis gas. The inventive system and process allow a gasification to be carried out under higher slurry feeding rate and lower temperature with the provision to manage the tar being produced, therefore to increase the conversion efficiency of the overall gasification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Albert C. Tsang, Chancelor L. Williams, Max W. Thompson, David L. Breton
  • Publication number: 20130133305
    Abstract: A system includes a gasifier having a first enclosure having a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first interior volume. The first inlet is configured to receive a first fuel feedstock into the first interior volume, and the first outlet is configured to output a first syngas away from the first interior volume. The system also includes a plasma gasifier disposed downstream from the first outlet and coupled to a waste stream produced by the gasifier from the first fuel feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8444725
    Abstract: Production of synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fuel from carbon containing moieties such as biomass, coal, methane, naphtha as a carbon source and hydrogen from a carbon-free energy source is disclosed. The biomass can be fed to a gasifier along with hydrogen, oxygen, steam and recycled carbon dioxide. The synthesis gas from the gasifier exhaust is sent to a liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor to form liquid hydrocarbon molecules. Unreacted CO & H2 can be recycled to the gasifier along with CO2 from the liquid hydrocarbon conversion reactor system. Hydrogen can be obtained from electrolysis of water, thermo-chemical cycles or directly by using energy from carbon-free energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Rakesh Agrawal, Navneet R. Singh
  • Patent number: 8444723
    Abstract: Provided is a fluidized bed gasification method wherein an amount of solid particles to be circulated in a fluidized bed combustion furnace is controlled to enhance gasification efficiency in the furnace. It is the fluidized bed gasification method with fluidized bed combustion and gasification furnaces 30 and 43, char and solid particles produced upon gasification of raw material 51 in the gasification furnace 43 being circulated to the combustion furnace 30. A circulated amount of the solid particles in the combustion furnace is controlled by varying the same in a range of 6 to 30 with respect to an air flow rate, thereby facilitating heat transmission to the raw material 51.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiro Fujimori, Hidehisa Tani, Toshiyuki Suda, Yoshiaki Matsuzawa, Kenichiro Kondo