Coal Patents (Class 48/210)
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Publication number: 20080110090Abstract: A process for gasification of carbon-containing fuel is taught. The process includes heating carbon-containing fuel in a container, introducing air into the container in controlled quantifies to maintain substoichiometric conditions; removing syngas from the container and, removing slag from the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Edward Zawadzki, William Britton, Herbert Ligon, Frederick J. Murrell, John Simmons
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Patent number: 7371265Abstract: A gas generator with the sole input of air, water and coal that continuously produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide and further reacts these two gases into alcohol. This gas generator/reactor is using its own by-products and is therefore also self sustaining.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Sten R. Gerfast
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Publication number: 20080098654Abstract: Carbon-containing tail gases and pollutants in a coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process, or other liquid fuel production process, may be reacted to produce additional synthesis gas which may be used to produce liquid fuels and hydrocarbons or which may be recycled within the liquid fuel production process to improve conversion of carbon to liquid fuels or hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Robert S. Cherry, Richard A. Wood
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Publication number: 20080047198Abstract: A method and device for evacuating ash and slag from reactors for pressure gasification of fuels, said fuels including coals of various ranks, cokes or ash-containing liquids or liquid-solid suspensions, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar at gasification temperatures ranging between 800 and 1,800° C. There is a water circuit for loosening the deposited slag between a gasification chamber downstream of which there is mounted a quench chamber to which there is connected a slag lock hopper. Circuit water is supplied to the upper and lower part of the quench chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Friedemann Mehlhose, Manfred Schingnitz
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Publication number: 20080005966Abstract: A method and device for cooling hot crude gas and slag from entrained flow gasification of liquid and solid combustibles at crude gas temperatures ranging from 1,200 to 1,800° C. and at pressures of up to 80 bar in a cooling chamber disposed downstream of the gasification reactor by injecting water. The cooling water is distributed, with a first portion being finely dispersed into to cooling chamber and a second portion being fed at the bottom into an annular gap provided between the pressure-carrying tank wall and an incorporated metal apron for protecting said pressure-carrying tank wall. The second portion of the cooling water flows upward in the annular gap and trickles down the inner side of the metal apron in the form of a water film.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventors: Norbert Fischer, Dietmar Degenkolb, Friedemann Mehlhose, Manfred Schingnitz
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Patent number: 7267698Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Joseph Frank Pierce, Jr.
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Patent number: 7247281Abstract: A methanation assembly for use with a water supply and a gas supply containing gas to be methanated in which a reactor assembly has a plurality of methanation reactors each for methanating gas input to the assembly and a gas delivery and cooling assembly adapted to deliver gas from the gas supply to each of said methanation reactors and to combine water from the water supply with the output of each methanation reactor being conveyed to a next methanation reactor and carry the mixture to such next methanation reactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Fred C. Jahnke, Sanjay C. Parab
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Patent number: 7241323Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Serio, Erik Kroo, Marek A. Wojtowicz, Eric M. Suuberg
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Patent number: 7226566Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: Fred P. Beierle
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Patent number: 7214252Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Herhof Umwelttechnik GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Krumm, Günter Funk, Stefan Hamel
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Patent number: 7169197Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Serio, Erik Kroo, Marek A. Wojtowicz, Eric M. Suuberg
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Patent number: 7097676Abstract: A process and a device are provided for producing hydrogen gas from water and carbon. The process includes introducing steam and powdered carbon in stoichiometric ratio of carbon to water into a preheated oxidization chamber in such a way that a gas plasma is produced in which the steam is decomposed into its hydrogen and oxygen gas components and oxygen is combined with carbon to form carbon dioxide gas in an exothermic reaction at temperatures above 2000° C., and separating the carbon dioxide gas from the hydrogen gas. The device for conducting this process has an oxidization chamber defined in a hollow body and being provided with a preheater and having at least one inlet port for introducing steam into the oxidization chamber, at least one inlet port for introducing powdered carbon into the oxidization chamber, and at least one exit port for carrying off generated hydrogen gas and/or generated carbon dioxide gas from the oxidization chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventors: Norman Wootan, Kenneth Hawkins
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Patent number: 6997965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, The Institute of Applied EnergyInventor: Yukuo Katayama
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Patent number: 6960234Abstract: A gasifier is disclosed combining a fixed bed gasification section where coarse fuel is gasified and an entrained flow gasification section where fine fuel is gasified. The fixed bed section includes upper and lower sections. Coarse fuel is devolatilized in the upper fixed bed section and subjected to elevated temperatures sufficient to crack and destroy tars and oils in the effluent gases. The entrained flow gasification section is disposed in a lower plenum adjacent the lower fixed bed section. A plurality of injection ports are configured to introduce oxygen, steam, or air into different sections of the gasifier to control temperature and operating conditions. Activated carbon may be formed in the upper fixed bed section and in the entrained flow section. The activated carbon may be used as a sorbent to remove pollutants from the effluent gases. The gasifier may be used with various coarse and fine fuel feedstocks.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Emery Energy Company, L.L.C.Inventor: Scott E. Hassett
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Patent number: 6955695Abstract: This invention discloses improvements on previous inventions for catalytic conversion of coal and steam to methane. The disclosed improvements permit conversion of petroleum residua or heavy crude petroleum to methane and carbon dioxide such that nearly all of the heating value of the converted hydrocarbons is recovered as heating value of the product methane. The liquid feed is distributed over a fluidized solid particulate catalyst containing alkali metal and carbon as petroleum coke at elevated temperature and pressure from the lower stage and transported to the upper stage of a two-stage reactor. Particulate solids containing carbon and alkali metal are circulated between the two stages. Superheated steam and recycled hydrogen and carbon monoxide are fed to the lower stage, fluidizing the particulate solids and gasifying some of the carbon. The gas phase from the lower stage passes through the upper stage, completing the reaction of the gas phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Petro 2020, LLCInventor: Nicholas Charles Nahas
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Patent number: 6911058Abstract: A method for producing clean energy from coal by feeding the coal in a reactor which is sealed to the atmosphere and moving the coal in the reactor while injecting oxygen to combust a portion of the coal in a substoichiometric mode to devolatilize the coal and yield a pressurized hydrogen rich raw gas which contains coal-derived cancer causing distillates and hydrocarbons together with a hot char. The distillates and the hydrocarbons are cracked to result in a cracked gas of essentially 2H2 and 1CO which after desulfurization becomes an ideal synthesis gas that can be synthesized to a liquid fuel for heating and transportation as an alternate to petroleum. The hot char is gasified in an air blown gasifier to produce a fuel gas and a molten slag which are jointly directed out of the gasifier through a common port which is maintained open for the free flow of both.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Calderon Syngas CompanyInventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis
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Apparatus for converting coal into fuel cell quality hydrogen and sequestration-ready carbon dioxide
Patent number: 6911057Abstract: An apparatus for burning coal to produce substantially pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells, together with “sequestration ready” carbon dioxide and a stream of oxygen depleted air for powering gas turbines. The apparatus includes two fluidized bed reactors and a third transfer line reactor. The first reactor is supplied with coal particles or “char” and fluidized with high temperature steam. The second reactor is fluidized with high temperature steam and the third reactor is fluidized by compressed air. Solids circulated among these three reactors include a mixture of materials containing coal, calcium compounds (present as CaO, CaCO3 and mixtures thereof) and iron compounds (present as FeO, Fe2O3 and mixtures thereof).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Richard K. Lyon -
Publication number: 20040261316Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
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Patent number: 6827912Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbHInventors: Manfred Schingnitz, Christian Reuther, Dietmar Degenkolb
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Publication number: 20040232046Abstract: An apparatus as a suitable embodiment, wherein a reactor (102) has a nozzle (means for supplying a raw material, an oxidizing agent and water) (103), a high temperature and high pressure gas formed by reacting the raw material with oxygen or the like in an oxidizing agent under a water-containing atmosphere is introduced to a heat exchanger (104) which is provided between a pressure vessel (101) and the reactor (102), the pressure vessel (101) has a water inlet (114) connected with a water supply line (106) and an opening (117) for a discharge line (105) for a formed gas which is connected with the heat exchanger (104), and the nozzle (103) has a flow route for supplying water present between the pressure vessel (101) and the reactor (102) to the inside of the reactor(102); and a method for pyrolysis and gasification using the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Kazuaki Ota, Wenbin Dai, Wataru Saiki, Gang Bai, Ryouhei Mori
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Publication number: 20040231243Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Chikao Goke, Nobuya Azuma, Masaaki Irie, Kazuo Takano, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Kazuaki Watanabe
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Patent number: 6808543Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Ferco Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
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Publication number: 20040182003Abstract: Facility for producing synthesis gas from a solid feedstock including organic matter, said facility including means for circulating a heat-carrying solid providing the heat necessary for such production, and several stages including gasification means (Z1, Z3), intermediate separation means (Z2, Z4) for separating the effluents coming from each stage, and combustion means (Z5).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Jerome Bayle, Eric Marty
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Publication number: 20040182001Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: Renaissance Recycling, Inc.Inventors: Blaine Masemore, Robert Zarrizski
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Patent number: 6790383Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Hyun Yong Kim
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Publication number: 20040107638Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Applicant: Nexterra Energy CorporationInventors: Robert G. Graham, Jan Barynin
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Patent number: 6746497Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Kinsei Sangyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masamoto Kaneko
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Publication number: 20040083651Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of supporting a process for gasifying a variety of hydrocarbon-containing materials. The resulting hydrogen-containing gas is suitable for use in various combustion processes and for petrochemical processes. A hydrocarbon-containing material is mixed with natural gas (or other suitable hydrocarbon gas) under pressure. The suspended material and gas are then injected under pressure into an acceleration/gasification tube. Intense heat (provided by an external energy source) is applied to the mixture as it travels through this tube, resulting in the cracking of the hydrocarbon chains and the release of additional energy. The released bond energy, along with the addition of the external energy, rapidly expands the gas and causes the velocity of the moving mixture to rise sharply as it proceeds down the tube. The acceleration/gasification tube is connected to a diffuser, which is essentially an expansion nozzle with a series of heat exchangers to cool the rapidly expanding gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas W. Kaufman, Verner Christensen
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Publication number: 20040060237Abstract: A process for burning coal to produce substantially pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells, together with “sequestration ready” carbon dioxide and a stream of oxygen depleted air for powering gas turbines, characterized by using a combination of two fluidized bed reactors and a third transfer line reactor, the first reactor being supplied with coal particles or “char” and fluidized with high temperature steam; the second reactor being fluidized with high temperature steam and the third reactor being fluidized by compressed air. Solids circulated among these three reactors include a mixture of materials containing calcium compounds (present as CaO, CaCO3 and mixtures thereof) and iron compounds (present as FeO, Fe2O3 and mixtures thereof). The coal is gasified by the steam in the presence of CaO to produce CaCO3 and relatively pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells per a CO2 acceptor process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jerald A. Cole
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Publication number: 20040060236Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Kunio Yoshikawa, Narumi Suzuki
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Publication number: 20040055216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Bruno Berger, Ernst Rudelstorfer
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Publication number: 20040025437Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Paul Douglas Williams
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Patent number: 6685754Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2:CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Alchemix CorporationInventors: James Kelly Kindig, Thomas E. Weyand
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Publication number: 20040006917Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2002Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: David W. Wakefield, Robert Glover Jackson
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Patent number: 6676716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Fujimura, Shosaku Fujinami, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Takahiro Oshita, Masaaki Irie, Kazuo Takano
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Patent number: 6669917Abstract: A process for burning coal to produce substantially pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells, together with “sequestration ready” carbon dioxide and a stream of oxygen depleted air for powering gas turbines, characterized by using a combination of two fluidized bed reactors and a third transfer line reactor, the first reactor being supplied with coal particles or “char” and fluidized with high temperature steam; the second reactor being fluidized with high temperature steam and the third reactor being fluidized by compressed air. Solids circulated among these three reactors include a mixture of materials containing calcium compounds (present as CaO, CaCO3 and mixtures thereof) and iron compounds (present as FeO, Fe2O3 and mixtures thereof). The coal is gasified by the steam in the presence of CaO to produce CaCO3 and relatively pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells per a CO2 acceptor process.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventor: Richard K. Lyon
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Patent number: 6663681Abstract: A method for the production of hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is formed by steam reduction using a metal/metal oxide couple to remove oxygen from water. Steam is contacted with a molten metal mixture including a first reactive metal such as iron dissolved in a diluent metal such as tin. The reactive metal oxidizes to a metal oxide, forming a hydrogen gas and the metal oxide can then be reduced back to the metal for further production of hydrogen without substantial movement of the metal or metal oxide to a second reactor.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Alchemix CorporationInventors: James Kelly Kindig, Boyd R. Davis, Robert R. Odle, Thomas E. Weyand
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Patent number: 6664302Abstract: The invention provides a method by which low-rank coal may be processed to provide a high-energy feedstock for coal gasification and synthesis gas production. Preliminary coal, preparation, which may include washing and drying, is followed by wax-impregnation to produce a high-energy, low-moisture, stable feedstock. The wax is preferably obtained from an on-site Fischer-Tropsch reactor that also produces diesel fuel and naptha.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: GTL EnergyInventors: Robert French, Robert A. Reeves, Charles B. Benham
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Publication number: 20030140559Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Wolfgang Krumm, Gunter Funk, Stefan Hamel, Christian Mertens
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Publication number: 20030109762Abstract: A method for pyrolysis, characterized in that a material to be treated is heated to a temperature lower than the decomposition temperature of dioxins and the resulting gaseous components are cooled and liquefied; and an apparatus for practicing the method comprising a heating means (1) and a cooling and liquefying means (2) for the gaseous components formed by the above heating. The method can be employed for pyrolyzing a material to be treated with safety and at a lower cost as compared to a conventional method for pyrolysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventor: Shibata Akira
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Publication number: 20030089038Abstract: A gasifier system includes a gasifier chamber, a plurality of nozzles or burners injecting and combusting a mixture including coal and oxygen within the gasifier chamber, and an ash bed disposed proximate a bottom of the gasifier chamber. Concurrent flow is generated within the gasifier such that gas and bi-products generated by the combustion of the mixture flow through the ash bed. The ash bed serves as a filter and reducing volume for the trace carbon not gasified during the combustion process. The hot gases exit the gasifier and enter a gas cooler and then a hot gas filter. Ash is unloaded from the gasifier chamber and is transferred into a quench tank, where ash settles and is removed to atmospheric conditions by a progressive pitched dewatering screw press. The dewatering screw press also serves as a seal to prevent excessive water escaping from the high pressure of gasifier operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventor: Lloyd Weaver
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Publication number: 20030079411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: Ken KANSAInventors: Ken Kansa, Yoshihide Mukouyama, Masatoshi Matsuba
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Publication number: 20030056438Abstract: The invention relates to a method of gasifying carbon-containing compounds incorporating mineral elements and/or potential contaminants, and it also relates to a gasification installation having means for containing a bath of molten slag, means for charging said compounds into said bath, means for injecting at least oxidizer into the bath so that the mixture of carbon-containing compounds and oxidizer is super-stoichiometric, whereby a first fraction of the compounds is pyrolyzed, a second fraction is subjected to a combustion reaction suitable for delivering heat energy to the bath of slag, and a third fraction diffuses into the bath, means for recovering the gas given off by the pyrolysis and the combustion of the first and second fractions, and means for lowering the temperature of a portion of the molten slag so as to allow it to solidify, thereby immobilizing at least a portion of the third fraction of the compounds containing mineral elements and/or potential contaminants.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Andre Garnier, Jacques Proot
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Patent number: 6521003Abstract: A process and an installation for treating solid carbonaceous material comprises heating the material to a temperature of about 1800° C. or higher, by means of a non-transfer arc generated plasma flame. This causes components of, or present in, the carbonaceous material to be gasified and thus to be separated or removed from any residual solid material as a hot gas phase, with residual solid material being obtained as a product. The installation comprises a vertical shaft non-transfer arc plasma reactor comprising an upper preheating zone (14) an intermediate reaction zone (16) in which at least one non-transfer arc plasma generator or reactor (40) is located and a lower cooling zone (18).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignees: Sasol Technology (Pty) Limited, Thermiron Scientific OCInventors: Jacobus Swanepoel, Ruan Lombaard, Julian Charles Mast-Ingle
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Publication number: 20030029088Abstract: A process for burning coal to produce substantially pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells, together with “sequestration ready” carbon dioxide and a stream of oxygen depleted air for powering gas turbines, characterized by using a combination of two fluidized bed reactors and a third transfer line reactor, the first reactor being supplied with coal particles or “char” and fluidized with high temperature steam; the second reactor being fluidized with high temperature steam and the third reactor being fluidized by compressed air. Solids circulated among these three reactors include a mixture of materials containing calcium compounds (present as CaO, CaCO3 and mixtures thereof) and iron compounds (present as FeO, Fe2O3 and mixtures thereof). The coal is gasified by the steam in the presence of CaO to produce CaCO3 and relatively pure hydrogen for use in fuel cells per a CO2 acceptor process.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Richard K. Lyon
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Publication number: 20030005634Abstract: A method for producing clean energy from coal by feeding the coal in a reactor which is sealed to the atmosphere and moving the coal in the reactor while injecting oxygen to combust a portion of the coal in a substoichiometric mode to devolatilize the coal and yield a pressurized hydrogen rich raw gas which contains coal-derived cancer causing distillates and hydrocarbons together with a hot char. The distillates and the hydrocarbons are cracked to result in a cracked gas of essentially 2H2 and 1CO which after desulfurization becomes an ideal synthesis gas that can be synthesized to a liquid fuel for heating and transportation as an alternate to petroleum.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Albert Calderon, Terry James Laubis
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Publication number: 20020194782Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Paisley
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Patent number: 6432368Abstract: The ammonia content of fuel gas in an IGCC power generation system is reduced through ammonia decomposition, thereby reducing the NOx emissions from the plant. The power generation system includes a gasifier, a gas turbine and at least one catalytic reactor arranged between the gasifier and the gas turbine. The catalytic reactor may be either a three stage or two stage device. The three stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift, a second catalyst which promotes CO methanation, and a third catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The two stage reactor includes a first catalyst which promotes water-gas-shift and CO methanation and a second catalyst which promotes ammonia decomposition. The plural catalytic stages may be disposed in a single vessel or successively disposed in individual vessels, and the catalysts may be in a pelletized form or coated on honeycomb structures.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alan S. Feitelberg, Raul Eduardo Ayala, Stephen Lan-Sun Hung, David Joseph Najewicz
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Patent number: 6398825Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method for supplying solid material such as hot carbonaceous material from a pyrolyzer or reactor to a furnace, is provided comprising providing a screw conveyor for receiving the solid carbonaceous material from the pyrolyzer or reactor preferably from above the conveyor and transporting it along its length to a vaned rotor preferably positioned on the axle of the screw conveyor preferably substantially near the end of the screw conveyor for supplying the carbonaceous material to the furnace.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Ormat Industries Ltd.Inventors: Boris Siniakevith, Mark Khaskin, Daniel Goldman, Benjamin Doron, Lucien Y. Bronicki, Eli Yaffe
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Publication number: 20010054256Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventor: Yukuo Katayama