Abstract: A zero-pollution wastes disposal and clean-energy generation system is improved by introducing to it a catalyst to lower down the gasification temperature and to prolong the life of the gasification reactor, a simultaneous direct and indirect heat transfer to supply the heat required for carbon-steam reaction and a means for extracting clean water from raw sewage sludge to supply the steam required by carbon-steam reaction. These improvements increase the efficiency and economy of the system and promote the smoothness of its operation.

Abstract: Lignite is treated with ligninase source to enhance its reactivity. In one embodiment, lignite is gasified in a subterranean reactor by simultaneous digestion by anaerobic ligninase producers, such as termite microflora, and acid formers and methanogens. In another embodiment, the lignite is treated with ligninase prior to digestion by the acid formers and methanogens. If desired, the lignite may be pretreated by alkaline hydrolysis.

Abstract: A process for minimizing evaporator scaling during the recovery of liquids and solids from the aqueous effluent discharged during a partial oxidation gasification, wherein the aqueous effluent contains ammonium chloride (NH.sub.4 Cl). The aqueous effluent is evaporated to produce a distillate water and a brine having an NH.sub.4 Cl concentration of about 10 to 60 weight percent. The brine can be further concentrated and ammonium chloride crystals are recovered. The distillate water is recycled to the gasification reaction. No effluent discharges to the environment.

Abstract: Method for conversion of hydrocarbons assisted by gliding electric arcs in the presence of water vapor and/or carbon dioxide.The objective of the process and the plasma assistance device to steam reforming, to the reforming with CO2 or to simultaneous reforming with an H2O/CO2 mixture of hydrocarbons is the production of gases rich in CO and H2, containing also high ratios of C2H2, C2H4 and C3H6, without formation of soot or coke. The process makes it also possible to upgrade the CO2 by converting it into CO in the presence of hydrocarbons.This mixture of valuable products is obtained in a reactor /1/ with electric gliding arcs /4/ which strike directly into an endothermic reaction medium consisting of hydrocarbons mixed with H2O and/or CO2.

Abstract: A system and method generates electricity and co-produces a hydrogen flow from coal. The electricity is generated by a turbine with a topping combustor and a solid oxide fuel cell ("SOFC") reacting syngas. The syngas is produced in a coal gasifier with a portion of the compressed air from the turbine, coal, and steam. Prior to the syngas being delivered to the topping combustor and the SOFC, it is cleaned and a portion of the hydrogen in the syngas is removed to form the hydrogen flow. Additionally, a vitiated air flow from the SOFC is directed to the topping combustor and another portion of the compressed air from the turbine directed to the SOFC after it is heated with the turbine exhaust. An aspect of the invention varies the amount of electricity generated and the volume of hydrogen co-produced based upon the demand of electricity and/or the demand of said hydrogen.

Abstract: The ammonia content of fuel gas in an IGCC power generation system is reduced through ammonia decomposition, thereby reducing the NO.sub.x 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. Alternatively, fluidized bed reactors may be used.

Abstract: There is described a method of recovering energy and/or combustible gas by thermally gasifying fuel during its partial combustion, wherein the fuel and an oxygen-containing gas are delivered to a reactor (1) and caused to circulate in a closed circuit of reactants and reaction products during partial combustion of the fuel. Circulation is effected by virtue of the fact that the reactor (1) is configured as an ejector (9) at the location of the oxygen-containing gas inlet (8), so that the gas delivered to the reactor will function to drive reactants and reaction products around the closed circuit. The invention also relates to a reactor for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: Combustible gases from a solid fuel are produced by pyrolyzing the fuel in a pyrolyzer which also produces carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material from the pyrolyzer is combusted in a furnace to produce combustion products that include hot flue gases and ash particulate. The combustion products are separated into a plurality of streams, one of which contains flue gases, and another of which contains hot ash which is directed into the pyrolyzer. Finally, the stream of flue gases from the furnace is used to dry the fuel that is supplied to said pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A catalytic gasification process and system for producing medium grade BTU gas including a gasification reactor having an inner air gasification zone, an outer steam gasification zone, a synthetic coal reaction zone, and an upper lime treating zone. The process and system of the present invention further includes a synthetic coal heating vessel which provides superheated recycled synthetic coal to the gasification reactor and a limestone treating vessel which provides superheated air and CO.sub.2 to the gasification reactor. The novel process and system of the present invention provides for the production of a medium grade BTU gas and several commercially valuable by-products with virtually no solid or liquid waste products.

Abstract: A process and system for cooling a dust-laden raw or untreated gas from the gasification of a solid carbon-containing fuel in a pressurized reactor. The gas from the reactor is introduced into a quench pipe that has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the reactor, and to which is supplied a quenching medium for direct cooling. The gas emerging from the outlet end of the quench pipe is deflected essentially by 180.degree. and, counter to the flow of the gas in the quench pipe, is guided through a cooling section that surrounds the quench pipe and is incorporated in a water-steam circuit.

Abstract: According to the apparatus and method, combustible gas having a stable composition can be formed even if the load is charged. Burners are provided in the upper and the lower regions of an entrained bed coal gasification reactor. The temperature of the product gas is kept low in the upper region and high in the lower region. The volumes of the upper and lower regions are changed to meet the load so that the rate of heat loss becomes constant even if the load changes. Since the rate of heat loss can be kept constant and consequently variation of the composition of the product gas can be suppressed small, the efficiency of the coal gasification electric power generating system can be kept constant.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing the hydrogen cyanide and ammonia content of a synthesis gas stream exiting a gasifier including mixing an iron-containing compound with a nitrogen-containing coal feed; gasifying the coal feed in the resulting mixture in an entrained flow gasifier have opposed burners under gasifying conditions thereby producing a gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; and recovering the gas stream having substantially reduced amounts of hydrogen cyanide.

Abstract: In fuel gasification, particles of, for example, coal and an oxidant are supplied to a reactor, where the coal particles are gasified. The gas thus produced may contain molten slag entrained therein and such slag could subsequently solidify and affect other components of the coal gasification apparatus. Therefore a molten slag cooling heat exchanger is positioned directly above the reactor and this cools the gas so as to cause any molten slag therein to solidify. Hence, such molten slag does not reach an evaporator above the molten slag cooling heat exchanger, so that the efficiency of the evaporator will be maintained. However, solidified molten slag may build up on heat exchange tubes of the molten slag cooling heat exchanger. Therefore, the rate of coolant supplied to the molten slag cooling heat exchanger is varied, to cause expansion and contraction which causes solidified slag to be dislodged. Hence the efficiency of the molten slag cooling heat exchanger does not deteriorate.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed reactor system having a gas cooler, with cooling surfaces, downstream of a first cyclone separator, the cooling surfaces are cleaned by introducing sufficient concentration of bed particles into the gas during, or just prior to, cooling, so that the particles mechanically dislodge deposits from, and thereby clean, the cooling surfaces. The particles are then removed downstream of the cooler by a second separator, and the bed particles separated by the second separator may be returned to the fluidized bed reactor at or just before the cooler to again be used to effect cooling. Cleaning may be practiced in spaced time intervals only (e.g. periodically or intermittently), or continuously.

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 catalytic gasification process and system for producing medium grade BTU gas including a gasification reactor having an inner air gasification zone, an outer steam gasification zone, a synthetic coal reaction zone, and an upper lime treating zone. The process and system of the present invention further includes a synthetic coal heating vessel which provides superheated recycled synthetic coal to the gasification reactor and a limestone treating vessel which provides superheated air and CO.sub.2 to the gasification reactor. The novel process and system of the present invention provides for the production of a medium grade BTU gas and several commercially valuable by-products with virtually no solid or liquid waste products.

Abstract: Heat is recovered from the hot solids discharged from the combustion chamber of a fluidized bed reactor. Hot solid particles as a result of combustion are removed either in the form of ash, or particles separated from a gas stream, and are passed into indirect heat exchange relationship with water, producing hot water. The hot water is mixed with fuel or other solid material to simultaneously heat and moisten the solid material (e.g. to a moisture content of 15-50%). The heated and moistened solid material is then fed into the combustion chamber, along with fluidizing air, to establish a fluidized bed in which combustion takes place. The heat exchange may take place in a closed heat exchange vessel, and the cooled solid particles may be discharged from the vessel through a pressure reduction valve.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing halide content of a synthesis gas stream by mixing a metal compound of potassium oxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium bicarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium oxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium carbonate, with a carbonaceous feed material which contains halide-containing compounds; gasifying the carbonaceous feed material in an entrained flow gasifier under gasifying conditions thus producing a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide; where the metal compound vaporizes and the vaporized metal compound reacts with the halide from the halide-containing compounds, thus producing a vaporized metal halide; cooling the vaporized metal halide, thus producing solid metal halide particles; passing the synthesis gas stream to a solids removal unit for removing the solid metal halide particles; and recovering the synthesis gas stream substantially free of halide-containing compounds.

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 method for producing fuels based on solid carbonaceous natural fuels which are particularly suited for non-polluting thermal power generation with gas and steam turbines in a combined cycle which is characterized in that the flow of finely-divided natural fuel is pyrolyzed at superatmospheric pressure, suitably 5 to 20 bar, and >700.degree. C.

Abstract: A method facilitating the deslagging of a partial oxidation reactor used to produce syngas is disclosed. The slag comprises vanadium trioxide and a siliceous material that accumulate on the interior walls of the partial oxidation reactor as a byproduct of the syngas production. The deslagging is accomplished by controlled oxidation, wherein the vanadium to glass weight ratio is maintained to at least about 3:2, operating the reactor at a temperature of at least about 2000.degree. F, and maintaining controlled oxidation conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium trioxide in the slag to vanadium pentoxide.

Abstract: In the filtering of high temperature (e.g. greater than 400.degree. C.) and high pressure (e.g. greater than 5 bar) gas--such as produced by pressurized fluidized bed combustion or gasification of coal--there is often a buildup of particles on the supporting elements for the filters, and on surrounding structures. This buildup of particles can damage the filter elements, or greatly reduce their effectiveness. This problem is avoided by periodically automatically cleaning the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces of the filters, as by directing high pressure gas streams at the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces. The filters may also be backflushed with compressed gas, as is conventional, at the same time as, or at different times than, when the supporting and/or surrounding structures are cleaned. Conduits with nozzles may be mounted directly on the supporting and/or surrounding surfaces and connected by a pipe with an automatically controlled valve to a source of high pressure fluid.

Abstract: Combustible gases from a solid fuel are produced by pyrolyzing the fuel in a pyrolyzer which also produces carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material from the pyrolyzer is combusted in a furnace to produce combustion products that include hot flue gases and ash particulate. The combustion products are separated into a plurality of streams, one of which contains flue gases, and another of which contains hot ash which is directed into the pyrolyzer. Finally, the stream of flue gases from the furnace is used to dry the fuel that is supplied to said pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A portion of solid fuel is pyrolyzed in a pyrolyzer to produce combustible gases and carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material being supplied from the pyrolyzer to a furnace. A further portion of the solid fuel is added to a furnace and is combusted with the carbonaceous material therein to produce combustion products that include hot flue gases and ash particulate. The combustion products are separated into a plurality of streams, one of which contains coarse ash and another of which contains flue gases and fine ash. A portion of the coarse ash is directed into the pyrolyzer while a further portion is disposed of, preferably by being used to heat air entering the furnace.

Abstract: The gasification process includes providing a gasification reactor for gasifying a finely divided combustible material under pressure to form a crude gas with cinder and ash components, a quenching pipe positioned concentrically above the gasification reactor, a convection-heated boiler concentrically surrounding the quenching pipe and a gas flow guide device above the quenching pipe, the gas flow guide device being rotationally symmetric with respect to a longitudinal axis of the quenching pipe; conducting the crude gas with the cinder and ash components from the gasification reactor into the quenching pipe; feeding a quenching gas into the quenching pipe during the gasifying to form a mixed flow including the crude gas, the cinder and ash components and the quenching gas; guiding the mixed flow about a 180.degree.

Abstract: A method for catalytically aiding the gasification of a bituminous coal or petroleum coke feed, which includes (a) mixing with a dry carbonaceous feed an additive compound selected from the group consisting of potassium, calcium, sodium, or magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates, or sulfates, and mixtures thereof; (b) gasifying the coal feed in the resulting mixture in an entrained flow gasifier under gasifying conditions and at a temperature of from about 2000.degree. F. to about 3200.degree. F., thus producing a gas primarily including hydrogen and carbon monoxide; and (c) where the additive compound catalytically aids in producing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide, whereby gasification occurs at moderate temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is a process for quenching a first synthesis gas mixture containing synthesis gas, molten flyash, water, and carbon dioxide and producing additional synthesis gas consisting of (a) passing the first synthesis gas mixture into a first quench zone; (b) introducing into the quench zone a mixture of pulverized coal in a nitrogen or carbon dioxide carrier gas; (c) endothermically reacting the pulverized coal with the water and the carbon dioxide in the synthesis gas mixture thus producing additional synthesis gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon dioxide and wherein the additional synthesis gas is admixed with the first synthesis gas mixture to form a second synthesis gas mixture; (d) passing the second synthesis gas mixture to a second quench zone; (e) introducing into the second quench zone a cooling gas for admixture with the second synthesis gas mixture, thus cooling the second synthesis gas mixture, where the molten flyash is solidified, and thus forms a third synthesis gas mixture; and (f) pass

Abstract: Reacted gas manifolds and reactant gas manifolds are added to the char fuel reaction chamber of a char fuel gas producer in order to create a flow of gas across the direction of motion of the solid char fuel. The char fuel volatile matter can then be mixed with air and this mixture separated from the producer gas created in the high temperature rapid reaction zone. Improved utilization of char fuel volatile matter can be achieved together with a reduction of tar formation.

Abstract: Combustible gases are produced from a solid fuel by pyrolizing the fuel in a pyrolyzer containing a low grade solid fuel producing combustible gases, and carbonaceous material that is combusted in a furnace to produce hot products that include hot flue gases and particulate material. The hot products are separated into a plurality of streams, one of which contains comparatively coarse ash which is directed into the pyrolyzer for effecting the pyrolyzation of the fuel. A stream of reaction gases is applied to the pyrolyzer in such a way that the stream of reaction gases bubbles through the carbonaceous material in the pyrolyzer without fluidizing such material. In effect, the reaction gases activate the void fraction in the pyrolyzer thereby reducing the residence time of the material therein.

Abstract: A method for gasifying a combustible liquid or powder using a gas detonation wave including a step of introducing detonable mixed gas including oxidizing gas into a detonation tube, a step of spraying, coating or laying combustible liquid or powder in the detonation tube and a step of detonating the mixed gas by ignition so that the combustible liquid or powder is thermally decomposed by the high-temperature and high-pressure behind the detonation wave.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating powdered coal in a solid-fuel injection installation. Such an installation comprises a powdered coal storage bunker, at least one lock connected to the circuit for pneumatically transporting the coal, at least one filtering screen connected between each lock and the bunker, a pressurized inert-gas source for pressurizing each lock and forming the pneumatically propelled flow of the coal and a circuit for pressure-equalizing and depressurizing each lock through a filter. According to the present invention, the major portion of the inert gas for depressurizing each lock is subjected to a filtering operation before being injected through the bottom of the storage bunker into the mass of coal and being discharged through a filter at the top of the bunker. The residual portion of the inert depressurizing gas is shunted directly towards the top of the storage bunker. The present invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

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 method for combined cycle electrical power generation comprises utilizing a coal hydrogenator 2 and a reactor 1 for producing from a methane-rich gas a hot crude hydrogen-containing gas which is fed directly (apart from an optional quenching stage) to the coal hydrogenator. The coal hydrogenator produces gaseous and liquid products which are combusted to drive a gas turbine 5 which drives an electrical generator 6. The hydrogenator also produces char which is combusted in a boiler 10 to form steam to drive a steam turbine 11 which, in turn, drives another electrical generator 12. Such direct use of the hot crude gas avoids having to preheat hydrogen-containing feed to the hydrogenator.

Abstract: A method for combined cycle electrical power generation comprises utilizing a coal hydrogenator 1 to produce gaseous, liquid and char products. The gaseous product, an optionally the liquid product, is combusted to drive a gas turbine 4, which in turn drives a first electrical generator 5, whilst the char is fed to a boiler 9 and combusted therein to produce steam to drive a steam turbine 10 which in turn drives a second electrical generator 11. The method enables electrical power to be generated from gaseous, lqiuid and char products produced by the coal hydrogenator.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating electricity from coal comprising a vertically stacked, three-stage combustor in which a sorbent is calcined in a calciner zone of the combustor and transferred to a carbonizer zone disposed below the calciner zone, coal introduced into the carbonizer zone is carbonized, producing char and spent sorbent, both of which are transferred to a combustor zone disposed below the carbonizer zone, in which the char is combusted at a substoichemetic air-to-coal ratio, producing a fuel gas. The fuel gas is cleaned and combusted in a turbine combustor, producing a flue gas which is introduced into a gas turbine for producing electricity.

Abstract: A method for converting solid organic fuels, most particularly coals, into high temperature gases that can easily be transformed into useful energy. This method employs a substantially closed reactor, referred to as a gasifier, having an internal reaction chamber or cavity made of materials that can tolerate the presence of oxygen at high temperatures, that possess low thermal mass, that limit or restrict the passage of heat, that function as almost perfect black bodies at high temperatures, and that are resistant to the abrasive effects of the solid fuels.

Abstract: Quenched slag discharged from a gasification process such as a coal gasification process can be continually dewatered and removed without disrupting operations by alternately discharging the quenched slag from means such as lockhoppers and directing the slag to one of two disengagement zones symmetrically arranged on either side of a clear water pit. The slag settles along a sloping active disengagement zone, allowing water to separate and drain into an adjacent slag pit. The accumulated water is drained into the clear water pit through vertically-spaced drains in the walls separating the slag pits from the clear water pit and pumped away after solids have settled. After an active disengagement zone-slag pit is used for a period of time, perhaps 24 hours, the discharge of slag is redirected to the other such area while dewatered slag is removed from the first slag pit.

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: Fuels are gasified in a fluidized state by a treatment with oxygen-containing gas and water vapor in a gasifying reactor. A solids mixture which contains ash and fine-grained fuels is combusted in a heating-up phase, which precedes the gasification and in which the temperature in the reactor is increased approximately to the temperature desired for the gasification. In a succeeding inertizing phase the supply rate of oxygen-containing gas is decreased and an inert gas is fed to the reactor until the product gas no longer contains free oxygen whereas the temperature is maintained virtually constant. In the succeeding gasification the fuel supply rate is increased and, after an adjusting time, the temperature is maintained virtually constant at the value desired for the gasification in the range from 600.degree. to 1500.degree. C. The gasification temperature is controlled by a change of the fuel supply rate.

Abstract: A method of radiant cooling of a product gas mass stream discharged from a gasification reactor and loaded with particles in a cylindrical radiant cooler with a radiant cooling casing comprises the steps of subdividing the product gas mass stream into concentric cylindrical layer streams by cylindrical radiant cooling walls arranged at a distance from the radiant cooling casing, adjusting layer thickness of the cylindrical layer streams to provide a high radiant heat exchange, and cooling regions of the product gas mass stream which flow to the radiant cooling walls in a pre-cooling region to a temperature caking of the particles.

Abstract: A method for gasifying coal is disclosed. Coal is fed to the gasifier using lockhoppers which are in fluid communication with each other. Energy is recovered during depressurization steps by passing gas through a pressure recovery device such as a turbo-expander.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification process quench zone or heat exchanger by monitoring changes in the heat transfer values.

Abstract: In a rotary-grate gas producer operated under a pressure from 10 to 100 bars, the fuel constitutes a fixed bed, which slow descends. The mixture of gasifying agents contains water vapor and oxygen is supplied to the fixed bed through a rotary grate and through an ash layer, which is disposed on the rotary grate. In order to ensure that the ash will have a particle size in a desired range, a first pressure (p1) is measured below the rotary grate and a second pressure (p2) is measured approximately at the top of the ash layer. The pressure difference (p1-p2) is compared with a setpoint, which is associated with the current ratio of water vapor to oxygen in the mixture of gasifying agent. Said ratio is increased when the pressure difference is insufficient and the ratio is decreased if the pressure difference is excessive.

Abstract: A method for mild gasification of crushed coal in a single vertical elongated reaction vessel providing a fluidized bed reaction zone, a freeboard reaction zone, and an entrained reaction zone within the single vessel. Feed coal and gas may be fed separately to each of these reaction zones to provide different reaction temperatures and conditions in each reaction zone. The reactor and process of this invention provides for the complete utilization of a coal supply for gasification including utilization of caking and non-caking or agglomerating feeds in the same reactor. The products may be adjusted to provide significantly greater product economic value, especially with respect to desired production of char having high surface area.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for allothermic gasification of coal under pressure with water vapor in a gas generator containing heat-exchange tubes for a heat transfer medium. The hot heat transfer medium that enters the gas generator by the heat-exchange tubes is first introduced in the gasification zone, then in the pyrolysis zone. The coal to be gasified flows counter-currently through the gas generator, so that the current of cooled heat transfer medium is used for heating and pyrolyzing the coal, whereas the heat for gasification is taken from the current of the still hot heat transfer medium. Gas generators vertically or horizontally arranged with fitting designs are used for implementation of the process.

Abstract: A process for the partial combustion of finely divided coal at high temperature and pressures to make synthesis gas having entrained particles of fly ash which are separated from the gas at high pressure. The fly ash and a minor amount of entrained gas are handled in a batchwise manner to isolate a batch in a lock hopper, depressurize the batch, strip the synthesis gas from the fly ash and cool the fly ash prior to disposal. During the depressurizing steps, the kinetic energy represented by fluids flowing from the pressurized lock hopper is utilized to provide power to a pressure recovery means and do additional work. The additional work is used to aid in the pressurization of a second lock hopper. In an alternate embodiment the additional work may be used to aid in fluidizing the particulate coal flow to the burners of the gasifier.

Abstract: A process for the production of a fuel gas which includes the steps of:hydrogentation of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a raw fuel gas stream comprising methane and unreacted hydrogen,gasification of a liquid hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous material in the presence of air and optionally steam to produce a second gas stream comprising hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon oxides,removing solids therefrom from the gas streams, mixing the fuel gas stream with the second gas stream and with steam and subjecting the resulting stream to carbon monoxide shift to convert at least a portion of the carbon monoxide present to carbon dioxide with generation of hydrogen,removing at least a portion of the carbon dioxide and other acid gas from the shifted gas stream; andreacting the hydrogen in the gas stream with carbon oxides present in the gas stream to generate methane and subjecting the methanated gas stream to cryogenic separation to yield at least

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal is disclosed, the process being characterized by the removal of flyslag deposits in the quench zone of the process by temporarily reducing or stopping the flow of the quench gas to melt the deposits, and then resuming the ordinary quench gas flow.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the sound pressure across the slag tap is disclosed.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recovering high-temperature exhaust gases of high inflammability in terms of carbonaceous concentration from the partial combustion, at atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure, of a mixture of pulverized bituminous or subbituminous coal and air as oxidizer gas, enriched with oxygen gas in a combustor apparatus having a cylindrical combustion chamber with a tangential injection duct, through which the fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber to develop into a rapidly swirling vortex optimizing burning over a short period of time. As a result, the high-temperature, inflammable exhaust gases are generated, of which the heat is recovered to produce steam in a boiler. After losing portion of their heat to the boiler, the inflammable gases, following purification by a filter and desulfurization unit, recovery for subsequent thermal use in boilers, metallurgical or other chemical processes.