Abstract: In a process to reduce the nitrogen monoxide emissions generated during the combustion of solid fuels, before the combustion takes place, the entire amount of solid fuel is degasified inside a performance combustion area (2). At least part of the gas obtained during the degasification of the solid fuel is utilized as reduction gas in one or several reduction areas (3) that have been placed following the performance combustion area (2). In an installation for the implementation of the process the degasification device for solid fuel has been configured as a degasification section (5) for the continuous passage of fuel and has been arranged inside the combustion unit (1), within the flue gas current.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of flyslag from the gasification of coal is described, the process being characterized, in one embodiment, by mixing of the flyslag with a residual waste stream from a coal gasification process, the wast stream containing particulate flyslag solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasifying solid carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor. Particles are separated from the product gas at least in two stages so that in the first stage mainly coarser, so-called circulating particles are separated and returned to the reactor. In the second stage fine carbonaceous and ash-containing particulates are separated from the gas and are made to agglomerate at a raised temperature. Coarser particles thus received are returned to the reactor through a return duct together with circulating particles. Agglomeration is effected in a chamber where a fluidized bed composed of coarse particles is maintained. Fine particulate material and oxygen containing gas are introduced into the free upper part of the chamber so as to form a hot flame (e.g. 1200.degree. C.). The point of the flame penetrates into the fluidized bed. The ash material contained in the fine particulate material melts, and is conducted to the bubbling fluidized bed.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of flyslag from the gasification of coal is described, the process being characterized, in one embodiment, by mixing of the flyslag with a cementitious material and a residual waste stream from a coal gasification process, the waste stream containing particulate flyslag solids. A composition comprising flyslag and a cementitious material, in specified proportions is also disclosed.

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 temporary reduction or stoppage of the flow of the quench gas to melt the deposits, and by diversion of a portion or all of the quench gas during the reduction or stoppage to a locus between the quench zone and the heat exchange zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coproduction of a combustible gas stream usable as an energy source, a sulfur-dioxide-containing second gas stream usable as a source of oxidant in the gasification of coal, and a sulfur-dioxide-containing third gas stream usable as a feedstock for the production of sulfuric acid. The process includes heating coal in a coal gasification zone in the presence of an oxygen and sulfur dioxide-containing atmosphere under partial coal gasifying conditions to produce a carbonaceous char and a crude coal gas stream. Sulfur-containing compounds are removed from the coal gas stream and converted to elemental sulfur. The carbonaceous char is combined with gypsum to form a feed mixture. The non-gypsum portion of the feed mixture contains sufficient reducing potential to release substantially all of the sulfur in the gypsum as gaseous compounds of sulfur in a +4 or lower oxidation state.

Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a coal gasification process gasifier outlet or quench zone by observing changes in the sound pressure between the quench zone and the gasifier is disclosed.

Abstract: A process and reaction for the gasification of coal disclosed, the invention being characterized by the provision in each of a plurality of layers of slag coalescing materials on the inner liner of the reactor to provide a protective coating on the wall or walls of the reactor.

Abstract: Particulate solid fuel is conveyed from an atmospheric container into an atmospheric lock hopper which is then pressurized by a high pressure inert gas. The fuel is passed from the pressurized lock hopper into a pressure vessel and subsequently from this vessel into a gasification reactor. In the container and the lock hopper the solid fuel is fluidized by an inert gas. In the pressure vessel synthesis gas is used for this purpose, the latter gas also being applied for the pneumatic transport of the fuel from the vessel into the reactor.

Abstract: A method for cooling a hot product gas containing adhesive or fusible particles include injecting a ring-shaped jet of a cooling fluid into a gas to be cooled in a cooling zone in a flow direction of the gas, with separation of the jet into a plurality of individual cooling fluid jets with mass and penetration depths corresponding to the mass of product gas streams flowing through individual ring-shaped parts of the cooling zone. The injection speed of the cooling fluid jets are selected so as to obtain a desired penetration depth.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal is described which comprises partially combusting particulate coal in a gasification reactor comprising a gasification zone and a water bath and producing a hot gaseous stream containing synthesis gas and flyash, and slag, in the gasification zone. The slag produced is allowed to discharge from the gasification zone into the water bath, the redox potential of the water bath being formulated or maintained at a level sufficient to inhibit sulfide presence or inclusion in the slag.

Abstract: A method for producing methane by hydrolysis of aluminum carbide, the aluminum carbide being formed by reduction of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum oxide with carbon derived from low grade coal in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of at least 1250.degree. C. The hydrolysis of aluminum carbide in the presence of an acid catalyst forms aluminum hydroxide and methane, and the aluminim hydroxide, along with admixed impurities, is returned to the reducing step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a gas suitable for the production of energy, out of coal. The coal is gasified in counterflow with air-blast in a gasifier, and the gas generated is then mixed with a gas containing oxygen, in a ratio such that the quotient CO.sub.2 /CO in the resultant gas does not exceed 0.1, in order to crack tar substances occurring in the gas. The gas is thereafter introduced into a dolomite or lime shaft for removal of sulphur compounds, any remaining tar substances and to gasify any accompanying coal particles not yet gasified.

Abstract: Decribed is a method of cooling partial oxidation gas exiting at a temperature between 1,000.degree. and 1,700.degree. C. from a conically converging outlet portion of a reactor vessel into a subsequent tubular cooling zone. To prevent deposition of sticky molten impurities entrained in the gas stream on the walls in the transition region between the reactor vessel and the cooling zone, the outlet portion of the reactor vessel is provided with a ring-shaped slot for injecting at an angle between 0.degree. to 90.degree. a frustoconical stream of cooling fluid. Another ring-shaped slot is provided in the cooling zone to inject at an angle between 70.degree. to 90.degree. another frustoconical stream of cooling fluid into the cooling zone.

Abstract: The cooling of a stream of hot product gas exiting from an outlet opening of a gasification reactor is made by way of two separate partial streams of cooling fluid such as a cooling gas, vapor or liquid. The first partial stream of the cooling fluid is fed from the outside substantially in a radial direction against an outer layer of the product gas stream. The second partial stream of cooling liquid is fed axially in a counter direction to the product gas stream to impinge against a central portion thereof. In this manner the path of mixing of the product gas with the cooling fluid is substantially shortened.

Abstract: The process for cooling raw gas obtained from partial oxidation of carbon-containing material by way of the fluidized-bed method, the fixed-bed method or the entrained-bed method at temperatures above 700.degree. C. and pressures ranging from 1 to 120 bar, the carbon-containing material being coal, peat or any other carbon-containing solid, while the oxidizing agent is oxygen, air, water and/or another oxygen-containing matter, to provide a solution to the problem of avoiding fouling and corrosion downstream heat exchangers. This aim is achieved in that raw gas is cooled direct to temperatures ranging from 100.degree.-500.degree. C. in a downstream fluidized-bed cooler using solid additives such as sand.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds released during combustion of sulfur-containing fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a mixture of sulfur containing particulate fuel and a sulfur absorbent, such as calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, lime, limestone, dolomite, or mixtures thereof; (b) exposing the mixture to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 1500.degree. F., so as to convert at least a portion of the particulate fuel into a gaseous portion and a solid, char portion; and (c) combusting the char portion, thereby forming an ash containing sulfur fixed therein.

Abstract: A method for gasifying or combusting solid, carbonaceous material in a circulating fluidized bed reactor. Particles are separated from the product gas at least in two stages so that in the first stage, mainly coarser, so-called circulating particles are separted and returned to the reactor. In the second stage, fine carbonaceous particlates are separated from the gas and are made to agglomerate at a raised temperature. Coarser particles thus recieved are returned to the reactor through a return duct together with circulating particles. Adhesion of agglomerating particles to the walls of the duct is prevented preferably by leading hot particulates to the center of the duct and circulating particles to the walls of the duct.

Abstract: A method of generating a de-sulphurized volatile matter and a relatively low Btu gas includes the initial step of pyrolyzing coal to produce volatile matter and a char. The volatile matter is fed to a first de-sulphurizer containing a de-sulphurizing agent to remove sulphur therefrom. At the same time, the char is gasified to produce a relatively low Btu gas. The low Btu gas is fed to a second de-sulphurizer containing the de-sulphurizing agent to remove sulphur therefrom. A regenerator is provided for removing sulphur from the de-sulphurizing agent. Portions of the de-sulphurizing agent are moved among the first de-sulphurizer, the second de-sulphurizer, and the regenerator such that the regenerator regenerates the de-sulphurizing agent. Preferably, the portions of the de-sulphurizing agent are moved from the second de-sulphurizer to the first de-sulphurizer, from the first de-sulphurizer to the regenerator, and from the regenerator to the second de-sulphurizer.

Abstract: A coal fired power plant includes a coal gasification zone where coal is gasified in the presence of an oxidant-lean atmosphere under partial coal gasifying conditions to produce a carbonaceous char and a crude gas stream, an acid separating zone where sulfur-containing compounds are separated from the crude gas stream to produce a combustible gas stream, and a converting zone where the sulfur-containing compounds are converted to elemental sulfur. The combustible gas stream and the carbonaceous char are fed into a boiler which drives a generator to produce electricity; portions of the carbonaceous char product and the combustible gas stream are diverted into a gypsum desulfurization zone. SO.sub.2 -containing flue gas from the boiler is fed into a flue gas desulfurization zone. There, the SO.sub.2 -containing flue gas is contacted with lime and limestone to produce gypsum.

Abstract: Fouling or plugging of surfaces in the heat exchange zone following a coal gasification reaction zone caused by deposition of flyslag is inhibited by addition of an amount of graphite to the synthesis gas at a suitable locus or loci.

Abstract: For starting a gasifier for the gasification of carbonaceous fuel with an oxygen-bearing gasification agent in a fluidized bed, the gasifier is filled with an inert gaseous medium and put under an increased pressure. After sealing integrity has been established, a combustible gas mixture is ignited in a combustion chamber connected to the lower part of the gasifier, by means of an ignition device which operates under pressure. The gas mixture is thus burnt, while the increased pressure in the gasifier is maintained, at least until the temperature within the gasifier corresponds to the gasification temperature. The arrangement for carrying the method into effect includes a pressure-resistant combustion chamber for combustion of the combustible gas mixture by means of the ignition device. The combustion chamber is connected at least at times to the lower part of the gasifier, by way of an openable slide member.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling a hot product gas, the latter is passed through a tubular zone. The product gas contains particles which, on entering the tubular zone, are tacky, but lose their tackiness through cooling in said zone. Within said zone a cooling gas flow forms a gas wall, which prevents contact between the product gas or the tacky particles contained therein, and one of the fixed walls in the tubular zone. Thus within an outlet connection (2) forming the tubular zone is provided an anular insert (3), which forms a gap (4) with the outlet connection. A cooling gas is blown into this gap counter to the flow direction of the product gas. At the end of the insert, this cooling gas is deflected by the product gas and flows within the insert in the same direction as the product gas and protects the inner wall of the insert from the latter.

Abstract: Deposits of flyslag on the walls of a heat exchange zone employed to quench and cool synthesis gas and flyslag particles produced from the gasification of coal may be reduced by (a) temporarily increasing the flow rate of the synthesis gas and flyslag particles during the process to a space velocity of greater than at least 12 meters per second; or (b) after a shutdown or incident where flyslag is deposited, utilizing a space velocity of the synthesis gas and flyslag of greater than 12 meters per second for a time sufficient to remove the deposits, and then utilizing flow rates which prevent or inhibit deposition of flyslag.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur compounds from gasification product gas during gasification of carbonaceous materials in a fluidized bed, agglomerating discharge reactor and converting harmful and unstable sulfur compounds to an environmentally acceptable form for safe disposal. Particulate sulfur fixation agent is introduced into an ash agglomerating fluidized bed gasifier along with carbonaceous feed solids and reacts with gaseous sulfur compounds formed when gasifying feed solids under reducing conditions in the fluidized bed. Unstable sulfur compounds formed by reaction with the fixation agent are then converted to a stable, environmentally disposable, solid in a lower oxidizing portion of the gasifier for discharge with the ash.

Abstract: A process for producing gas containing CO and H.sub.2 from pulverulent to coarse-grained coal in a coal gasifier in which a fluidized bed is produced, and to which are supplied coal, oxygen and/or one or more oxygen-containing gases. The coal is supplied in counter-current to the gas removed from the fluidized bed. Thus, the coal is dried, degassed and preheated before it enters the fluidized bed. The upper limit of the particle size of the coal is between about 10 mm and 40 mm, and is determined by the volatile matter content of the coal.

Abstract: A process for the production of demercurized synthesis gas, reducing gas or fuel gas. Mercury-containing fossil fuels e.g. coal were reacted by partial oxidation to produce gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2, CO, H.sub.2 O, CO.sub.2, H.sub.2 S, COS, entrained slag and/or ash, mercury vapor, and optionally CH.sub.4, NH.sub.3, N.sub.2 and Ar. Unexpectedly, the mercury vapor was produced in the reaction zone; and it was found to be thermodynamically stable even in the presence of H.sub.2 S under the strong reducing conditions that prevailed in the gas generator. No new sulfides of mercury were formed. The mercury vapors were removed from the main body of the process gas stream in a pressurized solvent scrubber at a relatively low temperature. By this means, the mercury vapor was condensed and simultaneously the mercury and sulfur contents of the clean process gas stream were reduced to low levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reversing the flow of a synthesis gas from a coal gasification reactor containing solids that tend to cause fouling of heat transfer surfaces by adjusting the volume and shape of a gas-reversal space within a chamber downstream of the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of flyslag from the gasification of coal is described, the process being characterized, in one embodiment, by mixing of the flyslag with a cementitious material, a composition capable of converting sulfides in the flyslag at least to sulfur, and an aqueous waste stream from the gasification of coal, in specified proportions. A composition comprising flyslag, a cementitious material, and a composition capable of converting sulfides in the flyslag at least to sulfur, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating slag discharged from a coal gasification reactor to a slag water bath by converging the flow of the slag with a chamber at least partially submerged in the slag water bath such that the flow of slag is converged to a diameter no greater than the diameter of the discharge opening of the slag water bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for effecting a high desulphuration of a fuel gas containing sulphur issuing from the gasification of sulphurous fuels, wherein the gas is subjected to the action of vapors of manganese and/or zinc and/or oxides thereof (in the form of aerosols) while it is at a temperature ranging from 1 600.degree. C. to 350.degree. C.

Abstract: Part of the synthesis gas produced by coal gasification in an allothermically heated fluidized bed reactor is burned after removal of dust and sulfur and serves as a source of energy to heat the reactor by indirect heat exchange and to produce the steam required for the gasification process. The flue gas exiting from the heat exchanger of the reactor can be used to perform work in expansion turbines. The rest of the synthesis gas is available for use in downstream processes, such as iron ore reduction, or can be burned and used to perform work in turbines to produce electric current. The result is a process that is environmentally safer and operates with a better yield than direct coal burning or autothermal coal gasification, but requires no outside source of energy, such as nuclear power, as prior art allothermal coal gasification processes do.

Abstract: A process of catalytic coal gasification characterized by mixing an inexpensive, low rank coal with an aqueous solution of inexpensive, widely existing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chlorides, such as Nacl, KCl, or the like; adding a pH adjustor such as ammonia to the resulting mixture to adjust pH to 5.about.12, whereby an ion exchange is effected between said metal and hydrogen in the coal, thereby loading only metals as a catalyst on the coal; washing the coal with water to remove chloride by-products; and running steam onto the catalyst-loaded coal at high temperatures and high pressures.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a biochemical reaction with a culture of microorganisms is performed in a cavity formed in a subterranean formation to produce combustible hydrocarbon gases. The method is especially suitable for the conversion of alkali-oxidized or hydrolyzed coal, such as lignite, to methane. The method may be performed in the cavity as a continuously stirred tank reaction, or plug flow or as a staged reaction. The method may also be done as an anaerobic fixed film process using particles as an anaerobic filter, as a sludge blanket, or as an expanded bed process.

Abstract: A process for the partial combustion of finely-divided coal at high temperatures 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining blockage of a coal gasification slag tap by observing changes in the pressure differential across a diaphragm seal located within an annulus formed by a pressurized vessel and a gasifier contained therewithin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing additional desulfurization of the hot gas produced in a fluid-bed coal gasifier, within the gasifier. A fluid-bed of iron oxide is located inside the gasifier above the gasification bed in a fluid-bed coal gasifier in which in-bed desulfurization by lime/limestone takes place. The product gases leave the gasification bed typically at 1600.degree. to 1800.degree. F. and are partially quenched with water to 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. F. before entering the iron oxide bed. The iron oxide bed provides additional desulfurization beyond that provided by the lime/limestone.

Abstract: A method for carrying out biochemical reaction is disclosed. The method includes placing a suitable substrate in a cavity formed in a subterranean formation, inoculating the substrate with a culture of microorganisms, maintaining conditions suitable for the growth of the microorganisms, allowing the microorganisms to grow in the substrate in the cavity, and recovering a biochemical product formed thereby. The method is especially suitable for the conversion of alkali-oxidized or hydrolyzed coal, such as lignite, to methane.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal to produce synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by passage of product gas stream containing sticky or molten particles upward from the gasification zone and quenching of the product gas stream and particles in a quench zone coated or lined internally with boron nitride.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal to produce synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by passage of product gas stream containing sticky or molten particles upward from the gasification zone and quenching of the product gas stream and particles in a quench zone coated or lined internally with silicon carbide.

Abstract: Heterocyclic and O-substituted aromatic species, for example those obtained as a by product of coal gasification, may be gasified by reaction with steam in the presence of a nickel-alumina containing catalyst to produce methane-containing gases. The reforming reaction is carried out at temperatures of not greater than 500.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cocurrent gasification of coal and to a gas generator. The gas generator (11) comprises a vertical sealed vessel, the lower third of which is divided into several identical vertical compartments (12). Coal is loaded at the top (17). The major part of the hot reactive gas under pressure is introduced at the top (18), and the remaining part at lower levels (21, 22). Gas evacuation (24) is stopped from one compartment (12) in turn, gas produced is blown in order to unclog the filters (25, 26) and to loosen the ash, the ash is extracted at the bottom (23) and cold reactive gas is blown countercurrently in order to complete the combustion and to cool the ash. This gas generator enables coal from any source to be used and does not require purification downstream.

Abstract: A stream of particle-containing fluid (e.g. from coal gasification or combustion) can be cleaned and split by flowing it into and through the vortex of a cyclone in which an externally adjustable vortex stabilizing means is moved close enough to the outlet opening for the particle-depleted fluid to provide an outflow of such fluid having a selected volume or particle concentration.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous partial oxidation and desulfurization of an ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising (basis solid fuel) 0.2 to 8.0 wt. % sulfur and 0.1 to 30 wt. % of silicate compounds for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO and entrained molten slag. In the process, the solid carbonaceous fuel and supplemental iron-containing material are reacted by partial oxidation in the reaction zone of a free-flow unobstructed down-flowing vertical refractory lined gas generator with a controlled amount free-oxygen containing gas and a temperature moderator so that an equilibrium oxygen concentration is provided in the gas phase in the reaction zone having a partial pressure which is less than about 10.sup.-7 atmospheres. The partial oxidation and desulfurization reactions take place simultaneously at a temperature which is above 1900.degree. F. and about 10.degree. to 200.degree. F. above the fluid temperature of the slag at an increased thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal to product synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by passage of product gas stream containing sticky or molten particles upward from the gasification zone and quenching of the product gas stream and particles in a quench zone coated or lined internally with titanium diboride.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal to produce synthesis gas is disclosed, the process being characterized by passage of product gas stream containing sticky or molten particles upward from the gasification zone and quenching of the product gas stream and particles in a quench zone coated or lined internally with silicon nitride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gasification process for a coal gasification furnace in a coal gasification plant and to an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A structural member to be subjected to a hot gas atmosphere produced through reaction between coal and a gasifier such as oxygen, air, steam or hydrogen, in a gasification furnace for example. The structural member is made of an anti-sulfur attack Cr-Ni-Al-Si alloy steel which has a composition essentially consisting of, by weight, 0.03 to 0.3% of C, 1 to 10% of Si, not greater than 2.0% of Mn, 8 to 14% of Ni, 16 to 20% of Cr, 0.5 to 10% of Al and the balance not less than 50% of Fe.

Abstract: A process for the partial oxidation of fuel using a multi-orifice burner comprising a central channel, and three concentric channels encircling the central channel, is disclosed, fuel being supplied through the second concentric channel at a specific velocity and oxygen being supplied through the other channels at specific mass flow distribution and velocities.

Abstract: The gasification of coal in the presence of steam and oxygen is significantly enhanced by introducing a thermochemical water-splitting agent such as sulfuric acid, into the gasifier for decomposing the steam to provide additional oxygen and hydrogen usable in the gasification process for the combustion of the coal and enrichment of the gaseous gasification products. The addition of the water-splitting agent into the gasifier also allows for the operation of the reactor at a lower temperature.