Abstract: A method of controlling an industrial gas production facility comprising: receiving time-dependent power data receiving time-dependent operational characteristic data; defining one or more power constraints for the operational parameters of the power network; defining one or more process constraints for the operational parameters of each industrial gas plant; generating, based on the power data, the operational characteristic data, the one or more power constraints and the one or more process constraints, control set point values for the one or more industrial gas plants to achieve a pre-determined production parameter for the industrial gas production facility; and sending the control set point values to a control system to control the one or more industrial gas plants by adjusting one or more control set points of the industrial gas plants to achieve the pre-determined production parameter for the industrial gas production facility.

Abstract: Scrap vehicles, mixtures of iron and aluminum, plastics are often pressed into bales or cubes to reduce the cost of transportation and storage to a smelter. Considering the dwindling number of large smelters in the United States due to the high pollution associated with coke fired cupolas, a new invention is developed to use natural gas, diesel fuels and clean fuels and hydrocarbons from scrap plastics in the bale. The process consists of three steps. In the first step the scrap bale is heated in a chamber up to temperatures of 1000° C. to promote the vaporization of zinc from galvanized steel, the pyrolysis of any plastics or scrap tires in the bale, and the separation of aluminum and magnesium by melting. The heat for this first stage is transferred through flue gases rising from the second and third stages after passing through a recuperator.

Abstract: A process and system for cooling syngas provides effective syngas cooling and results in reduced levels of fouling in syngas cooling equipment. A process for cooling syngas includes blending syngas with cooled recycled syngas in an amount effective for providing a blended syngas with a temperature at an inlet of a syngas cooler of about 600° F. to about 1400° F. The blended syngas changes direction of flow at least once prior to the inlet of the syngas cooler.

Abstract: Cassette based systems and methods of hydrogen storage, distribution, and recovery are disclosed. A cassette or other container may contain a hydrogen storage or storing material. Information may be stored in the material and subsequently read or accessed. A probe may be used to interrogate the material. The hydrogen content or other characteristics of the material may be determined based on the interrogation. A hydrogen dispensing unit may contain a depleted cassette acceptor to accept depleted cassettes and a charged cassette dispenser to dispense charged cassettes. The dispensing unit may be implemented in a hydrogen retail store or as a standalone unit. The retail store or the unit may connect to a hydrogen network and implement various business methods, as disclosed herein.

Abstract: In the case of a device for gasification of carbonaceous fuels, having a discharge for slags into a slag bath, a solution is supposed to be created with which the gasifier discharge opening is reliably kept at a temperature that guarantees that the slag will flow out. This is achieved in that the gasifier discharge opening (6) is equipped with a ceramic drip edge (7) that can be electrically heated.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus for solid fuel, especially an apparatus for producing syngas by pressurized gasification of coal powder, including a gasification chamber (II) and a syngas cooling and purification chamber (III). The inner wall of the gasification chamber is a water-cooling wall (4). The inner side of the water-cooled wall is evenly coated with a layer of fire-resistant material (16). There is an annular cavity between the water-cooling wall of the gasification chamber and the furnace body. A syngas quencher, a vertical pipe (22), a gas distribution device (24), a defoaming device, and a dewatering and deashing device (21) are provided in the syngas cooling and purification chamber. The apparatus has a simple structure and is easy to operate. A high temperature gasification method for dry powder of carbonaceous material comprises spraying the combustible material and oxygen into the furnace and followed by ignition.

Abstract: A process of catalytic partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon fuel with an oxidant to produce partially-oxidized reaction products including hydrogen, with simultaneous in-situ coke removal. The process involves feeding a hydrocarbon fuel and an oxidant to a reactor in a fuel-rich feed ratio; reacting the fuel and oxidant for a fuel-rich cycle-time so as to produce a partially-oxidized reaction product; varying the fuel feed, or the oxidant feed, or both feeds to produce a fuel-lean feed to the reactor; maintaining the fuel-lean feed for a fuel-lean cycle-time sufficient to reduce coke deposits while maintaining a substantially constant yield of partially-oxidized reaction product; and alternating between the fuel-rich and fuel-lean operating cycles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A system uses thermal solar energy coupled with microwaves and plasma for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and dihydrogen (H2) from carbonated compounds (biomass, domestic waste, sludge from waste water, fossil coal), wherein the obtained gaseous mixture yields, amongst others, hydrocarbon fuels (olefins, paraffin), esters, and alcohols via a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. In a first step the carbonated compounds are roasted and pyrolized to produce char and dry coal, and a mixture of superheated gases containing CO2, steam, tars and non-condensable volatile materials. The method includes in a second step, and from the pyrolyis products (char or coal, gas mixture), generating a syngas substantially containing a mixture of carbon monoxide and dihydrogen, the mixture being used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis units. After the Fischer-Tropsch step, the synthesis products are separated in a distillation column after heating in solar furnaces of mixed furnaces (solar/microwave).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for processing material to generate syngas. A reactor chamber is implemented with a plurality of electrodes that can generate an arc within the chamber when electricity is applied to them. The arc can be used to create free radicals which along with the heat and light of the arc breakdown material comprising carbonaceous material, such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), into gas components that form syngas. The syngas can be extracted from the reactor chamber and be used for various commercial purposes. The reactor chamber may comprise a material feed system operable to move material from a material input opening in the reactor chamber towards the electrodes at a controlled rate. Further, the reactor chamber may comprise a water injection system within the reactor chamber operable to inject water into the reactor chamber while electricity is applied to the electrodes.

Abstract: A heating structure of a gasification tank in an action includes a furniture which is provided with an action and an interior of the action is provided with a gasification tank and a gas cylinder. A wall of the gasification tank in the action is provided with at least one electrothermal pad by which gas passing through the gasification tank can be heated up, avoiding that air pressure is reduced as air temperature in the gasification tank is too low, as the present invention can effectively and continuously heat up the air in the gasification tank.

Abstract: A plasma gasification reactor vessel having a top section with a conical wall extending up from a bottom section, containing a carbonaceous bed into which plasma is injected by plasma torches, to a roof of the vessel is arranged in ways that can contribute to characteristics of gas flow and solids residence time that are favorable for thoroughness of reactions and yield of useful reactions products. In some cases, such a conical wall is combined in arrangements with other features such as one or more feed ports arranged to give more uniform distribution including examples with a feed port that has a distributive feed mechanism. The roof of the vessel, in some examples, has vertical outlet ports that include intrusions into the interior volume of the reactor proximate the conical wall of the top section. The configurations of outlet ports with intrusions and the configurations of feed ports for more uniform distribution of feed material are also applicable to reactor vessels with other geometries.

Abstract: A plasma gasification reactor vessel having a top section with a conical wall extending up from a bottom section, containing a carbonaceous bed into which plasma is injected by plasma torches, to a roof of the vessel is arranged in ways that can contribute to characteristics of gas flow and solids residence time that are favorable for thoroughness of reactions and yield of useful reactions products. In some cases, such a conical wall is combined in arrangements with other features such as one or more feed ports arranged to give more uniform distribution including examples with a feed port that has a distributive feed mechanism. The roof of the vessel, in some examples, has vertical outlet ports that include intrusions into the interior volume of the reactor proximate the conical wall of the top section. The configurations of outlet ports with intrusions and the configurations of feed ports for more uniform distribution of feed material are also applicable to reactor vessels with other geometries.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements, an ignition control system and a pressure vessel. Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more igniters, associated with an individual pellet, and activation means to activate the igniters; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for the gasification of a liquid fuel and includes providing a supply of a liquid fuel and an oxidant, atomizing the liquid fuel and mixing it with the oxidant, catalytically reacting the fuel oxidant mixture, providing an ignition source for initiating the catalytic reaction, positioning a heat exchanger in proximity with the catalytic bed, and producing steam which can be fed back into the system thereby eliminating the need for a vaporizer. A hydrocarbon fuel can be mixed with oxygen, as a constituent of air, preferably forming a fuel rich fuel air mixture that passes through a catalytic reactor having an ultra-short channel length metal monolith substrate.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner includes a pressure vessel that encloses at least part of a pre-heater. The pre-heater has an inlet for connection to a source of feed gas and an outlet for delivering the feed gas into the interior of the pressure vessel. An electrical heater element located within the pre-heater increases the temperature of the feed gas as it flows through the pre-heater. An expansion valve reduces the pressure of the feed gas as it flows from the pre-heater so as to initiate condensation. A super heater is at least partially located within the pressure vessel and has an inlet within the interior of the pressure vessel. A filter is in a flow path in the pressure vessel leading from the pre-heater heater to the super heater for removing condensate from the feed gas. An electrical heater element is in the super heater for heating the feed gas.

Abstract: Waste disposal plant comprising a tank (3) for holding reactant substances (5) with a high carbon content; a tank (9) for holding dry products; a water pipe (20) for supplying the plant with water (21); a reactor (24) with a plasma torch (25); a logic control unit for channeling, to the reactor (24), controlled amounts of reactant substances, dry products and water (21), determining their disintegration through pyrolysis forming wastes (32) and a synthesis gas (31) having carbonaceous compounds, water vapour and oxygen contents measures through diagnostics means (36, 37, 39) arranged to intercept the synthesis gas (31) and controlled in feedback by the logic control unit through the controlled actuation of transport means and a valve (23) of the water pipe (20).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in producing syngas for use in a variety of commercial applications, including commercial energy generation applications. A plasma torch and cupola arrangement are used to gasify feed stock such as coal, petcoke, and/or biomass, to produce syngas and liquid waste. The syngas is directed to a cleanup train, wherein detrimental components are mechanically or chemically filtered out. The cleaned syngas is then fed into a syngas burner and used to produce heat for electricity generation for the production of electricity or to another energy producing system including synthetic natural gas, ethanol, or liquid fuel oil. In some embodiments, the syngas is fed directly to a gas turbine. The liquid waste is cooled to generate in inert solid which may then be crushed and used in a variety of construction or other applications. The disclosed system may find use in new construction as well as retrofit applications.

Abstract: A device for converting carbonaceous matter into synthesis gas includes a plasma head and a reformer connected to and extending downwardly from the plasma head. The plasma head may include a vortex zone, a plasma zone positioned beneath the vortex zone, and an oxidant input adjacent an upper portion of the vortex zone for inputting oxidant into the vortex zone. The plasma head may also include a high voltage electrode positioned to extend through a medial portion of the vortex zone and having a termination in the vortex zone so that high voltage discharge strikes are emitted into a lower portion of the vortex zone, a carbonaceous matter input for inputting carbonaceous matter into the plasma zone, and a plasma zone exit. The reformer may include a post plasma zone positioned beneath the plasma zone, a thermal barrier protective layer adjacent an uppermost portion of the post plasma zone adjacent an exit of the plasma zone, a catalyst carried by the post plasma zone, and a synthesis gas output.

Abstract: A plasma-assisted waste gasification system and process for converting waste stream reaction residues into a clean synthesis gas (syngas) is disclosed. The feedstock is fed into a reactor roughly one-third from the bottom through the use of a feed mechanism. The reactor has three zones; a bottom zone where melting occurs, a middle zone where gasification takes place, and a top zone with integrated plasma torches to control the temperature and polish the syngas. The residence times in the three zones are selected to optimize the syngas composition and melted products. The syngas leaves the reactor and is partially quenched with relatively cooler synthesis gas. The partially quenched syngas is further cooled to recover heat for steam generation and/or preheating the waste stream to the reactor. The cold syngas is then processed to remove pollutants. The clean synthesis gas is combusted in power generation equipment to generate electricity, or converted to other fuels by chemical processes.

Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding arc discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing hydrogen and steam in a reaction chamber, the method including: feeding a metallic contiguous element towards a discharge source; intermittently providing by the discharge source a discharge sufficient to initiate a reaction between at least a portion of the metallic contiguous element and water vapor; and continuing the reaction in absence of discharge.

Abstract: A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.

Abstract: A cassette-based hydrogen fuel distribution and recovery method and system is disclosed.

Abstract: A man portable hydrogen source, the source comprising one or more hydrogen generating elements (2), an ignition control system (3) and a pressure vessel (1). Each hydrogen generating element comprises a pellet holder (7) provided with one or more recesses and a thermal insulation layer (9) to reduce heat transfer to adjacent hydrogen generating elements; wherein at least one recess contains a pellet (8) of a chemical mixture which on thermal decomposition evolves hydrogen gas; wherein the ignition control system comprises one or more ignitors (14), associated with an individual pellet (8), and activation means to activate the ignitors; and wherein the evolved hydrogen and hydrogen generating elements are contained within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A plasma reformer for the chemical reforming of gaseous mixtures of water and hydrocarbon fuels for producing hydrogen. The reformer contains a reaction chamber with outer lateral walls containing emitter electrodes and inner lateral walls containing collector electrodes. The emitter electrodes and collector electrodes form an electric circuit. There are a multiplicity of thin needle-like extrusions on the emitter electrode from which a profusion of high energy electrons are emitted. These high-energy electrons dissociate the hydrocarbon fuel through absorption and ionization emitting low energy electrons in the process. These low energy electrons cause dissociation of water. Thus, dissociation of hydrocarbon fuel acts to initiate dissociation of water. The molar ratio of water to hydrocarbon fuel in the input mixture for reactions, and therefor the production of hydrogen from water, increases with carbon number of the hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: A method and system for producing hydrogen from solid carbon materials and feed water are disclosed as including an arc plasma reactor (APR) which has arc discharge electrodes and a large number of minute arc passages (35) formed in the solid carbon materials filled in the plasma reactor. Feed water is converted into steam in the plasma reactor and the steam is fed through the minute arc passages in which steam reacts with the solid carbon materials in the presence of arc plasmas to produce hydrogen rich gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage and generation system are disclosed. The fuel source of the present invention comprises a chemical hydride core, and an elongate, flexible moisture barrier encasing the core. The core may be formed by a plurality discrete bodies of NaH or NaBH4, and the barrier may be a thermoplastic. A hydrogen generator of the present invention comprises a reaction chamber, a spool, and a fuel source wrapped around the spool, the fuel source comprising a chemical hydride core encased in an elongate moisture barrier. The generator also has means for removing the barrier from the core to permit the core to react with water or moisture in the reaction chamber. The generator may also have a second reaction chamber so that heat may be transferred from the first reaction chamber to the second reaction chamber for driving a reaction of Al and H2O, thereby generating additional hydrogen.

Abstract: A demand type portable hydrogen generation system operated to replenish hydrogen gas to a storage tank or vessel as hydrogen is drawn therefrom. The system employs electrical and mechanical arrangements for opening an outer coating of a pellet that has been formed over a reactive material, such as sodium, to expose that pellet reactive material to water, and generate hydrogen gas from a chemical reaction between which reactive material and water. An electrical system variation of the system employs a bank of cells where each cell is electrically connected through a controller to a power source with the vessel to contain a measured volume of a light salt and water solution with an aluminum coated sodium pellet or pellet coated with another appropriate metal positioned therein, and provides for passing an electrical current to a select cell to break down the aluminum coating of a pellet contained therein and expose the pellet reactive material to the water, generating hydrogen.

Abstract: A water to fuel electrolysis system for providing hydrogen and oxygen gases to a steam boiler for the production of heat and steam.

Abstract: An electric arc is used for reacting carbonaceous materials and water to produce a combustible gaseous product comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane as its major components, wherein the electrothermal and photochemical effects of the arc result in the production of active chemical species which cause and participate in the gasification reactions.

Abstract: A process for the disposal of waste comprising the steps of passing a waste into a sealed container, purging the sealed container of oxygen, heating the interior of the sealed container to a temperature of greater than 2,700.degree. F. so as to convert the waste into a gas, and transmitting the gas into a storage vessel. An inert gas is introduced into the interior of the sealed container so as to displace oxygen from within the sealed container. The inert gas is ideally nitrogen. The interior of the sealed container is heated by induction heating. The gas is transferred through a water filter so as to remove the carbon component of the gas. The water filtered gas is then passed through a sodium hydroxide filter so as to remove the chlorine component of the gas. The gas is then sieved so as to separate the various gaseous components for individual storage.

Abstract: A fast pyrolysis reactor includes a tank having a top, bottom and sidewalls extending therebetween and defining a reaction chamber. A fluid inlet and a gas outlet communicate with the chamber. A plurality of cooperatively paired first and second electrodes are positioned within the chamber. Each electrode of a pair is laterally spaced from and vertically aligned with its associated electrode. A gas collection bell is positioned within the chamber and communicates with the gas outlet for collecting generated gas. A power transformer has the poles thereof operatively connected with the electrodes. A tray is positioned between and below the electrodes for defining an interface region extending between the electrodes so that a plasma field is generated between the electrodes when the interface region is formed from two generally immiscible fluids, one of which is conductive and the other of which is insulative, so that the fluids are electrically and thermally decomposed by the plams field into a gas mixture.

Abstract: Hydrogen is generated by heating a metal surface under water to a temperature at which the metal reacts with water to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used, for example, as a fuel for a motor vehicle engine or another type of engine. The heating can be done electrically by providing an electrical discharge, under water, between the metal surface and another surface. Water and the metal surface are consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing bulk materials by induction wherein the materials are processed within a plurality of compartments whose walls comprise a material which is adaptable to being heated by induction and wherein the plurality of compartments commonly share an induction coil means which surrounds the plurality of compartments. The apparatus possesses features which make it adaptable to operate in a closed system to be acceptable to the environment and also features which guarantee uniform charging of the material to be processed and uniform discharging of the processed material. In applications where sulfur, tars and oils are a problem, means are provided to deal with such problems by reacting the sulfur and by cracking the tars and oils. The apparatus lends itself to economically process tonnages of great magnitude at a low operating cost and also it requires low investment cost.

Abstract: Electric arc conversion process in which C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkane is brought into contact with an electric arc and higher molecular weight carbonaceous material is brought into contact with the hot gas derived from the C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbon in the vicinity of the arc.

Abstract: A process for the gasification of coal consisting essentially of forming a free-burning arc discharge between at least one anode and a cathode having a conical tip, wherein said arc discharge forms a contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, forcefully projecting a reactive material consisting of a mixture of pulverized coal and steam parallel to the surface of said conical tip of said cathode and through said contraction of the current-carrying area in the transition region in the vicinity of the cathode, at such a rate that said mixture of pulverized coal and steam is exposed to the free-burning arc for less than 3 milli-seconds, and recovering a solid carbonaceous fume having a surface area equivalent to a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 microns and a gaseous product comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Materials which become carbonized at high temperatures, such as wood, cellulose, household refuse, used tires, plastics, tar sand, oil shale, and the like, are subjected to thermal treatment, i.e., pyrolysis or gasification, in an electric shaft furnace having top and bottom electrodes. The material is charged into the furnace at the top and continuously moved downward through the furnace so slowly that as a result of heat transfer from the hotter parts of the furnace, it is carbonized to an extent which renders it electrically conductive by the time it comes in contact with those parts of the electrodes by means of which electric current is conducted through the material. The material charged at the top of the furnace can be caused to move downward by withdrawing suitable amounts of solid material from the bottom of the furnace, for example, or by gasifying the material with steam.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a gas substantially containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas from a starting material containing carbon and/or hydrocarbon, the starting material is injected in powder or liquid form together with an oxidizing agent and slag former in a combustion zone while heat energy is simultaneously supplied. The combustion zone is formed in the lower portion of a shaft filled with particulate, solid, carbonaceous material and sulphur-binding slag former.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen, and includes an induction coil which is electrically heated to a temperature sufficient to decompose water passing therethrough. A generator coil is connected in communicating relation to the induction coil, and is positioned in a fire resistant crucible containing ferrous oxide pellets. Oxygen and hydrogen produced by decomposition of water pass through the ferrous oxide pellets where the oxygen reacts with the ferrous oxide and the hydrogen is burned to produce heat for heating a building, such as a conventional home.

Abstract: Enhancement of thermal decomposition of solid matter by applying a high voltage but low power electrical field across said solid matter simultaneously with heating of the solid matter.

Abstract: An electromagnetic methanol reactor system which includes an enclosed reactor chamber having a pair of electrodes positioned in the chamber and spaced from the walls thereof. An electromagnetic field is generated across the electrodes wherein the field has sufficient strength to atomize oxygen. Methane is continuously supplied to the chamber and oxygen is supplied to the chamber between the electrodes so that the oxygen is atomized. The oxygen combines with the methane to form methanol.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing sponge iron by the continuous reduction of iron oxides in a shaft utilizing recirculation gases. Reaction gas is removed from the shaft furnace, substantially cleaned of all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, and then divided into at least two flow portions one of which is passed to a gas generator comprising a gas generating shaft substantially filled with a solid reducing agent and a plasma burner arranged in the lower portion of said shaft. An oxidant is injected into the hot gas from the plasma burner so as to form a gas mixture comprised primarily of CO and H.sub.2, which gas mixture is then mixed with the other flow portion of the cleaned reaction gas in such proportion that the temperature of the resulting reduction gas is suitable for the reduction of iron oxides in the shaft furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing sponge iron by the continuous reduction of iron oxides in a shaft utilizing recirculation gases. Reaction gas is removed from the shaft furnace, substantially cleaned of all CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, and then divided into at least two flow portions one of which is passed to a gas generator comprising a plasma burner. A reducing agent such as pit coal is injected together with an oxidant into the hot gas from the plasma burner so as to form a gas mixture comprised primarily of CO and H.sub.2, which gas mixture is then mixed with the other flow portion of the cleaned reaction gas in such proportion that the temperature of the resulting reduction gas is suitable for the reduction of iron oxides in the shaft furnace.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pyrolytic reactor in which an initial charge of charcoal is located. An inlet is provided for introduction of the organic material and an exit is provided for the resulting gases and ash products. The reactor is arranged to permit a continuous flow of organic material volatiles, and char through the reactor, resulting in continual replenishment of organic material in the pyrolizing portion of the reactor, and replenishment of the charcoal bed portion by the char produced from the pyrolysis reaction. The reactor vessel is heated to the correct temperatures by means such as electric heating coils or hot air/flame jackets.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide and hydrogen are produced by spraying a mixture of molten sodium and/or potassium from one nozzle into a chamber maintained at a temperature of 650.degree. C. to 850.degree. C. along with one or more separated sprays containing a slurry of carbon, water and carbon dioxide so that the various sprays contact each other in said hot chamber so constructed so that the reactants are forced into a suitably constructed reactor containing iron and/or its oxide in a semifluid bed powdered condition. Preferably, the reactor contains mixtures of the metals and/or oxides taken from the class of iron, cobalt, nickel and manganese. In a cyclic reaction, the metallic sodium is reconstituted along with continued production of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, the iron type component remaining in the reactor which as a consequence of the reagents and conditions is cyclically oxidized to oxides of iron type elements and reduced to finely divided iron and/or mixtures of iron, cobalt, nickel and manganese.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasification of carbonaceous matter by plasma arc pyrolysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, a refractory-lined furnace is provided with a depression along its base for holding a pool of molten metal which acts as the external electrode for a bank of long arc column plasma torches which provide a heat mass for the process. The plasma arc pressure imparts momentum to the surface of the melt and causes it to flow in cusping eddy currents during the process. Crushed coal is deposited through the roof of the furnace by a rotary feeder in continuous plural streams. The coal is devolatilized in a matter of milliseconds and the volatiles are cracked as the coal falls by gravity through the interior of the furnace. The remaining carbon-rich char collects at plural sites on the surface of the melt and the mounds of char are rotated by the eddy currents. Steam is continuously injected into the furnace to produce hydrocarbon gases through reaction with the carbon-rich char.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising a high voltage electrode having a generally cylindrical shape and being electrically connected to a high voltage source, where the cylinder walls may be open to flow of fluids and solids; an electrically grounded support electrode supporting said high voltage electrode by an electrically insulating support where both of the electrically grounded and electrically insulating support may be hollow; and an electrically grounded liner electrode arranged concentrically around both the high voltage and support electrodes. This assembly is specifically adapted for use in a fluidized bed chemical reactor as an improved heating means therefor.