Refractory Filling Patents (Class 48/74)
  • Patent number: 9028568
    Abstract: A system includes a carbon dioxide treatment system that includes a catalyst configured to treat carbon dioxide to produce a treated carbon dioxide. The system also includes a gasifier injector configured to inject the treated carbon dioxide, a fuel, and oxygen into a gasifier. The gasifier injector may be coupled to or located inside the gasifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond Douglas Steele, Pradeep Stanley Thacker
  • Patent number: 9011561
    Abstract: A solids circulation system receives a gas stream containing char or other reacting solids from a first reactor. The solids circulation system includes a cyclone configured to receive the gas stream from the first reactor, a dipleg from the cyclone to a second reactor, and a riser from the second reactor which merges with the gas stream received by the cyclone. The second reactor has a dense fluid bed and converts the received materials to gaseous products. A conveying fluid transports a portion of the bed media from the second reactor through the riser to mix with the gas stream prior to cyclone entry. The bed media helps manipulate the solids that is received by the cyclone to facilitate flow of solids down the dipleg into the second reactor. The second reactor provides additional residence time, mixing and gas-solid contact for efficient conversion of char or reacting solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Thermochem Recovery International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi Chandran, Jonathan A. Zenz, Dave G. Newport, Hamilton Sean Michael Whitney
  • Patent number: 8801813
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Changzheng Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhengtao Lu, Mingkun Wang, Congbin Jiang, Wei Xin, Ruiheng Gao, Honghai Li
  • Patent number: 8764860
    Abstract: A system includes a gasification vessel configured to receive a fuel and an oxidizer. The system also includes a gasifier disposed in the gasification vessel. The gasifier is configured to partially oxidize the fuel and the oxidizer to generate a syngas. The system further includes a convective syngas cooler configured to cool the syngas via heat exchange with a coolant. The convective syngas cooler is disposed in an interior of the gasification vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aaron John Avagliano, James Michael Storey
  • Patent number: 8398729
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8317886
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for starved air gasification of solid organic materials, including biomass and other wastes, to convert the chemical energy stored in such materials to thermal energy or gaseous products that may be used in biochemical and/or chemical synthesis. Specifically, the system utilizes a gasifier having a “moving bed of ash” hearth wherein the feedstock is partially oxidized at a low temperature (less than 1500 degrees F.) in a square or rectangular chamber having a vaulted, tapered or flat roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nexterra Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Robert G. Graham, Jan Barynin, Kenneth M. Davison, Dave Berner
  • Patent number: 8202330
    Abstract: A method for gasifying solid fuel in a co-current gasifier having a fuel silo and a combustion chamber. The method includes a pyrolysis phase in which the fuel decomposes into pyrolysis products, and a gasification phase in which the pyrolysis products are gasified into product gas. Heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the fuel silo is restricted to ensure that the fuel does not dry and pyrolysis does not take place in the fuel silo. The beginning of the pyrolysis is intentionally transferred as close to the gasification phase as possible, and an attempt is made to make the duration of the pyrolysis phase as short as possible. The rise of the fuel temperature is slowed down by transferring heat generated in the gasification phase to a medium, such as gasification air. In the co-current gasifier between the fuel silo and the combustion chamber, there is a cooling channel, which restricts heat transfer and also functions as a preheater for the gasification air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Gasek Oy
    Inventor: Eero Kangasoja
  • Patent number: 8163047
    Abstract: A method of cooling hot fluid flowing through a chamber is provided. The method includes channeling cooling fluid through at least one cooling tube that extends through a passage of the chamber, and circulating the hot fluid flowing within the passage around the at least one cooling tube using at least one fluid diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Albert Goller, Daniel Anthony Nowak
  • Patent number: 7998226
    Abstract: An appliance is provided having a waste receptor module and an energy generation module for converting household waste into energy. The receptor module has a rotary drum with an opening for receiving the household waste and a steam reforming means for converting the waste into synthesis gas. A swing arm is attached adjacent to the opening in the rotary drum and a sealing door is mounted on the swing arm for sealing the opening when the waste receptor module is in operation. An outer door is used to cover the sealing door. The steam reforming means includes a tube mounted within the rotary drum for receiving the volatilized organic waste and an internal heater for heating the organic waste to temperatures to convert the waste into the synthesis gas. The energy generation module has an inlet in fluid communication with the waste receptor module for receiving the synthesis gas and a fuel cell for converting the synthesis gas into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Terry R. Galloway
  • Patent number: 7976593
    Abstract: A gasifier and gasifier system based on the gasifier, which contains as a major component, a novel feed system for feeding organic materials into the burn pile of the gasifier. The gasifier feed system is a horizontal auger driven feed system that feeds directly through a ceramic elbow into the furnace without having to auger the feed through significant vertical elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Heat Transfer International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Publication number: 20100170156
    Abstract: A refractory lining system comprises an inner refractory layer; and an outer layer located outside of the inner refractory layer, the outer layer comprising: a plurality of layer segments; and at least one control joint located between the plurality of layer segments, the at least one control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer. A segment of an outer layer of a refractory lining comprises an edge shaped corresponding to a control joint configured to allow expansion and contraction in the outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Wade Albert Taber
  • Publication number: 20100154304
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gasifier comprising one or more fluid conduits for converting carbonaceous feedstock into an off-gas and residual solid material. The gasifier comprises a refractory-lined processing chamber having one or more fluid conduits located therein to facilitate the passage of fluid material such as gas into and/or out of the chamber. For example, a conduit facilitates the input of process additives and/or the exit of steam and/or off-gases from the processing chamber. The gasifier comprises one or more input(s) for receiving feedstock, one or more residue outlets, and heating means to facilitate the conversion process and a control system for controlling various aspects of the gasification process. Optionally, the gasifier may be configured for recycling steam and/or off-gas and/or recycled heat back into processing chamber. Optionally, the gasifier may further comprise one or more material displacement control modules, and mixing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: PLASCO ENERGY GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Tsangaris, Mikhail Granovskiy
  • Publication number: 20090038222
    Abstract: A generally upright reactor system for gasifying a feedstock. The reactor system generally includes a main body, at least two inlet projections extending outwardly from the main body, and at least one inlet positioned on each of the inlet projections. Each of the inlets is operable to discharge the feedstock into the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Steven L. DOUGLAS, Ronald W. HERBANEK, David L. BRETON, Steven E. CHICHESTER
  • Patent number: 7399329
    Abstract: A process for the production of a synthesis gas from a light hydrocarbon feed, steam and an oxygen-containing stream is provided in which the feed components are mixed to form a feed mixture. The process provides an inert disengaging zone separating the mixing zone from an active catalyst zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventor: Kym Arcuri
  • Patent number: 7141085
    Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignees: Texaco Inc., Texaco Development Corporation
    Inventors: John Corwyn Groen, John D. Winter
  • Patent number: 7087098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of gasifying carbon-containing compounds incorporating mineral elements and/or potential contaminants, and it also relates to a gasification installation having means for containing a bath of molten slag, means for charging said compounds into said bath, means for injecting at least oxidizer into the bath so that the mixture of carbon-containing compounds and oxidizer is super-stoichiometric, whereby a first fraction of the compounds is pyrolyzed, a second fraction is subjected to a combustion reaction suitable for delivering heat energy to the bath of slag, and a third fraction diffuses into the bath, means for recovering the gas given off by the pyrolysis and the combustion of the first and second fractions, and means for lowering the temperature of a portion of the molten slag so as to allow it to solidify, thereby immobilizing at least a portion of the third fraction of the compounds containing mineral elements and/or potential contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: Agriculture Azote et Carbone Organiques
    Inventors: André Garnier, Jacques Proot
  • Patent number: 6939384
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting erosion of an interior surface of a process vessel by solid objects carried in a fluid passing over the interior surface includes providing at least one formation at or in close proximity to the interior surface to interfere with the flow of the fluid over the interior surface, and to interfere with the movement of the solid objects by the fluid. The invention extends to a process vessel (10) which includes a body (16) defining an interior vessel surface (20), a catalyst bed (12) in the body (16), retaining means (22) on the catalyst bed for retaining the catalyst bed in position, and at least one formation (26) at or in close proximity to the interior vessel surface above the retaining means for interfering with fluid flow above the retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: De Klerk Barrend Johannes
  • Patent number: 6790247
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a multi-step process of converting hydrocarbon fuel to a substantially pure hydrogen gas feed includes a plurality of reaction zones arranged in an insulated, box-shaped, compact fuel processor. The multi-step process includes preheating the hydrocarbon fuel utilizing integration with the inherent exothermic processes utilized with the fuel processor, reacting the preheated hydrocarbon fuel to form the hydrogen rich gas, and purifying the hydrogen rich gas to produce a gas that is suitable for consumption in a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Childress, John R. Farrell, Wendell B. Leimbach, James W. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20030140558
    Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Texaco Development Corporation and Texaco, Inc.
    Inventors: John Corwyn Groen, John D. Winter
  • Patent number: 5968212
    Abstract: A device for utilizing combustion, residual and waste materials containing carbon and ash by gasification with an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent at temperatures above the melting point of the inorganic parts in a reaction chamber and at a pressure between ambient pressure and 60 bar. The reaction chamber contour is formed in part by a refractory-grade lining and in part by a cooling system comprising cooling coils connected in a gas-tight manner. The coils are coated with a thin layer of a ceramic mass that conducts heat well on a side facing the reaction chamber. The cooling coils are operated, while being cooled by pressurized water, below or above the boiling point of the cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Peise, Manfred Schingnitz, Dietmar Degenkolb
  • Patent number: 5464592
    Abstract: A gasifier for partially combusting a carbonaceous fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of the gasifier. The latter includes a water bath into which the hot effluent or products of combustion are immersed, including a synthetic gas. The products of combustion are directed into the bath by way of a constricted throat section. To avoid excessive erosion action and/or thermal shock to the throat section as a result of exposure to the effluent's high temperatures, the throat section is structured with an internal framework of pipes. The framework is communicated with a pressurized source of a cooling fluid, preferably water, whereby to cool the throat section sufficiently to counteract the ill effects of exposure to contact with the high temperature effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Brooker, James S. Falsetti, James K. Wolfenbarger, Dinh-Cuong Vuong
  • Patent number: 4355003
    Abstract: A furnace or generator for reacting a hydrocarbon gas which undergoes a reaction having an exothermic phase followed by an endothermic phase, is disclosed. The generator consists of concentric inner and outer tubes having a reacting gas inlet at the top of the inner tube and a reacted gas outlet near the top of the outer tube. The inner tube has holes adjacent its bottom for communicating the bottom of the inner tube with the annular space between the inner tube and the outer tube. The bottom portion of the generator forms a reactor portion while the top portion forms a recuperator portion. A gas air mixture entering near the top of the inner tube is heated in the recuperator portion by the reacted gas in the annular passage. Additional heating means may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1982
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Edward W. Grobel
  • Patent number: 4340397
    Abstract: A slagging gasifier for the gasification of coal and organic waste materials is disclosed The gasifier includes a vertical blast furnace having a hearth section at the bottom thereof. A slag tap hole is formed in hearth section and opens into a quenching vessel. A honeycomb structure is formed on the inner surface of said hearth section in the area surrounding said slag tap hole, and the inner wall of the hearth section. A plurality of tuyeres extend into the hearth section and feed the furnace with steam and oxygen so as to permit the oxidation of coal and organic waste materials fed into the furnace. As a result of the oxidation, gas and molten slag are formed in the furnace. The slag is collected in the hearth section and exits the hearth section via the tap hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Brandenberg Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Helmut Schulz
  • Patent number: 4131435
    Abstract: The specification discloses an automatic sequencing control system for operating a unit consisting of a pair of oil gas-producing generators in staggered sequence, each generator of which comprises a cooperating pair of reactor shells functioning alternately in a forward direction of product gas flow and in a reverse direction of product gas flow. The control system includes a start-up control, a burner control, a burner fuel ignition control, and an electric power failure control for heat and make periods of operation. An individual reverse flow wash box is provided for each generator and also a waste heat boiler common to both generators, valving for which is under control of sequencing control apparatus.The method of operation of a pair of generators disclosed enables operation within a narrow range of temperatures for long periods of time and without necessity for repair or rebuilding of reactor chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Wilputte Corporation
    Inventor: John C. Eck