Abstract: A pyrolysis reactor is coupled with an incinerator plant in the pyrolysis apparatus of our invention. In one variant the pyrolysis gas arrives directly in the furnace of the incinerator plant. In another variant the pyrolysis gas is burned in an additional separate combustion chamber and the flue gas arising from its combustion is fed into the flue gas duct of the incinerator. Because of that the units required in an economically self sufficient pyrolysis plant for purifying and using the pyrolysis gas and for the exhaust gas cleaning are made more economical. A process for consuming waste according to our invention is also described.

Abstract: An entrained bed coal gasifier constructed so as to conduct two-stage reactions in a single gasification zone can be operated with high gasification efficiency by feeding coal and a gasifying agent through upper burners located at an upper portion from the half of the gasification section along the vertical direction and lower burners located at a lower portion from the half of the gasification section so as to make rotational flow respectively, the ratio of the amount of gasifying agent to the amount of coal at lower burners being larger than that of at the upper burners, the rotating circle diameter formed by the coal and gasifying agent injected from the upper burner being larger than that formed by the lower burner.

Abstract: A gasifier for converting solid organic fuels to combustible gas includes a cylindrical body having insulated side walls and a gas outlet port near its base. Affixed to the top of the cylindrical tank is a conical-shaped fuel feed hopper and beneath it and within the interior of the tank is an inverted truncated one. Positioned beneath the throat of the inverted cone is a pyramidal-shaped grate for supporting the combusting solid fuel during the inversion process. Positioned beneath the grate are a series of baffles. Combustion air is drawn in through the upper portion of the tank near the base of the frusto-conical feed hopper by the action of a motor-driven fan coupled to the gasifier's outlet port. The down draft gas flow reduces noxious fumes and pollutants while the baffles, by increasing the fluid velocity of the gases, tends to make the unit self-cleaning. The design of the hearth cone and grate also eliminates bridging of the fuel during the gasification process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in processing waste materials of various kinds and for reclaiming useable by-product materials from the pyrolized waste materials. The waste materials to be pyrolized are efficiently dehydrated prior to their introduction into the pyrolysis retort using microwaves generated by a large microwave generator. After the waste material is dried, initial ignition is accomplished using a very high intensity laser beam. Laser ignition is continued until sufficient methane and other volatile gases are produced for burning in a burner unit to sustain the pyrolysis reaction.

Abstract: A device for the gasification of waste, particularly light waste, is comprised of a reactor having a single fluidized bed including two concentric chambers communicating at the top and bottom wherein the outer chamber is intended to implement the pyrolysis of supplied waste and the inner chamber is intended to implement the combustion of pyrolyzed materials. A circulation of pyrolysis gas and combustion gas is established between the outer chamber and the inner chamber.

Abstract: A non-polluting method of, and apparatus for, burning fuel to produce heat and a CO.sub.2 -rich hot flue gas stream is described. Fuel (e.g., coal, oil, gas, wood, inter alia) is passed into a gasifier bed (12) containing particles of calcium sulfate and, optionally, calcium oxide. Bed 12 is fluidized by product gas containing an oxygen-transfer mediator (or source thereof) such as hydrogen, and fuel is partially oxidized to gas-phase products including CO and CO.sub.2 at a temperature above the carbonation temperature of calcium oxide, calcium sulfate being reduced to calcium sulfide. The gas-phase products are passed into the base of a combustion bed (28) containing particles of calcium sulfate in the presence of an oxygen-transfer mediator and CO is oxidized to CO.sub.2 at a temperature above the carbonation temperature of calcium oxide. Calcium sulfide-containing particles from the gasifier and combustion beds (12 and 28) are fluidized by an oxidizing gas (e.g.

Abstract: The heating stove system includes a fuel hopper (10) from which fuel is fed into a pyrolysis gasifier (12) by means of a fuel auger apparatus (14). Controlling the entry of biomass input and air into the gasifier and ignition of the material in the gasifier is a head valve apparatus (16) which includes an igniter (129). The gasifier (12) in operation produces carbon and fuel gas which are moved into a stove burner (90) by a blower apparatus (18). The operation of the heating stove system is automatically controlled from a thermostat (150).

Abstract: A system for pyrolysis and combustion of combustible solid material, such as waste, which comprises a pyrolysis chamber having a series of spaced vertically disposed movable grates, forming a plurality of stages in the pyrolysis chamber and permitting downward movement of solid feed material at a controlled rate countercurrent to the upward flow of hot gaseous products, the movable grates being synchronized for successive actuation whereby the charge of feed material is successively passed through each of the stages to the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber. Inlet lines are provided for introducing air into each of such stages and into the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber.

Abstract: A process which comprises the steps of introducing combustible solid material into an upper section of a pyrolysis chamber, moving the material downwardly at a controlled rate through multiple stage zones in the pyrolysis chamber, passing hot gaseous products of the partial oxidation of carbon char upwardly countercurrent to the movement of the solid material in the pyrolysis chamber, driving off volatile matter in the solid material, depositing carbon char in the lower section of the pyrolysis chamber, introducing air into the lower section of the pyrolysis chamber and partially oxidizing the char to form the hot gaseous products, removing a hot overhead fuel gas, passing the overhead fuel gas to a combustion chamber for combustion thereof with air, and applying the resulting hot combustion gases exiting the combustion chamber to a heat load.

Abstract: A device for cooling a stream of hot producer gas exiting from a gasification reactor operating at an increased pressure, includes a set of water spraying nozzles directed against the producer gas stream. Water feeding conduits connected to the nozzles pass through a sealing web provided between the pipe wall structure of the reactor and a separate pipe wall structure of a gas outlet connection piece provided above the discharge opening of the reactor. The geometric locations of respective nozzles are on a circle whose diameter is larger than that of the gas discharge opening and is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe wall structure of the connection piece.

Abstract: A system for reacting solid particles flowing under gravity through a thin walled enclosure has at least one fluid flowing through the enclosure in a counter-current to the flow of the solid particles. The feeding of the solid particles into the enclosure and the discharging therefrom of the converted ash particles may be adjusted. A particle bed is controlled by feeding the fluid into the enclosure so that it has to go through a substantial part of the bed thickness. The enclosure is vibrated to obtain a vibrated particle bed, with the vibrations being directed along a direction which lies at substantially a right angle to the vertical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying waste to form a leach-proof slag and a gas containing only H.sub.2 and CO as combustible constituents. The method comprises the steps of: (a) supplying waste material at the top of a shaft furnace while simultaneously supplying energy in the form of hot oxidizing gas at the bottom of the shaft furnace, (b) discharging liquid slag from the bottom of the furnace shaft and withdrawing the gas generated, at the top of the furnace shaft, and (c) supplying the gas generated, to a subsequent reaction chamber while simultaneously supplying energy in the form of a hot gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for gasifying pulverized coal, the apparatus comprising a housing with a granulated slag discharge opening in a bottom of the housing, and a producer gas outlet opening in a lower part of the housing; a layer of thermal insulation lining the housing; a pulverized coal burner having a discharge area in the top of the housing; a layer of heat-resistant lining located above the producer gas outlet opening; a steam injection inlet; and a plurality of ducts arranged between the heat-resistant lining and the thermal insulation and extending between the steam injection inlet to the discharge area, each of the ducts having an outlet opening arranged at a level of the discharge area and an inlet opening arranged above the steam injection means. Steam is injected into the housing and the producer gas is cooled with a plurality of cooling medium supply nozzles arranged in the housing.

Abstract: A kiln having pyrolysis, gasification and cooling horizontal zones, divided over its height into vertical chambers by vertical dividing walls, and having flues with vents housed in the dividing walls and the walls of the outer enclosure for injecting reaction fluids and fumes and for drawing off gases and vapors.In the gasification zone, the dividing walls have diffusion panels adjacent diffusion chambers. The panels are connected to the reaction fluid supply and are of a height which corresponds substantially to the height of the panel.The vertical chambers form modular cells through which the granulated mineral flows continuously without encountering obstructions in the form of irregularities.

Abstract: A pressurized downdraft gasifier for extracting high quality burning gases from fuels with low rates of gasification. The downdraft air with the gas products is made to take a tranverse path through a cylindrical bar grate depending into the ash collecting chamber from a throated bottom structure of the gasifying chamber and into annular space surrounding the grate at the top of the ash chamber from which space the gas products are delivered to gas burners and turbines to be utilized. Grate clearing assemblies are supported by their three blades respectively overlying respective grate bars and have a loose splined drive connection with a vertical drive shaft to allow the assemblies to tilt or rock while adjusting to clinkers plugging the grate bars. In the bottom of the ash chamber is a hearth plate with a central opening and a rejection plate also similarly loosely connected to the same vertical drive shaft to adjust to clinkers when sweeping the ash into the central opening of the hearth plate.

Abstract: A downflow, gravity type gasifier includes a vertically oriented chamber having a loading zone at the top, followed by a drying zone, followed by a pyrolytic zone for pyrolytic decomposition, followed by a cracking zone for cracking the tars, followed by a reduction zone and an oxidation zone wherein the gas is generated and the combustible material is burned. The cracking zone has a divider, e.g. a cruciform divider, in it, and each of the resulting sections of the cracking zone is individually supplied with air for more uniform distribution of air and more uniform cracking than heretofore available. In addition to the air supplied to the periphery at the cracking zone, air outlets are arranged in respective radial arrays of the outlets for more uniform distribution of air into the reduction and oxidation zone.

Abstract: A fixed bed gasifier for wood or other solid fuel has an air supply grate or grid spanning its interior horizontally substantially above the floor of the gasifier reactor vessel. The air supply tubes forming the grid are widely spaced apart to offer minimal resistance to the downward movement of ash in the reactor vessel. The ends of the grid tubes are supported by stuffing boxes on the side wall of the reactor vessel. An ash removal auger communicates with an ash pit at the bottom of the gasifier reactor vessel and a separately powered rotating ash plow operates in the ash pit above the ash removal auger and below the level of the air supply grate or grid.

Abstract: Novel designs of two types of down draft pyrolysis reactors are disclosed. One is a solid fuel reactor including a novel arrangement of down draft air inlet entrances, air distribution means, a consumable/replenishable catalytic bed, a heat exchanger for preheating inlet gas with the sensible heat of the exiting gas, and an infrared radiation trap below the reactor's screen grate. The other is an off gas pyrolysis reactor which includes a down draft reaction chamber with a fixed catalytic bed, a similar heat exchanger arrangement, an infrared radiation shield, an infrared radiation trap outside the gas outlet of the reaction chamber, and a unique relationship between the infrared radiation shield and the surface of the fixed catalytic bed.

Abstract: An upright, cylindrical down draft gasifier has a rotatable grate which supports a quantity of pyrolyzing biomass materials. As the grate is turned, charcoal particles thus formed fall through apertures in the grate and into a collection chamber. Simultaneously a high quality combustible gas is continuously withdrawn. A number of stationary, horizontal rods are disposed above the grate to retard and mix the reactant in the column and force a portion of the charcoal particles through the apertures. Additionally, the rods, in conjunction with the grate, present a shearing action on larger charcoal particles until the latter are crumbled and consequently fall through the grate. As the speed of the rotable grate is increased, the quantity of combustible gas and high quality charcoal is enhanced such that the heating value of the final product is also greatly increased.

Abstract: An assembly for supplying gas-conveyed solid fuel to the interior of a double wall gasification vessel includes a conduit (4) for conducting the fuel-gas mixture across the annular region (16) formed between the inner (3) and outer (2) vessel walls. A flexible coupling (11) is provided at one end of the conduit proximate the penetration of the fuel-gas stream across the vessel pressure boundary. An expansion joint (14), disposed about the conduit (4) and sealed to the inner vessel wall (3) conducts secondary gas into the inner vessel across the annular region (16) and prevents leakage of corrosive gases from the inner vessel interior.

Abstract: In order to ensure a comparatively high purification of gas, a gas producer is provided with a gas treatment stage consisting of a water tank having a gas inlet pipe terminating in a vertical section opening upwards under a bell housing floating on the water by means of a floating system provided with annular ribs. The flotation system further includes a projecting flange just above the water surface. Once the gas has passed from beneath the bell housing to an upper part of the tank it is drawn off by a blower and discharged, e.g. to a gas engine. A valve controlled recirculation line is provided between the blower and the upper part of the tank.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing gaseous products from solid and liquid, ash-containing fuels and mixtures thereof in an air stream in a reactor. The fuels are introduced into the reactor parallel to the axis thereof. The solid and liquid ash constituents are extensively separated from the gaseous products of the fuel in a slag bath before further cooling-off. The gaseous products are reversed by 180.degree. after leaving the reactor, and subsequently flow into one or more consecutively or parallel connected annular chambers, which are provided with heat exchanger heating surfaces and concentrically surround the reactor. The gaseous products are cooled in these annular chambers.

Abstract: A fixed bed gasifier has an annular series of spaced pokehole units thereabout, each unit of which is an outwardly and upwardly extending tapered tube with an end closure having an eccentrically positioned hole through which a poker may be inserted to pass through the unit for poking the fire zone of the gasifier. The tapered tube opens the gasifier vessel at the reduction zone. The hole at the end closure is closed when not in use by a movable closure that is opened only when the poker is to be inserted. The movable closure is connected with an air valve that admits atmospheric air from a manifold encircling the gasifier, at a pressure slightly above the internal pressure in the gasifier, to the interior of the unit as the movable closure is operated to expose the hole at the end of the unit, forcing hot gases in the unit back into the gasifier in the reduction zone, and permitting air only to blow out the end of the unit just before the poker may be inserted and until the pokehole is again covered.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing fuel is passed into a first fluidized bed (13) containing CaSO.sub.4 and CaO and an oxygen-transfer mediator (e.g. H.sub.2) whereby the fuel is converted to combustible gas (18), some CaSO.sub.4 being reduced to CaS and sulfur being fixed as CaS by reaction with CaO. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the first bed (13) into the bottom layer of the second bed (14) which is fluidized by air at conditions such that some, but not all of the CaS is selectively oxidized to CaSO.sub.4 with no liberation of sulfur moieties. Bed particles pass from the bottom layer of the second bed (14) to the bottom layer of a third bed (15) optionally after passage via a fourth bed (60, FIG. 2) between the second and third beds. In the third bed (15), particles are fluidized with air to convert CaS selectively to CaSO.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying, pyrolyzing and possibly also gasifying of lump wood in a cylindrical vessel with a hearth case includes a vessel of a type which differs from prior art vessel units by a top cooling hood with an annular cooling duct and an outer annular air space for preheating suction air and an inner, likewise annular, gas space to discharge to some external destination the gas recovered from the predried wood. The air drawn from the outer annular space is fed to the hearth via an air chamber and nozzles. Condensate precipitated on the inside faces of the hood drops into an annular gutter and is subjected to evaporation in the further course of the process. A method for operating this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two stage coal gasification plant which comprises a gasifier 1 and a predistillation retort 2. The gasifier has a plurality of gas extraction outlets 4 located in the periphery thereof which feed into a manifold 5 from where a percentage of the gas from the gasifier is extracted. Gas from the predistillation retort is extracted through an outlet near the top of the retort. An agitator 8 is provided for agitation of the coal in the agglomeration zone. The agitator is preferably automatically controlled by means of a temperature sensing device 10 located on an arm thereof.

Abstract: An improved air-flow regulator for a fixed-bed coal gasifier is provided which allows close air-flow regulation from a compressor source even though the pressure variations are too rapid for a single primary control loop to respond. The improved system includes a primary controller to control a valve in the main (large) air supply line to regulate large slow changes in flow. A secondary controller is used to control a smaller, faster acting valve in a secondary (small) air supply line parallel to the main line valve to regulate rapid cyclic deviations in air flow. A low-pass filter with a time constant of from 20 to 50 seconds couples the output of the secondary controller to the input of the primary controller so that the primary controller only responds to slow changes in the air-flow rate, the faster, cyclic deviations in flow rate sensed and corrected by the secondary controller loop do not reach the primary controller due to the high frequency rejection provided by the filter.

Abstract: A downdraft channel gasifier for the efficient conversion of biomass materials to usable heat energy, which includes at least two generally triangularly shaped air ducts positioned longitudinally across an enclosed housing defining a combustion chamber. The air ducts have sloping sides which downwardly converge towards one another to define at least one open-botton V-shaped channel, the sloping sides primarily supporting the biomass fuel which will be combusted to derive producer gas. The air ducts are hollow and are in fluid communication with a high pressure air source at one end, and with the gasification chamber through air jet openings near their apexes. The high pressure air exits out air jet openings along the top edges of the air ducts, providing primary air for gasification of the biomass in the channels. The producer gas passes down between the channels and horizontally to an exit.

Abstract: A gas generating system deriving useful BTU products from cellulosic waste material and comprising a conical shell to which the waste material is fed at the bottom and moved upwardly by an auger to permit the expanding walls of the cone to loosen the material by sintering action in the upper portion of the shell in a combustion zone located above the level of a row of air inlet ports substantially midway of the shell, the shell also having a gas accumulating chamber in the top thereof and a gas discharge device leading from the chamber to gas purifying and cooling mechanism including spray devices, a settling tank and liquid storage tank operating in a manner to re-use liquid incident to the operation of the spray devices. Operation of the controlled air delivery to the nozzles and cone also can be regulated to produce desirable amounts of charcoal and mechanism is included to remove the same from the cone.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the continuous non-oxidative thermal decomposition of heat-dissociable organic matter to a solid carbon residue, particularly activated carbon, and a mixture of gaseous products, without substantial coking or tar formation. The apparatus involve a cylindrical rotating drum in a substantially horizontal position, into which feed material is introduced at one end and products recovered at the other end. An axial temperature gradient, increasing in the direction of flow, is maintained within the drum, enabling the exercise of a high degree of control over the reaction to fully convert the feed into the desired products.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed gasification system an ash removal system to reduce the particulate ash to a maximum size or smaller, allow the ash to cool to a temperature lower than the gasifier and remove the ash from the gasifier system. The system consists of a crusher, a container containing level probes and a means for controlling the rotational speed of the crusher based on the level of ash within the container.

Abstract: A vapor generating system in which a furnace section is provided that is formed by four upright walls. A plurality of openings are formed in one of the walls, and a plurality of gasifiers extend adjacent said one wall and surround the openings so that the respective interiors of the gasifiers communicate with the openings. A bed of adsorbent material is supported in each gasifier for adsorbing the sulfur generated as a result of the gasification of fuel introduced into the gasifier, and air is passed through the bed of adsorbent material to fluidize said material so that, upon combustion of said fuel, a substantially sulfur-free product gas is produced which passes from the gasifier, through the openings and into the furnace section.

Abstract: A gas producer for coal gasification in which the gas collecting flues are provided with means for flow rate determination and adjustable flow restriction.

Abstract: A device for obtaining large amounts of combustible gas from carbonaceous materials, such as wood chunks and other wood waste material, by gasification of such wood material resulting in partial combustion thereof has a gas-tight combustion chamber having a rectangular cross section and having a material charging device and an ash discharge device respectively disposed at upper and lower portions thereof. The chamber has a number of gas removal lines connected thereto and has a number of air nozzles uniformly disposed in longitudinal walls of the chamber in at least one plane as well as a number of uniformly spaced air supply lances which extend to a central interior portion of the chamber for supplying air for aiding combustion of the material therein. The device may be subdivided into a number of individual chambers by partitions disposed in the chamber.

Abstract: Garbage to be converted is fed into the upper end of a vertical chamber. A gas collection chamber is provided around the upper end of the chamber and a blower is used for lowering the pressure in this gas collection chamber. The lower pressure causes a draw within a combustion zone defined at the lower end of the garbage chamber. The draw promotes combustion of garbage in the combustion zone much in the same manner that the draw by a pipe smoker will promote combustion within the bowl of his pipe. The gas collected in the gas chamber is delivered through a water filled cleaner or filter. The gas discharged from the upper end of the filter is ready for use in a power device or a furnace, or it may be collected and compressed or even liquified, into a storage container, for easy mobility and later use.

Abstract: A gas generating system utilizing cellulosic waste, such as sawdust and the like, of a low BTU rating, which is partially dried on the closed top of, and then fed to the bottom of a conical generator into which a limited air supply is delivered to the upper portion of the generator where a combustion zone occurs to sinter the material and form steam and wood gas (methane) which passes to and through a heat exchange coil in an after-cooler tank in which water is heated incident to cooling the gas which successively passes through several cyclone units which successively remove dust, ash, creosote and other condensates, a blower also being included to induce a low rate of suction in the system to insure movement of the gas through the system which finally preferably is passed through a scrubber to clean the gas product of any appreciable impurities and the scrubbing water is recirculated to absorb more impurities after being stratified to remove heavy condensates and other solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator with fixed bed and reverse draught, to gasify solid combustible materials.The gas generator according to the invention comprises starting from the top downwards, a loading compartment, a drying and pyrolysis enclosure, a combustion chamber, a rotary hearth plate and an ash tray. The wall of the combustion chamber is lined with a coil inside which flows part of the combustion air which is injected obliquely on the top periphery of the chamber. The center of the combustion chamber is occupied by a core which is driven in rotation by the hearth plate and which is covered by a deflector. Another part of the combustion air is injected through the core at the top of the combustion chamber.The invention finds an application in the gasification of all types of combustible solid material, which may or may not be associated to their carbonization.

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.

Abstract: A water jacket for coal gasification in which the gas producer is provided with an inwardly directed collar spaced from the water jacket and a plurality of apertures through the collar formation such that the collar can assist in supporting the refractory material of the wall of the gas producer.

Abstract: A cupola for the melting of metal is provided with an auxiliary gas generator which supplies through the forehearth hot carbon monoxide rich gas to the bottom of the cupola as a source of heat. The heat of the gases maintains the cupola hearth and forehearth hot. Ordinary coal, or coke breeze or any other carbonaceous fuel may be burned in the generator. Additionally, the cupola may be allowed to go to zero output without cooling off.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing ash formed within, and accumulated at the lower portion of, a fluidized bed coal gasification reactor vessel. A supplemental fluidizing gas, at a temperature substantially less than the average fluidized bed combustion operating temperature, is injected into the vessel and upwardly through the ash so as to form a discrete thermal interface region between the fluidized bed and the ash. The elevation of the interface region, which rises with ash accumulation, is monitored by a thermocouple and interrelated with a motor controlled outlet valve. When the interface rises above the temperature indicator, the valve opens to allow removal of some of the ash, and the valve is closed, or positioned at a minimum setting, when the interface drops to an elevation below that of the thermocouple.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting the conversion of solid fuels (including solid organic waste materials having a fuel valve) by high temperature gasification into clean-burning and uniform gaseous fuel called "producer gas." The apparatus comprises a two-section, stacked double-shell gasifier reactor defining sequentially descending, drying, distillation, oxidation and reduction reaction zones through which a continuously fed column of the solid fuel descends during its conversion to a gaseous fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for the conversion of solid fuels and solid organic waste materials by high temperature gasification into gaseous fuel called "producer gas." The apparatus comprises a stacked two-section gasifier defining sequentially descending drying, distillation, oxidation and reduction reaction zones through which a column of the solid fuel descends during its conversion to the gaseous fuel. The lower reactor section is of double-shell construction and defines the lower oxidation and reduction reaction zones. Means are provided for drawing air into the oxidation zone for burning reaction with carbonized fuel passing therethrough and for thereafter drawing reaction gases downwardly through the lower reduction zone of the gasifier and then through the annular space defined by the double-shell structure of the lower section in indirect counter-current heat exchange relationship with the fuel column portion in the oxidation and reduction zones.

Abstract: An integral gasifier including a pretreater section and a gasifier section separated by a distribution grid is defined by a single vessel. The pretreater section pretreats coal or other carbon-containing material to be gasified to prevent caking and agglomeration of the coal in the gasifier. The level of the coal bed of the pretreater section and thus the holding or residence time in said bed is selectively regulated by the amount of pretreated coal which is lifted up a lift pipe into the gasifier section. Thus, the holding time in the pretreater section can be varied according to the amount of pretreat necessary for the particular coal to be gasified.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00929 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 1, 1979 Sec. 102(e) date Nov. 1, 1979 PCT Filed Nov. 1, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO81/01295 PCT Pub. Date May 14, 1981A rotating fluidized bed gasifier system especially useful in compound engines comprising an annular fluidization chamber containing a bed of carbon containing pulverulent solid materials. The chamber, which is defined by inner and outer spaced apart coaxial, cylindrical, perforated walls, rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. Steam enters the bed, which is maintained at about 1800.degree. F., through the outer perforated wall and fluidizes the particles. The steam reacts endothermically with the carbon to produce reaction product gas which exits the bed, together with unreacted steam, through the inner perforated wall. In a preferred form of the invention the bed is maintained at approximately 1800.degree. F. by combining a rotating fluidized bed combustor with the gasifier.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for providing coal dust to a reaction chamber, especially in the process of producing low-sulfur coke dust and gas by gas extraction and partial gasification of coal dust in a reaction chamber for partially combusting coal dust. Coal dust and a first stream of combustion gas are combined and passed through a central conduit to a reaction chamber. A second stream of combustion gas can be selectively subjected to swirling motion and can be combined with the stream emanating from the central conduit. The degree of swirl of the first stream and the second stream of combustion gas is used to control distribution of the gas-solids mixture in the reaction chamber and to control the path of the gas-solids mixture leading into the wall of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Solid fuel is acted on by a gasifying medium in a fluidized bed W. The resulting gas enters a cyclone 20 having an outlet for solid particles connected to a gasification chamber 30 in which the particles are gasified by a separate stream of gasifying medium supplied by an injector 25.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with novel apparatus and process for converting crude carbon such as coal, carbonaceous wastes and the like into valuable chemical products and/or energy. A mass of solid crude carbonaceous fuel is fed into a high temperature liquid which acts as a solvent for carbon at a temperature sufficient to carbonize the mass and by which the carbon is separated from impurities. Volatile fractions are removed from the mass which acts as a distillation column. Air, or another oxygen source, is introduced into the reactor wherein it reacts with the carbon dissolved in the liquid therein, which may preferably be iron to form a hot fuel gas. The hot fuel gas is then used to produce useful energy, generally via a stepwise procedure.

Abstract: A process and apparatus, wherein as hot gas from a coal gasifier discharges through a tubular outlet having therein a wall which is permeable throughout its length for the flow of hot gas centrally therethrough, a gas shield is formed along the inner surface of the tubular outlet by passing a coolant through the wall, which gas shield cools the wall and prevents sticky ash particles in the hot gas from hitting the wall. The gas shield also cools the hot gas so that the sticky ash particles lose their stickiness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and novel method and apparatus for reacting nongaseous material with a gaseous reactant comprising introducing a first stream containing a nongaseous material into a reaction zone; simultaneously introducing a second stream containing a gaseous reactant into the reaction zone such that the gaseous reactant immediately contacts and reacts with the first stream thereby producing a gaseous product; forming a spiralling vortex within the reaction zone to cause substantial separation of gases, including the gaseous product, from the nongaseous material; forming and removing a third stream from the reaction zone containing the gaseous product which is substantially free of the nongaseous material before a major portion of the gaseous product can react with the nongaseous material; and forming and removing a fourth stream containing the nongaseous material from the reaction zone.