Abstract: An apparatus for the production of combustible gas from waste materials and other combustible materials, in which the charge is dried, its combustible parts are subjected to low-temperature carbonization and the low-temperature carbonization gases are converted to combustible gas in a hot reaction bed. The charge is subjected to low-temperature carbonization at a temperature of from 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. with the exclusion of air, the resulting solid low-temperature carbonization residues are separated and the low-temperature carbonization gases are continuously drawn through a reaction bed at a temperature of from 1000.degree. to 1200.degree. C. formed from a solid carbon vehicle and a preheated fresh-air supply, and are converted to high-energy combustible gas in said reaction bed.

Abstract: A slagging gasifier incorporating a main burner ignition system which is mounted remote from the main burner thus avoiding damage to the system from over heating and slag dribble. The system comprises a stainless steel tube and a surface ignition ignitor and, in use, neat gas under high pressure is fed into the tube for ignition within the slagging gasifier.

Abstract: Symmetrical stepped grate/rabble arm combinations for use in a fixed bed coal gasifier are shown in which the stepped grates comprise step plates having in combination threwith means for controlling the rate of discharge of solids therefrom. The solids discharge controlling means described comprise adjustable mechanical dams at spaced locations along the step plate periphery together with means for the positioning thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous gasification of coal by partial combustion with a reactant gas is disclosed, wherein a vertical gasification reactor is provided with a reactant supply and ash removal assembly adapted to supply coal and reactant gases and to remove ash particles to and from the reactor via a constricted passageway in the reactor bottom. The assembly includes an ash quench chamber having means for supplying coal and reactant gases through the reactor disposed therein which opens opposite the constricted passageway a predetermined distance therefrom. The apparatus may be operated continuously without collecting by-product ash particles in the reactor and without superheating the reactant supply means.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method and an apparatus for converting organic materials into a high quality fuel product. The process involves introducing the organic materials into a stream heated to a temperature of about 1600.degree. - 2000.degree. F and comprised of a carrier gas and a hard, particulate material. The organic material is rapidly converted into a fuel product which is then separated from the stream. The process can be used to form either a liquid or gaseous fuel product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of producing industrially usable gas is disclosed wherein hot detarred gas produced in conventional manner is passed through a plate type precipitator adapted to remove from the gas at least some of the remaining contaminants, mainly the solid and fluids of relatively low volatility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying coal wherein the gasification takes place in a spout fluid bed at a pressure of about 10 to 30 atmospheres and a temperature of about 1800.degree. to 2200.degree.F and wherein the configuration of the apparatus and the manner of introduction of gases for combustion and fluidization is such that agglomerated ash can be withdrawn from the bottom of the apparatus and gas containing very low dust loading is produced. The gasification reaction is self-sustaining through the burning of a stoichiometric amount of coal with air in the lower part of the apparatus to form the spout within the fluid bed. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for gasifying coarse coal particles.

Abstract: A steam generating system for a gas producer of the type including a combustion chamber and an annular water jacket surrounding the chamber is disclosed characterised in that the upper part of the jacket is of larger diameter than the lower part thereof, the lower part being heated through substantially direct contact with the combustion chamber and the upper part being insulated from the chamber preferably by means of a skin of fire bricks or the like; an open upwardly directed vent pipe communicating with the lower part of the jacket; and a steam exhaust line communicating with the upper part of the jacket. The system also includes a venturi arrangement for introducing the generated steam to the air blast as well as a safety valve in the steam line which is adapted to respond to temperature changes in the air blast.

Abstract: The gaseous product obtained by the partial oxidation of a fuel such as coal and/or oil is desulfurized and then admitted into a packed gas-liquid contact column. Here, the gas comes into contact with water so as to become at least partially saturated with water vapor. The gas is next conveyed to a reactor wherein it undergoes a methane-forming reaction under isothermal conditions, the methane-forming reaction taking place without previously subjecting the gas to a conversion reaction. The methane-forming reaction is carried out catalytically with a nickel-containing catalyst and deposition of carbon from the gas onto the catalyst is prevented by virtue of the water vapor present during the reaction. The quantity of water vapor present during the reaction is adjusted so as to lie between predetermined limits. After completion of the reaction, the gas is admitted into another packed gas-liquid column wherein it is cooled by contact with cooling water at which time residual water vapor in the gas condenses.

Abstract: Granulated coals or cokes derived from coal, in sizes up to about 3/4 inch and containing ash matter with an initial deformation temperature below about 2,300.degree.F, are fed to a slow fluidized bed comprising relatively large particles of coke intermingled with roughly spherical ash agglomerates, maintained at about 1,900.degree.F to about 2,450.degree.F, and supplied with a gasification medium, for example, steam mixed with oxygen or air. A fast fluidized bed of coke fines is superimposed above the slow bed and is contiguous therewith. Gasification products are discharged together with relatively fine particles of coke, which are collected and returned to the fast bed. Ash agglomerates are withdrawn from the bottom of the slow bed via a standpipe leading to a slagging grate. Combustion of coke fines in a forehearth beneath the slagging grate creates slagging temperatures therein and at the grate. Molten slag falls through a taphole and into a pool of water, from which slag frit and water are discharged.

Abstract: Granulated coals or cokes derived from coal, in sizes up to about 3/4 inch and containing ash matter with an initial deformation temperature above about 2,300.degree.F, are fed to a slow fluidized bed comprising relatively large particles of coke intermingled with roughly spherical ash agglomerates, maintained at about 2,050.degree.F to 2,650.degree.F, and supplied with a gasification medium, for example, steam mixed with oxygen or air. A fast fluidized bed of coke fines is superposed above the slow bed and is contiguous therewith. Gasification products are discharged together with relatively fine particles of coke, which are collected and returned to the fast bed. Ash agglomerates are withdrawn from the bottom of the slow bed via a standpipe leading to a mechanical grate. An oxidizing medium is introduced below the grate to consume coke particles that accompany the ash agglomerates entering the standpipe.

Abstract: The gasification of solid fuels or mixtures of solid and liquid fuels takes place in a cylindrically-shaped pressure reactor vessel having feed jets at the top of the vessel for introducing the fuel and the gasification medium into the vessel. A ring-shaped chamber containing a bath of molten iron surrounds a gas discharge pipe within the lower portion of the vessel. A water bath is established below the lower rim of the discharge pipe in the vessel and pipe means passing through the side wall of the vessel at an elevation above the lower rim of the discharge pipe and below the ring-shaped chamber discharge the gases liberated within the vessel. Reactor means are provided for utilizing the residual heat of the gases passing from the vessel. In one embodiment, the reactor means comprise a fluidized bed chamber into which coal and steam are injected to utilize the residual heat of the gases.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the disposal of plastic waste in conjunction with air the apparatus comprising a fluidized bed combustion unit with means for heating the plastic waste disposed within the upper portion of the combustion unit. The plastic waste is converted to hydrocarbon gases and oils within the heating means which itself comprises a fluidized bed.