Abstract: Apparatus is described for the pyrolysis of coal comprising a pyrolysis tower through which crushed coal and hot gas are counter-currently passed. The tower enables a controlled temperature profile to be maintained in the tower, and contains inner appurtenances which define cascading passageways to promote heat exchange and mixing of the coal with the hot gas. The coal volatiles are carried out of the top of the tower by the gas. The pyrolysis tower may be conjoined with a gasifier so as to most directly utilize the char residuals remaining after pyrolysis of the coal while they are still hot to more efficiently produce a hot synthesis gas, to be used to perform thermal pyrolysis in the tower.

Abstract: A method and system for removing hydrogen sulfide from a hot gas. In a moving bed absorber, sulfur compounds in the hot gas moving in a direction which is countercurrent to the direction of movement of the movable bed of metal oxide, react with metal oxide to form metal sulfide. The metal sulfide is regenerated to re-usable metal oxide in a moving bed regenerator. The regeneration is carried out with an oxygen-containing gas in which regenerator off-gas serves as a diluent to control oxygen concentration. In the regenerator, spent metal sulfide moves progressively through a single regeneration vessel having first, second and third regeneration stages. In the first and second regeneration stages, first and second oxygen and sulfur dioxide-containing gases move, respectively, in a direction which is cocurrent with the direction of movement of a movable bed of spent metal sulfide.

Abstract: A reactor in which a furnace and a heat recovery area are provided. A bed of solid particulate material including fuel is supported in the furnace and air is introduced into the bed at a velocity sufficient to fluidize same and support the combustion or gasification of the fuel. The products of combustion (or flue gases) pass upwardly through the furnace and transfer heat energy to the walls thereof to produce steam. Flue gases leaving the upper region of the furnace section are transported to a heat recovery area, which functions to remove additional heat energy from the flue gases for producing the steam. A flue gas by-pass system is provided which transports relatively hot flue gases from a lower region of the furnace section to the heat recovery area for improving isothermal operating conditions and optimizing reactor performance. One or more conduits pass flue gases directly from selected extraction points within the lower region of the furnace to an upper portion of the heat recovery area.

Abstract: The present process is directed to the cooling and cleaning of hot crude synthesis gas leaving a gas generator (solid hydrocarbon gasification reactor) wherein the hot crude synthesis gas leaving the top of the gas generator in an upflow direction is quenched by injection of cold purified synthesis gas. The gas velocity is then reduced and the gas stream is reversed in a downflow direction whereupon the gas velocity is increased again. The gas stream is again reversed in an upflow direction and the gas velocity is decreased whereafter the gas is indirectly cooled and flyash being separated therefrom.

Abstract: A method is proposed for recovering high-temperature exhaust gases of high inflammability in terms of carbonaceous concentration from the partial combustion, at atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure, of a mixture of pulverized bituminous or subbituminous coal and air as oxidizer gas, enriched with oxygen gas in a combustor apparatus having a cylindrical combustion chamber with a tangential injection duct, through which the fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber to develop into a rapidly swirling vortex optimizing burning over a short period of time. As a result, the high-temperature, inflammable exhaust gases are generated, of which the heat is recovered to produce steam in a boiler. After losing portion of their heat to the boiler, the inflammable gases, following purification by a filter and desulfurization unit, recovery for subsequent thermal use in boilers, metallurgical or other chemical processes.

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

Abstract: There are disclosed a process and a plant for gasifying biomass. The plant has a pressure vessel containing a hot fluidized sand bed. The bio-mass is pre-dried to a moisture content of from 10% to 35% by weight. A steam-free oxygen-containing gas is fed and distributed, through a grid system at the bottom of the hot sand bed, to hold the bed in a fluidized state and to form, in its lower portion, an oxygen-rich heat-forming combustion zone and, in its upper portion, a hydrogen-rich gas-forming pyrolysis zone. The pre-dried biomass is uninterruptedly fed in the pyrolysis zone at essentially the center of the hot fluidized bed, this center being determined when the sand bed stands at rest. The fluidized bed is held at an operating temperature of 750.degree. to 860.degree. C. under an operating pressure of 400 kPa to 1750 kPa by controlling the feeding rate of the fluidized gas as well as the feeding rate of the biomass.

Abstract: An arrangement for the gasification of fuels with oxygen or oxygen-containing gases and steam, includes a shaft-like vessel for receiving solid charging stock. A gas discharge duct is provided on the upper end of the vessel and a primary gas chamber is in connection with the shaft-like vessel on its lower end via a passage. In the primary gas chamber a burner is provided, which includes feedings for oxygen or oxygen-containing gases as well as for fuels. A trough for receiving slag is arranged below. the primary gas chamber and a supporting bottoms is provided between the trough and the shaft-like vessel, reaching into the primary gas chamber, for the formation of a dumping material bed of the solid charging stock facing the burner by one dumping surface. In order to be able to gasify low-quality fuels into a high-quality product gas, the primary gas chamber includes a charging opening for charging a charging stock to be gasified.

Abstract: The hot-gas cooling plant has a gas outlet line releasably connected between the radiant cooler and the convection cooler. The gas outlet line is curved to extend from an upper region of the radiant cooler to the top end of the convection cooler. Flange connections are used to connect the gas outlet line to the pressure vessels of the coolers. Cooling tubes are also provided within the gas outlet line for cooling the flow of gas therethrough.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a product gas from a fine-grained carbon-bearing substance during a high-pressure gasification comprises a vertical gasifier and radiative cooling device, a vertical convective cooling device through which a flow occurs from top to bottom and a connecting pipe between a head of the gasifier and radiative cooling device and a head of the convective cooling device. The gasifier and radiative cooling device comprises a pipe-like shaft, a lower cinder outlet and an upper conical connecting piece for the connecting pipe. The shaft is constructed as an equal speed flow duct, which is not equipped for feeding a foreign cooling means, but is designed so that solidification of the accompanying cinders travelling with the product gas occurs by radiative cooling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination comprising two vertical cylindrical shaped high temperature pressure vessels coaxially connected. The upper vessel is a refractory lined free-flow partial oxidation gas generator for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 +CO from liquid hydrocarbonaceous and solid carbonaceous fuels. The lower vessel houses a radiation gas cooler for cooling the raw gas stream which is produced in the upper vessel and which passes down through a coaxial vertical cylindrical annular shaped refractory throat located between said upper and lower vessels. A vertical steel cylindrical gas barrier provided with a flanged bottom surrounds the refractory throat passage so that substantially no gas escapes into a stagnant annular zone outside of said gas barrier. Further the refractory throat is vertically supported by said flanged gas barrier.

Abstract: An integrated polygeneration system and process is disclosed for generating liquid hydrogen as a main energy product for use as a propellant for space vehicles. Secondary energy products and commodities for supporting a space center complex and launching of the space vehicle includes the production of electrical and thermal energy and gaseous nitrogen. The integrated process includes a coal gasification and gas cleanup system (12), a combined cycle power generation system (18), a hydrogen production and liquefaction system (22) and a air separation system (32). A medium BTU gas (16) is produced by the coal gasification system and is delivered at (16a) to the power generation system and (16b) the hydrogen production and liquefaction system.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the production of gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a solid fuel in a fluidized bed, the solid particles contained in the product gas are separated off in a cyclone separator and recycled to the fluidized bed by way of a recycling conduit. The recycling conduit is provided with injection nozzles for introducing gas flows into the recycling conduit in a pulse-like manner in order to loosen up the particles therein. The gas flows may be introduced into the recycling conduit in displaced relationship in respect of time in such a way that, of two adjacent injection locations, gas is injected through the injection location which is arranged at a greater spacing from the reactor at a later time than at the injector location which is closer to the reactor.

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

Abstract: An improved gasifier and engine system which includes an air compressor, a fixed-bed gasifier, a gas cleansing device and a diesel-cycle internal combustion engine. Ambient air is compressed by the compressor to a predetermined first pressure and is directed to a chamber of the gasifier which contains a batch loaded charge of coal and/or other expendable conditioning materials such as water, limestone and sand. The gasifier partially burns the charge and produces high pressure and temperature fuel gas which is cleaned up prior to exiting the gasifier chamber. The cleaned hot fuel gas is directed to the engine where an injection device injects the fuel gas into a combustion chamber of the engine during a later portion of a compression phase of the diesel cycle. The injected fuel gas is ignited in the engine combustion chamber by a glow plug or other ignition-assist device.

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

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

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

Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of gasifying finely divided, particularly solid fuel under increased pressure with a multi-pipe wall having a plurality of pipes arranged to be supplied with a cooling medium, the multi-pipe wall limiting a gas-collecting chamber and also limiting a plurality of recesses which form combustion chambers, wherein each of the recesses having a plurality of parameters including a depth, a width and an angle of inclination of a peripheral wall and being such that at least one of the parameters is changeable

Abstract: A gasifier for producing a usable gas by combusting a particulated carbonaceous fuel in a combustion chamber which is communicated to a cooling zone. A dip tube conducts an effluent flow of gas and slag to the bath by way of an upright guide passage. A segmented quench ring communicated with a pressurized source of a liquid coolant such as water, directs a flow thereof against the dip tube guide surfaces to maintain the latter in a wetted condition. The respective segments of the manifolded quench ring are supported in a manner to cooperate with each other, yet to maintain lateral interspacing therebetween. A shield disposed across the interspace permits the latter to adjust in response to thermal expansion and contraction of the respective ring or manifold segments.

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

Abstract: Solid particles and gaseous materials are separated by passing a suspension of solid particles and gaseous materials into the upper section of a cyclonic separation vessel equipped with a cyclonic swirl zone which may contain vortex stabilizing means and a lower dense bed zone which may contain stripping means, and wherein separated gaseous materials are removed from the upper section of the cyclonic zone and solid particles are passed in the lower dense bed zone, from which particles are removed by aeration through a discharge means which communicates with the dense bed zone.The present process and apparatus are preferably applied in the separation of gaseous materials from solid particles entrained in hot flue gases obtained in the combustion stage of a process for extracting hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon-bearing substrate such as oil shale and tar sand.

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 fixed-bed coal gasifier includes an upright cylindrical wall providing a fixed-bed coal gasification chamber for gasifying coal to produce synthesis gas, with an end-piece closing off the upper end of the cylindrical wall. A coal inlet opening is provided in the end-piece, and a gas outlet leads from the chamber at a high level. A gas collection device is provided within the gasification chamber below the inlet opening, and provides a central gas collection zone operatively connected to the gas outlet of the gasification chamber so that synthesis gas produced in the chamber can pass from the gas collection zone to the gas outlet. The device is spaced with clearance from the cylindrical wall so that coal can pass through the gap between the device and the cylindrical wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced coal distribution means, for distributing coal from an upper zone above the gas collection device into a lower zone immediately below the gas collecting device, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a system for detecting the level of slag in a solid fuels gasification reactor. In this invention a pokerod is extended into the quench chamber of the reactor, and pulled back to a retract position, in a timed sequence. The timed sequence is initiated by an electronic controller unit, in combination with an air pressure regulator, a solenoid valve, a double chamber air cylinder, and two sensor switches. The end of the pokerod that moves into the quench chamber is designed to contact the solid slag without penetrating the material itself. If the pokerod makes contact with the slag material, the controller sets off an alarm to warn the operator of slag build up in the reactor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling moisture content of a solid, such as pulverized coal, conveyed to a reactor, such as a gasifier, by controlling the temperature of a gas injected into a pulverizer or dryer based on the moisture content control of the coal transported to the gasifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-fluid nozzle which is adjustable to provide a substantially constant mixing energy. Adjustment of the two-fluid nozzle is made in accordance with the pressure and mass flow values of the liquid and gas fed to the nozzle. A microprocessor calculates the mixing energy from these values and provides an output to the nozzle to adjust it should its mixing energy be in variance with a pre-selected mixing energy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for converting coal to gas, liquid and solid products. The coal is subjected to a pyrolysis reaction at a temperature of at least about 260.degree. C. in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas, and the resultant solid residue subjected to a gasification reaction with oxygen and steam at a temperature of at least about 482.degree. C. thereby generating the necessary hydrogen-containing gas for the pyrolysis reaction and producing a solid product. Heat generated in the exothermic gasification reaction is transferred to the pyrolysis reaction, so the apparatus does not require any external source of heat except for means (88) to control the temperature of the gases passing to the pyrolysis reaction chamber. The gaseous fraction generated in the pyrolysis reaction is cooled to produce liquid and gas products, preferably after having first been subjected to a Fischer-Tropsch reaction.

Abstract: A coal gasification composite power generator which comprises a coal pulverizer in which coal is finely pulverized, a means for transferring the finely pulverized coal while drying the finely pulverized coal with a drying gas, a coal feeding means for feeding the coal from the transfer means to a gasification furnace in which the coal is converted to a combustible gas, a gas turbine connected to the gasification furnace and driven with the combustible gas fed from the gasification furnace, and an exhaust gas boiler to which an exhaust gas from the gas turbine is passed to recover the heat of the exhaust gas. The power generator is characterized by further comprising a device for withdrawing part of the combustion exhaust gas at an upstream and a downstream side of the exhaust gas boiler and mixing the withdrawn gases and a pipe connecting the withdrawing device and the pulverizer, so that the mixed gas is passed to the pulverizer.

Abstract: An entrained flow coal gasifier having a combustor zone (16) and a reductor zone (18) separated by a centrally located baffle (14). The baffle (14) covers the projected plan area of a slag tap (44) whereby cool slag falling from the reductor (18) will be heated before flowing through the slag tap.

Abstract: A process for cooling and purifying a hot gas containing slag particles comprises the following steps:(a) the velocity of the gas mixture is reduced;(b) the flow of the gas mixture having a reduced velocity is deflected, the gas mixture being passed upward in substantially vertical direction so that part of the slag particles falls down into a fluidized bed of slag particles;(c) cold clean recycle gas is introduced through a fluidization distributor into the fluidized bed, thereby cooling the slag particles and keeping at least part of the slag particles in the fluidized bed;(d) the gas mixture flowing substantially vertically upward at reduced velocity is cooled by indirect exchange of heat, while a further quantity of slag particles falls down into the fluidized bed; and(e) the cooled slag particles are discharged from the bottom of the fluidized bed through a discharge pipe.An apparatus to carry out this procedure is also described.

Abstract: A coal gasifier has a fluidized bed reactor. The gasifier has a series of cyclones connected to an outlet of the gasifier to clean the gas generated by the fluidized bed reactor to isolate particulate matter. The cyclones are turned on and off individually to compensate for the variations in the gas output of the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for control and maintenance of fluidized beds under non-steady state conditions. An ash removal conduit is provided for removing solid particulates from a fluidized bed separate from an ash discharge conduit in the lower portion of the grate supporting such a bed. The apparatus and process of this invention is particularly suitable for use in ash agglomerating fluidized beds and provides control of the fluidized bed before ash agglomeration is initiated and during upset conditions resulting in stable, sinter-free fluidized bed maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the partial oxidation of a high metals or ash containing liquid hydrocarbonaceous fuel or a slurry of solid carbonaceous fuel to simultaneously produce saturated and unsaturated raw streams of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas. Two continuous partial oxidation reactions in two separate reaction zones go on simultaneously. The fuel feed to the first partial oxidation zone is said fresh high metals or ash containing fuel. The raw product gas stream from the first partial oxidation zone is split into first and second split gas streams. The first split gas stream may be cooled in a radiant and/or convection type gas cooler without fouling heat exchange surfaces. The fuel feed to the second partial oxidation zone is a pumpable slurry which is prepared from the entrained matter that is separated from said gas streams during quench cooling and cleaning operations and which contains a comparatively high amount of metals and/or ash.

Abstract: The reactor for the gasification of the fuel in a fixed bed comprises a rotary distributor, which is disposed over the fixed bed and includes at least one outlet structure for the fuel. The outlet structure consists of a tube, which is formed at its lower end with two arcuate cutouts through which the fuel flows out approximately at right angles to the direction of movement of the tube. Each cutout lies in a plane which includes an angle of about 25.degree. to 50.degree. with the horizontal. The outlet end of the tube has preferably the same elevation on the leading and trailing sides of the tube.

Abstract: A fixed bed dry bottom coal gasifier has a cylindrical wall providing a gasification chamber for gasifying coal to produce synthesis gas. It also has a coal lock above the chamber. The coal lock has a coal discharge opening leading into the chamber. A gas outlet leads from the chamber at a high level. The gasifier further includes a first static coal distributor located in the gasification chamber below the coal discharge opening of the coal lock and a second static coal distributor located below the first coal distributor. The first coal distributor has an upper opening spaced with vertical clearance from the coal discharge opening, a lower opening spaced from the upper opening, and an upwardly directed peripheral coal distributing surface flaring downwardly outwardly from said upper opening and extending beyond the vertical projection of the periphery defining the coal discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention concerns the internal structure of a high temperature furnace. That structure includes a dome made of refractory bricks that are capable of withstanding the high temperature within a coal gasification generator. The structure also includes a supporting brick wall under the dome. And, it includes an inner wall made of refractory bricks. The latter is inside of the supporting wall. The inner wall shields the supporting wall from the highest temperature while it is free to expand without being subject to any compressive load from the dome.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the ash temperature in a gasifier (10) of the kind described, which includes providing an ash contact member (31) in the ash flow path (20) downstream of the ash outlet (21) of the gasifier, and measuring the temperature of the ash contact member. The invention also provides ash temperature measurement means (30) for the gasifier (10). The ash temperature measurement means includes the ash contact member which is located in the ash flowpath below the ash outlet and which is capable of assuming a temperature proportional to the temperature of ash discharged from the gasification chamber (12) and which comes into contact with the contact member, as well as temperature sensing means adapted to measure the temperature of the ash contact member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning hot gases produced during a coal gasification process in a reactor, wherein the hot gases leaving the reactor are cooled in a plurality of cooling stages to a relatively low temperature. In accordance with this invention, a particulated solid is added to the hot gases and circulated through at least one of the cooling stages. The particulated solid may be a material which decomposes in the hot gases to liberate carbon dioxide or it may be inert.The apparatus of the invention makes use of a heat exchanger which functions as a radiant cooler and also as a mixer for the gases and solids, the heat exchanger being connected directly to the gasification reactor at the exhaust gas side thereof. The heat exchanger is followed by at least one downstream, multi-stage cyclone fluidized bed heat exchanger which also is provided with an indirect heat exchange capability.

Abstract: A pressurized coal gasification system having double wall containment vessels (2,10) is disclosed. The gasification vessel (2) is provided with a gas tight water seal (36) for connecting the lower end of the inner water-cooled vessel (4) with the bottom supported slag tank (32). The seal (36) prevents gas leakage between the vessel interior and the pressurized annular volume (24) formed between the inner and outer gasification chambers (4,6). A flow of clean, particulate-free product gas (60) is routed into the contiguous annular volume (24,26,28) formed between the inner water-cooled gas directing members (4,20,12) and the outer, pressure containing members (6,22,16) to prevent either leakage of raw product gas into the annular volume or dilution of the product gas (46) by leakage of the sealing gas (60) into the hot product gas flowstream.

Abstract: An integrated gasifying apparatus for solid municipal waste, sewage sludge and coal utilizes a fluidized-bed gasifier from which the char enters a low-temperature fluid bed combustor and then a high-temperature fluid bed combuster. CaO is admitted to the gasifier to form part of the bed and calcined lime is carried out of the high temperature combustor. The product gases are separated to recover CO.sub.2 which is recirculated to the gasifier at least in part as a fluidizing gas.

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: A combustion chamber for powdered coal and the like having a refractory lined floor with an exit throat at the bottom. The throat is shaped approximately in accordance with the ratios employed in a contraction cone of a wind tunnel to produce a monotonic increase in flow therethrough in order to avoid any clogging by liquid slag and fly ash.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for converting coal to gas, liquid and solid products, which comprises a single vessel including a pyrolysis chamber (20) disposed in the upper part of the vessel, and a gasification chamber (29) disposed beneath the pyrolysis chamber in the lower part of the vessel. The coal is subjected to a pyrolysis reaction at a temperature of at least about 260.degree. C. in the presence of a hydrogen-containing gas, and the resultant solid residue subjected to a gasification reaction with oxygen and steam at a temperature of at least about 482.degree. C. thereby generating the necessary hydrogen-containing gas for the pyrolysis reaction and producing a solid product. Heat generated during the exothermic gasification reaction is also transferred from the gasification chamber to the pyrolysis chamber for the endothermic reaction therein by conduction through a common dividing wall (74) interconnecting the two chambers.

Abstract: A gasifier (10) having an associated boiler (26, 32, 42, 48), for converting coal to combustible gas, and also having a desulfurizer (20) downstream of the gasifier. In order to maintain the gas leaving the gasifier and flowing to the desulfurizer above a predetermined temperature, even when operating the unit at reduced loads, a temperature sensing device (56) continuously monitors the gas temperature upstream of the desulfurizer. If the temperature drops below a predetermined value, high temperature boiler water (62) is introduced to the economizer (26) rather than feed water (24), so that less heat is absorbed by the economizer from the gases under these conditions.

Abstract: A waterwall for a twin tower gasification system wherein the two towers are fluidically connected intermediate their ends. The waterwall comprises a plurality of tubes, a portion of which extend from the first tower to the second tower and define a cylinder. The portion of the tubes extending between the towers are twisted into a helix such that the portion of the tubes that define the lower portion of the cylinder at the first tower, define the upper portion of the cylinder at the second tower.

Abstract: An installation for gasifying coal in a fluidized bed under high pressure has a vessel resistant to the high pressure and a reactor disposed in the interior of the vessel and having a principal chamber constituting a gasification chamber which permits the establishment of a principal fluidized bed of substantial depth and an auxiliary fluidized bed of a smaller depth. An inclined traveling grate forms the bottom of the gasification chamber and has a lower grate portion supporting the principal fluidized bed and an upper grate portion supporting the auxiliary bed situated in a space between the vessel walls and the gasification chamber. The principal and auxiliary fluidized beds are maintained in hydrostatic equilibrium.

Abstract: A solid fuel gasifying unit is used to convert coal and other combustible organic solids to gaseous end products. Solid feed enters the vertical preheat zone of S-shaped gasifying unit and is mixed with a hot recycle reagent such as clay. The solid material fills the preheating zone of the unit to an elevation sufficient to create a gravitational particle flow which forces the solid particles in the lower end of the zone into the bottom of a vertical gasifying zone and through the remaining sections of the unit. In the gasifying zone, a fluidizing gaseous stream such as carbon dioxide or steam is injected to enhance the flow of the solid particles.Also disclosed is a gas fractionating unit and a relatively high pressure solid fuel gasifying unit which contain a reagent powder having a significant weight difference in reduced form as compared with the weight of the powder in oxidized form and which may be circulated through the unit under gravity flow during oxidation-reduction chemical processing.

Abstract: Effluent gas streams for steam reforming, partial oxidation or coal gasification operations are advantageously treated in shift conversion, scrubbing and pressure swing adsorption units for recovery of a purified, hydrogen-containing product gas stream. By recycling a portion of the waste gas removed from the pressure swing adsorption system to the shift conversion unit and/or to the effluent gas generation operation, enhanced product recovery is achieved without the necessity for employing low temperature shift or for achieving essentially complete removal of the carbon dioxide content of the gas being treated prior to its passage to said pressure swing adsorption system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the discharge of residues of ash-containing fuels occurring during gasification of coal. The hot mixture of residues and water is separated in a separating chamber, whereby the residues enter a lock vessel situated under the separating chamber. The hot water is recycled to the water bath situated under the gasification reactor. After the lock vessel has been filled with residue, the hot water in the separating chamber is cooled or replaced by cold water. The discharge of the residues is pressureless and is effected by a stream of water flowing through the separating chamber into the lock vessel. Separating chamber and lock vessel remain filled with water at all times.