Abstract: A shaft furnace is provided for gasifying granular fuels in a fluidized bed. Such a furnace comprises a gasification zone containing the fluidized fuel bed and an overlying gas cooling zone having surfaces cooled by the tube surfaces of a radiation tube boiler. By providing such a gas cooling zone with a cross-sectional area substantially greater than that of the gasification zone, the gas effluent is cooled in such a manner that residues entrained in the effluent do not sinter onto the surfaces of the equipment in the subsequent path of the effluent.

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 high temperature solids gasification generator which employs finely divided solids, e.g. powdered coal, has a down flow and discharges into a plenum chamber below the generator. The plenum chamber has a restricted outlet at the bottom so that a pool of liquid slag will form, and there is a lateral outlet above the slag pool for effluent gas. The lateral outlet has its throat located offset farther from the axis of the plenum chamber than the inside radius of the chamber.

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 soot blower assembly (10) for use in combination with a coal gasifier (14). The soot blower assembly is adapted for use in the hot combustible product gas generated in the gasifier as the blowing medium. The soot blower lance (20) and the drive means (30) by which it is moved into and out of the gasifier is housed in a gas tight enclosure (40) which completely surrounds the combination. The interior of the enclosure (40) is pressurized by an inert gas to a pressure level higher than that present in the gasifier so that any combustible product gas leaking from the soot blower lance (20) is forced into the gasifier rather than accumulating within the enclosure.

Abstract: The novel gasification reactor comprises a vertically oriented chamber with an upper pyrolysis section, a lower feed opening, and a primary combustion section. A lateral passage on each side and near the top of said primary combustion section each communicates with a separate secondary reaction chamber where a partially reacted feed is further reacted to form the product gas. In each passageway is a venturi nozzle or preferably a plurality of nozzles which accelerates the gas carrying entrained carbonaceous materials to produce a swirling curvilinear motion in the secondary reaction chambers.The reactor is fed by means of a plurality of hoppers and screw conveyors whereby the flow is regulated and positively fed both by gravity and the screw conveyors into rotary valve cavities in which counter rotating valves travel. The valves feed a piston which charges the reactor.

Abstract: An arrangement for pressure gasification of fine-grain coal in which the exit of a reactor is followed by a waste heat boiler for cooling the generated gas. The waste heat boiler has a radiation section and downstream heat exchanger surfaces. The reactor is provided, furthermore, with cooling cubes which are studded and lined with refractory ramming mix. The radiant type heating surfaces are sized so that the gas temperature at the exit of the radiation section is situated below the ash sintering temperature of the coal being used. On gas sides, the radiation section is followed by a pressure vessel accommodating convection type heating surface banks which are swept by the generated gas. The radiation section may be in the form of two gas passages through which the gas flows successively. These gas passages are formed by the tube walls welded between each other in a gas-type manner.

Abstract: An apparatus in which the hot raw synthesis gas stream leaving the reaction zone of a free flow partial oxidation gas generator at a temperature in the range of about 1800.degree. to 3000.degree. F. is passed through a first gas diversion and residue separation zone where the velocity of the gas stream is reduced and its direction is diverted into a side transfer line. Solid material and molten slag separate by gravity from the gas stream. The hot gas stream is then introduced into a second gas diversion and residue separation zone, which comprises a plurality of high temperature resistant, thermally insulated cyclones, where the direction and velocity is changed and additional residue is separated. About 0.5 to 20 vol. % of the hot gas stream may be passed through bottom outlets in said first and second gas diversion zones in order to prevent bridging.

Abstract: A pressure container forms a shaft gasifier for receiving coarse coal in the form of a coal bed. A burner extends through the pressure container into a chamber therein and produces at least one primary gas jet directed against the coal bed, thereby gasifying the coal and generating a product gas and forming liquid slag. The liquid slag collects in a slag bath tank having an overflow weir over which the collected slag flows and falls freely toward a cooling water bath beneath the chamber. A water jet nozzle directs at least one water jet against the liquid slag as it falls freely between the weir and the cooling water bath. This atomizes the liquid slag, thereby cooling the slag and generating steam. At least a part of the steam is supplied as process steam to the coarse coal.

Abstract: An apparatus for reacting carbonaceous material such as pulverized coal with heated hydrogen to form hydrocarbon gases and liquids suitable for conversion to fuels wherein the reaction involves injection of pulverized coal entrained in a minimum amount of gas and mixing the entrained coal at ambient temperature with a separate source of heated hydrogen. The heated hydrogen and entrained coal are injected through a rocket engine type injector device. The coal particles are reacted with hydrogen in a reaction chamber downstream of the injector. The products of reaction are rapidly quenched as they exit the reacting chamber and are subsequently collected.

Abstract: Conversion of raw coal to distillate liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products by solvent liquefaction in the presence of molecular hydrogen employing recycle of mineral residue is commonly performed at a higher thermal efficiency than conversion of coal to pipeline gas in a gasification process employing partial oxidation and methanation reactions. The prior art has disclosed a combination coal liquefaction-gasification plant employing recycle of mineral residue to the liquefaction zone wherein all the normally solid dissolved coal not converted to liquid or gaseous products in the liquefaction zone is passed to a gasification zone for conversion to hydrogen. In the prior art plant the amount of normally solid dissolved coal passed to the gasification zone is just sufficient to enable the gasification zone to produce the entire process hydrogen requirement.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining complete mixing of char with coal prior to the introduction of the mixture into the combustor (30) of a coal gasifier (10). The coal is carried in one air stream (22), and the char in another air stream (54), to a riffle plate arrangement (26), where the streams of solid are intimately mixed or blended.

Abstract: An improvement in the fixed-bed pressure gasification of coal is described. The improvement includes removing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon (e.g., tar) from the raw gaseous fuel produced in the gasification process and apparatus for introducing the removed hydrocarbon directly into the interior of the coal bed below the devolatilization zone and at or above the maximum-temperature location in the bed.

Abstract: In a device for the treatment of synthesis gas produced by coal gasification, a vertically extending shell is connected to a coal gasification reactor so that the interior of the shell is in direct communication with the interior of the reactor. The interior surface of the shell is lined with upwardly extending heat exchange tubes. Additional heat exchange tubes in combination with the tubes lining the shell form a plurality of upwardly extending chambers projecting radially inwardly from and spaced angularly apart about the tube lining. Tubes coextensive with the heat exchanger tubes forming the lining, are located within the chamber for conveying a cleaning fluid. The tubes are arranged to direct the cleaning fluid approximately tangentially of the heat exchanger tubes lining the shell for cleaning the exterior surfaces of such tubes.

Abstract: Structure for slag removal from a gasification generator. It employs a duct through the bottom that carries through it products of the combustion which is being carried out in the generator. The dimensions are such that the slag which adheres to the walls remains liquid and drips from the bottom edges. The duct is enlarged by at least one step with the length and width of it related to the upper portion of the duct so that the bottom edges of the step are above a diagonal of the upper portion extended.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for the gasification of a solid fuel wherein the solid fuel is at least partially oxidized at a temperature above the melting point of ash of the solid fuel and at a pressure of 10-200 bar where the resultant synthesis gas is thereafter cooled in the presence of combustion residues of the solid fuel, and the combustion residues are thereafter discharged directly, the improvement residing in carrying out the gasification in a gasification zone disposed vertically over and in fluid communication with a radiation zone comprising cooling surfaces, the radiation zone have disposed at the bottom thereof and in fluid communication with the radiation zone a water containing bath. The radiation zone is cylindrical or conical, widens by 0 to 15 degrees towards the bottom, is made in a finned wall construction with a relation of height to diameter of .ltoreq.6:1 and comprises cooling surfaces.

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 purification of synthesis gas produced by coal gasification is provided with a vertical gas distribution chamber which is internally pressurized and within which the synthesis gas leaving the reactor is cooled. The chamber is formed with a gas take-off line which opens into the gas distribution chamber and extends therefrom at an angle, the gas take-off line leading to a serially connected waste heat boiler. A coolant bath is contained in a lower portion of the gas distribution chamber and a heat exchanger is formed in this lower portion by tube coils which are arranged in the wall of the distribution chamber defining the lower portion.

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: Gasification of coal by hydrogenation to produce CH.sub.4 hydrocarbons, and by steam to produce hydrogen. Forming a medium-grain and a small-grain fractions from coal. Hydrogenating the volatile and readily reactive components of part of the small-grain fraction to form hydrocarbons and coke. Mixing the coke with the other part of the small-grain fraction. Forming briquets from the mixture. Mixing the briquets with medium size coal fraction and steam gasifying to produce hydrogen. The hydrogentation is preferably carried out in a fluidized bed operation and the steam gasification in a fixed-bed operation.

Abstract: The hot raw synthesis gas stream leaving the reaction zone of a free flow partial oxidation gas generator at a temperature in the range of about 1800.degree. to 3000.degree. F. is passed through a first gas diversion and residue separation zone where the velocity of the gas stream is reduced and its direction is diverted into a side transfer line. Solid material and molten slag separate by gravity from the gas stream. The hot gas stream is then introduced into a second gas diversion and residue separation zone where additional residue is separated. About 0.5 to 20 vol. % of the hot gas stream may be passed through bottom outlets in said first and second gas diversion zones in order to prevent bridging. The hot gas stream from the second gas diversion zone is passed upwardly through a radiant cooler where additional solid matter is removed by gravity and the gas temperature is reduced to a temperature in the range of about 900.degree. to 1800.degree. F.

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 coaxial feed system for fluidized bed coal gasification processes including an inner tube for injecting particulate combustibles into a transport gas, an inner annulus about the inner tube for injecting an oxidizing gas, and an outer annulus about the inner annulus for transporting a fluidizing and cooling gas. The combustibles and oxidizing gas are discharged vertically upward directly into the combustion jet, and the fluidizing and cooling gas is discharged in a downward radial direction into the bed below the combustion jet.

Abstract: A coal gasifying burner characterized by a rotating grill which is composed of grill disks arranged on two pipes with a narrow gap between the grills and which rotates very slowly inwards when viewed from the top sloped side walls made of metal sheet having a sloper compatible with coal flow, a cylindrical jacket placed around the periphery of the nozzle which delivers combustion air to the burner, gasification of a quantity of coal located on the sloping side walls around a narrow area where coal combustion takes place, and combustion of the generated coal gas outside of the burner by secondary air which cools the system and gets heated itself by the coal cooking process.

Abstract: The apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,123 is improved by constructing the heat recovery stage as a relatively elongated water-wall type of heat exchanger within a pressure shell, rather than of shell and tube type. The heat exchanger is advantageously formed from contiguous, externally finned, vertical tubes that are rigidly joined together to form a laterally closed, heat recovery chamber, the fin portion of one being welded along its tip to the tube portion of another adjoining such fin portion. The heat exchanger tubes preferably continue vertically throughout substantially the entire height of the gasification reaction i.e. combustion chamber of the first stage of the apparatus, completely eliminating the intermediate quench stage of the patented apparatus and serving to recover heat from the combustion stage as well as from the heat recovery stage by a heat exchange fluid, such as water, flowing through the tubes.

Abstract: A steam generating heat exchanger of modular design for cooling a high pressure, hot combustible gas laden with molten ash particles comprising a first convective cooler having a vertically orientated U-shaped gas pass housing a superheater and an evaporator, a radiant cooler disposed upstream of the first convective cooler and a second convective cooler housing an economizer disposed downstream of the first convective cooler. In-line tube bundles form the superheater, evaporator, and the economizer thereby minimizing ash deposition upon the heat transfer surface. The gas velocity within the radiant cooler is maintained low enough to permit molten ash particles entrained in the gas to coalesce and precipitate out of the gas stream, while the gas velocity within the convective coolers is maintained high enough to discourage ash deposition upon the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A multiple rotary gas lock apparatus using a buffer seal gas is disclosed to enable the transfer of solid materials into or out of a pressurized process containing high temperature, flammable or toxic gases. The buffer seal gas, has a pressure higher than the process pressure and is introduced between two series connected gas locks; this prevents process gas backflow to the feed system. Buffer seal leakage gas from the first pair of gas locks and air from a third gas lock are removed from an opening in a connection between the pair of gas locks and the third gas lock at subatmospheric pressure. This system enables control and usuage of toxic or flammable gases as a buffer for mixing compatibility with the process gas when a suitable inert gas is not available. It also prevents the flow of any toxic gas to the worker environment.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous material is pyrolyzed in a descending flow pyrolysis reactor in the presence of a particulate source of heat to yield a particulate carbon containing solid residue. The particulate source of heat is obtained by educting with a gaseous source of oxygen the particulate carbon containing solid residue from a fluidized bed into a first combustion zone coupled to a second combustion zone. A source of oxygen is introduced into the second combustion zone to oxidize carbon monoxide formed in the first combustion zone to heat the solid residue to the temperature of the particulate source of heat.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for conduct of fluidized bed reactions having an improved grate wherein at least one substantially continuous open slot sufficiently wide for passage of heavy solid particles is provided for preferential removal of heavy particles from the fluidizing chamber. The apparatus and process is particularly useful in coal gasification applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for using focused solar radiation to gasify coal and other carbonaceous materials. Incident solar radiation is focused from an array of heliostats onto a tower-mounted secondary mirror which redirects the focused solar radiation down through a window onto the surface of a vertically-moving bed of coal, or a fluidized bed of coal, contained within a gasification reactor. The reactor is designed to minimize contact between the window and solids in the reactor. Steam introduced into the gasification reactor reacts with the heated coal to produce gas consisting mainly of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, commonly called "synthesis gas", which can be converted to methane, methanol, gasoline, and other useful products. One of the novel features of the invention is the generation of process steam at the rear surface of the secondary mirror.

Abstract: A coal gasification reactor is disclosed which includes a gasification chamber surrounded by a pressure shell, a tubular quench section above the gasification chamber and a superposed waste heat boiler. Heat expansive members are provided in the form of bellow type expansion members between the waste heat boiler and the quench section as well as between the quench section and the gasification chamber to absorb or compensate for relative thermal expansion differences due to the temperature ranges involved in gasification.

Abstract: A gas distributor for distributing high temperature reaction gases to a fluidized bed of coal particles in a coal gasification process. The distributor includes a pipe with a refractory reinforced lining and a plurality of openings in the lining through which gas is fed into the bed. These feed openings have an expanding tapered shape in the downstream or exhaust direction which aids in reducing the velocity of the gas jets as they enter the bed.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump for feeding pulverized coal into a reactor of a high pressure coal gasification system is disclosed. The coal is pulverized and fed by conventional means into a hopper wherein that coal is mechanically pumped, by a modified screw which compacts the coal and releases entrained air and gases from that coal, to an impeller which serves to centrifugally sling the coal at high velocity into the reactor. Gases of the required type, pressure and quantity are combined with the coal at the point at which the coal is slung from the impeller in such a manner that the coal sufficiently dispersed and mixed with those gases and in proper form for gasification.

Abstract: A hydro gas plant with utilization of the residual coke, comprising a gasifier into which raw coal is introduced for hydro gasification that results in the production of methane; a furnace for cracking the methane into hydrogen and carbon monoxide; and means for utilizing the combustion heat of the residual coke obtained during the operation of the gasifier, or a low-BTU gas produced from the coke, in at least the cracking furnace but optionally also in a steam generator. The use of exhaust gases from the cracking furnace is also suggested, namely in a preheater through which hydrogen is fed to the gasifier.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of an apparatus for reacting carbonaceous material with heated hydrogen to form hydrocarbon gases and liquids suitable for conversion to fuels wherein the reaction involves injection of carbonaceous material such as pulverized coal entrained in a minimum amount of gas and mixing the entrained coal at near ambient temperature with a separate source of heated hydrogen. The hydrogen is heated in a coil having an increasing inside diameter. The heated hydrogen and entrained coal are injected through a rocket engine type injector device. The coal particles are reacted with hydrogen in a reaction chamber downstream of the injector. The products of reaction are rapidly quenched as they exit the reaction chamber and are subsequently collected.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for material processing, in particular for producing gas from carbon-containing material, are disclosed. Feed material comprising particulate material is continuously formed into briquettes and is simultaneously introduced into a processing compartment. The feed material is formed into briquettes by one or more pressure wheels forcing the material through channels in a die.

Abstract: An improvement in a known process and apparatus for gasifying coal with water vapor and oxygen under pressure and at elevated temperature wherein coal is dropped onto a grate within a reactor supplied with gasifying agent from below, product gas being withdrawn above. In accordance with the invention an annular wall depends from the reactor top to form an annular gas space through which product gas is withdrawn. The annular space surrounds the top of the coal bed so the coal is preheated thereby. The wall is provided with apertures so that at least 20% of the product gas enters the annular space by traversing that part of the coal bed surrounded by the wall. This results in reduced product gas velocity and entrainment of coal dust.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting the flash pyrolysis of a primary material, particularly coal, and employing a secondary material, particularly hot char, as a heat source, comprising a rectangular slot for injection of a stream of particulate coal, which communicates with a substantially rectangular reactor or pyrolysis chamber. Wells are positioned on opposite sides of the pyrolysis chamber and in communication therewith, for introduction of fluidized secondary material, particularly hot char, into the pyrolysis chamber for admixture therein with and for heating the stream of primary material, such as coal. The pyrolysis chamber has a transition chamber, and a cylindrical separator chamber communicates with the transition chamber for receiving pyrolysis products. The separator chamber is provided with a tangential inlet, a solids outlet conduit positioned about 90.degree. around the circumference of the separator chamber from the tangential inlet, and a perforate gas receiver.

Abstract: In an integrated coal gasification power plant, a humidifier is provided for transferring as vapor, from the aqueous blowdown liquid into relatively dry air, both (I) at least a portion of the water contained in the aqueous liquid and (II) at least a portion of the volatile hydrocarbons therein. The resulting humidified air is advantageously employed as at least a portion of the hot air and water vapor included in the blast gas supplied via a boost compressor to the gasifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wear compensating seal arrangement for use in a rotary piston feeder utilized for feeding pulverized coal into a gasifier operating at relatively high pressures and elevated temperatures. The rotary piston feeder has a circular casing with a coal loading opening therein diametrically opposed from a coal discharge and contains a rotatable disoidal rotor having a cylinder in which a reciprocatable piston is disposed. The reciprocation of the piston within the cylinder is provided by a stationary conjugate cam whereby pulverized coal from a coal hopper at atmospheric pressure can be introduced into the cylinder and then discharged therefrom into the high pressure gasifier while maintaining minimal losses of producer gas and the expenditure of minimal energy which would detract from the efficiency of the gasification.

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

Abstract: An improved grate construction for a fixed bed coal gasifier comprises an interrupted generally cylindrical platform including a plurality of sector-like portions and rotatable means, e.g. a stirrer, mounted for rotation adjacent the upper surface of each platform portion. The upper surface of each portion is inclined upwardly in a circumferential direction to an upper leading edge thereof from which an upright wall depends. The stirrer is rotated in the opposite circumferential direction for cooperating with the depending walls to reduce the size of clinkers and for promoting movement of solids from the shaft over the platform.

Abstract: A chemical reactor with a first upstream fluid bed which primarily burns coal and a second downstream fluid bed which primarily desulfurizes.

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: An easily removable unit connecting a pressurized gasifier vessel with a slag quenching chamber, wherein the unit consists of a flanged cylindrical tube arranged to carry the slag tap, burner and all services, supplies, electrical cables to and from the gasifier.

Abstract: Apparatus for the gasification under pressure of bituminous coal, especially fine coal, comprising a generator which has a container to receive the coal to be gasified and a feed device which supplies the coal to the container, while keeping the container closed off so as to maintain the pressure in the generator. The feed device includes a briquette forming device located on the container, and a continuously operable screw conveyor which feeds the coal to be gasified through the briquette forming device and directly into the container in the form of briquettes. The feed device is encapsulated and, together with the fine coal and briquettes within it, forms a gas tight closure for the container to maintain the pressure therein.

Abstract: A clean, cool stream of low BTU gas is heated and saturated with water vapor by means of a hot liquid stream containing water. Contamination of the gas stream by droplets, particulate matter and salt content of the liquid stream is obviated by maintaining separation between the gas and liquid phases by means of a microporous barrier. The barrier is made of a material selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic polymer material and hydrophilic polymer material having a gel structure.

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: Coal gasification apparatus having a hydrogenation gasifier chamber for gasifying a portion of coal charge and a steam gasifier vessel for gasifying unconverted coal from the hydrogenation chamber with the chamber disposed above the vessel and a pressure lock interposed between the outlet of the chamber and the inlet of the vessel to permit unconverted coal to flow into the vessel and prevent gas generated therein from passing into the chamber. An oxygen inlet is provided at the lower end of the vessel for residual-oxidation of remaining coal. A heat exchanger is provided for heat exchange between hot gas leaving vessel and incoming steam. The chamber may be preceded by a steam-heated heating tank for preheating the coal under pressure and then suddenly decompressing the coal.

Abstract: In a slagging gasifier the slag quenching chamber is provided with means having a plurality of equispaced outlet ports disposed around the inside of the upper region of the chamber, each outlet port communicating with a venting control which may be used selectively to vent the normally pressurized quenching chamber to atmosphere during a slag-tapping operation.