Abstract: The specification discloses an automatic sequencing control system for operating a unit consisting of a pair of oil gas-producing generators in staggered sequence, each generator of which comprises a cooperating pair of reactor shells functioning alternately in a forward direction of product gas flow and in a reverse direction of product gas flow. The control system includes a start-up control, a burner control, a burner fuel ignition control, and an electric power failure control for heat and make periods of operation. An individual reverse flow wash box is provided for each generator and also a waste heat boiler common to both generators, valving for which is under control of sequencing control apparatus.The method of operation of a pair of generators disclosed enables operation within a narrow range of temperatures for long periods of time and without necessity for repair or rebuilding of reactor chambers.

Abstract: A control system maintains a predetermined volumetric ratio between fine-particle fuel and a gasification agent which are fed separately into a reactor wherein the fuel is gasified under pressure. The control system includes a first measuring means responsive to the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by the fine-particle fuel in a fuel-feed line for producing a fuel-feed signal corresponding to the volumetric amount of fuel conducted by the line. A vehicle gas-feed signal is produced by a second measuring means in response to the volumetric amount of vehicle gas conducted by a line into the fuel-feed line for admixture with the fuel therein. Computing means is responsive to the fuel-feed signal and the vehicle gas-feed signal to produce a control signal according the expression:U.sub.1 . (U.sub.2 - U.sub.v)for all values of U.sub.2 greater than U.sub.v where U.sub.1 corresponds to the reciprocal of the fuel-feed signal, U.sub.2 corresponds to the vehicle gas-feed signal and U.sub.

Abstract: A fluidized bed of material retained in a vessel receives a high velocity gas stream through a venturi orifice and passage to assist in the agglomeration of ash particles. The particles form a semi-fixed bed within the passage upstream from the venturi orifice. The particular dimensions of the semi-fixed bed are dependent, in part, upon the orifice size of the venturi. An iris valve defining the orifice permits adjustment of the cross-sectional area of the orifice thereby controls the velocity of the gas stream through the venturi.