Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for incinerating waste, wherein the waste is one or more of an organic waste and an inorganic waste. The apparatus includes a grinder for grinding a mixture of the waste and calcium carbonate. The ground mixture is then fed to a molten metal bath contained within a crucible. Thereafter, a heating member configured proximal to the crucible combusts the mixture of the waste and the calcium carbonate to form one or more of slag and one or more acidic gases. On combustion, the one or more acidic gases are neutralized by calcium hydroxide produced as a result of combusting the calcium carbonate. Additional metal compounds usable as fertilizers are also produced in response to reacting with the one or more acidic gases.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a reactor chamber having a feedstock inlet and an inlet seal positioned at the feedstock inlet. At least one pair of feed rollers is positioned to draw a feedstock through the inlet seal and into the reactor chamber. At least one pair of distressing rollers is positioned in line with the feed rollers to produce stress in the feedstock. Steam is provided to the reactor chamber through a steam inlet and hydrogen is collected from a hydrogen outlet.

Abstract: A system and method for a constituent rendering of biomass and other carbon-based materials is provided. The system can be configured for receiving a feedstock material to be rendered into its constituent components, grinding the feedstock to a desired size and/or consistency, and placing the feedstock in contact with a hot mix heat transfer medium within a pressure chamber. In an aspect, the system can utilize a feedstock input system to receive the feedstock material, with the feedstock input system including an auger feed tube, at least one feed stock auger screw, a grinding station with a die configured to interact with the feed stock auger screw, and a movable compression gate. Pyrolysis of the feedstock can lead to a breakdown of the feedstock into constituent components that can then be collected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a high-purity gas. The process includes an interrelationship among at least four bath vessels, each of which has a molten metal bath. In one embodiment, the process generally includes adding a gas stream into a first bath vessel and then removing that gas stream to introduce it into a third bath vessel. The third bath gas stream is removed to ultimately obtain hydrogen. Steam is added to a fourth bath vessel to ultimately produce additional hydrogen. One or more gas streams produced in the third and/or fourth bath vessels are added to a second bath vessel to ultimately result in production of methane or carbon monoxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally decomposing organic feedstock material utilizing a series of connected vessels. Each of the vessels is provided with an inlet and an outlet for transferring the organic feedstock material between the vessels. Separate heat exchangers are located between the inlet and outlet of each vessel. A catalyst material, such as a permeable mesh, is included between the inlet and outlet of each vessel to accelerate liquefaction of gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.

Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.

Abstract: A gasifier for producing synthesis gas from a widely varying feedstock of waste and natural fuels, the gasifier including an induction furnace, a molten bed and slag reaction chamber mounted on top of the induction furnace, an opening fluidly connecting the molten metal and slag with the interior of the induction furnace and the inside bottom of the reaction chamber, the reaction chamber further containing a froth and off-take reaction zones above the molten metal and slag, and a lid at the top of the reaction chamber for enclosing the reaction chamber and collecting the heat and fuel gas produced therein.

Abstract: A process for converting organic waste into reusable hydrocarbons and a system for doing so, the system including a feeding mechanism for the waste, a reactor and a residue-disposing mechanism. The waste is to be fed into the reactor in which a molten lead bath is confined in an oxygen-free atmosphere. The system is used to practice a process for the pyrocatalytic conversion of the waste, which process comprises, feeding the waste into a reaction zone of a pyrocatalytic reactor, the waste being essentially free of a halogenated synthetic resinous material, and mixing the waste with a minor proportion by weight of a particulate catalyst in the bath held at a temperature in the range from about 450° C. to 550° C. in an elongated vat. The catalyst consists essentially of a major proportion by weight of particulate bauxite <2 mm, in combination with a minor proportion of aluminum powder <0.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing hydrogen using a generator, heating the vessel that is part of the generator, loading waste comprising steel into the heated vessel, melting the loaded waste to a molten state using a non-transferred torch to cut and melt the waste and then using a transferred torch to maintain a molten metal pool, adding additional steel to raise the molten metal pool to a minimum depth, raising the temperature to 2000 degrees Centigrade, acquiring EPA approval, loading waste into the vessel at a defined rate, maintaining the molten metal pool further melting any non-melted waste into a molten status with the transferred torch, determining BTU content and gas flow, injecting steam into the vessel, flowing gas from the vessel through scrubbers into storage containers and collecting the hydrogen in a collection vessel.

Abstract: A gasifier for the manufacture of producer gas has a chamber (10) for the combustion of material, the chamber (10) being provided with a plurality of tuyeres (30) for the introduction of combustion air to the chamber. The tuyeres (30) are disposed at an acute angle to the wall of the chamber (10) so that air is directed both around and upwardly of the chamber. Each tuyeres (30) is configured to produce a jet stream wherein the air swirls along the length of the stream.

Abstract: With a method producing hydrogen by making iron or iron oxide contact water, water vapor, or a gas including water vapor, a hydrogen generating medium, which has a high hydrogen generation reaction rate and is resistant to a repetition of oxidation-reduction without degrading its activity, is provided by adding a different metal (such as Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, Al, Ga, Mg, Sc, Ni, Cu, etc.) other than the iron to the iron or the iron oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of gasifying carbon-containing compounds incorporating mineral elements and/or potential contaminants, and it also relates to a gasification installation having means for containing a bath of molten slag, means for charging said compounds into said bath, means for injecting at least oxidizer into the bath so that the mixture of carbon-containing compounds and oxidizer is super-stoichiometric, whereby a first fraction of the compounds is pyrolyzed, a second fraction is subjected to a combustion reaction suitable for delivering heat energy to the bath of slag, and a third fraction diffuses into the bath, means for recovering the gas given off by the pyrolysis and the combustion of the first and second fractions, and means for lowering the temperature of a portion of the molten slag so as to allow it to solidify, thereby immobilizing at least a portion of the third fraction of the compounds containing mineral elements and/or potential contaminants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the disposal of waste products containing hydrocarbons and/or halogenated waste products, wherein the waste products are made to react in a hydroxide molten bath in the absence of oxygen at temperatures of 400-900° C.

Abstract: A gas impermeable vessel carrying a molten metal bath within the vessel bottom includes a downwardly directed baffle from a top wall of the vessel, which penetrates the bath to separate the vessel into a burner feed chamber and an outlet chamber with gas spaces above the level of the molten metal bath. A burner having a combustion chamber receiving an oxidant under pressure and fuel gas and pitch, combusts the pitch and passes the products of combustion at high velocity through a nozzle which opens directly or indirectly to the gas space above in the burner feed chamber such that a stream of carbon soot impinges against the surface of the molten metal bath and penetrates the same, thereby dissolving the carbon soot and disassociating gases such as carbon monoxide in the molten metal. Water may be supplied to the stream to effect disassociation of the hydrogen content in the molten metal.

Abstract: A high pressure two-zone molten iron gasification process for converting solid, liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon feeds into separate substantially hydrogen-rich and carbon monoxide-rich streams at 2 to 200 atmospheres pressure by feeding hydrocarbons into the molten iron in a first zone (4) in which hydrogen-rich gas is formed and then circulating the molten iron into contact with an oxygen containing gas in a second zone (5) in which carbon monoxyide-rich gas is formed. The carbon level in the circulating molten iron is carefully controlled above 0.3 wt. % to minimize formation of FeO. Hydrogen sulfide and other volatile sulfur compounds are removed from the separate gas streams via scrubbing in downstream equipment (12 and 16).

Abstract: Improvements in the manufacture of gases and liquids from trash, other waste, and other solid fuels, many of which also have application in numerous other fields.

Abstract: Device to deliver comburent and combustible gases, such as oxygen, methane or similar, and/or solid combustible materials inside a melting container, the device comprising a first unit (18) functioning as a burner and/or supersonic lance, and a second unit (19) functioning as a burner and/or carbon lance, the units (18, 19) being reciprocally oriented so that the respective streams delivered (21, 22) meet around a point (20) located above or around the upper level of the layer of slag (17), giving rise, during the normal melting cycle, to a substantially stoichiometrically balanced reaction between oxygen and carbon. Melting method using at least one of the devices as above.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is produced by charging a sulfur containing feed to a molten metal bath containing over 3 wt. % dissolved carbon. Allowing dissolved carbon levels to build up in the bath, preferably by controlling oxygen addition to ensure a large inventory of dissolved carbon, creates a reducing “atmosphere” in the molten metal bath which allows most of the feed sulfur to be converted to H2S, which can be converted to elemental sulfur using a Claus unit or similar technology. Oxygen addition, to burn carbon from the bath, preferably occurs at a different time or place in the bath than the time or place of sulfur containing feed addition.

Abstract: Gasification of waste is performed in a gasifier having a gasification space (1) and a liquid rotating slag bath (2). The slag bath (2) is preferably caused to rotate by tangentially injecting gasification medium and/or at least a portion of the waste via a burner toward the surface of the slag bath. Waste with a diameter of to 5 mm is preferably introduced into gasifier (1) above the slag bath (2), while larger waste is preferably introduced directly into the slag bath. Slag is a removed, together with cracked gas accumulated during gasification through the floor of the gasifier via a slag drain having a lateral opening which protrudes above the slag bath.

Abstract: Sequential processing of hydrogen rich and hydrogen deficient feeds (14 and 16) in a heat balanced, single molten metal bath (40) to produce both 90+ mole % hydrogen (90) and one or more lower purity vapor streams (140) is disclosed. The molten metal bath is heated by oxygen addition (18) to burn dissolved carbon from the bath and then cooled by sequential addition of two feeds with differing hydrogen contents. Preferably a 98% hydrogen product with a pressure of at least 2 atm., absolute is obtained, along with a lower purity hydrogen containing stream and a separate carbon oxides flue gas stream.

Abstract: A process in which a high-purity, high-pressure hydrogen-rich gas stream and a high-purity, high-pressure carbon monoxide-rich gas stream are simultaneously produced separately and continuously using a molten metal gasifier that contains at least two zones, thereby avoiding the need to separate or compress the gases in down-stream equipment.

Abstract: A plural zone plant form converting a carbon source to synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The carbon source which can consist of coal, automobile tires, or hazardous organic wastes, such as chlorinated biphenyls, polyhaloginated organics, organometallics, organic polymers, and the like is dissolved in a molten bath which can comprise iron in an oxygen deficient zone at one pressure and reacted with water, an oxygen source, or mixtures thereof in at least one other zone at higher temperatures and pressures from that present in the first zone. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, two zones, the first and the second, are at different vertical heights and circulation from one zone to the other occurs as a result of differences in density between the molten bath in the lower zone compared to that in the upper zone.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid pig iron or liquid steel preproducts and sponge iron from iron ore. The iron ore in a first reduction zone (4) is directly reduced to sponge iron. The sponge iron in a meltdown gasifying zone (10) is melted under the supply of carbon carriers and an oxygen-containing gas, and a reducing gas containing CO and H.sub.2 is produced. The reducing gas is introduced into the first reduction zone (4), is reacted there, and is drawn off as an export gas. The drawn-off export gas is subjected to CO.sub.2 elimination as well as heating, and as a reducing gas, at least largely free of CO.sub.2, is fed to at least one further reduction zone (29) for the direct reduction of iron ore. In order to enable the export gas drawn off the further reduction zone (29) to be utilized as completely as possible, heat of the export gas leaving the further reduction zone (29) is used for heating the export gas derived from the first reduction zone (4).

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for treating a gaseous discharge stream formed from a waste in a molten metal bath. The waste is directed into a reactor containing a molten metal bath. The molten metal bath has operating conditions which are sufficient to dissociate the waste and form a gaseous discharge stream including a dissociation product. The gaseous discharge stream is cooled in a cooling section and the dissociation product is separated, as a particulate, from a gaseous component of the gaseous discharge stream. The fluid particulate stream is recirculated to the gaseous discharge stream in a reaction section of the apparatus.

Abstract: Two or more (preferably three) simple single-chamber crucibles contain molten metal and are successively fed hydrocarbon feed to produce hydrogen, then fed oxygen-containing gas to produce CO, then fed hydrocarbon again, etc. Their operation is controlled by a swing valving sequence which connects the crucibles to a hydrogen header when they are producing hydrogen and to a CO header when they are producing CO, and possibly to a vent (or to the CO header) during the transition between H.sub.2 production and CO production (see FIG. 2). Each crucible (FIGS. 3, 4) preferably is in a pressure-tight steel housing, uses segmented refractories for simplicity in construction and reduction of thermal expansion effects and has an inlet lance (sparging tube) for feeding hydrocarbon and an outlet which emits product gases. Both inlet and outlet are preferably located in the head of each crucible. Swing valves are preferably located downstream of product heat-exchangers for lower temperature operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for the thermal conversion of solids containing hydrocarbons. In one embodiment for solids which can be converted entirely to vapour, pieces of the solids are continually fed into a molten lead bath in an oxygen free atmosphere in an elongated conversion chamber. An auger partially immersed in the lead bath carries the floating pieces along in the molten lead bath until they are gradually converted to hydrocarbon vapour which rises upwardly to a condenser. In another embodiment for solids which can be converted to a vapour, particulate matter and residual solids, the lead bath extends further into a separation chamber with an inclined retaining skirt extending between the conversion chamber and the separation chamber, The auger forces the particulate matter and residual solids remaining after vaporization down under the inclined skirt, but the hydrocarbon vapour is prevented from escaping into the separation chamber.

Abstract: In an improved molten metal hydrogen generation bath, baffles form a draft tube or chimney-effect near the center of the bath. Flow through the chimney is aided by maintaining a temperature differential favoring convection and, optionally, a differential pressure between the portions of the bath on either side of the baffle-chimney arrangement. Feed is added to the feed zone and oxygen is added to the oxidation zone, emitting H.sub.2 from the feed zone and CO from the oxidation zone. Baffles may be made simply of brick work or high temperature metal and can fit into existing refractory-lined molten metal vessels. Products can be mixed as syngas feed for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, the Boudouard endothermic reaction (CO.sub.2 +C.fwdarw.2CO) can be used to control temperatures by injecting CO in place of oxygen.

Abstract: A plural-zone molten metal iron gasifier for converting feeds containing hydrogen and carbon, such as propane, solvent deasphalted pitch, etc., into substantially pure hydrogen and CO/CO.sub.2 streams under pressure by incorporating carbo into the molten metal in a first zone or vessel, then circulating the molten metal into contact with an oxygen-containing gas in a second zone or vessel. Preferably hydrogen is primarily produced in a third zone or vessel, and carbon oxides in a second zone or vessel. A one-meter diameter vessel can produce 20 million standard cubic feet per day of hydrogen at a pressure in the range 2 to 50 atm from methane using this invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for producing synthesis gas from lower alkanes which utilizes molten baths as reactors. A molten metal oxide bath delivers oxygen to a feed stream containing lower alkanes and enhances oxidation of the lower alkanes to produce carbon dioxide and a molten elemental metal. In a molten metal bath, the metal is regenerated to metal oxide by contact with a regenerant such as air. Heat evolved in the molten baths is transferred to an endothermic reactor where a portion of the carbon dioxide is converted to a mixture of carbon oxides and hydrogen.

Abstract: In an improved molten metal hydrogen generation bath, baffles form a draft tube or chimney-effect near the center of the bath. Flow through the chimney is aided by maintaining a temperature differential favoring convection and, optionally, a differential pressure between the portions of the bath on either side of the baffle-chimney arrangement. Feed is added to the feed zone and oxygen is added to the oxidation zone, emitting H.sub.2 from the feed zone and CO from the oxidation zone. Baffles may be made simply of brick work or high temperature metal and can fit into existing refractory-lined molten metal vessels. Products can be mixed as syngas feed for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, the Boudouard endothermic reaction (CO.sub.2 +C .fwdarw. 2CO) can be used to control temperatures by injecting CO in place of oxygen.

Abstract: A method for dissociating organic waste to produce a gasified hydrocarbon. The method of the invention includes directing an organic waste, into a reaction zone containing a molten metal bath in a reactor maintained under conditions sufficient to dissociate the organic waste and to form a gasified hydrocarbon component. Wherein the organic waste includes an inorganic component, the an inorganic component is retained in a vitreous and/or molten metal phase or is removed form the gaseous phase by physical or chemical separation.

Abstract: Diffusion resistant refractory such as alumina for containment of destructive fluorine and fluorine compounds in the molten salt oxidation of fluorine-containing organic waste, formed of a porous refractory such as porous alumina impregnated with a salt such as sodium carbonate, which is non-reactive with the refractory and compatible with the molten salt reaction medium, thereby effectively blocking diffusion baths for fluorine and its compounds from the molten salt bath through the refractory. Conventional refractories such as alumina bricks containing about 1 to about 25% open porosity can be placed in a molten liquid salt such as molten sodium carbonate, in a vessel which can be pressurized to force the molten sodium carbonate into the pores of the alumina brick to impregnate same and form alumina brick resistant to diffusion of fluoride-rich molten salt.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal conversion and recovery of organic waste materials includes an oxygen-free chamber filled with molten lead and a method of use of the apparatus. The chamber is elongate and inclined so that organic material introduced in a lower portion of the chamber migrates through the molten lead to a higher portion of the chamber due to the organic material having a specific gravity less than that of lead. As the organic material migrates through the molten lead, the material is thermally converted to gaseous and vapor hydrocarbons that are captured in a condenser. The gaseous hydrocarbons are utilized to heat the lead in the chamber and the vapor is condensed to liquid hydrocarbons in the condenser. Residual solids flow to a reservoir connected to the chamber. Light carbon black is drawn into a receiver by a vacuum line located near the top of the reservoir and all other residual solids flow over a reservoir wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal conversion of organic waste materials includes a tank having a molten metal bath, preferably lead, through which apertured containers are transported by primary conveyer members in a plane intermediate two arrays of heating devices. Buoyancy of the waste-filled containers is resisted by abutment members within the tank while alignment elements on the containers prevent the containers from becoming askew during their travel through the tank. The abutment members may comprise fixed rails or secondary coveyor members spaced atop the primary conveyor members. Agitation devices within the tank assist in maintaining maximum heat distribution throughout the bath. Produced hydrocarbons are collected by a main hood overlying the major portion of the tank bath surface while separate shroud assemblies overlie other, individual isolated bath surfaces at the entrance and exit of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying, devolatilizing and/or sheeting a thermoplastic material in which a high density, flowable heat exchange material, having a density substantially above the density of the thermoplastic material and which is essentially immiscible therewith, is continuously circulated through a contact zone in a manner to maintain an extended surface area body of the high density heat exchange material in the contact zone, the thermoplastic material is introduced into and withdrawn from the contact zone in a manner to form a continuously flowing layer of the thermoplastic material across the surface of the body of high density heat exchange material. Thermoplastic material may be introduced into the contact vessel as a powder, melted in an intermediate section of the contact vessel, resolidified at the opposite end of the contact vessel and withdrawn as a sheet of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The installation comprises mainly a reactor (1) for the gasification of powdered coal on a bath (2) of liquid iron, a cooling flue (9) constituting a boiler connecting the outlet of the reactor (1) to a vapor superheater (11) fed with vapor (26) issuing from the boiler, a dust-removing cyclone (13) connected to the outlet of the superheater (11), a thermal exchanger (14) connected to the outlet of the cyclone (13) in which a drying fluid (31, 32)is heated by thermal exchange with the combustible gas, a conditioning tower (16) connected to the outlet of the thermal exchanger, the conditioning tower being connected to a dry electrofilter (17) which feeds a storage gasometer (20) through a three-way valve (21). The heated drying fluid (32) and the vapor (28,30) issuing from the superheater (11) are employed in the installation for preparing and conveying the fuel and the comburent fed to the reactor.

Abstract: A pyrolysis chamber includes a bath of molten salt divided by a horizontally disposed baffle into an upper layer and a lower layer. Connected to one end of the chamber is a furnace including submerged burners for heating the salt and for maintaining it in its molten state. The molten salt flows from the furnace across the upper bath layer and back to the furnace in the lower layer. Hydrocarbon containing material is fed onto the upper bath layer and is pyrolyzed as it moves toward the discharge end of the chamber where the spent material is removed; the hydrocarbon gases being recovered by an exhaust system in the chamber. The molten salt acts as a seal between the atmospheres of the furnace and the pyrolysis chamber and also functions to remove pollutants from the combustion gases of the burners in the furnace.

Abstract: In a method of producing molten pig iron or steel pre-products from particulate ferrous material, as well as of producing reduction gas in a melt-down gasifier by adding coal and by blowing in oxygen-containing gas by means of nozzle pipes penetrating the wall of the melt-down gasifier, a fixed bed formed of coke particles, through which the oxygen-containing gas flows and a superposed fluidized bed of coke particles are formed, and the ferrous material is charged onto the fluidized bed. Below the fixed bed through which oxygen-containing gas flows, a fixed bed of coke particles not passed through by gas is provided, and the fluidized bed above the fixed bed passed through by oxygen-containing gas is passed through by a gas free from oxygen or having a low oxygen content.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing liquid iron from iron oxide, wherein the iron oxide is substantially converted to sponge iron by passing reducing gas through it in a reduction column and is then melted in a melt vessel which is in open communication with the reduction column by heat generated by reaction of oxygen-containing gas and carbonaceous material which reaction provides said reducing gas. To improve control of the process, the oxygen-containing gas and the carbonaceous material are respectively substantially pure oxygen and coal powder which are delivered separately into the melt vessel, and the liquid iron bath in the melt vessel is stirred so as at least partly to be kept in motion. By separate control of the oxygen and coal supplies, e.g. the level and/or direction of delivery, and by control of stirring, it is possible to control the ratio of CO and CO.sub.2 in the reducing gas and also the heat output in the melt vessel.

Abstract: Waste or refuse is fed to a first reaction chamber communicating with a second one through openings in the lower portion of a partition between the chambers and hot metal or the like is fed into at least one of the two chambers; gas is extracted from the second chamber and the pressure conditions are such that different liquid levels obtain in the two chambers causing reaction gas to bubble through the openings and the liquid in the second chamber. The principle product gases extracted are hydrogen, carbonoxide and inert gases. Lime is preferably added to the waste to be processed.

Abstract: This reactor for the gasification of solid fuels in the powdered form, of the type employing a bath of liquid metal (5) comprises: a substantially cylindrical vessel (1) which has a substantially oblong section and lateral walls (2) and a bottom wall (3) which are lined with a refractory lining (4), this vessel further comprising an orifice (37) for discharging the bath of liquid metal, and an orifice (36) for discharging slag supernatant on the bath of liquid metal (5), a dome (11) positioned in a sealed manner on the vessel (1) and having in its upper part in the vicinity of one of the ends of the vessel a sealed box (16) for introducing an injecting branch (17) and, also in its upper part, but at the opposite end of the vessel, an orifice (21) of large section for exhausting the gases produced, and a roughly central orifice (29) for introducing addition elements; and means (8, 9, 10a-e, 6, 13, 14, 15) for cooling the lateral walls and the bottom wall of the vessel and the dome.

Abstract: In the case of an arrangement comprising a gasifier and a direct reduction shaft furnace positioned above it and which is connected to the gasifier by a connecting shaft, the direct introduction of the reduction gas obtained in the gasifier, even in the case of a high dust proportion, is made possible in that the sponge iron particles are discharged through several radially positioned screw conveyors and the reduction gas is fed to an annular zone formed above the screw conveyors.

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: A method for forming a reducing gas in a molten metal bath gasifier and simultaneously directly reducing iron oxide in a shaft furnace with the gas thus produced, wherein the bath coolant is preferably provided by cleaned recycle gas from the direct reduction shaft furnace.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing liquid iron from iron oxide, wherein the iron oxide is substantially converted to sponge iron by passing reducing gas through it in a reduction column and is then melted in a melt vessel which is in open communication with the reduction column by heat generated by reaction of oxygen-containing gas and carbonaceous material which reaction provides said reducing gas. To improve control of the process, the oxygen-containing gas and the carbonaceous material are respectively substantially pure oxygen and coal powder which are delivered separately into the melt vessel, and the liquid iron bath in the melt vessel is stirred so as at least partly to be kept in motion. By separate control of the oxygen and coal supplies, e.g. the level and/or direction of delivery, and by control of stirring, it is possible to control the ratio of CO and CO.sub.2 in the reducing gas and also the heat output in the melt vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying a solid carbonaceous material such as coal is disclosed in which powdery coal is top-blown together with oxygen gas and steam onto a molten metal bath through a non-immersing multihole lance, said powdery coal is blown separately from the oxygen gas and steam, and the steam is commingled with the oxygen gas within the lance before they are injected out of the lance.

Abstract: In a melting/gasifying furnace including a coke-filled layer, coal is gasified by oxygen blown through tuyeres into a hot reducing gas which is caused to ascend through the coke-filled layer so as to melt reduced iron supported on the top of the coke-filled layer. The resulting molten iron flows down through the coke-filled layer, and is collected in the lowermost region of the coke-filled layer and discharged therefrom, while the hot gas is recovered. The thus recovered gas is fed into a shaft reduction furnace to reduce iron ores, and the thus formed reduced iron is supplied into the melting/gasifying furnace. In addition to the coal, a variety of fuels mainly comprising carbon and hydrogen such as heavy oil, natural gas, etc. are used for gasification. The fuel is blown through the tuyeres and/or charged through middle openings disposed above the tuyeres.

Abstract: A gasification apparatus utilizing a molten metal bath is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a reducing gas in a molten iron bath gasifier while simultaneously producing direct reduced iron oxide in an associated shaft furnace with the gas from the gasifier. The apparatus includes means for controlling the temperature of the reducing gas to the shaft furnace, means for cleaning, upgrading, and introducing spent top gas from the direct reduction furnace to the molten bath gasifier as a gaseous coolant to cool the reaction with the bath and reduce refractory wear within the gasifier.