Abstract: Reacted gas reservoirs are added to each primary reactor of a cyclic char fuel oxidation reactor within which product gas, created by reaction in the primary reactor, is stored during compression. The extent of primary reaction per cycle can be increased by use of these product reacted gas reservoirs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas with a solid reaction plant using cyclicompression and expansion of the reactant gas. Gas reactants are stored in reactant gas reservoirs during compression. During expansion the stored gas emerges to react with primary reacted gas in a secondary reaction.

Abstract: Reactant gas reservoir systems are described for use in combination with solid with gas reaction plants using cyclic compression and expansion of the reactant gas. During compression reactant gases are stored in the reservoir systems. During expansion these stored reactant gases emerge from the reservoir systems to react with gaseous products formed from the solid reactant during compression.

Abstract: A method for the electro-thermal and electrochemical underground conversion of coal into oil and by-products comprises the steps of inserting an underground probe into a bore hole until the probe is in close proximity to a coal seam. A mixture of air, steam, an electrolyte and a suitable catalyst is supplied to the probe, and the mixture is then sprayed directly on the coal seam through a passage in a nozzle. The probe is also energized with electricity applied to the nozzle to produce an arc between the coal and the probe, simultaneous with the spraying of the mixture on the coal seam. Heat of the combustion from the arc and the steam combine to produce a pyrolysis, oxidation, and reduction of the coal, thereby converting the coal into a gaseous combination of oil and by-products. The arc can be rotated to increase the tunnel diameter. An apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Reactant gas reservoir systems are described in combination with solid with gas reaction plants using cyclic compression and expansion of the reactant gas. During compression reactant gases are stored in the reservoir system. During expansion these stored reactant gases emerge from the reservoir systems to react with gaseous products formed from the solid reactant during compression.

Abstract: A reactor plant is described comprising separate compressor and expander, and several reaction chambers. Solid reactant within each said reaction chamber is alternately compressed with reactant gas from the compressor and subsequently the consequently reacted gases are expanded through the expander. Rapid gas with solid reaction occurs since the reactant and reacted gases are alternately flowing into and out of the pore spaces of the solid reactant where a large area for reaction exists. Reacted gases are recycled back through repeated cycles of compression and expansion until adequately reacted after which they are replaced with fresh reactant gases.

Abstract: Underground coal gasification process containing a novel system of injection and production wells. Specifically, the injection well is positioned at an angle with respect to horizontal of less than the angle of repose of loose coal and char for the particular coal seam, and the production well is positioned at an angle with respect to horizontal of greater than the angle of repose but less than 90.degree.. This system protects the injection well during the process and places the production well in a position for maximum production while relieving it of certain tensile and shear stresses.

Abstract: A method of underground gasification of a series of gently dipping and inclined coal seams comprises the steps of determining the depth of occurrence and the thickness of each coal seam in said series thereof, opening the seams by drilling operating wells, interconnecting them within the given seam, setting the coal afire, and gasifying the seams. A safe mining depth is determined for each coal seam in the series and said series of the seams is gasified upwards when a rock thickness therebetween exceeds a safe mining depth for the underlying seam and downwards when the rock thickness therebetween exceeds said safe depth, a firing boundary of the underlying seam being shifted towards a coal pillar by an amount equal to or greater than a first spacing of rock caving in the roof of a gasified layer.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier process and apparatus are described wherein reactant gases are first compressed into the pores of a char fuel to react and then the reacted gases are expanded out of the char fuel pores. This cycle of compression and expansion is repeated with fresh reactant gases supplied for each compression and with reacted gases removed at each expansion. Air and steam are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be gasified by oxidation. Reacted gases from such an oxidation gasifier plant are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be partially gasified by devolatilization. Rapid reaction to a rich product gas can occur over the large surface area inside the char pores and the undesirable Neumann reversion reaction is suppressed by the strongly reducing conditions prevailing therein. The gases of devolatilization gasification can be used to enrichen the gases of oxidation gasification by using two cyclic char gasifier plants in a combination system.

Abstract: Utilizing air, rather than oxygen, to convert coal to synthesis gas containing very high proportions of inert nitrogen; subjecting this entire gas, possibly with intermediate cleanup, e.g., sulfur removal, to conversion over a special metal-zeolite catalyst to produce a product comprising C.sub.5 to C.sub.11 normally liquid hydrocarbons, a gas containing C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and large proportions of nitrogen, and an aqueous product comprising water; utilizing the gas product to run electric power generation equipment, such as a direct fired turbine, at base load levels; storing and accumulating the liquid product; and intermittently using the liquid product for electric power generation to meet higher than base loads, including peak load situations.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier process and apparatus are described wherein reactant gases are first compressed into the pores of a char fuel to react and then the reacted gases are expanded out of the char fuel pores. This cycle of compression and expansion is repeated with fresh reactant gases supplied for each compression and with reacted gases removed at each expansion. Air and steam are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be gasified by oxidation. Reacted gases from such an oxidation gasifier plant are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be partially gasified by devolatilization. Rapid reaction to a rich product gas can occur over the large surface area inside the char pores and the undesireable Neumann reversion reaction is suppressed by the strongly reducing conditions prevailing therein. The gases of devolatilization gasification can be used to enrichen the gases of oxidation gasification by using two cyclic char gasifier plants in a combination system.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier plant is described which, from a single gas expander, can produce two or more separated and differing product reacted gases by use of an exhaust divider valve at the expander discharge.

Abstract: A cyclic char gasifier process and apparatus are described wherein reactant gases are first compressed into the pores of a char fuel to react and then the reacted gases are expanded out of the char fuel pores. This cycle of compression and expansion is repeated with fresh reactant gases supplied for each compression and with reacted gases removed at each expansion. Air and steam are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be gasified by oxidation. Reacted gases from such an oxidation gasifier plant are preferred reactant gases when the char fuel is to be partially gasified by devolatilization. Rapid reaction to a rich product gas can occur over the large surface area inside the char pores and the undesireable Neumann reversion reaction is suppressed by the strongly reducing conditions prevailing therein. The gases of devolatilization gasification can be used to enrichen the gases of oxidation gasification by using two cyclic char gasifier plants in a combination system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the gasification of coal. An oxygen jet having a pointed flame is engendered in situ, so as to strike the coal with a sheath of steam. The resultant fuel gas is drawn off while flowing in counterflow with the jet of oxygen and is brought to the surface through the same bore which had served the purpose of supplying oxygen. The invention is particularly applicable to the underground gasification of coal in situ.

Abstract: A method for in-situ coal gasification to recover a product gas having a predetermined H.sub.2 /CO ratio by introducing controlled amounts of carbon dioxide recovered from the product gas along with steam and oxygen injected into the coal deposits. The H.sub.2 /CO ratio of the product gas is preferably maintained within the range of 1.5 to 4.0.

Abstract: A method for the underground gasification of coal or browncoal in an inclined coal layer, in which two boreholes are drilled into said layer, and are continued downwards in a converging manner with the inclination of said layer. After initiating the combustion of the coal, the cavity formed thereby is filled by a granular filler material suspended in a carrier substance supplied through a borehole, the cavity then being filled with the exception of a narrow channel in which the combustion of a substantially straight coal front can be continued. When using a carrier liquid, the latter is pressed out by means of a pressurized gas before restarting the combustion. If water is flowing in from the surrounding formations, it can be kept away from the filler near said channel by barometric action by means of a tube extending downwards in a borehole to the desired water level, the pressure being maintained during combustion, e.g. by including suitable throttle means in the gas discharge.

Abstract: For mining combustible minerals a plurality of boreholes are drilled in a gasifiable seam, e.g., in a coal bed, said boreholes 1 through 4 being intercommunicated by a number of gasification ducts. Then the combustible mineral is initiated to fire, and an oxygen-containing blast gas is blown through some of said boreholes into the gasification ducts, with the result that the generator gas is formed. Simultaneously a carbon- and/or hydrogen-containing blast gas is blown through other boreholes situated along the flow of the generator gas to enrich the latter with combustible ingredients. As a result some chemical reactions proceed under the effect of heat produced by the generator gas, whereby additional amounts of combustible elements are formed which add to the calorific value of the generator gas being withdrawn. The method is instrumental also in controlling the composition of the generator gas withdrawn by varying the ratio of the components of the blast gas enriching the generator gas.

Abstract: The combustible component of a gas stream of low heating value is combusted using less than a stoichiometric amount of oxygen under conditions for the suppression of carbon monoxide including the presence of an oxidation catalyst and a small amount of arsine, and the heat energy in the combusted gas is utilized, for example, by expansion in a gas turbine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multistage process for the removal of tar, water and particulate contaminants from a hot product gas resulting from the in-situ gasification of an underground coal deposit, which comprises passing the hot product gas through a first heat exchange zone in indirect heat exchange relationship with a gasification gas to thereby sufficiently reduce the temperature of the product gas so as to separate the tar present in the product gas and provide a substantially tar-free product gas. Thereafter, the tar-free product gas is withdrawn from the first heat exchange zone and passed through at least one subsequent heat exchange zone in indirect or direct heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange material which has a lower temperature than the product gas. A major portion of the water originally present in the hot product gas is removed in the subsequent heat exchange zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making holes in coal seams in a coal mining system in which hot working gas is employed to impinge on the coal under high pressure and speed in order to disintegrate it and particularly for making inclined or horizontal holes which connect vertical drill holes which lead from the surface to the coal seam and through which the medium for gasifying the coal underground is blown in. The vertical drill holes which lead from the coal seam to the surface are used for blowing out gasification gases which are produced by the operation as well as for delivering the hot working gas. With the method of the invention, a gasification medium of high temperature and pressure is advantageously produced directly at the locations where the disintegrated coal is gasified, the disintegrated coal being formed by a rocket combustion process.

Abstract: In the underground gasification of a swelling coal the high gas-flow link between the injection and the production wells is produced by introducing hot air into the injection well at a pressure sufficient to fracture the coal. The bulk permeability of the coal proximate to the link is increased and the plugging of the link during the subsequent in situ combustion and gasification procedure is suppressed by continuing the injection of the hot air, heated to a temperature below the softening point of the coal, into the injection well, through the link to the production well without combustion of the coal.

Abstract: In the underground gasification of a swelling coal the bulk permeability of the coal proximate to the linkage between the injection and the production holes is increased and the plugging of the linkage during the in situ combustion and gasification procedure is suppressed by subjecting this coal proximate to the linkage between the injection and production holes to a stream of air heated to a temperature below the softening point of the coal prior to the in situ combustion and gasification procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for the recovery and removal of natural gas from a mine by liquefying and collecting the gas within the mine, and then transporting the liquified gas to the surface in a mobile tank. Natural gas is withdrawn from bore holes in a coal mine and liquefied using liquid nitrogen. A unique apparatus permits both the liquid nitrogen and the liquefied natural gas to be contained within a same insulated tank, enhancing the portable characteristics. Liquid nitrogen and its vapor are used to cool the natural gas so as to separate water and CO.sub.2. Means are disclosed for controlling the cooling by the cryogenic liquid by regulating the venting flow rate of its vapor in response to the pressure of the liquefied natural gas. The disclosed system eliminates the need for extensive piping and on-site pumping associated with conventional degasification processes.

Abstract: A method for underground gasification of coal or brown coal, in which a substantially uniform gasification or combustion front is maintained by filling the cavity generated by gasification of coal with a filler so as to drive said front in an upward direction through the coal layer, the gases for maintaining the gasification being introduced through a first borehole and the combustion gases being discharged through a second borehole, one of these boreholes being used for introducing the filler, said boreholes extending at an inclination corresponding to the general inclination of the coal layer, and preferably converging towards one another.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide-containing gas streams are passed over a catalyst capable of catalyzing the disproportionation of carbon monoxide so as to deposit a surface layer of active surface carbon on the catalyst essentially without formation of inactive coke thereon. The surface layer is contacted with steam and is thus converted to methane and CO.sub.2, from which a relatively pure methane product may be obtained. Dilute carbon monoxide-containing streams, as from underground coal gasification with air or the effluent from blast furnace operations, can be used without pretreatment to convert the carbon monoxide and/or to separate inert gases therefrom. Conversion of the active surface carbon with high pressure steam enables a high pressure product methane stream to be generated without expensive compression equipment and high energy consumption. Nickel, cobalt, iron, ruthenium, rhenium and alloys thereof are preferred catalysts, with the surface area thereof being preferably at least about 10 m.sup.2 /gr.

Abstract: In situ coal gasification to form a methane rich gas is carried out by injecting a lower aliphatic alcohol such as methanol into a coal seam, raising the temperature to cause dissociation of the alcohol and injecting water into the same. Nascent hydrogen is produced which reacts with the coal to form methane. The product gas may also contain hydrogen and carbon monoxide which can be separated and reacted to form methanol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in situ coal gasification process wherein the combustion zone within the underground coal bed is fed with air at increasing pressure to increase pressure and temperature in the combustion zone for forcing product gases and water naturally present in the coal bed into the coal bed surrounding the combustion zone. No outflow of combustion products occurs during the build-up of pressure and temperature in the combustion zone. After the coal bed reaches a temperature of about 2000.degree. F and a pressure in the range of about 100-200 psi above pore pressure the airflow is terminated and the outflow of the combustion products from the combustion zone is initiated. The CO.sub.2 containing gaseous products and the water bleed back into the combustion zone to react endothermically with the hot carbon of the combustion zone to produce a burnable gas with a relatively high hydrogen and carbon monoxide content.

Abstract: Coal gas is produced in situ using the techniques of gasification, liquefaction and pyrolysis. Normal effluents to the atmosphere are recycled in part to the underground reaction zone for conversion into commercial products. Contaminants to underground aquifers are captured and injected into the underground reaction zone for destruction and transformation into useful products.

Abstract: A method for creating a zone of relatively high permeability within a subterranean carbonaceous deposit which includes gasifying a portion of the carbonaceous deposit to provide a cavity, placing at least one explosive device in the deposit in the vicinity of the cavity so that energy generated upon detonation of the explosive device extends into the cavity, and detonating the explosive device thereby causing a portion of the carbonaceous deposit to be fragmented and to collapse into the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating synthetic fuels from carbonaceous minerals such as oil shale and coal by dispersing a catalytic agent by suitable explosive means into carbonaceous deposits. The explosives serve to fracture and rubblize the carbonaceous mineral as well as conveying the catalyst onto and in close proximity to the fractured particles. The catalyst coated particles are then converted, in whole or part, to gaseous and liquid products by conventional processes such as retorting, gasification, hydroretorting, hydrogenation, or the like, wherein this process or part of it is accelerated, decelerated, or otherwise favored by the presence of the catalytic agent. This process is capable of producing an increased yield and/or better quality product since it is possible to maintain greater control over the conversion step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of relatively high Btu gas by the in situ combustion of subterranean coal. The coal bed is penetrated with a horizontally-extending borehole and combustion is initiated in the coal bed contiguous to the borehole. The absolute pressure within the resulting combustion zone is then regulated at a desired value near the pore pressure within the coal bed so that selected quantities of water naturally present in the coal will flow into the combustion zone to effect a hydrogen and carbon monoxide-producing steam-carbon reaction with the hot carbon in the combustion zone for increasing the calorific value of the product gas.

Abstract: Process for the gasification of coal in situ comprising driving shafts or tunnels into a coal seam, injecting air into the bore holes to ignite and burn the coal to raise its temperature ceasing the flow of air when the coal is hot enough to support the endothermic water gas reaction, and injecting steam into the hot coal formation, such steam preferably being preheated by the flue gases taken from the same end of the bore holes where the air was injected, and recovering product gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and also product oil, exiting the tunnel at the other end of the bore holes. When the temperature of the coal drops during injection of steam to a level which will just permit combustion, the steam flow is stopped, and the cycle is repeated by air injection and flue gas removal at the front end of the bore holes, and through the tunnel connected therewith. This cyclic process is repeated until the entire mass of coal within the area encompassed by the bore holes is exhausted.

Abstract: To control the process of underground gasification of a coal bed with due provisions for the natural geological and mining conditions, in the disclosed method the rate of gassing-out the coal bed is selected from the following expression: ##EQU1## WHERE W is the amount of water flowing into the gasification zone, m.sup.3 /hour;I is the amount of coal gassed out per unit of time, tons/hour (the intensity of the process);Q.sub.h.sup.r is the combustion heat of the gas, kcal/m.sup.3 ;v.sup.r is the yield of gas from 1.0 kg of coal, m.sup.3 ;Q.sub.h.sup.y is the lowest combustion heat of coal, kcal/kg;m is the thickness of the coal bed, in meters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of burning fossile fuels, such as coal, in their places of natural deposit, for producing energy which may be utilized for various purposes, such as, for driving an electric generator.

Abstract: This application discloses a process for accomplishing in situ retorting of coal, or a similar hydrocarbon by constructing a substantially impervious retorting area, and then fragmenting the coal to provide a substantially homogeneous, porous mass. After pyrolysis due to the introduction of oxygen-containing gas at one portion and withdrawal of oil and gas at another portion, the direction of gas flow is reversed to convert the char into a relatively high B.T.U. gas product.

Abstract: A process for removing methane from a subterranean coal deposit. A carbon dioxide-containing fluid is introduced into the coal deposit through an injection well and held therein for a period sufficient to enable a substantial amount of methane to be desorbed from the surfaces of the coal deposit. Following the hold period, the injected carbon dioxide-containing fluid and desorbed methane are recovered through a recovery well or wells spaced from the injection well. The process is repeated until sufficient methane has been removed to enable safe mining of the coal deposit.

Abstract: A method of processing recently bored channels when putting into operation an underground gas generator (underground gasifier), consisting, on the one hand, in forced air blowing and, on the other hand, in taking away hot gases, is characterized by determining the magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure by measuring the hydrostatic column of underground waters in a vertical direction from the point at which air is forced into the well to the level of the underground waters, and adjusting the outlet section of the gas discharging wells. This permits maintaining in the boring channel a pressure at a level which is not less than that produced by the hydrostatic column to preclude an inflow of underground waters to the channel being processed. The temperature in the channel is raised at a rate from about 80.degree. C to about 100.degree. C per hour up to at least 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for recovery of heat generated by the combustion of coal in situ within coal seams in the earth. Three embodiments are described: one, in which the coal seam crops out and into which can be drilled and inserted a pipe, through the coal seam, to a central point, where it is joined with a vertical pipe drilled from the surface. Water is supplied to the pipe at the point of outcrop. Fires are started within the coal seam and supplied with air from the surface by means of drilled boreholes. The heat of combustion converts the water in the pipe to steam which travels up the vertical pipe and is used to drive a turbine generator system. A second embodiment is used where there is an overlying aquafer above the coal seam. Fires are started by means of air supplied through boreholes leading from the surface into the coal seam. The heat of combustion converts the water in the aquafer to steam, which then is circulated out of the aquafer and up to the surface where it drives a turbine generator system.

Abstract: A method for the initiation of an in-situ combustion in an underground formation by injecting into the formation an ignition mixture containing an olefinic hydrocarbon or an unsaturated fatty acid, an organic peroxide and a heavy metal salt.

Abstract: A method of extracting energy and chemical values from coal in situ including the steps of establishing passages among two or more coal seams underground and the surface of the ground wherein one coal seam is consumed by in situ combustion with the hot exit gases diverted through a second seam of coal enroute to the surface. The second seam of coal is dewatered, then subjected to pyrolysis, with enriched exit gases captured at the surface.

Abstract: A method of in situ gasification of coal includes the steps of releasing reactant materials in a coal bed in a manner such that the reactants are directly exposed to the burning face of a coal bed under preselected temperatures and pressures whereby the incomplete combustion of the coal is affectively controlled. In one preferred form of the method, the heat generated from the combusted materials is captured and separated from the recovered gas so that the heat can be converted to other forms of energy separately from the recovered gas.

Abstract: Coal liquids and gases are recovered from a thick underground coal seam by drilling one or more boreholes from the earth's surface into the lower part of the seam, burning out the coal over a limited area near the bottom of the seam, collapsing the overlying coal to form a rubblized zone extending vertically to a point near the upper boundary of the seam, driving a flame front vertically through the rubblized zone to liberate hydrocarbon liquids and produce gases, and recovering the liquids and gases from the rubblized zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the gasification of coal in situ which comprises drilling at least one well or borehole from the earth's surface so that the well or borehole enters the coalbed or seam horizontally and intersects the coalbed in a direction normal to its major natural fracture system, initiating burning of the coal with the introduction of a combustion-supporting gas such as air to convert the coal in situ to a heating gas of relatively high calorific value and recovering the gas. In a further embodiment the recovered gas may be used to drive one or more generators for the production of electricity.