CA1091020A - Reflux method and apparatus for generating blue water gas - Google Patents
Reflux method and apparatus for generating blue water gasInfo
- Publication number
- CA1091020A CA1091020A CA273,634A CA273634A CA1091020A CA 1091020 A CA1091020 A CA 1091020A CA 273634 A CA273634 A CA 273634A CA 1091020 A CA1091020 A CA 1091020A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- retort
- grate
- sealed
- gas
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/02—Fixed-bed gasification of lump fuel
- C10J3/20—Apparatus; Plants
- C10J3/22—Arrangements or dispositions of valves or flues
- C10J3/24—Arrangements or dispositions of valves or flues to permit flow of gases or vapours other than upwardly through the fuel bed
- C10J3/26—Arrangements or dispositions of valves or flues to permit flow of gases or vapours other than upwardly through the fuel bed downwardly
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/02—Fixed-bed gasification of lump fuel
- C10J3/06—Continuous processes
- C10J3/10—Continuous processes using external heating
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/02—Fixed-bed gasification of lump fuel
- C10J3/20—Apparatus; Plants
- C10J3/30—Fuel charging devices
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/02—Fixed-bed gasification of lump fuel
- C10J3/20—Apparatus; Plants
- C10J3/34—Grates; Mechanical ash-removing devices
- C10J3/36—Fixed grates
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/72—Other features
- C10J3/723—Controlling or regulating the gasification process
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J3/00—Production of combustible gases containing carbon monoxide from solid carbonaceous fuels
- C10J3/72—Other features
- C10J3/74—Construction of shells or jackets
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J2200/00—Details of gasification apparatus
- C10J2200/09—Mechanical details of gasifiers not otherwise provided for, e.g. sealing means
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J2300/00—Details of gasification processes
- C10J2300/09—Details of the feed, e.g. feeding of spent catalyst, inert gas or halogens
- C10J2300/0913—Carbonaceous raw material
- C10J2300/0946—Waste, e.g. MSW, tires, glass, tar sand, peat, paper, lignite, oil shale
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J2300/00—Details of gasification processes
- C10J2300/09—Details of the feed, e.g. feeding of spent catalyst, inert gas or halogens
- C10J2300/0953—Gasifying agents
- C10J2300/0956—Air or oxygen enriched air
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J2300/00—Details of gasification processes
- C10J2300/09—Details of the feed, e.g. feeding of spent catalyst, inert gas or halogens
- C10J2300/0953—Gasifying agents
- C10J2300/0973—Water
- C10J2300/0976—Water as steam
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
- C10J—PRODUCTION OF PRODUCER GAS, WATER-GAS, SYNTHESIS GAS FROM SOLID CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL, OR MIXTURES CONTAINING THESE GASES; CARBURETTING AIR OR OTHER GASES
- C10J2300/00—Details of gasification processes
- C10J2300/12—Heating the gasifier
- C10J2300/1246—Heating the gasifier by external or indirect heating
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure Carbonaceous materials and water are refluxed through a maintained vertical temperature gradient in a sealed retort not having an external oxygen gas feed.
Apparatus for generating blue water gas under reflux includes a sealed reflux chamber forming a vertical column having an input air lock coupled to receive carbonaceous waste material.
The reflux chamber includes a grate positioned within a lower portion of the chamber and disposed to receive impinging carbona-ceous material passed through the input air lock. The grate and reflux chamber are heated by burners positioned outside the reflux chamber and below the grate. Blue water gas is produced within the sealed reflux chamber by placing water and carbonaceous material therein and refluxing the carbonaceous material while grate to the top of the reflux chamber, the higher temperature being at or below the grate. A gas product of blue water gas having increased CO yield and decreased CO2 is extracted for utilization by a pipe communicating with the lower interior of the reflux chamber. An output air lock is coupled to the lower portion of the chamber for removing ash and other solid products.
Apparatus for generating blue water gas under reflux includes a sealed reflux chamber forming a vertical column having an input air lock coupled to receive carbonaceous waste material.
The reflux chamber includes a grate positioned within a lower portion of the chamber and disposed to receive impinging carbona-ceous material passed through the input air lock. The grate and reflux chamber are heated by burners positioned outside the reflux chamber and below the grate. Blue water gas is produced within the sealed reflux chamber by placing water and carbonaceous material therein and refluxing the carbonaceous material while grate to the top of the reflux chamber, the higher temperature being at or below the grate. A gas product of blue water gas having increased CO yield and decreased CO2 is extracted for utilization by a pipe communicating with the lower interior of the reflux chamber. An output air lock is coupled to the lower portion of the chamber for removing ash and other solid products.
Description
1091(~0 REFLUX METHOD AND APPARATUS
FOR GENERATING BLUE WATER GAS
Background and Summary of the Invention The field of art to which the invention pertains is the gas generating art. Water gas generators are typically powered by a fuel or by materials containing thermal energy such as steam, heated coal or hot gases. Internal combustion processes requiring oxygen feeding are employed wherein a fuel such as, for example, coal or the like is burned within a forced air fed retort. Other . ~
~A .
10~ 0 known processes include the uniform heating of a sealed retort.
Such processes produce undesirable amounts of carbon dioxide for many catalytic processes requiring water gas. In addition, most prior generators are batch fed generators and are incapable of ; s continuous feeding and continuous emptying without interrupting gas generation.
The invention is an apparatus and method for producing blue water gas wherein carbonaceous materials and water are re-fluxed through a maintained vertical temperature gradient in a sealed retort not having an external oxygen feed. The apparatus includes a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an , upper and lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed. A vertical temperature gradient is established throughout the retort by heating the lower interior portion to approximately 1200C. A
portion of the carbonaceous material vaporizes and the remainder is oxidized into carbon monoxide. water can be injected within the lower interior portion to provide sufficient hydrogen and oxygen to bring the reaction to completion if the carbonaceous materials do not have sufficient water content. Remaining car-bonaceous materials and gases reflux and impinge the lower interior portion where the reaction conditions produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen as the predominant species. More complex compounds are reduced to carbon monoxide and hydrogen via a plurality of heating and reflux cycles. Oxygen for the reaction i9 produced by decomposition of the hydrogen and the oxygen of steam molecules. oxygen released from water molecules combines with the carbon when the hot carbonaceous material is impinged by the steam thereby producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Free 2 input to the sealed retort is undesirable due 10~ 0 to the increased proportional amount of CO2 produced thereby.
Carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas yield is enhanced with respect to carbon dioxide production as a result.
In addition, total gas yield is improved from approxima-tely 40% in the prior art to 95% with the invention. Dangerous carbon monoxide gas produced by the generator is either contain-ed within the sealed reflux chamber, utilized or burned. A
portion of the water gas so produced can be utilized to maintain the operating temperature of the reflux chamber by being burned outside the reflux chamber and the remaining water gas is avail-able for utilization for heating, lighting, or catalysis to other compounds.
In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is ` provided a method for producing blue water gas comprising the steps of: placing carbonaceous material and water in a sealed retort; heating the lower portion of the sealed retort above 1000C. to establish a vertical temperature gradient within the retort; refluxing the carbonaceous material within the sealed retort through the established vertical temperature gradient; and extracting gas produced.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is provided apparatus for generating blue water gas comprising:
a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an upper and a lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed and an output airlock and the upper portion having an input airlock disposed to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them to the means for holding carbonaceous material, means thermally coupled to the sealed retort for '~, 10~3 1 ~),'~0 heating under reflux materials placed within the sealed retort and establishing a substantially vertical thermal gradient therein, the gradient having a higher temperature potential at the lower portion of the retort than at the upper portion; and gas extraction means coupled to the retort for receiving gas produced in the retort.
Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a sectional diagram of a blue water gas generator made in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional elevated view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the generator of Figure 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, a gas generator is shown having a sealed retort forming reflux chamber 2. Reflux chamber 2 has a raw material inlet air lock 4 and an outlet ash air lock 6 and is constructed of firebox steel such as A.S.T.M. 285-C or the like.
Inlet air lock 4 and ash air lock 6 are each provided with vacuum extractors 5 and 7, respectively. Vacuum extractors 5 and 7 are coupled to a vacuum pump and activated in response to the air lock they are positioned within being opened for extracting poisonous i - 3a -1091(~0 gases which may otherwise escape from reflux chamber 2 and for minimizing the influx of free oxygen into the reflux chamber.
If, for example, carbonaceous material is to be fed through air lock 4, air lock 4 is evacuated by vacuum extractor 5 to extract S any ~arbon monoxide, valve 4a is opened to receive carbonaceous material 20 within the air lock, and valve 4a is again closed.
Air lock 4 is again evacuated by vacuum extractor 5 to ensure a minimum oxygen gas intake and valve 4b is opened to pass the carbonaceous material to the interior of reflux chamber 2. Val~e ' 10 4b is then closed and air lock 4 again evacuated. Air loc~ 6 and valves 6a and 6b are similarly operated to ensure minimum oxygen leakage into reflux chamber 2 and minimum carbon monoxide leakage out of reflux chamber 2. The gases extracted are coupled by pipes and ~acuum pumps ~not depicted in Figure 1) to burners 8 and 308.
The extractors also assist inlet air lock 4 in receiving carbona-ceous material and ash air loc~ 6 in passing ash produced by the generator.
Referring to Figure~ 1 and 2, the lower portion of the reflux chamber 2 is preferably conically-shaped and thermally coupled to burners 8 and 308 which are positioned to direct heat to the come as straight as possible to produce maximum heating of the lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2. The cone-shaped lower interior portion of the reflux chamber 2 provides thermal reradiation within the reflux chamber 2. Burner pipe 10 and valves 12 and 312 couple the burners 8 and 308 which are preferably blower aspirated burners with attached air blowers 9 and 309 or the like to a water gas extractor pipe 14 positioned within reflux chamber 2. The water gas extractor pipe 14 extends below a reflux grate 16 and steam ring 18. Reflux grate 16 and steam ring 18 are each positioned within and thermally and structurally coupled to reflux chamber 2. The reflux grate 16 , lO910f~0 is positioned to receive carbonaceous material 20 which passes through input valve 4 and falls through the column formed by reflux chamber 2. Steam ring 18 is positioned below the grate 16 and is connected to water pipes 22 which provide water from an external water source 24 via valves 26 and 28.
A burner exhaust chamber 30 is formed by a shell 32 formed of fire box steel which surrounds reflux chamber 2. Exhaust chamber 30 captures combustion gases produced by burners 8 and 308 and directs them to exhaust stack 34. Exhaust chamber 30 and shell 32 are surrounded by thermal insulation layers 36.
The lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2 and grate 16 can be elevated to a temperature of approximately 1200C. by externally heating reflux chamber 2 by combusting previously stored gas 15 with burners 8 and 308. Valves 11 and 17 are closed and valves 12 and 13 opened and thermal energy produced is directed to the lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2 to initially put the generator into operation. The preferred embodiment re-quires four burners to initially get the lower interior portion of s reflux chamber 2 up to temperature and only one burner 8 is re-quired to maintain the temperature during subsequent operation.
~ Preferably~ carbonaceous waste 20 is introduced through valve 4 j after reflux chamber 2 and grate 16 have reached the operating s temperature. Water, if required, is supplied from water source 24 in measured amounts as regulated by valves 26 and 28 to pipes 22 which supply steam ring 18. The water becomes steam during its ~- passage through pipes 22 which are at a temperature well above the boiling point of water at the pressure existing within reflux chamber 2. The proper amount of water to add during operation is determined empiri~ally and is dependent upon the type of carbona-ceous waste utilized and its water content. If the carbonaceous waste is, for example, wood chips cut to approximately 1/2-inch cubes in size, the preferred amount is an equal weight amount of water for a given weight of wood chips. The observed ash result-ing from this empirically derived amount is approximately 5% by S weight of the input wood chips. Almost any carbonaceous material such as, for example, chipped plastics, filter carbon waste from dry cleaning industry, fruit pits, or the like is suitable carbona-ceous material for the generator and the optimal amount of water to be added is easily determined empirically.
Referring to Figure 1, control valve 11 is opened in response to gas generation within reflux chamber 2 as indicated by, for example, a pressure gauge. Storage gas in gas storage tank 15 is replenished and valve 13 is closed. Water gas produced within reflux chamber 2 fuels burners 8 and 308 to self-power the generator and excess water gas produced is available for utili-zation by adjusting valve 17 to supply an external process or storage. Burners 8 and 308 and blowers 9 and 309 are adjusted to maintain the temperature at the end of gas extractor pipe 14 at 1190C. as detected by thermocouple 38 and indicated by meter 40 Continuous operation through continuous feeding and ash removal is possible due to air locks 4 and 6 and the indirect heating reflux process. It is not necessary to shut down the generator to place additional carbonaceous waste therein as air lock 4 maintains a substantial seal during feeding and air lock 6 maintains a substantial seal during ash removal. Burners 8 and 308 and blowers 9 and 309 are maintained or replaced without interrupting gas generation since they are positioned outside reflux chamber 2 and are easily accessed without need for unsealing reflux chamber 2. If one burner needs to be replaced, another burner is capable of maintaining the operating temperature during a replacement operation.
The embodiment depicted in ~igure 1 has a reflux chamber 2 having a height of six feet. Carbonaceous material such as wood chips sufficiently disperses by falling and refluxing within the chamber during feeding and operation. Other input carbonaceous fuel may require the inclusion of baffles or the like to ensure sufficient dispersion over grate 16. Grate 16 can also be made movable and include shaking apparatus attached thereto.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a control system for the gas generator. Input air lock 4 is opened in response to control signals 204 from controller 300. CGntroller 300 is a manually-operated console, a specially programmed computer or the like. Control signals 204 actuate valve-actuating means 104.
Means 104 is an electrical solenoid operating fulcrums coupled to spring-loaded valves, or the like. A controllable vacuum pump 105 coupled to vacuum extractor 5 is actuated in response to a signal 100 from controller 300. The rate, timing, and duration of vacuum is controlled and correlated with actuation of the valves of inlet air lock 4 by controller 300. Gas extracted by vacuum extractor 5 and vacuum pump 105 is passed by a valve 3~5 controlled by signal 205 to pipes supplying fuel to the burners. Similarly, during ash removal, air lock 6 is opened in response to signals 206 from con-troller 300 by valve-actuating means 106. A controllable vacuum pump 107 suc~s gases from vacuum extractor 7 and supplies them via valve 307 to the burners 8 and 308.
Four burners (only two are shown in Figure 3) are preferably used to bring the generator up to a desired temperature as discussed previously. The operating temperature is sensed by a thermocouple 38 which transmits a signal 241 corresponding to the temperature within reflux chamber 2. Controller 300 adjusts the heat applied to the gas generator by controlling the amount of fuel to each burner~ the air supplied to each burner~ and the number of burners in operation. The amount of fuel is varied by valves 12 and 312 which are controlled by signals 212 and 222, respectively~ The air supply to each burner is regulated by S regulating the speed of blowers 9 and 309 with signals 209 and 219, respectively. The number of burners in operation are con-trolled, for example, by shutting off the fuel and air supply to a particular burner. A selected burner is brought into operation by supplying fuel to it and actuating an associated igniter.
Each burner includes a controlled igniter, burner 8 having an igniter controlled by signal 229 and burner 308 having an igniter controlled by signal 329.
Measured amounts of water from source 24 are added by control valves 26 and 28 which are responsive to signals 226 and 228, respectively.
The flow of gas produced is routed to storage tank 15, an external load or the burners by valves 11, 17, and 13 which are responsive to signals 211, 217, and 213, respectively.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described as utilizing aspirated gas burners external to the reflux chamber for heating~ other means of heating may be employed if it is not required to have an apparatus capable of being self-powered.
j Electrically-operated or solar-operated burners may be employed, for example. Also9 the means for heating and establishing a vertical temperature qradient may be positioned inside the reflux chamber if the means can withstand the temperature and will not introduce free oxygen within the chamber. An example is where the grate is formed of high temperature ceramic-coated heating electrodes and the grate functions additionally as an electrical heater. In the preferred embodiment described, the lower interior 1091()~0 portion of reflux chamber 2 is conically-shaped. The conical shape is preferable when utilizing gas burners but other shapes may be utilized as desired such as hemispherical or cubical lower portions, for example.
The grate described and depicted in the preferred embodi-ment was chosen for simplicity in manufacture and for its thermal : conductivity. Other grate embodiments can include, for example, ceramic-coated electrically-powered heating elements as discussed hereinabove and grates having hemispherical or paraboloid surfaces.
FOR GENERATING BLUE WATER GAS
Background and Summary of the Invention The field of art to which the invention pertains is the gas generating art. Water gas generators are typically powered by a fuel or by materials containing thermal energy such as steam, heated coal or hot gases. Internal combustion processes requiring oxygen feeding are employed wherein a fuel such as, for example, coal or the like is burned within a forced air fed retort. Other . ~
~A .
10~ 0 known processes include the uniform heating of a sealed retort.
Such processes produce undesirable amounts of carbon dioxide for many catalytic processes requiring water gas. In addition, most prior generators are batch fed generators and are incapable of ; s continuous feeding and continuous emptying without interrupting gas generation.
The invention is an apparatus and method for producing blue water gas wherein carbonaceous materials and water are re-fluxed through a maintained vertical temperature gradient in a sealed retort not having an external oxygen feed. The apparatus includes a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an , upper and lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed. A vertical temperature gradient is established throughout the retort by heating the lower interior portion to approximately 1200C. A
portion of the carbonaceous material vaporizes and the remainder is oxidized into carbon monoxide. water can be injected within the lower interior portion to provide sufficient hydrogen and oxygen to bring the reaction to completion if the carbonaceous materials do not have sufficient water content. Remaining car-bonaceous materials and gases reflux and impinge the lower interior portion where the reaction conditions produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen as the predominant species. More complex compounds are reduced to carbon monoxide and hydrogen via a plurality of heating and reflux cycles. Oxygen for the reaction i9 produced by decomposition of the hydrogen and the oxygen of steam molecules. oxygen released from water molecules combines with the carbon when the hot carbonaceous material is impinged by the steam thereby producing carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas. Free 2 input to the sealed retort is undesirable due 10~ 0 to the increased proportional amount of CO2 produced thereby.
Carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas yield is enhanced with respect to carbon dioxide production as a result.
In addition, total gas yield is improved from approxima-tely 40% in the prior art to 95% with the invention. Dangerous carbon monoxide gas produced by the generator is either contain-ed within the sealed reflux chamber, utilized or burned. A
portion of the water gas so produced can be utilized to maintain the operating temperature of the reflux chamber by being burned outside the reflux chamber and the remaining water gas is avail-able for utilization for heating, lighting, or catalysis to other compounds.
In accordance with one aspect of this invention there is ` provided a method for producing blue water gas comprising the steps of: placing carbonaceous material and water in a sealed retort; heating the lower portion of the sealed retort above 1000C. to establish a vertical temperature gradient within the retort; refluxing the carbonaceous material within the sealed retort through the established vertical temperature gradient; and extracting gas produced.
In accordance with another aspect of this invention there is provided apparatus for generating blue water gas comprising:
a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an upper and a lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed and an output airlock and the upper portion having an input airlock disposed to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them to the means for holding carbonaceous material, means thermally coupled to the sealed retort for '~, 10~3 1 ~),'~0 heating under reflux materials placed within the sealed retort and establishing a substantially vertical thermal gradient therein, the gradient having a higher temperature potential at the lower portion of the retort than at the upper portion; and gas extraction means coupled to the retort for receiving gas produced in the retort.
Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a sectional diagram of a blue water gas generator made in accordance with the invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional elevated view of the embodiment depicted in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the generator of Figure 1.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, a gas generator is shown having a sealed retort forming reflux chamber 2. Reflux chamber 2 has a raw material inlet air lock 4 and an outlet ash air lock 6 and is constructed of firebox steel such as A.S.T.M. 285-C or the like.
Inlet air lock 4 and ash air lock 6 are each provided with vacuum extractors 5 and 7, respectively. Vacuum extractors 5 and 7 are coupled to a vacuum pump and activated in response to the air lock they are positioned within being opened for extracting poisonous i - 3a -1091(~0 gases which may otherwise escape from reflux chamber 2 and for minimizing the influx of free oxygen into the reflux chamber.
If, for example, carbonaceous material is to be fed through air lock 4, air lock 4 is evacuated by vacuum extractor 5 to extract S any ~arbon monoxide, valve 4a is opened to receive carbonaceous material 20 within the air lock, and valve 4a is again closed.
Air lock 4 is again evacuated by vacuum extractor 5 to ensure a minimum oxygen gas intake and valve 4b is opened to pass the carbonaceous material to the interior of reflux chamber 2. Val~e ' 10 4b is then closed and air lock 4 again evacuated. Air loc~ 6 and valves 6a and 6b are similarly operated to ensure minimum oxygen leakage into reflux chamber 2 and minimum carbon monoxide leakage out of reflux chamber 2. The gases extracted are coupled by pipes and ~acuum pumps ~not depicted in Figure 1) to burners 8 and 308.
The extractors also assist inlet air lock 4 in receiving carbona-ceous material and ash air loc~ 6 in passing ash produced by the generator.
Referring to Figure~ 1 and 2, the lower portion of the reflux chamber 2 is preferably conically-shaped and thermally coupled to burners 8 and 308 which are positioned to direct heat to the come as straight as possible to produce maximum heating of the lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2. The cone-shaped lower interior portion of the reflux chamber 2 provides thermal reradiation within the reflux chamber 2. Burner pipe 10 and valves 12 and 312 couple the burners 8 and 308 which are preferably blower aspirated burners with attached air blowers 9 and 309 or the like to a water gas extractor pipe 14 positioned within reflux chamber 2. The water gas extractor pipe 14 extends below a reflux grate 16 and steam ring 18. Reflux grate 16 and steam ring 18 are each positioned within and thermally and structurally coupled to reflux chamber 2. The reflux grate 16 , lO910f~0 is positioned to receive carbonaceous material 20 which passes through input valve 4 and falls through the column formed by reflux chamber 2. Steam ring 18 is positioned below the grate 16 and is connected to water pipes 22 which provide water from an external water source 24 via valves 26 and 28.
A burner exhaust chamber 30 is formed by a shell 32 formed of fire box steel which surrounds reflux chamber 2. Exhaust chamber 30 captures combustion gases produced by burners 8 and 308 and directs them to exhaust stack 34. Exhaust chamber 30 and shell 32 are surrounded by thermal insulation layers 36.
The lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2 and grate 16 can be elevated to a temperature of approximately 1200C. by externally heating reflux chamber 2 by combusting previously stored gas 15 with burners 8 and 308. Valves 11 and 17 are closed and valves 12 and 13 opened and thermal energy produced is directed to the lower interior portion of reflux chamber 2 to initially put the generator into operation. The preferred embodiment re-quires four burners to initially get the lower interior portion of s reflux chamber 2 up to temperature and only one burner 8 is re-quired to maintain the temperature during subsequent operation.
~ Preferably~ carbonaceous waste 20 is introduced through valve 4 j after reflux chamber 2 and grate 16 have reached the operating s temperature. Water, if required, is supplied from water source 24 in measured amounts as regulated by valves 26 and 28 to pipes 22 which supply steam ring 18. The water becomes steam during its ~- passage through pipes 22 which are at a temperature well above the boiling point of water at the pressure existing within reflux chamber 2. The proper amount of water to add during operation is determined empiri~ally and is dependent upon the type of carbona-ceous waste utilized and its water content. If the carbonaceous waste is, for example, wood chips cut to approximately 1/2-inch cubes in size, the preferred amount is an equal weight amount of water for a given weight of wood chips. The observed ash result-ing from this empirically derived amount is approximately 5% by S weight of the input wood chips. Almost any carbonaceous material such as, for example, chipped plastics, filter carbon waste from dry cleaning industry, fruit pits, or the like is suitable carbona-ceous material for the generator and the optimal amount of water to be added is easily determined empirically.
Referring to Figure 1, control valve 11 is opened in response to gas generation within reflux chamber 2 as indicated by, for example, a pressure gauge. Storage gas in gas storage tank 15 is replenished and valve 13 is closed. Water gas produced within reflux chamber 2 fuels burners 8 and 308 to self-power the generator and excess water gas produced is available for utili-zation by adjusting valve 17 to supply an external process or storage. Burners 8 and 308 and blowers 9 and 309 are adjusted to maintain the temperature at the end of gas extractor pipe 14 at 1190C. as detected by thermocouple 38 and indicated by meter 40 Continuous operation through continuous feeding and ash removal is possible due to air locks 4 and 6 and the indirect heating reflux process. It is not necessary to shut down the generator to place additional carbonaceous waste therein as air lock 4 maintains a substantial seal during feeding and air lock 6 maintains a substantial seal during ash removal. Burners 8 and 308 and blowers 9 and 309 are maintained or replaced without interrupting gas generation since they are positioned outside reflux chamber 2 and are easily accessed without need for unsealing reflux chamber 2. If one burner needs to be replaced, another burner is capable of maintaining the operating temperature during a replacement operation.
The embodiment depicted in ~igure 1 has a reflux chamber 2 having a height of six feet. Carbonaceous material such as wood chips sufficiently disperses by falling and refluxing within the chamber during feeding and operation. Other input carbonaceous fuel may require the inclusion of baffles or the like to ensure sufficient dispersion over grate 16. Grate 16 can also be made movable and include shaking apparatus attached thereto.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a control system for the gas generator. Input air lock 4 is opened in response to control signals 204 from controller 300. CGntroller 300 is a manually-operated console, a specially programmed computer or the like. Control signals 204 actuate valve-actuating means 104.
Means 104 is an electrical solenoid operating fulcrums coupled to spring-loaded valves, or the like. A controllable vacuum pump 105 coupled to vacuum extractor 5 is actuated in response to a signal 100 from controller 300. The rate, timing, and duration of vacuum is controlled and correlated with actuation of the valves of inlet air lock 4 by controller 300. Gas extracted by vacuum extractor 5 and vacuum pump 105 is passed by a valve 3~5 controlled by signal 205 to pipes supplying fuel to the burners. Similarly, during ash removal, air lock 6 is opened in response to signals 206 from con-troller 300 by valve-actuating means 106. A controllable vacuum pump 107 suc~s gases from vacuum extractor 7 and supplies them via valve 307 to the burners 8 and 308.
Four burners (only two are shown in Figure 3) are preferably used to bring the generator up to a desired temperature as discussed previously. The operating temperature is sensed by a thermocouple 38 which transmits a signal 241 corresponding to the temperature within reflux chamber 2. Controller 300 adjusts the heat applied to the gas generator by controlling the amount of fuel to each burner~ the air supplied to each burner~ and the number of burners in operation. The amount of fuel is varied by valves 12 and 312 which are controlled by signals 212 and 222, respectively~ The air supply to each burner is regulated by S regulating the speed of blowers 9 and 309 with signals 209 and 219, respectively. The number of burners in operation are con-trolled, for example, by shutting off the fuel and air supply to a particular burner. A selected burner is brought into operation by supplying fuel to it and actuating an associated igniter.
Each burner includes a controlled igniter, burner 8 having an igniter controlled by signal 229 and burner 308 having an igniter controlled by signal 329.
Measured amounts of water from source 24 are added by control valves 26 and 28 which are responsive to signals 226 and 228, respectively.
The flow of gas produced is routed to storage tank 15, an external load or the burners by valves 11, 17, and 13 which are responsive to signals 211, 217, and 213, respectively.
Although the preferred embodiment has been described as utilizing aspirated gas burners external to the reflux chamber for heating~ other means of heating may be employed if it is not required to have an apparatus capable of being self-powered.
j Electrically-operated or solar-operated burners may be employed, for example. Also9 the means for heating and establishing a vertical temperature qradient may be positioned inside the reflux chamber if the means can withstand the temperature and will not introduce free oxygen within the chamber. An example is where the grate is formed of high temperature ceramic-coated heating electrodes and the grate functions additionally as an electrical heater. In the preferred embodiment described, the lower interior 1091()~0 portion of reflux chamber 2 is conically-shaped. The conical shape is preferable when utilizing gas burners but other shapes may be utilized as desired such as hemispherical or cubical lower portions, for example.
The grate described and depicted in the preferred embodi-ment was chosen for simplicity in manufacture and for its thermal : conductivity. Other grate embodiments can include, for example, ceramic-coated electrically-powered heating elements as discussed hereinabove and grates having hemispherical or paraboloid surfaces.
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method for producing blue water gas comprising the steps of:
placing carbonaceous material and water in a sealed retort;
heating the lower portion of the sealed retort above 1000°C. to establish a vertical temperature gradient within the retort;
refluxing the carbonaceous material within the sealed retort through the established vertical temperature gradient;
and extracting gas produced.
placing carbonaceous material and water in a sealed retort;
heating the lower portion of the sealed retort above 1000°C. to establish a vertical temperature gradient within the retort;
refluxing the carbonaceous material within the sealed retort through the established vertical temperature gradient;
and extracting gas produced.
2. A method as in claim 1 comprising the additional step of extracting oxygen gas from the sealed retort after placing carbonaceous material and water in the retort.
3. A method as in claim 1 comprising the additional step of extracting solid material produced.
4. Apparatus for generating blue water gas comprising:
a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an upper and a lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed and an output airlock and the upper portion having an input airlock disposed to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them to the means for holding carbonaceous material;
means thermally coupled to the sealed retort for heating under reflux materials placed within the sealed retort and establishing a substantially vertical thermal gradient therein, the gradient having a higher temperature potential at the lower portion of the retort than at the upper portion; and gas extraction means coupled to the retort for receiving gas produced in the retort.
a sealed retort forming a vertical column and having an upper and a lower interior portion, the lower portion having means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed and an output airlock and the upper portion having an input airlock disposed to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them to the means for holding carbonaceous material;
means thermally coupled to the sealed retort for heating under reflux materials placed within the sealed retort and establishing a substantially vertical thermal gradient therein, the gradient having a higher temperature potential at the lower portion of the retort than at the upper portion; and gas extraction means coupled to the retort for receiving gas produced in the retort.
5. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein means for holding carbonaceous material to be refluxed is a grate.
6. Apparatus as in claim 4 comprising means coupled to the sealed retort for applying water within the lower portion of the sealed retort.
7. Apparatus as in claim 4 comprising means thermally coupled to the sealed retort and coupled to the means for heating for regulating the temperature of the lower portion of the sealed retort about a selected temperature range.
8. Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein gas extraction means comprise a pipe communicating with the lower portion of the retort.
9. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein means for heating comprise burners disposed outside the sealed retort and below the grate.
10. Apparatus as in claim 5 wherein:
said input air lock is operatively disposed above the grate to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them onto the grate; and said output air lock is operatively disposed below the grate to receive material which passes through the grate.
said input air lock is operatively disposed above the grate to receive carbonaceous materials and pass them onto the grate; and said output air lock is operatively disposed below the grate to receive material which passes through the grate.
11. Apparatus as in claim 10 wherein the input air lock comprises:
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US74041176A | 1976-11-10 | 1976-11-10 | |
| US740,411 | 1976-11-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1091020A true CA1091020A (en) | 1980-12-09 |
Family
ID=24976390
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA273,634A Expired CA1091020A (en) | 1976-11-10 | 1977-03-10 | Reflux method and apparatus for generating blue water gas |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1091020A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2713813A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4268275A (en) * | 1979-03-07 | 1981-05-19 | Pyrenco, Inc. | Apparatus for converting organic material into fuel |
-
1977
- 1977-03-10 CA CA273,634A patent/CA1091020A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-03-29 DE DE19772713813 patent/DE2713813A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2713813A1 (en) | 1978-05-11 |
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