GB401767A - An improved process for the distillation of solid carbonaceous materials and apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

401,767. Rotary retorts for destructive distillation. BRITISH COAL DISTILLATION, Ltd., (formerly LEICESTERSHIRE (L. & N.) COAL DISTILLATION, Ltd.), and MACHEN, C., 48, Broadway, Westminster. May 30, 1932, No. 15277. [Class 55 (i).] In the distillation of coal or the like in rotary retorts containing a number of tubes through which the charge passes, the heat required is supplied partly by the passage of a heated gas in contact with the charge, and partly externally of the tubes, the whole of the heating gases being supplied from a chamber at one end of the retort. The coal is charged from a hopper 1 into a dryer 4 heated by gases from a rotary retort into which it is fed by a shoot 6. The retort is similar to that described in Specification 324,212, [Class 55 (i), Coking &c.], and contains tubes 9 through. which the coal passes, and in which it is heated partly by contact with hot gases from a combustion chamber 24, and partly by external heating of the tubes. The external circulating gas passes through ports 13 in the retort shell into an annular chamber 14, pipe 15, main 33, fan 34, and pipe 35 to the dryer, from which it returns by pipe 5a to the combustion chamber. The distillates and internal heating gases are withdrawn by a fan 19 through a cyclone 17 and condenser 18, and pass through a scrubber 20 and gas holder 21, from which a pipe 22 leads to a burner 23. The proportion of internal to external heating gas is controlled by operation of valve 19a and fan 19 together with fan 34 and valves 25 and 36a. A stack 37 leads cooled exhaust gases to the atmosphere. A gas-sealed gland 31 is arranged between the rotary retort and the stationary pipe 16, gas pipes 32 connecting the gland 31 to the pressure side of the fan 34. The tubes 9 in the retort are fitted with steel bars 10 serving as heat conductors, and are supported by plates 9a, leaving ports 12 through which the external heating gases pass. In an example, the heating gases entering by the common inlet 27 at 650‹ C. are divided into an externally applied volume of 45000 cubic feet per ton of coal, and a volume of 20000 cubic feet of carrier gas.