GB630048A - Improvements in or relating to gasification of solid carbonaceous materials - Google Patents

Abstract

630,048. Induction heating. KOLLER, K., and ESZTERGALY, F. Aug. 19, 1947, No. 23016. Convention date, Oct. 26, 1942. [Class 39(iii)] [Also in Group XII] In an electrical process for the continuous gasification of solid carbonaceous materials such as coals and oil shales, the heat required is supplied indirectly by induction, the gasification occurring in an electromagnetic field by contacting the material with a gas containing combined but not free oxygen. In the form shown the apparatus comprises a casing 1, of an electrically conducting material such as cast iron or cast steel, enclosing a gasification chamber 2 and surrounded by an induction coil 3 embedded in a lining of an insulating material 4 and energised by alternating current. This causes induction heating of the casing which radiates heat to the charge therewithin; when thus heated the charge itself also becomes capable of being further heated by induction. A gas such as steam carbon dioxide or furnace gas, preferably preheated, is introduced into chamber 2 through openings 10 in the ash plate 12, a portion of the gas also entering at openings 8 after being further heated by passage through the spiral duct 6 in casing 1. To vary the composition of the final gas more steam &c. may be introduced through openings 5. The raw material enters the chamber 2 through openings 21, the producer or water gas leaving by openings 22. The gas entering openings 8 and 10 passes up through the bed at sufficient velocity to loosen the charge and cause the smaller particles at the top to circulate through and around a funnel-shaped body 25 supported coaxially in chamber 2, this body also being of electrically conducting material and being heated by induction.