GB716718A - Improvements in or relating to a furnace for and method of treating solid carbonaceous material with chlorine gas at high temperature - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0716718/III/1> A retort for use in a process for purifying solid carbonacious materials such as coal or coke by treatment with chlorine at high temperatures, preferably at least 1400 DEG C., comprises a chamber 10 with a refractory lining 18, the upper portion of the chamber having an additional refractory lining 40 of inorganic material and heating means consisting of two sets of vertically spaced carbon electrodes 40 and 43 adapted to be connected to an A.C. or D.C. current supply, while the lower portion of the chamber has a carbon lining 24 which is resistant to attack by chlorine, pipes 28 and 31 being provided for the admission of chlorine and the escape of effluent gases and treated material withdrawn through an opening 34 normally closed by a door 35. The sets of electrodes 40 and 43 project into the upper zone through refractory bushings 41 and 44 and preferably each set consists of three elements. In use the material to be treated is charged into the retort through a duct 15 and is heated to the required temperature before descending into the lower portion of the retort, the arrangement being such that if coal is being treated it is preheated in the regions of the retort above the upper set of electrodes 40 to make its electrical conductivity high enough for the desired heating effect between the electrodes 40 and 43. Specification 715,478 is referred to.