GB771060A - Method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0771060/III/1> <PICT:0771060/III/2> Synthesis gas is produced by injecting a plurality of streams of combustible carbonaceous material and a plurality of streams of oxygen-containing gas into a reaction zone maintained at a temperature of 1800-3000 DEG F., preferably 2300 DEG F., the individual streams of the carbonaceous material being directed into the reaction zone through a system of nozzles along paths which intersect the paths of the individual streams of the oxygen-containing gas which are directed into the zone through a second system of nozzles. As shown the systems of nozzles comprise pairs of adjacent manifolds 28 and 32, each having a row of nozzles 30 and 34 respectively. In a modification (not shown) each manifold of one nozzle system is provided with two rows of nozzles and is located between two manifolds of the other nozzle system, each of which is provided with a single row of nozzles. Sufficent nozzles are preferably employed in each manifold so that each nozzle delivers not more than 3 per cent, more preferably 0.5-1.5 per cent of the reactant supplied to the manifold. Each manifold may be provided with a cooling jacket. A flow control device may be provided in the pipe line to each manifold. The ratios of flow of the reactants, and the size of the reaction zone, may be such that the reactants pass through the zone in less than one second. The carbonaceous material may be a solid, liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon, e.g. methane, or coal (including lignite and anthracite). Coal may be used as a 40-60 per cent aqueous slurry. The oxygen content of the oxygen-containing gas may vary widely e.g. 40-80 per cent. Carbon dioxide or steam may be added to the oxygencontaining gas if desired. Either or both reactant streams may be preheated, e.g. to 1000 DEG F.