WO2018199738A1

WO2018199738A1 - Reaction chamber for exothermic and endothermic reactions

Info

Publication number: WO2018199738A1
Application number: PCT/MY2018/050006
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amin BIN HALIM RASIP
Original assignee: Bin Halim Rasip Amin
Priority date: 2017-04-25
Filing date: 2018-02-12
Publication date: 2018-11-01
Also published as: CN110545907A; MY189567A; CN110545907B

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions comprising a generally cylindrical outer chamber (1) having a top opening (11), a bottom discharge outlet (13), at least one gas outlet (15), and a throat (16) near the bottom discharge outlet (13); a cylindrical inner chamber (2) having perforations in its side and bottom, the inner chamber (2) coaxially disposed within the outer chamber (1); and a plurality of interconnected pipes (3) between the inner (2) and outer chambers (1) and having at least one gas inlet (31) and at least one gas outlet (32), each pipe (3) having a top charging inlet (33) and a bottom discharge outlet (34), wherein, in use, the inner chamber (2) is charged with carbonaceous materials for the exothermic reaction while the pipes (3) are pre-loaded with carbon-coated pellets for the endothermic reaction, the pipes (3) absorb heat released from the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber (2).

Description

REACTION CHAMBER FOR EXOTHERMIC AND ENDOTHERMIC REACTIONS

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to an apparatus capable of simultaneously accommodating exothermic and endothermic reactions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reaction chamber for gasification of carbon-containing material as well as conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. Most particularly, it is an invention for the reduction and possible elimination of the carbon (C0₂) footprint for any industrial facility that combusts carbon fossil fuels or carbonaceous materials in air.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Carbon footprint is usually defined by the amount of greenhouse gas emission of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of interest. A significant greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (C0₂) which is inevitably emitted in our daily living and industrial activities where fossil fuels are combusted in air, in a boiler, and/or internal combustion engine to generate electricity. Huge emission of the greenhouse gas has brought a great impact to the environment. There is an increasing concern around the world to reduce the carbon footprint.

Despite various measures having been established to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide such as carbon capture and sequestration, these measures are still not financially sustainable and effective without an economic system of carbon tax being levied on a population to support it. Another possible alternative measure is to recycle carbon dioxide and reuse in some industrial processes which involve the use of carbon dioxide, thereby reducing the carbon dioxide emission. One of the industrial processes is conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, which is also known as synthetic gas (syngas) that can be used as a fuel itself. However, such process is not widely adopted as the reaction is highly endothermic and requires high energy usage which needs to be done in an economical and sustainable manner. Syngas and hydrogen is commonly produced by gasification, which is a process of converting organic or fossil based carbonaceous materials into a mixture of gas namely, syngas that can be used as a fuel itself by reacting materials at a high temperature without combustion, with a controlled amount of oxygen and/or steam. A gasifier is used to perform the gasification of carbonaceous materials. Conversely, gasification is a highly exothermic process as compared to carbon dioxide conversion. The heat produced in gasification can be recovered and utilized in the carbon dioxide conversion, thus reducing carbon footprint at a more economical way.

In view of the possible solution, it is desirable to develop a reaction chamber which can accommodate exothermic and endothermic reactions simultaneously. An example of device in which both exothermic and endothermic processes occur is disclosed in Chinese Patent No. 203162532. The disclosed device for hydrogen storage comprising a container disposed within a casing and a catalyst-containing coil pipe wound around the container. Gas purging is required to reduce the built up pressure in the container for safety purpose. Parahydrogen is released from the container to atmosphere via the coil pipe. Parahydrogen absorbs heat released from the container and converts into hydrogen at the action of catalyst in the coil pipe. However, such device could not accommodate active heat transfer and recovery, and high temperature process such as gasification. This invention provides an apparatus to address the problems. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to develop an apparatus capable of simultaneously accommodating exothermic and endothermic reactions.

Another object of the invention is to develop a method of simultaneously gasifying carbonaceous materials and converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide for the use as a fuel to reduce carbon footprint. Still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-function apparatus which can be used to produce syngas, charcoal, coke, or any two thereof simultaneously.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of producing syngas, charcoal, coke, or any two thereof and carbon monoxide.

At least one of the preceding aspects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, in which the embodiment of the present invention describes an apparatus for simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions comprising a generally cylindrical outer chamber having a top opening, a bottom discharge outlet, at least one gas outlet, and a throat near the bottom discharge outlet; a cylindrical inner chamber having perforations in its side and bottom, the inner chamber coaxially disposed within the outer chamber; and a plurality of interconnected pipes between the inner and outer chambers and having at least one gas inlet and at least one gas outlet, each pipe having a top charging inlet and a bottom discharge outlet, wherein, in use, the inner chamber is charged with carbonaceous materials for the exothermic reaction while the pipes are pre-loaded with carbon- coated pellets for the endothermic reaction, the pipes absorb heat released from the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a means for insulating and retaining heat in the outer chamber, such as, but not limiting to, a heat insulating coating on the outer wall of the outer chamber or a water jacket covering the outer chamber.

Preferably, at least a pair of electrodes are provided and surrounding the inner chamber for capturing volatiles metallic ions produced from the exothermic reaction and converting them to metal elements.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a top cover over the top opening of the outer chamber and a slidably-open or folding door at the bottom discharge outlet of the outer chamber. The open and closure of the top cover and door can be controlled manually or automatically, such as via a valve. Still in another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one stackable container is disposed within the inner chamber, and the container has a perforated base with a plurality of generally V- shaped cup-like structure for holding pre-carbon-coated pellets. The at least one similar stackable container may be supported at and near the throat of the outer chamber.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one ignition ring pipe around the outer chamber and having connecting pipes extending from the ring to the outer chamber for providing a source of ignition. Likewise, the apparatus preferably further comprises at least one steam injection ring around the outer chamber and having connecting pipes extending from the ring to the outer chamber for providing steam.

Also in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pellets are made from either low or high heat capacity materials. Preferably, the diameter ratio of the carbon-coated pellets to the pipe is 0.55 - 0.75.

Preferably, the exothermic reaction is combustion of carbonaceous material while the endothermic reaction is conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide.

A further embodiment of the invention is a system for producing synthetic gas comprising an apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims for producing synthetic gas from an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction; a power generation facility for generating electricity from the combustion of the synthetic gas; and a means for separating carbon dioxide from exhaust gas produced by the power generation facility. Preferably, a means for collecting synthetic gas from the apparatus and distributing the synthetic gas to the power generation facility is provided. More preferably, a means for collecting the exhaust gas produced by the power generation facility is provided. Most preferably, a means for collecting and concentrating the carbon dioxide from the separating means and distributing the carbon dioxide to the plurality of pipes of the apparatus is provided. The preferred embodiment of the invention consists of novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that various changes in the details may be effected by those skilled in the arts but without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

FIGURE 1 shows a front cross-sectional view of the apparatus.

FIGURE 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken from A-A of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 shows a schematic diagram of the system of producing synthetic gas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus capable of simultaneously accommodating exothermic and endothermic reactions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reaction chamber for gasification of carbon-containing material as well as conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide.

Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

The invention discloses an apparatus (100) for simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions comprising a generally cylindrical outer chamber ( 1 ) having a top opening ( 11 ), a bottom discharge outlet (13), at least one gas outlet (15), and a throat (16) near the bottom discharge outlet (13); a cylindrical inner chamber (2) having perforations in its side and bottom, the inner chamber (2) coaxially disposed within the outer chamber (1); and a plurality of interconnected pipes (3) between the inner (2) and outer chambers (1) and having at least one gas inlet (31) and at least one gas outlet (32), each pipe (3) having a top charging inlet (33) and a bottom discharge outlet (34), wherein, in use, the inner chamber (2) is charged with carbonaceous materials for the exothermic reaction while the pipes (3) are pre-loaded with carbon-coated pellets for the endothermic reaction, the pipes (3) absorb heat released from the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber (2). For the purpose of illustration, an exothermic reaction refers to combustion or gasification of carbonaceous materials while an endothermic reaction refers to conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide at the presence of carbon. The apparatus (100) of the present invention is particularly suitable for the aforementioned exothermic and endothermic reactions. However, the use of the present apparatus (100) shall not be limited thereto or thereby, but also may include other types of exothermic and endothermic reactions. There is no limitation on the choice of carbonaceous materials, such that any carbon-bearing material including, but not limiting to, biomass, coal, waste oil, waste tyre, or hardwood logs can be employed. The selection of the carbonaceous materials may depend on the desired output of the reactions or the degree of completeness for the combustion of carbonaceous materials. Though the dimension and shape of the carbonaceous materials are not particularly critical, smaller size is particularly preferable as the surface area is larger and therefore favourable for more efficient combustion.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) comprises a generally cylindrical outer chamber (1) having a top opening (11), a bottom discharge outlet (13), at least one gas outlet (15), and a throat (16) near the bottom discharge outlet (15). Preferably, the portion of the outer chamber (1) near the top opening (11) has a narrower cylindrical portion (11A) that extends from the main body of the outer chamber (1) via an inwardly and upwardly tapered section (11B). The narrower cylindrical portion (11 A) extends upwardly to the top opening (11) of the outer chamber (1), which is for charging of carbonaceous materials as well as for maintenance purpose. More preferably, the top opening (11) can be covered by a top cover (12) thereover. Similarly, the portion of the outer chamber (11) near the bottom discharge outlet (13) preferably has a narrower cylindrical portion (13 A) that extends from the main body of the outer chamber (1) via an inwardly and downwardly tapered section (13B). The tapered section (13B) can facilitate discharge of ashes falls towards the bottom discharge outlet (13). The narrower cylindrical portion (13A) extends downwardly to the bottom discharge outlet (13) of the outer chamber (1), which is for discharging of ashes after the exothermic reaction. However, the portion of the outer chamber (1) below the throat (16) can be merely a straight configuration. Preferably, the bottom discharge outlet (13) can be covered by a door (14) that can be slidably-opened or folded open when necessary. Likewise, the throat (16), for facilitating heat transfer within the outer chamber (1), comprises a narrower cylindrical portion (16 A) at somewhere above the bottom discharge outlet (13) with inwardly tapering sections (16B) connecting from the main body of the outer chamber (1). The gas outlet (15) can be located at any position near the top of the outer chamber (1) for directing gas products of the exothermic reaction to a storage or for further use. Preferably, the gas outlet (15) is positioned on the top cover (12) of the outer chamber (1). Alternatively, the gas outlet (15) can be positioned at the top narrower cylindrical portion (11 A) of the outer chamber (1).

In order to prevent heat loss to the surrounding so that more heat could be supplied from the exothermic reaction to the endothermic reaction, it is preferable to provide a means for insulating heat on the outer chamber (1). For example, a water jacket (not shown) can be provided and surrounding the outer chamber (1). Preferably, the outer wall of the outer chamber (1) is coated with a heat insulating material such as a refractory material.

As described by the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cylindrical inner chamber (2) is coaxially disposed within the outer chamber (1). The inner chamber (2) has perforations around its wall and bottom. Preferably, the inner chamber (2) is formed from a mesh-like material such that a basket-like structure is formed. The perforations shall be sized in a way that reaction products such as ashes are able to pass through with minimum blocking of the perforations and fall towards the bottom discharge outlet (13). Hollow space within the inner chamber (2) is where carbonaceous materials will be charged to. Preferably, the inner chamber (2) has a top cover to form a closed system when reactions take place. The dimension of the inner chamber (2) can be varied according to the desired capacity. Preferably, the inner chamber (2) is removably disposed within the outer chamber (1) for ease of maintenance and loading of the carbonaceous materials.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of interconnected pipes (3) are provided between the inner (2) and the outer chambers (1), and the set of pipes (3) has at least one gas inlet (31) and at least one gas outlet (32). Each pipe (3) individually has a top charging inlet (33) for loading carbon-coated pellets and a bottom discharge outlet (34) for removing the pellets. Each of the top charging inlet (33) and bottom discharge outlet (34) are covered and the open and closure thereof can be manually or automatically controlled, such as, by using a valve. The set of pipes (3) can be of any arrangement in order to facilitate the loading and unloading of the carbon coated pellets, however, it is preferable that each pipe (3) is vertical and parallel to each other. The pipes (3) can be of any vertical length, however, it may not be necessary to have a vertical length beyond the height of the inner chamber (2) as heat transfer from the inner chamber (2) to the pipes (3) may become inefficient. Preferably, both gas inlet (31) and gas outlet (32) can be located near or at the top of the pipes (3). Alternatively, the gas inlet (31) can be positioned near or at the top of the pipes (3) while the gas outlet (32) can be positioned near or at the bottom of the pipes (3), and vice versa, but the latter is more preferable as less driving force is needed to move hot gases from bottom to top. There is no limitation on the number of pipes (3) as long as it can fit and may depend on the desired output of the reactions.

Preferably, the carbon-coated pellets to be loaded to the pipes (3) are made from materials of either high or low heat capacity. For example, the pellets may be made from steel or ceramic ball bearings. The pellets are pre-coated with a layer of carbon that serves as a precursor for the endo thermic carbon dioxide conversion within the pipes (3). The pellets are properly sized so that they can fit inside the pipe (3) and also having maximum surface area for the endothermic reaction. Preferably, the diameter ratio of the pellets to the pipe (3) is 0.55-0.75. The pellets are substantially spherical in shape to maximise the surface area for reaction to take place. To produce the carbon-coated pellets, ball bearings coated with carbon-containing oil such as waste cooking or lubricant oil or oil tars can be used. The oil-coated ball bearings can be placed in a container (4) that will be positioned within the apparatus (100). At least the exothermic reaction is performed in the apparatus (100) so that the oil on the ball bearings is reacted, leaving carbon residues being coated on the ball bearings. Hence, the apparatus (100) may further comprise at least one stackable container (4) disposed within the inner chamber (2). The container (4) has a perforated base for allowing ashes to pass through and with a plurality of generally V-shaped cuplike structure thereon for holding the ball bearings. However, the method of producing carbon- coated pellets shall not be limited thereto.

Preferably, at least a pair electrodes (8) is arranged around the inner chamber (2) for collecting cations and anions from the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber (2). The electrodes (8) are electrically connected and shall be positioned close to the inner chamber (2) to capture cations and anions produced during the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber (2). The cations and anions captured will be converted to elements by the action of the electrodes (8).

A source of ignition is provided to initiate the exothermic reaction within the inner chamber (2). Preferably, the apparatus (100) comprises at least one ignition ring pipe (5) surrounding the outer chamber (1) with connecting pipes extending from the ring (5) to the outer chamber (1). The source of ignition is supplied to the apparatus (100) via the ignition ring (5) which can utilize syngas as a fuel for ignition. More preferably, the apparatus (100) comprises two ignition rings (5), one near and above the throat (16), and the other near the middle of the inner chamber (2). At least one steam injection ring pipe (6) of a similar configuration as the ignition ring (5) is provided to introduce steam to the apparatus (100) for facilitating the water-gas shift reaction during the exothermic reaction. Preferably, the steam injection ring pipe (6) is adjacent to the ignition ring pipe (5).

Optionally, a conveyor (7) can be provided below the bottom discharge outlet (13), such that when the door (14) is opened, the ashes discharged therefrom can be removed and conveyed. The inner chamber (2), outer chamber (1), pipes (3), containers (4), and rings (5, 6) can be made from any material sufficiently strong to withstand high temperature, and steel is preferred. Synthetic gas can be produced by the apparatus (100) as depicted in any of the preceding description. Carbon-coated pellets are loaded into the interconnected pipes (3) and carbonaceous materials are charged into the inner chamber (2). Source of ignition is supplied to the apparatus (100) via the ignition ring pipe (5), and combustion or gasification is initiated in the inner chamber (2) soon after. Upon required heat value in the outer chamber being attained, a continuous stream of carbon dioxide is introduced to the interconnected pipes (3). The exothermic gasification reaction produces heat that will be absorbed by interconnected pipes (3) where endothermic carbon dioxide conversion takes place. Carbon dioxide is converted into carbon monoxide at the presence of carbon coated on the pellets.

A mixture of gases, namely synthetic gas, which mainly comprises carbon monoxide is produced from the exothermic reaction. The produced synthetic gas is directed to the gas outlet (15) of the outer chamber (1) and collected for further storage (110) and use. Ashes will fall to the bottom discharge outlet (13). Upon completion of the consumption of all the carbonaceous material and subsequent steam injection, the door (14) is opened to allow the ashes to fall to the conveyor (7) for removal. Likewise, the produced carbon monoxide from the endothermic reaction is directed to the gas outlet (15) of the interconnected pipes (3) and collected for storage or further use. Both synthetic gas and carbon monoxide are useful for power generation.

Apart from the synthetic gas, the apparatus (100) can be used to produce coke with a limited amount of synthetic gas, rather than purely synthetic gas. Similar abovementioned steps of producing synthetic gas can be employed in producing coke. However, it is preferable to use metallurgical coal as the carbonaceous materials. The degree of completeness of combustion of the metallurgical coal is carefully controlled, such that the carbonaceous materials are partially combusted rather than completely combusted. Volatile materials are removed from the coal, leaving coke as residues with high carbon purity. However, it is unavoidable that some carbon content of the coal may undergo combustion or gasification and form synthetic gas, and such conversion shall be minimise. Heat produced from the exothermic reaction may be used for the endothermic carbon dioxide conversion in the interconnected pipes (3) as well. Both synthetic gas and carbon monoxide can be collected. The apparatus (100) can also be used to produce charcoal and synthetic gas. Similar abovementioned steps of producing coke can be employed in producing charcoal. However, it is preferable to use greenwood logs and any other carbonaceous materials such as biomass, or waste cooking oil as the carbonaceous materials, and biomass is preferred. Preferably, greenwood logs are positioned at the centre of the inner chamber (2) and surrounded by biomass. The volume and weight ratio of the biomass to the greenwood logs are carefully selected so that the biomass, usually smaller in size, will undergo complete combustion or gasification while the greenwood logs will only undergo partial combustion. Hence, the greenwood logs can be transformed into charcoal while the biomass is combusted to produce synthetic gas. Heat produced from the exothermic reaction may be used for the endothermic carbon dioxide conversion in the interconnected pipes (3) as well. Both synthetic gas and carbon monoxide can be collected.

The apparatus (100) can be used in conjunction with carbon fossil fuel, fired in power plants that generate electricity and/or industrial furnaces or kilns (125), and/or used in a power plant to generate electricity from the produced synthetic gas on a standalone basis (120). A plurality of the apparatus (100) may simultaneously run in parallel to produce synthetic gas, coke, and/or charcoal, as well as carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide conversion. The consumption of carbon fossil fuels and/or synthetic gas to generate electricity or heat produces large amount of carbon dioxide which then can be fed into the pipes (3) of the apparatus (100) to be converted into carbon monoxide thereby reducing the carbon footprint of power generation.

A system for producing synthetic gas and generating power can be provided. The system comprises an apparatus (100) as depicted in any of the preceding description, wherein exothermic and endothermic reactions are conducted in the apparatus (100) to produce synthetic gas that includes carbon monoxide. The produced synthetic gas is used to produce power or electricity by feeding to a power generation facility (120). The power generation facility (120) can be of any type. For example, it (120) comprises a boiler, whereby synthetic gas is combusted to produce heat for producing steam in the boiler, and the steam is directed to a turbine for power generation. Alternatively, the facility (120) may be a reciprocating combustion engine with an alternator. Nevertheless, exhaust gas will be produced regardless of the type of power generation or industrial heat furnace facility (120) used. The system comprises a means (140) for separating and/or accumulating carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas, so that the carbon dioxide can be introduced to the apparatus (100) for the endothermic reaction in the plurality of pipes (3). Any means capable of separating carbon dioxide from a mixture of gas can be used, and the means may comprise more than one device. Particularly, nitrogenous and sulphurous compounds are removed, wherein the nitrogenous compounds may be used for fertiliser production.

Preferably, a means (110) for collecting the synthetic gas from the apparatus (100) is provided.

The means (110) also acts as a distributor in which the amount of synthetic gas fed to the power generation or industrial heat furnace user facility (120) is carefully controlled when necessary.

Likewise, a means (130) for collecting the exhaust gas produced from the power generation or industrial heat furnace user facility (120) is preferably provided and it may also act as a distributor which controls the amount of exhaust gas fed to the means (140) for separating carbon dioxide.

More preferably, a means (150) for collecting carbon dioxide from the means (140) for separating carbon dioxide is provided and it also acts as a distributor which controls the amount of carbon dioxide fed to the apparatus (100).

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that the same is by the way of illustration and example, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for simultaneous exothermic and endothermic reactions comprising a generally cylindrical outer chamber (1) having a top opening (11), a bottom discharge outlet (13), at least one gas outlet (15), and a throat (16) near the bottom discharge outlet (13);

a cylindrical inner chamber (2) having perforations in its side and bottom, the inner chamber (2) coaxially disposed within the outer chamber (1); and

a plurality of interconnected pipes (3) between the inner (2) and outer chambers (1) and having at least one gas inlet (31) and at least one gas outlet (32), each pipe (3) having a top charging inlet (33) and a bottom discharge outlet (34),

wherein, in use, the inner chamber (2) is charged with carbonaceous materials for the exothermic reaction while the pipes (3) are pre-loaded with carbon-coated pellets for the endothermic reaction, the pipes (3) absorb heat released from the exothermic reaction in the inner chamber (2).

2. An apparatus (100) according to claim 1 further comprising a means for insulating heat on the outer chamber (1).

3. An apparatus (100) according to claim 2, the means for insulating heat is a heat insulating coating on the outer wall of the outer chamber (1).

4. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising at least a pair of electrodes (8) surrounding the inner chamber (2).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a top cover (12) over the top opening (11) of the outer chamber (1).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a slidably- open door or folding door ( 14) at the bottom discharge outlet ( 13) of the outer chamber ( 1 ).

7. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising at least one stackable container (4) disposed within the inner chamber (2), the container (4) having a perforated base with a plurality of generally V-shaped cup-like structure for holding pre- carbon-coated pellets.

8. An apparatus (100) according to claim 7 further comprising at least one similar stackable container (4) supported at and near the throat (16) of the outer chamber (1).

9. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising at least one ignition ring pipe (5) around the outer chamber (1) and having connecting pipes extending from the ring (5) to the outer chamber (1) for providing a source of ignition.

10. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims further comprising at least one steam injection ring (6) around the outer chamber (1) and having connecting pipes extending from the ring (6) to the outer chamber (1) for providing steam.

11. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pellets are made from either low or high heat capacity materials.

12. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter ratio of the carbon-coated pellets to the pipe (3) is 0.55 - 0.75.

13. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exothermic reaction is combustion of carbonaceous material.

14. An apparatus (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the endothermic reaction is conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide.

15. A system for producing synthetic gas comprising

an apparatus (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims for producing synthetic gas from an exothermic reaction and an endothermic reaction; a power generation facility (120) for generating electricity from the synthetic gas; and a means (140) for separating carbon dioxide from exhaust gas produced by the power generation facility (120).

16. A system according to claim 15 further comprising a means (110) for collecting synthetic gas from the apparatus (100) and distributing the synthetic gas to the power generation facility (120).

17. A system according to claim 15 or 16 further comprising a means (130) for collecting the exhaust gas produced by the power generation facility (120).

18. A system according to any of claims 15 to 17 further comprising a means (150) for collecting the carbon dioxide from the separating means (140) and distributing the carbon dioxide to the plurality of pipes (3) of the apparatus (100).