Gasification reactor apparatus

Abstract

A gasification reactor apparatus ( 10 ) comprising a gasification vessel ( 12 ), a gas-fired combustion chamber ( 70 ) and a combination fan and cyclone unit ( 20 ) in an upper part ( 12 ′) of the vessel ( 12 ) with two functions: first, the fan ( 62,64 ) impels incoming feedstock ( 14,14 ′) centrifugally into contact with the hot inside surface of the vessel to produce rapid onset of gasification. Second, the unit ( 20 ) exerts a cyclonic motion on the product gas causing outward separation of particulate matter from the gas, which passes to the outlet via a path through the middle of the vessel ( 12 ).

1 . A method of gasifying solid and/or liquid organic matter for producing high calorific value product gas, comprising the steps of heating a gasification vessel ( 12 ) to elevated temperature while excluding air therefrom, admitting feedstock ( 14 ,  14 ′) airlessly to the top of the vessel ( 12 ) and dispersing the feedstock into immediate contact with the heated inside of the vessel at the top thereof, for decomposition into gas and ash, exerting a cyclone motion on the product gas within the vessel ( 12 ), and conducting substantially particulate-freed gas to an outlet ( 24 ,  38 ) along a central axial path through the vessel.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein onset of gasification of feedstock ( 14 ,  14 ′) is effected within about {fraction (1/100)} sec of its admission to the vessel ( 12 ).  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the vessel ( 12 ) is heated to a temperature of 900° C. or higher.  
     
     
         4 . Product gas produced by the method of  claim 1 , which has a gross calorific value of at least 23.1 MJ/m 3 , for example 23.1 to 34.8 MJ/m 3 .  
     
     
         5 . Product gas produced by the method of  claim 3 , which has a gross calorific value of at least 23.1 MJ/m 3 , for example 23.1 to 34.8 MJ/m 3 .  
     
     
         6 . Product gas produced by the method of  claim 2 , which has a gross calorific value of at least 23.1 MJ/m 3 , for example 23.1 to 34.8 MJ/m 3 .  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the vessel ( 12 ) is heated to a temperature of 900° C. or higher.