Gas distributor for a rotary kiln

Abstract

A rotating air distributor for rotary reactors such as rotary kilns for the gasification of biomass and other carbonaceous materials for efficient mixing and maximum conversion of solid biomass and other carbonaceous materials into synthesis fuel gas is disclosed. The invention includes a gas distribution port comprises of one main supply from which several discharge nozzles emerge at different angles and at different locations along the length of the reactor to provide distribution of gas throughout the intended length of the reactor. The discharge of gas from the gas distribution port is adjusted by the variable position of a plug inside the port that can be adjusted during the operation of the kiln to achieve optimum gas-solid interaction along the length of the reactor. The rotating action of the gas distribution port also facilitates and eases the passage of reacted biomass solid and other carbonaceous material residue through the reactor.

1 . An apparatus for the introduction of reactant gases into the rotary kiln for the purpose of efficient gasification and combustion of carbonaceous material comprising of a main conduit extending through the length of the rotary kiln and supported at both ends by stationary inlet hood and the outlet hood; and the section of the conduit that is confined within the kiln fitted with plurality of nozzles which extend to the proximity of the refractory lined or heated walls of the rotary kiln. 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the main conduit is fitted with a device to enable it to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  operates in a stationary mode. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  operates in a rotating mode. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the main conduit may be blocked or gas flow at some distance from the point of introduction of the reactant gases to confine introduction of reactant gases up to the predetermined length of the rotary kiln by means of adjustable plugging device. 
     
     
         6 . The rotary kiln in  claim 1  is a kiln gasifier that is used for producing fuel gas from the carbonaceous material by reacting with said reactant gases. 
     
     
         7 . The rotary kiln in  claim 1  is a combustor that is used for producing flue gas from the carbonaceous materials by reacting with said reactant gases. 
     
     
         8 . The reactant gases claimed in  claim 1  comprises of any gas that will potentially react with carbonaceous material. 
     
     
         9 . The carbonaceous material in  claim 1  comprises of any solid material containing carbon and hydrogen elements and which are capable of producing reactions the said reactant gases. 
     
     
         10 . The nozzles in  claim 1  are distributed circumferentially and laterally along the said main conduit. 
     
     
         11 . The nozzles in  claim 6  are oriented such that they form an angle in the range of +30 degrees to −30 degrees with the main horizontal conduit. 
     
     
         12 . The nozzles in  claim 6  have the same diameter. 
     
     
         13 . The nozzles in  claim 6  have progressively larger diameter as nozzles move laterally from the front section to the rear section of the rotary kiln. 
     
     
         14 . The nozzles in  claim 6  have progressively smaller diameter as nozzles move laterally from the front section to the rear section of the rotary kiln.