Method and device for the entrained-flow gasification of solid fuels under pressure

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This invention provides a method and a reactor device for the high-pressure entrained-flow gasification of solid fuels, such as coal, biomass, or waste. The system features an internally circulating flow of gas and particles above a moving bed, enabling nearly complete conversion of the fuel into a synthesis gas (crude gas) and oxidized ash or slag with high efficiency, while maintaining temperature controls that prevent the ash from clogging or sintering. Distinct flow zones (a hot upward core and a cooler downward wall flow) optimize gasification conditions, and ash is continuously and efficiently removed. The process also enables streamlined handling of byproducts and effective utilization of waste heat.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Production of synthesis gas for chemical manufacturing (e.g., ammonia, methanol, or Fischer-Tropsch fuels).
• Electricity generation from coal, biomass, or waste via integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants.
• Conversion of carbonaceous industrial waste or low-grade coals into energy and useful gases.
• Hydrogen production for fuel cells or industrial applications.
• Reduction of industrial emissions by enabling cleaner, more efficient fuel conversion processes.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows economic and efficient gasification of fuels with high ash content and high ash melting points, which are traditionally difficult to process.
• Minimizes ash-related operational issues such as clogging and sintering by regulating temperatures and ash granulation, enabling continuous and robust operation.
• Improves overall carbon conversion, leading to higher yield of usable synthesis gas and less residual carbon in the ash.
• Simplifies plant design by eliminating the need for external quenching and extensive gas/ash separation hardware, reducing both capital and operational costs.
• Optimizes heat recovery and waste heat utilization, thereby increasing overall process efficiency and energy recovery.
• Supports flexible feedstock usage, including various grades of coal, biomass, and waste materials.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a gasification reactor (1) and associated method for the entrained-flow gasification of solid fuels under pressure. The reactor essentially consists of a pressure vessel (4) that can be cooled and an inner jacket (7) that is equipped with a heat shield. At least one crude gas outflow (8) is located at the upper end of the cylindrical pressure vessel and at least one bottoms withdrawal outlet (30) is located at the lower end, the pressure vessel having at least enough space for a moving bed (13), an entrained flow (11) that circulates internally above the surface of the moving bed and a buffer zone (3) situated above said entrained bed. Feed connections for the solid fuels (15) and gasification agent nozzles for the supply of first gasification agents (16) are situated at a height of between approximately 1 and 3 metres above the surface of the moving bed, said gasification agent nozzles being designed to inject the first gasification agents into the entrained flow in such a way that a hot central upward flow and a "cold" downward wall flow are formed. At least one feed device for second gasification agents (28) is located at the bottoms withdrawal outlet.