Rotating bed gasifier

Abstract

The present invention includes a gasifier for gasifying fuels having a container with a top, sidewalls and a bottom for facilitating the gasifying process. One or more open vertical shafts extend downward inside the container for allowing a downdraft or updraft of air and fuel for the gasifying process. A rotating bed is preferably included inside the container and below the one or more shafts for receiving the fuel. The bed rotates essentially perpendicular to the shaft to facilitate even heating and gasifying of the fuel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for providing a more effective and efficient gasifier apparatus. More particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a rotating bed gasifier apparatus. [0002] Currently, there are many types of gasifier systems. Typically the gasification process is the primary energy generation means. Gasification generally takes materials, such as wood, coal, charcoal, agricultural residues, energy crops, municipal solid waste or other biomass materials, and gasifies them to make a “gas” used for power or electricity generation or other uses, such as heat production. A typical gasification system consists of a gasifier unit, a filtering system, and an energy converter. [0003] Steam boiler / combustor units are also well-known, though their use for primary energy generation has been questionable for some time, mainly because of the harmful resultant emissions. A steam boiler / combustor ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Another feature or advantage of the present invention is the provision of a gasifier which reduces the size limitations in which a gasifier fuel mixer can be built.

[0009] Another feature or advantage of the present invention is the provision of a gasifier that more uniformly heats the material being gasified to improve efficiency.

[0010] Another feature or advantage of the present invention is the provision of a gasifier that improves air flow to the fuel.

[0011] Another feature or advantage of the present invention is the provision of a gasifier that preferably includes a rotating bed, is economical to manufacture, durable in use and efficient in operation.

[0012] These and the other features or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specification and claims that follow.

[0013] One or more of the foregoing features or advantages may be achieved by a gasifier having a container with a top, sidewalls, and a bottom for facilitating the gasifying process. An open vertical shaft extends down from the top of the container and allows a downdraft or updraft of air to mix with fuel for the gasifying process. A rotating bed inside the container preferably located below the shaft receives the fuel; the bed rotates essentially perpendicular to the shaft.

Problems solved by technology

Steam boiler / combustor units are also well-known, though their use for primary energy generation has been questionable for some time, mainly because of the harmful resultant emissions.

One problem with fixed bed gasifiers is that there are inherent “hot spots” in the fuel, causing uneven gasifying.

This limits the size of the gasifier which can be constructed.

By creating too large a gasifier, these fingers or the shaft holding them bend and break during the agitation.

A problem with these vertically reciprocating beds and fixed bed gasifiers is that the larger the gasifier, the more chance for uneven heating inside the gasifier and thus poor gasifying of the fuel.

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