Gasifier comprising vertically successive processing regions

Abstract

The present invention provides a vertically oriented gasifier comprising vertically successive processing regions for conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into gas. The gasifier comprises of: one or more processing chambers with two or more vertically successive processing regions being distributed within said one or more processing chambers, within each one of which a respective process selected from the group consisting of drying, volatilization and carbon conversion is at least partially favoured. The processing regions are identified by temperature ranges respectively enabling each said respective process. One or more additive input elements are associated with the processing regions for inputting additives to promote each said at least partially favoured process therein. In addition, the gasifier comprises one or more material displacement control modules adapted to control a vertical movement of the feedstock through said processing regions to enhance each said at least partially favoured process, one or more feedstock inputs located near a first of said processing regions and one or more gas outputs and one or more residue outputs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 758,633, filed 5 Jun. 2007, which is a continuation-in-part and claims benefit of priority to International Patent Application No. PCT / CA2006 / 000881, filed 5 Jun. 2006. The contents of each of these applications is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention pertains to the field of gasification, and, in particular, to a vertically oriented gasifier for conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into a gas.BACKGROUND[0003]Gasification is a process that enables the conversion of carbonaceous feedstock, such as municipal solid waste (MSW), biomass or coal, into a combustible product gas. The product gas can be used to generate electricity or as a basic raw material to produce chemicals and liquid fuels.[0004]Generally, the gasification reaction consists of feeding carbonaceous feedstock into a heated gasifier along w...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Numerous converters are known in the art, however, a practical efficient system has not yet achieved significant commercial use.

Most of them have been affected in the volatilization stage by heat transfer problems attendant to the large variance in composition and moisture content of the feedstock.

However, in practise, the temperature in the gasifier often rises above the slagging temperature due to variances in content and moisture of the feedstock.

This results in formation of a tenaciously adhering slag coating comprising of the inorganic components of the waste melt, on all surfaces of the gasifier exposed to the waste.

Prior systems and processes in vertically oriented gasifiers have not adequately addressed the problems that must be dealt with on a continuously changing basis.

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