Gasifier apparatus

Abstract

A gasifier apparatus (1) for obtaining combustible gas from combustible material, especially biomass, comprising – a reactor vessel (2) that encloses a reactor cavity (3), and – at least one introduction lock (4) for introducing the material into the reactor cavity (3), and – at least one gas outlet (5) for removing the combustible gas produced from the material from the reactor cavity (3), and – at least one grid (6) in the reactor cavity (3), wherein the gas outlet (5) is disposed on the opposite side of the grid (6) from the introduction lock (4), wherein the gasifier apparatus (1) has at least two feed devices (8) mounted rotatably about one axis of rotation (7) each for supply of gasifying agent into the reactor cavity (3), wherein each of the feed devices (8) has two or more arms (9) which are disposed within the reactor cavity (3) in the region between the introduction lock (4) and the grid (6) and have exit openings (10) for discharge of the gasifying agent into the reactor cavity (3).

Description

[0001]

[0002] carburetor device

[0003] The present invention relates to a gasification device for producing combustible gas from combustible material, in particular biomass, comprising

[0004] - a reactor vessel enclosing a reactor cavity, and

[0005] - at least one filling lock for filling the material into the reactor cavity, and

[0006] - at least one gas outlet for removing the combustible gas generated from the material from the reactor cavity, and

[0007] - at least one grating in the reactor cavity, wherein the gas outlet is arranged on the side of the grating opposite the filling lock.

[0008] Carburetors of this type can also be called direct-current fixed-bed gasifiers. They are used to produce combustible gas from combustible materials, which can then be used, for example, in internal combustion engines as fuel or for other purposes.

[0009] To achieve an efficient gasification process and / or high gas quality with such gasification devices, it is extremely important to ensure a uniform supply of gasification agent, especially air, into the reactor vessel. With the gasification device shown in AT 513811 B1 for producing combustible gas from biomass, a uniform distribution of the gasification agent is achieved by a rotating star-shaped feed device, also referred to as a nozzle carrier, with numerous nozzles or outlet openings.

[0010] The rotary movement of the feed device prevents unwanted bridge or hollow fires in the combustible mass, as at least partial mixing occurs and the areas around the outlet openings remain essentially unobstructed due to the continuous repositioning of the feed device.

[0011] Furthermore, a uniform supply of the gasification agent, particularly in the form of air, into the combustible material is achieved by the large number of outlet openings which blow the gasification agent in many directions and are positioned as evenly as possible on the feed device in a plan view.

[0012] For this purpose, the feeding device of AT 513811 Bl is designed with a vertical support rod, to which a plurality of arms with outlet openings are connected at the upper end or at the support rod head in such a way that the individual axes of the arms meet at the support rod head and form a star shape.

[0013] When the feed device rotates, the star-shaped arms cover a circular area and the individual outlet openings each cover concentric circles.

[0014] The star - shaped arrangement of the arms realized in the cited prior art has the consequence that the distances between the outlet openings of two or more arms located on a concentric circle increase with increasing circle radius .

[0015] This means that the outlet openings located at the outer ends of the arms, i.e. those which cover the largest circle, are also the ones which are the farthest apart from each other.

[0016] With increasing arm lengths and / or with increasing dimensions of the gasification device, in particular of the reactor cross-section in a plan view, the problem arises that the distances between the outlet openings become so large that a uniform supply of gasification agent, in particular air, into the outer regions of the reactor space can no longer be guaranteed.

[0017] The further the combustible material is from an outlet opening, the less oxygen reaches that point and the quality of the combustible gas produced at that point decreases.

[0018] Larger dimensions of the carburetor device or arms of the feed device known in the state of the art can therefore result in undesirable losses in performance and / or quality.

[0019] In addition, arms that are too long may cause mechanical problems, increased component wear, or the like, particularly due to the resistance of the flammable material.

[0020] In this context, it should be mentioned that relatively large arm diameters are also undesirable, since the material flow, especially of larger pieces of material, should be impeded as little as possible in order to achieve an even distribution of the gasification agent.

[0021] The technology presented in the aforementioned document is therefore not infinitely scalable. The size of the reactor cavity of such gasification devices known from the state of the art is therefore limited.

[0022] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved carburetor device of the type mentioned at the outset, the performance and / or dimensions of which are not limited as in the prior art.

[0023] This problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

[0024] It is thus provided in gasification devices according to the invention that the gasification device has at least two feed devices, each mounted so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, for feeding gasification agent into the reactor cavity, wherein each of the feed devices has a plurality of arms arranged within the reactor cavity in the region between the filling lock and the grating, with outlet openings for the gasification agent to exit into the reactor cavity.

[0025] The major advantage of this gasification device is its easy scalability, since it is theoretically possible to arrange any number of feed devices side by side in a reactor vessel, thus creating a reactor vessel of virtually any size and capacity. Thus, the dimensions of the gasification device are not limited by the mechanism for supplying the gasification agent, especially the air supply.

[0026] In other words, this means that the invention makes it possible to increase the performance of the gasification device within the technically possible range by larger dimensions, in particular of the reactor vessel, and the arrangement of several feed devices next to one another.

[0027] This gasification device therefore makes it possible to ensure a uniform supply of gasification agent into the reactor cavity for any size of the reactor, in particular its horizontal cross-section, within the technically possible and / or reasonable range.

[0028] This means, on the one hand, that the gasification agent is injected in a very evenly distributed manner, and, on the other hand, that the movement of the arms and outlet openings through the combustible material ensures that the injection is uniform and continuous over time.

[0029] This has the advantage that the gasification process can run efficiently regardless of the dimensions of the gasification device and a high quality of the combustible gas produced is always guaranteed.

[0030] The combustible material is preferably biomass, particularly wood, but can also be, for example, a material mixture of biomass and plastic, preferably with a relatively high biomass content. It is preferably provided that the filling lock for filling the combustible material is arranged in the upper end region of the reactor cavity, so that the material moves essentially from top to bottom during operation of the gasification device.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the gas outlet for discharging the generated gas is arranged at the end of the reactor vessel opposite the filling lock, in particular in the region of the bottom of the reactor vessel.

[0032] The at least one grating is arranged between the filling lock and the gas outlet and in particular below the arms of the feed devices and is preferably located in the lower region of the reactor vessel.

[0033] The at least one grid serves to separate the combustible material still to be gasified, i.e. in other words the fixed bed, from ungasified material that is no longer usable for the gasification process, such as slag, ash and / or foreign bodies.

[0034] The at least one grating is preferably designed in such a way that separation of solids from the fixed bed and removal of foreign bodies from the reactor vessel, in particular during operation, can be carried out easily.

[0035] The arms of the feed devices can be understood as supports and / or pipes through which the gasification agent is guided to the outlet openings or nozzles in the arms.

[0036] The arms are preferably at their respective

[0037] The end facing away from the rotation axis of the respective feed device is closed. Preferably, the outlet openings for the gasification agent are arranged exclusively in the region between the opposite ends of the respective arm.

[0038] The outlet openings are preferably arranged at at least partially different distances in the radial direction starting from the respective axis of rotation of the respective feed device in the respective arm.

[0039] Particularly preferably, the radial distances between the outlet openings are selected such that the outlet openings are distributed as evenly as possible in all directions in a plan view.

[0040] Furthermore, the outlet openings on the outer surfaces of the arms can point in all directions, so that they blow in gasification agents in all directions.

[0041] This means that the outlet openings can be arranged at any position over the outer surfaces of the arms, i.e. they can be located along the entire cross-sectional circumference of each arm.

[0042] In the operating state, the arms are preferably arranged in the reactor vessel at the height at which they optimally promote the supply of the gasification agent for the gasification process.

[0043] It is possible to set the height precisely and, especially during operation, to adapt and / or vary it as required.

[0044] The arms of each feed device are preferably arranged in a star shape in a plan view. It is also advantageous if all arms of the respective feed device are of equal length, as viewed from the respective rotational axis of this feed device.

[0045] In a plan view, two of the adjacent arms of the respective feed device preferably form an angle of equal size with each other. In other words, the arms of the respective feed device are advantageously arranged evenly distributed in the direction of rotation.

[0046] The number of arms is at least two, preferably six, but can be any number within a technically reasonable and / or advantageous range.

[0047] In the operating state of the carburetor, the feed devices rotate about their respective axes of rotation. The axes of rotation are preferably arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another. In an operating position of the carburetor, the axes of rotation preferably run vertically.

[0048] However, it is also conceivable that the rotation axes are arranged at an angle to the vertical in the operating position of the carburetor device.

[0049] Preferably, the feed devices each have a support rod which is arranged coaxially with the respective rotational axis of the respective feed device and from which the arms of the respective feed device protrude. Preferably, the support rods each have an internal supply line for supplying gasification agent to the outlet openings of the arms, wherein the supply lines each have a connection to a supply device arranged below the reactor vessel in the operating position of the gasification device.

[0050] The support rods are further rotatable by a rotary drive, preferably located outside the reactor vessel. In the operating position of the gasification device, the respective rotary drive is preferably located beneath the reactor vessel.

[0051] The arms of the respective feeding device can, as is known per se in the prior art, enclose an angle of 90 degrees with the respective axis of rotation of the respective feeding device.

[0052] However, it is also possible that the arms of the respective feeding device enclose an angle other than 90 degrees with the respective rotation axis of the respective feeding device.

[0053] It is preferably provided that the arms of the respective feeding device enclose an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees, preferably of 70 degrees to 110 degrees, with the respective axis of rotation on the respective feeding device.

[0054] Preferably, the feed devices are rotatable about the respective rotation axes such that the arms of each feed device each sweep over at least one circular area in a plan view. Thus, during rotation about the respective rotation axis, all arms of a respective feed device advantageously sweep over a circular area in a plan view.

[0055] The circular areas of adjacent feeding devices may overlap in plan view.

[0056] However, it can also be provided that the circular surfaces of adjacent feed devices are arranged side by side in plan view and touch each other at a maximum point, i.e., in other words, they do not overlap. The circular surfaces of adjacent feed devices can thus also be spaced apart from each other in plan view or touch each other at only one point.

[0057] The reactor vessel is usually essentially a cylindrical container which can have any cross-sectional shape in plan view, for example circular, rectangular, elliptical, cloud-shaped, etc.

[0058] Preferably, the area resulting from the sum of the swept circular areas in plan view amounts to at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the cross-sectional area of ​​the reactor cavity. Particularly preferably, the sum of the swept circular areas covers, if possible, the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the reactor cavity. This ensures a particularly uniform supply of gasification agent.

[0059] Preferably, the outer contours of the reactor cross-section and the area resulting from the sum of the swept circular areas are similar in plan view. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the distance between the reactor vessel and the outer ends of the arms of the feed device is as small and / or uniform as possible.

[0060] These measures mentioned above help to avoid the formation of clumps of material or the like at the edge of the reactor cavity .

[0061] One or more groups of arms can be located on the respective support bars of the respective feeding devices.

[0062] A group of arms is conveniently defined by their common ring-shaped connection area on a support rod.

[0063] Advantageously, the feed devices each have at least two groups of arms, the arms of the respective group being connected in an annular connection region to the support rod of the respective feed device, the respective annular connection regions being offset from one another in a longitudinal direction of the support rod of the respective feed device.

[0064] In the operating position of the carburetor device, this advantageously means that the individual groups of arms are arranged vertically offset from one another.

[0065] It is preferably provided that all arms of a group are connected or arranged at the same angle to the respective axis of rotation on the support rod.

[0066] This also means, for example, that all arms of a group are arranged either horizontally or inclined upwards or downwards in the operating position of the carburetor device and are attached to the support rod.

[0067] However, it is also conceivable that the arms of a group are connected or arranged at different angles to the respective rotation axis on the support rod.

[0068] In any case, the individual arms and any groups of arms are arranged in such a way that collision-free rotation of all feeding devices is possible.

[0069] Particularly preferably, arms or the individual groups of arms of the at least two adjacently arranged feed devices are designed and arranged in such a way that they move past one another in a gear-like manner when all feed devices rotate.

[0070] By means of a gear-like arrangement of the arms and their groups, the distances between the individual outlet openings can be kept small, which promotes an even distribution of the gasification agent.

[0071] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying figures and descriptions. These show:

[0072] Fig. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a carburetor device according to the invention,

[0073] Fig. 3 and 4 a second embodiment of a carburetor device according to the invention,

[0074] Fig . 5 a third example of an arrangement of several

[0075] Feed devices in a reactor vessel in a plan view, and Fig. 6 shows a fourth example of an arrangement of several feed devices in a reactor vessel in a plan view.

[0076] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a first embodiment of a gasification device 1 according to the invention, wherein Figure 1 shows a vertical section and Figure 2 shows a plan view of the feed devices 8. Figure 2 is essentially a horizontal section through the reactor vessel 2 between the agitator 16 and the arms 9 of the feed devices 8. Here, the star-shaped arrangement of the respective arms 9 of the respective feed device 8 can be clearly seen.

[0077] Fig. 1 and 2 show a carburetor device 1 with four feed devices 8, in which all arms 9 are connected to the support rods 11 of the respective feed devices 8 at a right angle 12 to the rotation axes 7, or in other words protrude at a right angle 12 from the rotation axes 7 or support rods 11.

[0078] In this embodiment, each feed device 8 has a group 13 of arms 9, wherein the group 13 of arms 9 of the left two feed devices 8, which are arranged congruently in the view of Fig. 1, is arranged vertically offset below the respective group 13 of arms 9 of the right two feed devices 8, which are arranged congruently in the view of Fig. 1.

[0079] As an alternative to the vertically offset arrangement, all groups 13 of arms 9 could also be arranged vertically at the same height or lying on a horizontal plane. This is possible here because there is a distance between the arms 9 of the left and right two feed devices 8, so that the arms 9 cannot collide with each other during rotation of the respective feed devices 8.

[0080] It should be noted here that the feeding devices 8 are not only rotatable about their respective rotation axes 7, but can also be displaceable vertically along the respective rotation axes 7 or the longitudinal direction of the respective support rod 11.

[0081] The vertical displacement can take place during and / or before and / or after the operation of the gasification device 1.

[0082] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows a discharge opening 17 for discharging non-gasifiable or no longer gasifiable material, in particular ash, slag or larger foreign bodies, from the reactor vessel 2.

[0083] The at least one discharge opening 17 is preferably located in the floor area around the at least one grating 6, since this is where all the material that cannot be gasified or cannot be further gasified collects. Such pieces of material typically include ash, slag, or larger, non-combustible foreign bodies such as metal, stones, or the like.

[0084] The discharge opening 17 is then preferably further connected to a lock 20 through which the solid material can be discharged. Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows an agitator 16 for stirring the combustible material in the reactor cavity 3, wherein the agitator 16 is preferably arranged between the filling lock 4 for the combustible material and the feed devices 8.

[0085] The agitator 16 rotates about its own axis 21, whereby it is also possible for it to be vertically displaceable along its axis 21, i.e. in the operating position of the gasification device 1 shown in Fig.l.

[0086] In this embodiment, there are three gratings 6 around each feed device 8, which are arranged vertically offset one above the other.

[0087] However, other arrangements of one or more gratings 6 are also conceivable.

[0088] Fig. 2 shows a horizontal section through the reactor vessel 2 with a plan view of the four feed devices 8, which are arranged at a distance from one another.

[0089] In this embodiment, all arms 9 of all feed devices 8 have the same length. When the feed devices 8 rotate about the respective rotation axis 7, the arms 9 of the respective feed device 8 each sweep over a corresponding circular area 15.

[0090] In Fig. 2, it is clearly visible that in this exemplary embodiment, the circular surfaces 15 of adjacent feed devices 8 do not overlap, but are arranged side by side and spaced apart from one another. In this exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the reactor vessel 2 is essentially adapted to the outer contours of the circular surfaces 15.

[0091] A good match between the reactor vessel cross-sectional shape or outer contour and the circular surface outer contour 15 is particularly favorable for the gasification process, but not absolutely necessary.

[0092] In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, the outlet openings 10 are preferably positioned or oriented around the lateral surface of the arms 9 in such a way that they blow the gasification agent in the operating position vertically upwards, vertically downwards and horizontally along a horizontal plane.

[0093] In general, however, it is possible for the outlet openings 10 to be oriented in all directions around the outer surface of the arms 9. The arms 9 are preferably closed at their ends 19, which point away from the rotation axis 7 of the respective feed device 8. The gasification agent, preferably in the form of air or compressed air, exits through the outlet openings 10 in the arms 9 into the combustible material to be gasified.

[0094] The rotary drives for rotating the feed devices 8, not explicitly shown here, are preferably arranged below the reactor vessel 2, as seen in the illustrated operating position of the gasification device 1. They can be designed, for example, as belt or gear drives and, to rotate the feed devices 8 about their respective axes of rotation 7, advantageously engage the ends 22 of the support rods 11 protruding from the bottom of the reactor vessel 2. The gasification agent, in particular in the form of air, preferably under pressure, is advantageously fed into the respective internal feed line 18 of the support rods 11 via these lower ends 22 of the support rods 11. From there, the gasification agent reaches the arms 9 and can flow into the combustible material to be gasified via their outlet openings 10.

[0095] In order to avoid repetition, the following description of the embodiments shown in Figs. 3 to 6 primarily focuses on the differences from the first embodiment. Otherwise, the above description of the first embodiment also applies, where applicable, to the embodiments described below.

[0096] Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of a gasification device 1 according to the invention, wherein Figure 3 shows a horizontal section through the reactor vessel 2 and thus also the reactor cavity 3, and Figure 4 shows a plan view of the feed devices 8. Figure 4 is essentially a horizontal section through the reactor vessel 2 between the agitator 16 and the arms 9 of the feed devices 8.

[0097] Fig. 3 shows that in this second embodiment of a carburetor device 1 according to the invention, all arms 9 are connected to the support rods 11 of the respective feed devices 8 at an angle 12 to the rotation axes 7 which is different from a right angle.

[0098] Figures 3 and 4 show exemplary feed devices 8 which each have two groups 13 of arms 9, the groups 13 of arms 9 of the left feed devices 8 being arranged vertically offset above the groups 13 of arms 9 of the right feed devices 8.

[0099] In addition, the groups 13 of arms 9 have different angles 12 to the respective rotation axes 7, with the groups 13 of arms 9 shown on the left being inclined upwards and the groups 13 of arms 9 shown on the right being inclined downwards.

[0100] In Fig. 4 it can be clearly seen that in this second exemplary embodiment, too, the arms 9 of each feed device 8 are each of the same length and, upon corresponding rotation about the respective rotation axis 7, each sweep over a circular area 15 in a plan view. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, however, in the second exemplary embodiment the circular areas 15 of adjacent feed devices 8 overlap in the plan view shown in Fig. 4.

[0101] In order to avoid a collision between the arms 9 of adjacent feeding devices 8 during their rotation about their respective rotational axis 7, a vertically offset arrangement of the individual groups 13 of arms 9 can be provided, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3.

[0102] It is possible to design the vertical distances between the individual groups 13 of arms 9 and / or the angles 12 between the arms 9 and the respective rotation axis 7 in such a way that the gasification process is optimized.

[0103] It should also be noted here that the feeding devices 8 can also be displaced vertically along the respective rotation axis 7 or the respective longitudinal direction of the respective support rod 11 during operation.

[0104] In this second embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the reactor vessel 2 is partially adapted to the outer contours of the circular surfaces 15.

[0105] In this second embodiment, it is also possible for the outlet openings 10 to be oriented in all directions around the lateral surface of the arms 9.

[0106] Fig. 5 shows a horizontal section through the carburetor device 1 of a third embodiment.

[0107] Here, a total of six feed devices 8 are arranged side by side, with the circular areas 15 swept by the arms 9 of adjacent feed devices 8 being spaced apart from one another. Two outlet openings 17 are located between the feed devices 8.

[0108] In this third embodiment, the outer contour of the reactor vessel cross-section is partially adapted to the common outer contour of the swept circular surfaces 15 of the arms 9 of the feed devices 8.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a horizontal section through the carburetor device 1 of a fourth embodiment.

[0110] Here, a total of sixteen feed devices 8 are arranged overlapping one another. Between the feed devices 8 are nine outlet openings 17. In this example, the outer contour of the reactor vessel cross-section is essentially adapted to the common outer contour of the swept circular surfaces 15 of the arms 9 of the feed devices 8 and also has an easily discharged rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0111] The embodiments in Figures 1 to 6 show examples of different arrangements of feeding devices 8 in combination with different cross-sectional shapes of

[0112] Reactor vessels 2 . This exemplifies that there are very many possible arrangements of feed devices 8 and reactor vessel cross-sectional shapes according to the invention and that very large and thus powerful gasification devices 1 can also be built with the invention.

[0113] Key to the reference numbers:

[0114] carburetor device

[0115] reactor vessel

[0116] reactor cavity

[0117] filling lock

[0118] Gas outlet

[0119] Grating

[0120] axis of rotation

[0121] Feeding device

[0122] arm

[0123] Exit opening

[0124] Support rod

[0125] angle

[0126] group

[0127] Connection area

[0128] Circular area

[0129] agitator

[0130] Exit opening

[0131] supply line

[0132] End

[0133] sluice

[0134] axis

[0135] End

Claims

Claims Gasifier device (1) for producing combustible gas from combustible material, in particular biomass, comprising - a reactor vessel (2) which encloses a reactor cavity (3), and - at least one filling sluice (4) for filling the material into the reactor cavity (3) , and - at least one gas outlet (5) for the removal of the combustible gas produced from the material from the reactor cavity (3) , and - at least one grating (6) in the reactor cavity (3) , wherein the gas outlet (5) is on the filling sluice (4) opposite side of the grating (6), characterized in that the gasifier device (1) has at least two feed devices (8) rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (7) for supplying gasifying agent into the reactor cavity (3), each of which has several arms (9) with outlet openings (10) for the outlet of the gasifying agent into the reactor cavity (3), arranged within the reactor cavity (3) in the area between the filling sluice (4) and the grating (6). Carburetor device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the arms (9) of each feed device (8) are arranged in a star shape in a top view and / or all arms (9) of the respective feed device (8) are , from the respective axis of rotation (7) are of equal length when viewed from this feeding device (8) and / or the arms (9) are each at their respective axis of rotation (7) of the feeding device (8) directionally, end (19) are closed. Carburetor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axes of rotation (7) of the feed devices (8) are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other. Carburetor device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feeding devices (8) each have a support rod (11) which is arranged coaxially to the respective axis of rotation (7) of the respective feeding device (8) and from which the arms (9) of the respective feeding device (8) protrude. Carburetor device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the arms (9) of the respective feed device (8) form an angle (12) with the respective axis of rotation (7) of the respective feed device (8) that deviates from 90 degrees. Carburetor device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the arms (9) of the respective feed device (8) form an angle (12) in Range from 45 degrees to 135 degrees, preferably from 70 degrees to 110 degrees, with the respective axis of rotation (7) include the respective feed device (8). Carburetor device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the feeding devices (8) each have at least two groups (13) of arms (9), wherein the arms (9) of the respective group (13) each in an annular connection area (14) are connected to the support rod (11) of the respective feed device (8), wherein the respective annular connection areas (14) are offset from each other in a longitudinal direction of the support rod (11) of the respective feed device (8). Carburetor device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the feeding devices (8) are rotatable about the respective axes of rotation (7) such that the arms (9) of each feeding device (8) extend over a circular area (15) in a top view. Carburetor device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the circular areas (15) of adjacent feeding devices (8) overlap in a top view. Carburetor device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the circular areas (15) of adjacent feeding devices (8) are arranged next to each other in a top view and touch each other at a maximum of one point.

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