Downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor assembly for the gasification of sludge

Abstract

The invention relates to a downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor assembly (10) for the gasification of dewatered or partially dewatered sludge having a sludge dry solids content of at least 20%, which is introduced into a gasification reactor (12) through an inlet (16), the assembly comprising a gasification reactor (12) having: a drying zone for further drying the sludge; a pyrolysis zone for chemically converting the organic components into pyrolysis products; an oxidation zone for the partial oxidation of the pyrolysis products; and a reduction zone for the reduction of the pyrolysis products and oxidation products to form syngas and ash. The downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor assembly is characterized in that the interior of the gasification reactor (12) is cylindrical and has a constant cross-section across the entire height, and in the area of the oxidation zone, lateral openings (22, 24) are provided in the wall of the gasification reactor (12), through which openings gaseous oxygen, air or another oxygen-containing gas can be guided into the oxidation zone.

Description

[0001] Patent application

[0002] Downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor arrangement for the gasification of sewage sludge

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The invention relates to a downdraft fixed bed gasification reactor arrangement for the gasification of dewatered or partially dewatered sewage sludge with a dry matter content of at least 20%, which is introduced into a gasification reactor via an inlet, with a gasification reactor containing

[0005] (a) a drying zone for further drying of the sewage sludge;

[0006] (b) a pyrolysis zone for the chemical conversion of the organic components into pyrolysis products;

[0007] (c) an oxidation zone for partial oxidation of the pyrolysis products, and

[0008] (d) a reduction zone for the reduction of the pyrolysis and oxidation products in synthesis gas and ash.

[0009] The invention further relates to a module arrangement for constructing such a reactor arrangement and a method for processing sewage sludge comprising the steps:

[0010] (a) drying the sewage sludge; and

[0011] (b) Gasification of the sewage sludge in such a reactor arrangement.

[0012] Sewage sludge is a low-viscosity biomass. The raw sludge from a wastewater treatment plant contains approximately 99% water and approximately 1% solids (DM content). These solids contain organic solids, heavy metals, and critical components, such as pharmaceuticals. This composition distinguishes sewage sludge from uncontaminated biomass. Typically, sewage sludge is disposed of and incinerated, for example, along with garbage or coal. For smaller wastewater treatment plants, the high investment required to generate energy from the energy contained in sewage sludge has so far been too costly. The sewage sludge is therefore transported to a distant disposal facility and disposed of there. The required transport of sewage sludge is labor- and energy-intensive and therefore expensive.

[0013] Drying sewage sludge before transport is therefore common practice. In addition to gravity thickening, in which the solids settle due to gravity, mechanical dewatering in a press or centrifuge is also known. Polymers, for example, can be used as flocculants. Sewage sludge dewatered in this way has a water content of, for example, 70% to 75%. Dewatering can reduce transport volume and thus costs.

[0014] State of the art

[0015] In addition to the direct incineration of sewage sludge, there are several processes for gasifying sewage sludge. The resulting gases can be used, for example, to generate electrical energy. Some of the sewage sludge remains as tar and ash, which must be disposed of by other means.

[0016] Typically, the gasification or pyrolysis of sewage sludge takes place in fluidized-bed reactors. These are economically viable for populations of more than half a million. An example of such a process using a fluidized-bed reactor is disclosed in EP 3 214 155 B1. A pyrolysis reactor is installed upstream of the fluidized-bed reactor, in which the sewage sludge is moved horizontally by a screw conveyor and pretreated at 600°C to 650°C in the absence of oxygen. The arrangement is comparatively complex and requires high investment and maintenance costs. Another example of a fluidized-bed reactor is disclosed in EP 2 356 200 B1. WO 97 / 32 945 A1 discloses a smaller gasification plant with connection values ​​for significantly fewer than half a million inhabitants, for example, from 50,000 inhabitants.The disclosed gasification takes place in a continuously operable cocurrent fixed-bed gasification reactor, which has an air or oxygen supply via an annular channel connected to the oxidation zone via a number of openings. The reactor cross-section is reduced in the area of ​​the annular channel, resulting in high temperatures. Pyrolysis takes place at approximately 1000°C. At this temperature, the ash melts and forms slag. The slag is removed from the gasification reactor using a specially designed slag separation device and a discharge valve. This is complex. During discharge, the product gas flow is interrupted.

[0017] DE10 2017 102 789 A1 discloses the gasification of sewage sludge in a bulk moving bed. The dry sewage sludge is mixed with a non-gasifiable material, such as calcium oxide, to form bulk material and gasified in a vertical shaft furnace.

[0018] EPI 687 390 B1 discloses a process for the catalytic gasification of biomaterials. The reactor is conical in design, which poses the risk of clogging with tar residues.

[0019] EP 3 519 537 B1 discloses a gasifier for producing low-tar synthesis gas with a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone, and a reduction zone. The gasifier has a perforated, sloped floor with multiple openings.

[0020] Disclosure of the invention

[0021] The object of the invention is to create a simple downdraft fixed bed gasification reactor arrangement of the type mentioned above, with which the sewage sludge can be used economically with high energy yield by gasification even with smaller quantities of sewage sludge.

[0022] According to the invention, the object is achieved in that (e) the interior of the gasification reactor is cylindrical with a constant cross-section over its entire height; and

[0023] (f) in the region of the oxidation zone, lateral openings are provided in the wall of the gasification reactor through which gaseous oxygen, air or another oxygen-containing gas can be fed into the oxidation zone.

[0024] Unlike conventional reactors, this gasification reactor does not have a taper. Temperatures in the oxidation zone are therefore lower than in conical reactors or reactors with a taper. At such lower temperatures, less tar is formed. The oxygen is not supplied from the bottom of the reactor, but through side openings. The size and number of openings, as well as the pressure ratios of the oxygen pressure and partial oxygen pressure, can be precisely selected to achieve the desired reaction temperatures. The gasification reactor has a simple design, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is easy to maintain. This allows the gasification reactor to be used even in smaller wastewater treatment plants. The sewage sludge can be processed directly at the treatment plant and does not need to be transported to large disposal facilities. This saves effort and energy and produces less climate-damaging carbon dioxide.

[0025] Preferably, a rotary valve or other air seal is provided in the inlet area of ​​the gasification reactor. The air seal can also be formed by the dried sewage sludge itself. This allows the oxygen input to be precisely controlled, preventing any gases from escaping.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, a screw conveyor is provided, which conveys the dewatered or partially dewatered sewage sludge into the gasification reactor. The dried sewage sludge can be prepared, in particular, mechanically and then transported by the screw conveyor to the upper inlet of the gasification reactor. During mechanical preparation, the sewage sludge can be pelletized, shredded, or ground, for example. The screw conveyor can ensure a continuous supply of sewage sludge and thus continuous gasification. It is understood that other conveying systems may also be suitable. In one embodiment of the invention, the floor of the gasification reactor comprises a permeable grid. The grid can, for example, rest on star-shaped ribs.The grid retains the sewage sludge mass while allowing the reaction gases to pass out of the reactor interior. The non-gasifiable ash residues, which typically comprise a high proportion of sewage sludge, fall through the grid and can be collected there.

[0027] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the openings for oxygen-containing gas are arranged at different heights. For example, a first ring of openings can be provided at a first height and a second ring of openings at a second height. This allows the oxidation to take place in two stages. The oxidation takes place at lower temperatures, and tar formation can be reduced.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a fan, a pump, or other means for generating a negative pressure is provided at the lower end of the gasification reactor. Unlike known gasification reactors, gas is extracted from the gasification reactor, rather than air or oxygen being forced in. The pressure difference from atmospheric pressure does not need to be particularly large. However, it ensures that in the event of a leak, no gases can escape uncontrollably from the gasification reactor.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, a housing is provided in which the gasification reactor is held, wherein a cavity is formed between the outer wall of the gasification reactor and the inner wall of the housing, through which cavity the product gas generated in the gasification reactor can flow. This cavity allows the separation of ash, which can fall downwards out of the gasification reactor, from the gases that rise upwards in the cavity. In particular, the gasification reactor and housing can comprise concentric cylinders, so that the cavity is formed by an annular space. This achieves a large flow cross-section with small dimensions, and the pressure drop in the cavity is low. A further effect of the annular space is that the hot product gas flowing upwards heats the wall of the reactor and thus supplies heat for the gasification process inside the reactor.

[0030] Preferably, the housing has an outlet in the region of the cavity through which the generated product gas can be discharged to the outside. This enables continuous operation of the arrangement, unlike a bell jar or the like.

[0031] The housing can open into an ash collection container at the bottom. However, it can also be provided with a dust collection line, a conveyor, or something similar.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing has a lid at its upper end, and the gasification reactor extends upwards through the lid out of the housing. This makes the assembly particularly easy to manufacture. In this embodiment, the upper zones, in particular the drying zone, in the gasification reactor are not heated by the hot gas, but only the lower zones.

[0033] Preferably, the housing below the gasification reactor has a closable opening for a starter burner or burners. This allows the gasification reactor to be cold-loaded for start-up, and the reaction is ignited using the starter burner. Alternatively, the gasification reactor can be hot-loaded.

[0034] A particularly preferred variant of the invention provides sensor ports for sensors in the wall and / or in a lid of the gasification reactor. The sensors enable precise observation of the processes taking place in the gasification reactor. In particular, temperature and pressure conditions, oxygen content, and the like can be recorded and evaluated.

[0035] In particular, a controller can be provided that receives signals from sensors connected to the sensor ports and can be used to control the amount of oxygen supplied through the side openings in such a way that maximum energy can be generated. The controller can, for example, control a fan or a pump that draws air or oxygen into the gasification reactor. In this way, energy generation can be optimized.

[0036] A cyclone separator can also be provided at the outlet to purify the product gas. The cyclone separator can also have an ash collection container to collect residual ash. The ash can be reused if necessary. This allows phosphate, metals, etc., to be separated from the ash and recycled separately.

[0037] The reactor arrangement described can be used particularly advantageously as a modular arrangement. The modular arrangement can be used to construct a reactor arrangement, wherein the reactor arrangement or parts of the reactor arrangement form modules that can be transported to the site of use by road-worthy vehicles. In particular, the arrangement can be arranged wholly or partially in containers with standard dimensions, which can be brought to the site of use, for example, on a low-loader. Such containers are also suitable for transport on other means of transport, such as ships and freight trains, so that the arrangement can be set up virtually anywhere. One or more modules can comprise further components in addition to the actual reactor arrangement, in particular a generator for generating electricity from the product gas, conveying means for conveying the sewage sludge and, if necessary,Dryers and reservoirs for drying and storing dewatered or partially dewatered sewage sludge. The modules can be prefabricated in the factory, thus avoiding lengthy construction work on site. Dismantling is also simple.

[0038] It is particularly advantageous when the modules can be connected via interfaces that use quick-release fasteners, click-lock fasteners, plug-and-play fasteners, bayonet locks, or flanges, which can be connected and disconnected with or without conventional tools. Such connections can even be made by laypersons. No welding or similar work is required. The use of easily manufactured connections is particularly advantageous because wearing parts and corroded components can be replaced, cleaned, and maintained without shutting down the entire system for extended periods and without requiring specialist personnel. Only those parts need to be coated with an expensive alloy where absolutely necessary.

[0039] In such an arrangement, the processing of sewage sludge takes place in the following steps:

[0040] (a) drying the sewage sludge; and

[0041] (b) gasifying the sewage sludge in a reactor arrangement according to one of the claims, wherein

[0042] (c) the amount of oxygen supplied through the side openings is controlled to produce maximum energy.

[0043] The inventive arrangement enables on-site sewage sludge disposal, even for smaller wastewater treatment plants. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and simple to operate. Its high efficiency results in good energy yield and low residue levels.

[0044] Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. One embodiment is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Definitions

[0046] In this description and the appended claims, all terms have a meaning familiar to the person skilled in the art, as defined in the specialist literature, standards, and relevant internet pages and publications, particularly lexical ones, such as www.Wikipedia.de, www.wissen.de, or those of competitors, research institutes, universities, and associations. In particular, the terms used do not have the opposite meaning to what the person skilled in the art would understand from the above publications.

[0047] Short description of the drawings

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view of a downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor arrangement for the gasification of sewage sludge. Figure 2 illustrates the energy and material flows in an arrangement according to Figure 1.

[0049] Description of the embodiment

[0050] Figure 2 shows a downdraft fixed-bed gasification reactor assembly, generally designated 10. The gasification reactor assembly 10 comprises a central gasification reactor 12. The gasification reactor 12 is cylindrical across its entire height. At its upper, inlet-side end, the gasification reactor 12 forms a flange 14. An inlet nozzle 16 with a flange 18 is flanged onto the flange 14.

[0051] Openings 22 and 24 are provided at two different heights in the side wall of the gasification reactor 12. Supply lines through which air, pure oxygen, or other oxygen-containing gases can be introduced into the interior of the gasification reactor 12 open into the openings 22 and 24, respectively.

[0052] The lower portion of the gasification reactor 12 is held coaxially in a likewise cylindrical housing 28. The housing 28 is closed at the upper end by a cover 32, which is flanged onto a flange 34 at the upper edge of the housing 28. The cover 32 has an opening through which the gasification reactor 12 extends.

[0053] The lower edge of the gasification reactor 12 is held in a groove 36 of a holder with star-shaped, horizontal ribs 20 and 30. A grid (not shown) can be placed on the ribs 20 within the gasification reactor 12. The grid retains larger solids and allows gases, dust, and smaller particles to pass through. The ribs 30 connect the groove 36 to the housing 28.

[0054] In the area below the gasification reactor 12, the housing 28 has a lower housing section 40, which is flanged to the upper, cylindrical section of the housing 28 by a flange 42. The lower housing section 40 is cylindrical and has a conical region 44 at the bottom, which opens into an ash collection container. A closable opening 46 is provided in the cylindrical part of the lower housing section 40. A burner can be inserted through the opening into the area below the gasification reactor 12. This burner serves to start the reactions. Once the reactions in the gasification reactor 12 have begun, the burner can be retracted and the opening 46 closed.

[0055] Three sensor ports 48 arranged one above the other are provided in the housing wall of the housing 28. Sensors can be introduced and / or installed there to detect the conditions in the annular space 50 between the gasification reactor 12 and the housing 28. Suitable sensors include temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and / or sensors that detect the oxygen content or other gas components. It is understood that other sensors, more or fewer sensor ports, and other arrangements are also possible. In the present embodiment, the sensor ports 48 are located approximately at the level of the lower openings 24.

[0056] The gasification reactor 12 is also provided with three sensor ports 52. These are located approximately at the level of the upper openings 22. At the sensor ports 52, as with the sensor ports 48, the conditions within the gasification reactor 12 can be detected using suitable sensors.

[0057] All sensor signals are transmitted to a common controller. The controller is used to evaluate the sensor signals and control the valves and actuators that control the system.

[0058] An outlet 54 is provided in the upper portion of the housing 28. The outlet 54 is connected to a cyclone separator 58 via a connecting pipe 56. Solids, essentially ash, separated from the gas by the cyclone separator 58 are collected in a further ash container 60. The thus purified gas can be fed for further use via an outlet.

[0059] The described arrangement works as follows: The arrangement can be used for a wastewater treatment plant with, for example, a population of 30,000. The starting product for the process is dewatered sewage sludge with a dry matter (TS) content of 70% to 80%. The aim of the process is to utilize the energy present in the sewage sludge. In the first process step of the container plant, the sewage sludge is dried, increasing the TS content from approximately 25% to 90%. A commercially available sewage sludge dryer 100 is used for this purpose. The sewage sludge is fed to the dryer 100. This is illustrated by an arrow 104 in Figure 1. Thermal drying takes place in a dryer 100 using the heat generated in the process described below. The flue gas from the gas heating and combined heat and power system described below is used as the drying medium and mixed with ambient air as required.

[0060] The sewage sludge 106, dried to approximately 90% dry matter, is conveyed by a screw conveyor to the inlet nozzle 16 of the gasification reactor assembly 10. This is illustrated by an arrow 108.

[0061] The dried sewage sludge is mechanically prepared (pelleted, shredded, or ground) and then transported by a screw conveyor to the upper inlet 16 of the gasification reactor 12. This feed is carried out continuously by the motor-driven screw conveyor. The rotation speed of the screw conveyor, and thus the mass throughput of the sewage sludge, can be continuously adjusted. The transition between the screw conveyor and the gasification reactor is hermetically sealed by a rotary valve. With continuous feed by a screw conveyor, the material itself can sometimes act as the air seal, making a rotary valve unnecessary.

[0062] In the gasification reactor 12, a gasification process is carried out, in which air or pure oxygen is supplied through openings 22 and 24. It is important that the sewage sludge does not pyrolyze, forming tar. Gasification produces a product gas containing carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), and possibly nitrogen (N2). The formation of nitrogen can be largely prevented by supplying pure oxygen instead of air. Ash is also produced during gasification. The amount of ash is approximately 30% to 40% of the original solids. The ash can be further utilized, for example, by removing rare metals or similar elements from it.

[0063] In the gasification reactor, the dried sewage sludge (approx. 90% dry matter) is converted into a combustible product gas under a controlled air supply. The gasification reactor is designed as a fixed-bed gasification reactor based on the cocurrent principle (downdraft). The sludge is fed into the gasification reactor 12 from above through inlet nozzle 16. Air is injected through several inlets in the form of openings 22 and 24, which are distributed over the circumference and height of the gasification reactor 12.

[0064] The gasification reactor passes through four zones:

[0065] The uppermost zone is the drying zone. In the drying zone, the remaining water still contained in the sewage sludge evaporates. Drying, or evaporation, occurs using heat from the lower layers.

[0066] Subsequently, in the pyrolysis zone below, the chemical conversion of the organic components into pyrolysis products, i.e., a pyrolysis gas, a pyrolysis oil, and pyrolysis coke, takes place. In the process, carbon compounds are broken down.

[0067] By supplying oxygen through openings 22 and 24, these pyrolysis products are partially oxidized in an exothermic reaction in the subsequent oxidation zone below. The resulting heat energy is used to maintain the chemical reactions in the two zones above.

[0068] The reduction zone is located in the lower part of the reactor. This is where the chemical reduction of the pyrolysis and oxidation products takes place. The gasification products, synthesis gas and ash, are produced.

[0069] The use of a downdraft fixed-bed gasifier 12 has several advantages. It has a small reactor size compared to fluidized-bed gasifiers. It has low design complexity and operating parameters compared to fluidized-bed and entrained-flow gasifiers. It also has low tar production compared to other reactor designs, particularly updraft countercurrent fixed-bed gasifiers.

[0070] Unlike conventional gasifiers, the gasification reactor 12 does not have a throat to reduce the tendency for clogging due to sewage sludge clumping. This would negatively impact the flow conditions in the gasification reactor and prevent the continuous settling of the sewage sludge and thus the smooth passage through the gasification phases.

[0071] The two-stage air injection through openings 22 and 24 increases the temperature in the pyrolysis zone, as the oxygen supply triggers exothermic reactions. This reduces tar production and produces a very low-tar product gas.

[0072] The product gas is purified of fly ash and other pollutants in the direction of arrows 62 in the cyclone separator 58 and a gas scrubber / quencher. If necessary, these components are supplemented by a fabric filter to remove even small particles from the gas stream. The gas purification components are selected according to the purity and composition requirements of the subsequent process steps. This particularly applies to the requirements of the gas heating system 110 and combined heat and power system 112 described below.

[0073] Approximately one-third of the generated product gas is combusted in the gas heater 110. This is illustrated by an arrow 114. The flue gas, which is, for example, 850°C hot, is fed to a heat exchanger 122, in which the air supplied to the gasification reactor 12 is heated. This is illustrated by an arrow 124. The gas heater 110 is implemented by installing a commercially available gas burner.

[0074] The remaining part of the product gas is converted to energy in a conventional heat engine 112. This is illustrated by an arrow 118. The mechanical power is converted into electrical energy by a generator 120. The warm exhaust gas from the process and the heat from the gas heater 110 can provide the heat required for sewage sludge drying. This is illustrated by arrows 130 and 132. The cooled exhaust gas is discharged to the environment after exhaust gas cleaning in an exhaust gas cleaning device 126. This is illustrated by an arrow 128. The combined heat and power plant 112 can be designed as a combined heat and power plant with a piston engine or as a micro gas turbine.

[0075] The exemplary embodiments explained above serve to illustrate the invention claimed in the claims. Features which are disclosed together with other features can generally also be used alone or in combination with other features which are explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the text or in the drawings in the exemplary embodiments. Dimensions and sizes are given only as examples. Suitable ranges will become apparent to those skilled in the art from their specialist knowledge and therefore need not be explained in more detail here. The disclosure of a specific embodiment of a feature does not mean that the invention is to be limited to this specific embodiment. Rather, such a feature can be implemented by a multitude of other embodiments familiar to those skilled in the art.The invention can therefore be realized not only in the form of the embodiments explained, but by all embodiments covered by the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0076] The terms "top," "bottom," "right," and "left" refer exclusively to the attached drawings. It is understood that claimed devices may also assume other orientations. The terms "containing" and "comprising" mean that additional, unmentioned components may be provided. The terms "essentially," "predominantly," and "predominantly" include all features that exhibit a property or content in the majority, i.e., more than all other mentioned components or properties of the feature—for example, more than 50% for two components.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Downdraft fixed bed gasification reactor arrangement (10) for the gasification of dewatered or partially dewatered sewage sludge with a dry matter content of at least 20%, which is introduced into a gasification reactor (12) via an inlet (16), with a gasification reactor (12) containing (a) a drying zone for further drying of the sewage sludge; (b) a pyrolysis zone for the chemical conversion of the organic components into pyrolysis products; (c) an oxidation zone for partial oxidation of the pyrolysis products, and (d) a reduction zone for reducing the pyrolysis and oxidation products in synthesis gas and ash, characterized in that (e) the interior of the gasification reactor (12) is cylindrical with a constant cross-section over its entire height; and (f) in the region of the oxidation zone, lateral openings (22, 24) are provided in the wall of the gasification reactor (12), through which gaseous oxygen, air or another oxygen-containing gas can be passed into the oxidation zone.

2. Reactor arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a rotary valve or another air seal is arranged in the inlet area of ​​the gasification reactor.

3. Reactor arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a screw conveyor is provided which conveys the dewatered or partially dewatered sewage sludge into the gasification reactor.

4. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bottom of the gasification reactor comprises a permeable grid.

5. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the openings (22, 24) for oxygen-containing gas are arranged at different heights.

6. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fan, a pump or other means for generating a negative pressure are provided at the lower end of the gasification reactor (12).

7. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (28, 40) is provided in which the gasification reactor is held, wherein between the outer wall of the gasification reactor (12) and the inner wall of the housing (28) a cavity (50) is formed through which the product gas produced in the gasification reactor can flow.

8. Reactor arrangement according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (28) has an outlet (54) in the region of the cavity (50) through which the product gas produced can be discharged to the outside.

9. Reactor arrangement according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the housing (28) opens at the lower end into an ash collecting container (46).

10. Reactor arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the housing (28) has a cover (32) at the upper end and the gasification reactor (12) extends through the cover (32) upwards out of the housing (28).

11. Reactor arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the housing (28, 40) below the gasification reactor (12) has a closable opening (46) for a starter burner or a starter burner.

12. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that sensor ports (52) for sensors are provided in the wall and / or in a cover of the gasification reactor (12) and / or the housing (28, 40).

13. Reactor arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that a control is provided which is supplied with the signals from sensors connected to the sensor ports (48, 52) and with which the amount of oxygen supplied through the lateral openings (22, 24) can be controlled in such a way that maximum energy can be generated.

14. Reactor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an outlet-side cyclone separator (58).

15. A modular arrangement for constructing a reactor arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactor arrangement (10) or parts of the reactor arrangement form modules which can be transported to the place of use by roadworthy vehicles.

16. Module arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that the modules are connectable at connection interfaces which use quick-release fasteners, click fasteners, plug-and-play fasteners, bayonet fasteners or flanges which can be connected and detachable with or without conventional tools.

17. Process for processing sewage sludge comprising the steps: (a) drying the sewage sludge; and (b) gasifying the sewage sludge in a reactor arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13; characterized in that (c) the amount of oxygen supplied through the lateral openings (22, 24) is controlled in such a way that maximum energy is generated.

Images