Abstract:
This invention provides a system and method for efficient reformulation of an initial gas with associated characteristics into an output gas with desired characteristic parameters, within a substantially sealed, contained, and controlled environment. The gas reformulating system uses a gas energizing field to disassociate the initial gas molecules and molecules of injected process additives of appropriate types and amounts, into their constituents that then recombine to form the output gas with the desired parameters. The gas reformulating system further comprises a control system that regulates the process and thereby enables the process to be optimized. The gas energizing field may be provided at least partly by hydrogen burners or plasma torches.
Abstract:
A facility comprising integrated systems for the extraction, and optionally upgrading and/or refinement, of unconventional oil sources, using fossil fuels as a primary source of energy. In particular, this facility provides a means to gasify one or more fossil fuels in an efficient manner, converting it into intermediate products such as heat, steam and electricity, which are then used by the system to obtain useful fuel products from unconventional oil sources such as tar sands and oil shale. The design of the components of this facility is optimized such that the overall costs are competitive with an equivalent unconventional oil source processing facility that uses natural gas as a source of processing energy. The facility can be used on its own, may use supplemental natural gas energy sources, or may be used in conjunction with an existing facility that uses natural gas as an energy source in order to improve the overall cost effectiveness of the processing and/or reduce the requirement for other energy sources, such as natural gas.
Abstract:
The invention provides a system and method for conversion of raw syngas and tars into refined syngas, while optionally minimizing the parasitic losses of the process and maximizing the usable energy density of the product syngas. The system includes a reactor including a refining chamber for refining syngas comprising one or more inlets configured to promote at least two flow zones: a central zone where syngas and air/process additives flow in a swirling pattern for mixing and combustion in the high temperature central zone; at least one peripheral zone within the reactor which forms a boundary layer of a buffering flow along the reactor walls, (b) plasma torches that inject plasma into the central zone, and (c) air injection patterns that create a recirculation zone to promotes mixing between the high temperature products at the core reaction zone of the vessel and the buffering layer, wherein in the central zone, syngas and air/process additives mixture are ignited in close proximity to the plasma arc, coming into contact with each other, concurrently, at the entrance to the reaction chamber and method of using the system.
Abstract:
A modular lateral transfer system for use in a horizontally oriented processing chamber is provided. Each module has the ability to deliver process gas in addition to moving the reactant material through the horizontally oriented processing chamber. The modular design enables the operator to remove and replace a module of the system, thereby substantially minimizing the downtime of the chamber required during servicing.
Abstract:
A Carbon Conversion System having four functional units, each unit comprising one or more zones, wherein the units are integrated to optimize the overall conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into syngas and slag. The processes that occur within each zone of the system can be optimized, for example, by the configuration of each of the units and by managing the conditions that occur within each zone using an integrated control system.
Abstract:
A multi-zone carbon converter for converting processed feedstock to syngas and slag is provided comprising a chamber comprising a carbon conversion zone in communication with a slag zone for melting ash into molten slag and/or for maintaining slag in a molten state by the application of plasma heat. The carbon conversion zone and the slag zone are separated by the inter-zonal region that comprises an impediment for restricting or limiting the movement of material between the two zones. The inter-zonal region may also provide for the initial melting of the ash into molten slag by affecting the transfer of plasma heat from the slag zone.
Abstract:
The invention provides a system designed for the complete conversion of carbonaceous feedstock into syngas and slag. The system comprises a primary chamber for the volatilization of feedstock generating a primary chamber gas (an offgas); a secondary chamber for the further conversion of processed feedstock to a secondary chamber gas (a syngas) and a residue; a gas- reformulating zone for processing gas generated within one or more of the chambers; and a melting chamber for vitrifying residue. The primary chamber comprises direct or indirect feedstock additive capabilities in order to adjust the carbon content of the feedstock. The system also comprises a control system for use with the gasification system to monitor and regulate the different stages of the process to ensure the efficient and complete conversion of the carbonaceous feedstock into a syngas product.