Abstract:
A process for converting solid fuels, particularly the organic matter of solid waste alone or supplemented by solid or liquid fuels, into combustible gases by thermal decomposition with gaseous oxygen. An oxygen-containing gas, particularly gaseous oxygen with or without minor amounts of other gases, such as nitrogen, argon, and steam, is directed into an ignited fuel bed in a manner that will convert the organic matter into a gas and will cause the inorganic matter to melt and will form a central cavity in the fuel bed. The molten inorganic matter is removed from the process in solid form, principally granulated. The gases and vapors are heated in a second chamber to continue the chemical reactions for improving the gas and for decreasing the amount of ungasified matter. The product gases may be used raw for the firing of nearby furnaces, or may be cleaned of undesirable components by conventional means, such as scrubbing, condensation, desulfurization, etc. The process has the dual function of (1) converting low-grade waste and fuel into a gas having utility as a clean fuel and as a synthesis gas, and (2) disposing of solid wastes and waste oils. The process will assist in meeting the energy crisis by utilizing domestic resources of organic matter and converting them into a gas that will supplement available fuel gas.