Method for controlling syngas production in a system with multiple feed materials using a molten metal bath

Abstract

Processes and apparatus for treating organic and inorganic materials in a metal bath contained in a high temperature reactor to produce synthesis gas are provided. Two or more feed materials that possess differing syngas generation potentials are mixed in a mixer and fed as a composite feed stream into a gasifier to produce syngas. The feed materials are prepared and analyzed for heat value prior to injection and the composition of materials in and exiting the reactor are monitored. By controlling the feed rate of the mixture into the gasifier as well as the feed rates of one or more of the individual feed materials into the mixer, the syngas is produced at a target production rate, with target energy content (BTU). Based upon the results of the analysis and monitoring, oxygen, steam, and / or other feed materials are also injected into the reactor, to control processing and synthesis gas quality. Potential feed materials include, but are not limited to, construction and demolition (C&D) debris, municipal solid waste (MSW), other sewage-related solids, waste tires, and other substances that contain varying levels of organic compounds capable of producing a syngas.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 105,325, filed Apr. 18, 2008, entitled “Method for Controlling Syngas Production in a System with Multiple Feed Materials,” by Davis, et al., which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 912,440, filed Apr. 18, 2007, entitled “Method for Controlling Syngas Production in a System with Multiple Feed Materials,” by Davis, et al. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 400,973, filed Apr. 10, 2006, entitled “Process and Apparatus using a Molten Metal Bath,” by Davis, et al., which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 670,332, filed Apr. 12, 2005, entitled “Process and Apparatus using a Molten Metal Bath,” by Davis, et al. Each of these is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present invention relates generally to sy...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One of the greatest challenges in gasifying such feed materials is the feeds' unpredictable nature (e.g., the feed materials' chemical and physical characteristics could change dramatically in a short period of time).

Though many of those attempts appear to have been technically possible and / or may have been successful in pilot scale demonstrations, these technologies did not allow for appropriate scaling or commercialization of the process because of the difficulty is processing the material in an economical manner, reliability of operation, controlling temperature and other key process variables, such as oxygen and steam input, etc.

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