Embodiments of the invention improve the performance, safety, and efficiency of the gasification process. Embodiments of the invention improve downdraft gasification by improving upon the systems and methods for fuel preparation and by addressing gasifier bridging and channeling. Unique parts of the system include a unique hearth and grate design, a programmable logic controller and interface for managing the gasification process, an improved filtration system, a unique system for eliminating mist, a unique system for cooling gas, a unique combined flare, an integrated auger system, and a new system and method for sampling gas.

Embodiments of the invention improve the performance, safety, and efficiency of the gasification process. Embodiments of the invention improve downdraft gasification by improving upon the systems and methods for fuel preparation and by addressing gasifier bridging and channeling. Unique parts of the system include a unique hearth and grate design, a programmable logic controller and interface for managing the gasification process, an improved filtration system, a unique system for eliminating mist, a unique system for cooling gas, a unique combined flare, an integrated auger system, and a new system and method for sampling gas.

Gasifiers for the gasification of solid carbon-based fuels are disclosed herein. An example gasifier includes an inlet chamber for introducing fuel into the gasifier and a pyrolysis region for pyrolyzing the fuel introduced into the vessel. The pyrolysis region includes first means for admission of a pyrolysis agent. The example gasifier also includes a combustion region for incinerating pyrolysis gases originating from the pyrolysis region, where the combustion region includes second means for admission of a gasifying agent. Also, the example gasifier includes a reduction region for gasifying carbonized fuel originating from the pyrolysis region, an outlet for collecting gases originating from the reduction region, and a region for collecting and discharging ashes. In addition, the example gasifier includes active transfer means to actively transfer solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region. In some examples, the active transfer means is located between the pyrolysis region and the combustion region, and the active transfer means includes a transfer chamber to prevent a direct flow of the solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region, where the transfer chamber is permeable to the pyrolysis gases.

Gasifiers for the gasification of solid carbon-based fuels are disclosed herein. An example gasifier includes an inlet chamber for introducing fuel into the gasifier and a pyrolysis region for pyrolyzing the fuel introduced into the vessel. The pyrolysis region includes first means for admission of a pyrolysis agent. The example gasifier also includes a combustion region for incinerating pyrolysis gases originating from the pyrolysis region, where the combustion region includes second means for admission of a gasifying agent. Also, the example gasifier includes a reduction region for gasifying carbonized fuel originating from the pyrolysis region, an outlet for collecting gases originating from the reduction region, and a region for collecting and discharging ashes. In addition, the example gasifier includes active transfer means to actively transfer solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region. In some examples, the active transfer means is located between the pyrolysis region and the combustion region, and the active transfer means includes a transfer chamber to prevent a direct flow of the solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region, where the transfer chamber is permeable to the pyrolysis gases.

A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.

A gasification system method and apparatus to convert a feed stream containing at least some organic material into synthesis gas having a first region, a second region, a gas solid separator, and a means for controlling the flow of material from the first region to the second region. The feed stream is introduced into the system, and the feed stream is partially oxidized in the first region thereby creating a solid material and a gas material. The method further includes the steps of separating at least a portion of the solid material from the gas material with the gas solid separator, controlling the flow of the solid material into the second region from the first region, and heating the solid material in the second region with an electrical means.

Process and apparatus that integrate continuously the processes of pyrolysis in a rotary drum at average temperatures of 300 to 500 C. and gasification in a moving-grate gasifier at average temperatures of 500 to 800 C. to produce a mixture of gases originating from the processes of pyrolysis and gasification of waste and the derivatives thereof. The mixture of gases called waste-derived combustible gases is continuously passed through a Venturi system or an exhaust system and can be directed to a system for combustion or treatment and separation of the combustible fractions for subsequent energy recovery. Waste in the form of powder, fines, slurries, pastes or liquids can be thermally treated individually or in blends with other waste such as municipal solid waste, commercial waste or industrial waste, with additional energy recovery.

A method of operating a fixed-bed gasifier includes positioning a tapping element at a first point above a bed of fuel particles, lowering the tapping element into the fuel particles along a first linear path to form a first linear passage in the fuel particles, raising the tapping element to retract the tapping element from the fuel particles along the first linear path so that the tapping element exits the fuel particles from the first linear passage, positioning the tapping element at a second point above the fuel particles, lowering the tapping element into the fuel particles along a second linear path to form a second linear passage in the fuel particles, and raising the tapping element to retract the tapping element from the fuel particles along the second linear path so that the tapping element exits the fuel particles from the second linear passage.

A method of operating a fixed-bed gasifier includes positioning a tapping element at a first point above a bed of fuel particles, lowering the tapping element into the fuel particles along a first linear path to form a first linear passage in the fuel particles, raising the tapping element to retract the tapping element from the fuel particles along the first linear path so that the tapping element exits the fuel particles from the first linear passage, positioning the tapping element at a second point above the fuel particles, lowering the tapping element into the fuel particles along a second linear path to form a second linear passage in the fuel particles, and raising the tapping element to retract the tapping element from the fuel particles along the second linear path so that the tapping element exits the fuel particles from the second linear passage.

An apparatus includes at least one container with at least one carbonaceous material inlet, at an upper end of the container, for providing carbonaceous material into an internal chamber of the container; at least one first carbonaceous material outlet, at a lower end of the container, for removing carbonaceous material from the internal chamber; and at least one gas outlet for removing gas from the internal chamber. The internal chamber includes a first carbonaceous material communication pathway between the carbonaceous material inlet and the first carbonaceous material outlet, and carbonaceous material which travels along the first carbonaceous material communication pathway in use at least passes consecutively through a first reduction zone, a first oxidation zone, and a second reduction zone.