Cross Reference to Related Applications U.S. patent application 542,234, filed June 21, 1990; USSN 845,543 filed March 4, 1992; USSN 625,350, filed December 11, 1990; USSN 838,642, filed February 20, 1992; USSN 763,097, filed September 20, 1991; USSN 939,533 filed September 1, 1992; and USSN 930,250 filed August 13, 1992; all relate to the general field of the present invention.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to the general field of molten baths for the disassociation of material containing carbon, and preferably hydrogen as well, generally classified in U.S. Patent Office, Class/Subclass: 60/39.12, 48/195, and 23/230A.

2. Description of the Prior Art: Rasor U.S. 4,187,672 and U.S. 4,244,180 feed a mass of carbonaceous fuel; e.g., coal, into a high temperature liquid; e.g., molten iron, at a temperature high enough to carbonize the feed; e.g., near 2850° F (1565° C) and introduces air or other oxygen source into the reactor to react with carbon dissolved in the liquid and uses the hot fuel gas to produce useful energy.

WO 9Z/01492 to Nagel teaches two immiscible zones (layers) of different molten metal temperatures.

Mayes U.S. 4,338,096 teaches methods for controlling the flow of molten-mass reaction medium into a reaction zone by utilizing a gas-lift effect on the molten medium and apportioning the flow of control gas to the desired flow of molten medium. Mayes is not understood to suggest movement of liquid from one zone to another by means of convection.

Bach U.S. 4,574,714, and U.S. 4,602,574 do not suggest the plural zones of the present invention with organic feed introduced into one zone and oxidizer introduced into a second zone, and with the vapor phases and liquid phases of the two zones being separated by barriers as in the present invention.

Shin Melwa Ind. DE 2,521,080 shows a melt with electromagnetic circulation between oxidizing and gasification zones.

TyrerU.S. 1,803,221 teaches production of hydrogen from methane in a two-zone unit, but provides no means for flow by convection between the two zones and does not suggest the specialized baffle separators of the present invention.

Vayssiere FR 2,186,524 teaches a melt with electromagnetic means for circulation between oxidizing and gasification zones.

Axelsson U.S. 4,511,372 does his whole process in a single vessel at high pressure, primarily to suppress dust.

Summary of the Invention 1. General Statement of the Invention:

A plural zone plant and process for converting a carbon source to synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen is disclosed. The carbon source can be coal, automobile tires, hazardous organic wastes, such as chlorinated biphenyls, polyhaloginated organics, organometallics, organic polymers, garbage, sludge, trash, and other hydrocarbons is dissolved in a molten bath which can comprise iron in an oxygen deficient zone at one pressure and reacted with water, an oxygen source, or mixtures thereof in at least one other zone at higher temperatures and pressures from that present in the first zone. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, two zones are at different vertical heights and circulation from one zone to the other occurs as a result of differences in density between the molten bath in the lower zone compared to that in the upper zone.

When converting feeds containing hydrogen and carbon, such as propane, solvent deasphalted pitch, etc., into substantially pure hydrogen and CO/C0 ₂ streams under pressure by incorporating carbon into molten metal in a first zone, then circulating the molten metal into contact with an oxygen-containing gas in a second zone; a one-meter diameter vessel can produce 20 million standard cubic feet of hydrogen at a pressure in the range 2 to 50 atm per day from methane using this invention.

In an improved molten metal hydrogen generation bath, baffles form a draft tube or chimney-effect separating the vapor space near the center of the bath. Flow through the chimney is aided by maintaining a temperature differential favoring convection and, optionally, a differential pressure between the portions of the bath on either side of the baffle-chimney arrangement. Feed is added to the feed zone and oxygen is added to the oxidation zone, emitting H ₂ from the feed zone and CO from the oxidation zone. Baffles may be made simply of brick work or high temperature metal and can fit into existing refractory-lined molten metal vessels. Products can be mixed as syngas feed for

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, the Boudouard endothermic reaction (C0 ₂ + C - 2CO) can be used to control temperatures by injecting C0 ₂ in place of oxygen.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a particularly preferred embodiment showing a section view of the closed vessel 100 with the feed zone 104 and the oxidizing zone 106 separated by the chimney /hearth-like recycle zone 108 defined by downwardly extending baffle means 114/horizontal extending baffle means 115 and vapor zone separator means 112.

Figure 2 is a detail of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the baffles 135 and 136.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the optional water-gas shift reactor 60, Fisher-Tropsch reactor

64, the optional Boudouard reactor 80 which occurs in the molten bath oxidizing zone 106, and the removal of carbon dioxide by means of the Benfield or Pressure Swing Absorption processes.

Figure 4 is an overall schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a second preferred embodiment; plant or an apparatus that can be used in this invention.

Figure 5 is an enlarged top elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in cross-sectional along line A-A of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 5 in cross-section along line B-B of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is an enlarged but modified cross-sectional side elevation view as in Figure 4 of vessel 12.

Figure 8 is an enlarged but modified cross-sectional side elevation view as shown in Figure 4 of vessel 14.

Figure 9 is an overall schematic cross-sectional side elevation view of a plant or apparatus that can be used in this invention disclosing several modifications over that in Figure 4.

Figure 10 discloses a third preferred embodiment: a hydrogen plant somewhat similar to Figure 4 but having three baths shown in cross-section side elevation.

2. Utility of the Invention:

The present invention is useful for the production of a wide variety of end-products, including all those which can be produced by the well-known Fischer-Tropsch process, e.g., naphthas, diesel fuel, jet fuel (kerosene), as particularly commercialized by Sasol in South Africa. The

Mobil Oil "M-Gas" process (U.S. 3,998,899, etc.) may be employed. At the present time, the invention will be particularly valuable for the flexible production of reformulated fuels as mandated or as desirable for protection of the environment, e.g., methanol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME), etc. In its preferred embodiments, the invention functions entirely from distress or low-valued hydrocarbons, air (for oxidation), and water (to supply hydrogen and additional oxygen). It is particularly noteworthy that the invention can utilize the exothermic carbon oxidation reaction so that it can function without need for external energy input. Additionally, the endothermic

Boudouard reaction (C0 ₂ + C - 2CO) can be used to control temperature within the two reaction zones, and particularly to control the differentials so as to adjust convection circulation of materials between the zones as desired.

Syngas uses, per Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, include: CO/H ₂ without any other reactants as building blocks, e.g., glycol synthesis, modified Fischer-Tropsch syntheses to olefins or waxes, and acetic acid synthesis; those involving CO/H ₂ and employed to make additional use of compounds derived from synthesis gas, e.g., homologation of methanol to ethanol; those that use a derivative based on CO/H ₂ , e.g., methanol, as a starting material for a

further reaction sequence, e.g., Mobil's MTG (methanol to gasoline) process or the vinyl acetate process; and energy-efficient processes, e.g., those that make syngas for use in combined-cycle plants; and those that use the carbon monoxide for subsequent syntheses, e.g., of acetic anhydride, acrylates, Koch acids, etc.

Also the invention makes it possible to use a wide variety of feeds, whether hazardous or not, with a minimum of handling difficulties or problems. Other operational advantages include an easier heat-balance control that permits changes in the amount of hydrogen that may be produced. Failure to produce a minimum amount of hydrogen as required by conventional design results in an inoperative or difficult to operate hydrogen plant. The instant invention tolerates wide ranges of hydrogen outputs. For example, a plant designed in accordance with this invention, capable of producing 566340 m ³ /day (20 million standard cubic feet/day) of hydrogen could be cut back from this maximum production to as little as 56,634 m ³ /day (2 million standard cubic feet/day). If a conventionally designed hydrogen plant were designed for 566,340 m ³ /day (20 million standard cubic feet/day), it could not have its production cut back much below 226,536 m ³ /day (8 million standard cubic feet /day).

Hydrogen plants built in accordance with the invention can produce a higher purity of hydrogen than conventional plants because sulfur removal can be an integral feature of the invention's reaction vessel by providing a slag layer.

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis

The preferred CO and H ₂ products of the invention are useful for the conventional Fischer-Tropsch synthesis taught e.g., in Chemical Process Industries by R. Norris Schreve, McGraw-Hill, 1967, p. 775.

Boudouard Reaction:

This reaction, discussed in U.S.4,412,914; 4,450,241; 4,869,879; and 4,915,820 all to W. P. Hettinger et. al, can optionally react injected C0 ₂ with carbon in the molten metal to form 2CO and cool the melt as desired.

Metal:

While iron is most preferred for the molten bath; for specialized applications, steels, copper, zinc, especially chromium, manganese, or nickel, or other meltable metal or other molten material in which carbon is somewhat soluble can be used alone or in mixture.

Feed Materials:

Natural gas (CH ₄ ), liquified petroleum gas (LPG), propane, petroleum naphtha, light or heavy distillate, vacuum and other resids, solvent deasphalted pitch (SDA), aromatic extracts, FCC slurry oil; trash garbage, tires, coal and virtually any other hydrocarbon-containing material.

Products:

Products are CO, C0 ₂ , H ₂ , plus sulfur and other contaminants in feed which may be outputted in slag which can be periodically drained

off. In refineries, sulfur is preferably outputted as gas in the hydrogen stream and is then treated conventionally by the Claus process and the SCOT (Shell Clai _ ffgas Treatment) unit.

Controls:

Conventional analog or digital controls are used, measuring temperature, preferably with optical or infrared pyrometer or protected thermocouple; carbon by spectrometer; level by nuclear radiation and admitting feed, CH ₃ , C0 ₂ , H ₂ 0 to maintain temperature, which must, of course, be high enough (e.g., at least 1,250° C in feed zone, 1,300° C in oxidizing zone) to maintain the particular metal carbon composition liquid and dissolved carbon level and H ₂ production within preset limits. Temperature is preferably 1,150° C to 1,600° C, more preferably 1,250° C to 1,500° C, and most preferably 1,300° C to 1,450° C in the feed zone, and usually preferably 50° C to 150° C higher in the oxidation zone.

Batch/Continuous Operation:

While the Examples describe the invention on a continuous basis, it may, of course, be practiced on a batch or semi-batch basis with discontinuous flows of starting materials into the molten-metal vessel and with intermittent withdrawal of slag and/or product gases.

Flexibility:

Wide ranges of feed rate, feed composition, and contaminants can be accommodated, even wide swings over short time intervals.

Still another utility of this invention is the ability to add ethane and/or methane to the high-pressure zone to produce substantially pure hydrogen. Preferably, low-hydrogen content hydrocarbons can be introduced into the Fig. 10 low-pressure zone, or zone 1 or zone 2, for the purpose of providing the heat balance necessary in order to maintain the hydrogen plant. Examples of low-hydrogen content hydrocarbons are the solvent deasphalted pitch mentioned above, residuals from the vacuum distillation tower and coal. In summary, with the three-zone system of Fig. 10, it is possible to introduce high-hydrogen content hydrocarbons to the high-pressure zone such as, i.e., methane or ethane, and low-hydrogen content hydrocarbons at lower pressures such as substantially atmospheric, and by balancing the amount of each of these streams, provide an additional approach and method for heat balance.

Description of Preferred Embodiments of Figures 1-3

Preferred Baffle

Referring to Figure 1, according to the invention, a vessel having a feed zone and an oxidizing zone and containing molten baths for the decomposition of carbon- (and preferably hydrogen-) containing materials is improved by providing upwardly extending submerged baffle means 114 abutting the feed zone and defining one wall of a recycle zone (chimney) 108 communicating between liquid in the oxidizing zone and in the feed zone. The invention also comprises horizontal extending baffle means 115, a horizontally extending submerged baffle means integral with a lower portion of the downwardly extending baffle means

114 and arranged so as to define the lower end of recycle zone 108, much as a hearth is arranged beneath a chimney. The invention further

comprises vapor zone separator means 112, a vapor zone separator means which separates the vapor space above the liquid baths so that the vapor space of the feed zone is separated from the vapor space of the oxidizing zone. This vapor zone separator means 112 abuts the oxidizing zone and extends downward into the liquid of the oxidizing zone to define the other wall of said chimney zone, but not sufficiently far so as to contact the horizontal extending baffle means 115.

Apparatus of Figures 1-3: The closed vessel 100 will preferably be lined with brick or castable refractories and may be pre-stressed to maintain the refractories in compression even when the vessel is pressurized and hot.

Downwardly extending baffle means 114 and horizontal extending baffle means 115 can be made of refractory materials or even of tungsten, tantalum, or other high-melting refractory metal which may be coated with refractory ceramics.

Vapor zone separator means 112 will preferably be of the same material as downwardly extending baffle means 114, and will preferably be hermetically attached to the top wall of closed vessel 100.

Oxidizer feed means 107 can be any suitable, tuyere design, well-known in the steel-making industry. Feed inlet 105 can operate by gravity or pump (high pressure pump if the vessel operates under pressure).

Process of Figures 1-3:

Referring to Figure 1, the main vessel (a refractory-lined steel vessel 100) encloses feed zone 104, oxidizing zone 106, lower circulation zone 113, and recycle zone 108. Feed zone 104 receives feed through feed inlet 105. Oxygen enters through oxidizer feed means 107 into oxidizing zone 106. Oxidizing zone 106 and recycle zone 108 are controlled by pressure control means 120 which acts on control valve 128 and control valve 129 to throttle H2 outlet 130 and CO outlet 132 differentially as desired. Cooler 127 and cooler 126 protect control valve 128 and control valve 129 by cooling the products. Level controller 133 and level controller 134 control the level in the feed and in the oxidizing zone, respectively, and feed signals to pressure control means 120 to maintain those levels.

Baffle 135 and baffle 136 are shown in more detail in Figure 2.

Note that baffle 135 has both a horizontal and a vertical projection, whereas baffle 136 is primarily vertical in its projection and is sealed hermetically to the edges of refractory-lined steel vessel 100 to effectively separate the gas spaces above the feed zone and the oxidizing zone. Together, baffle 135 and baffle 136 define lower circulation zone 113, recycle zone 108, and additionally separate the two gas phases as mentioned above. The recycle zone 108 is particularly formed by a hearth-like substantially horizontal projection of baffle 135 and the vertical projection of baffle 135 acts with baffle 136 to form a chimney-like vertical section to the recycle zone 108. This configuration is an important feature of the invention because it provides the necessary circulation which moves the carbon first through lower circulation zone

113 from the feed zone to the oxidizing zone 106 after feed zone 104, thence through recycle zone 108 after the carbon has been largely removed in the oxidizing zone closed vessel 100.

In operation, the apparatus of Figure 1 has a temperature of approximately 1300° C in feed zone 104, 1400° C in oxidizing zone 106, and emits hydrogen and CO at approximately those temperatures, respectively. Pressure within closed vessel 100 is preferably from 0 to 50 bars, more preferably from 0.1 to 40 bars, and most preferably from 1 to 25 bars above atmospheric, though higher pressures, even as high as 100 bars can be utilized with special construction if desired for special circumstances.

Feed zone 104, preferably contains about 0 to 4.3%, more preferably about 1 to 4%, and most preferably 3% carbon. The carbon content in oxidizing zone 106 is an amount less than in feed zone 104 determined by the circulation rate of the molten metal and the feed rate of carbon to the feed zone. The vessel is a conventional refractory-lined design of steel suitable for the temperature and other surface conditions. The oxygen source is preferably 99.9% oxygen distilled from an oxygen plant operating on air (not shown) but may be air where the additional nitrogen is tolerable. Various feeds are described under the following examples.

Description of Preferred Embodiments of Figures 4-9

Disclosed in Figure 4 are a first or upper molten metal bath vessel 212, a second or lower molten metal bath vessel 214, a conduit 213 for

transferring molten metal in layer 217 from vessel 212 to vessel 214, a conduit 215 for transferring molten metal in layer 218 from vessel 214 to vessel 212, a means 233 partially shown schematically for introducing carbonaceous feeds, slag components, and gaseous components, a means 235 for removing slay components in layer 219, a means 237 for controlling the pressure in vessel 212, a means 239 for controlling the pressure in vessel 214 above molten metal layer 218, conduit assembly 222 for introducing a molecular oxygen containing stream, and a conduit assembly 224 for introducing water which may have a variety of forms such as a liquid or a gas, but preferably in the form of steam. The walls of vessels 212 and 214 are disclosed clearly in enlarged Figures 5 and 6 to have at least three layers: an outer steel layer or shell 247; an intermediate refractory layer 246 that provides insulating properties; and an inner layer 248 that provides both corrosion resistance and mechanical strength to resist damage as a result of turbulence from molten metal. Vessel 212 has a removable but pressure tight sealable flange plug 270 which provides an opening through which molten metal is introduced on start-up. Vessel 214 has two removable flange plugs 240 and 264. Flange plug 264 provides a means for introducing molten metal during start-up and removable flange plug 240 provides a means for removing molten metal on shut-down. Means 233 for introducing carbonaceous feeds, slag components and gaseous components comprises flux hopper 238, carbonaceous feed hopper 231, one or more conduits 236 through which motive gas under pressure is introduced from a source not shown, screw feed assembly 245 for powders, which in turn comprises a motor 244, and a screw feed 243, screw and feed assembly 51, which in turn comprises a motor 242 and screw feed 241. Means 237 for

controlling pressure in vessel 212 above slag layer 219 comprises heat exchanger 228 with schematic inlet conduit 250 and outlet conduit 252, and exit conduit 225 having a pressure control valve 227 operably connected to a pressure controller 229. Means 235 for removing at least a portion of the slag layer 219 of vessel 212 comprises quench pot 232 shown to contain a quench liquid 263 with solidified particulates 265, means for introducing and removing gaseous components through conduit 269, and a means for removing particulates 265 through conduit 271. Means 239 for controlling pressure in vessel 214 above molten metal bath 218 comprises heat exchanger 211 with inlet conduit 254 and outlet conduit 256, and a pressure regulated conduit 220 in which there is a control valve 221 operably connected to a pressure controller 223.

Broadly, operation of this invention involves three phases: start-up, steady state operation, and shut-down.

Start-Up

A preferred method of start-up of the above described system proceeds as follows:

A burner 262 for supplying heat that is preferably permanently mounted in the top of the second zone is ignited. Burner 262 burns preferably either fuel gas or fuel oil with either air, oxygen enriched air, or even pure oxygen to produce heat. The rate of firing of the burner is adjusted to yield a particular rate of temperature increase in the refractory. Refractory manufacturers recommend a certain rate of heat up for a particular refractory material. The recommendation takes into

account the fact that if a refractory material is heated up too quickly it is subject to thermal failure, such as spalling. If the refractory has not previously been exposed to high temperature, the heating rate may be different from that for refractory which has been previously exposed to high temperatures. The combustion products from the burner will circulate from the second zone of vessel 214 to the first zone of vessel 212 by conduits 213 and 215. The combustion products preferably exit the first zone through conduit 225 with pressure regulator 229 appropriately set at atmospheric pressure. The firing continues until the refractory reaches a temperature in the range of 1200 to 1800° C, and preferably in the range of 1400 to 1500° C. Such heating usually requires at least 20 hours depending upon rate at which refractory can be safely heated so as to avoid damage.

Molten iron with a carbon content of at least 2 wt%, and more preferably 4 wt% is introduced into the second zone through a charging port in the top of the second zone at location shown for plug 264. Molten iron with a carbon content in this range is readily available from blast furnaces of steel mills. Such molten iron is often referred to as pig iron. It is frequently transported in special rail cars called "hot metal" cars. Once a sufficient quantity of pig iron is charged to the second zone, the charging port is closed and sealed by fill port plug 264, which is preferably bolted in place and sufficiently sealed to maintain whatever pressures are required and to withstand corrosive effects of vapors at high temperature. The temperature of the molten iron in the second zone can be increased from time to time by injecting oxygen through conduit assembly 222 which is pressure regulated by means of valve 274.

The pressure in the second zone is increased by closing the valve 221 in conduit 220 and injecting inert gas and/or oxygen through conduit assembly 222. As the pressure increases in the second zone 277, the level of molten iron in conduits 213 and 215 will rise. It is preferred to have sufficient volume in vessel 214 so that enough pig iron can be charged to the second zone to fill conduits 213 and 215 completely and to yield a level of molten iron in the first zone of about 0.5 feet.

After a level of about 0.5 feet of molten iron is established in vessel 212, additional molten iron is added to the first zone through a charging port near the top of the first zone 275. The molten iron temperature in the first and second zones may be adjusted by adding oxygen or steam to the second zone through conduit assemblies 222 or 224, respectively, or oxygen containing gas through conduit 226 into first zone of vessel 212. Fill plug 270 is then bolted and sealed in placed sufficiently to maintain whatever pressures are required and to withstand corrosive effects of vapors at high temperature.

To initiate circulation of molten iron from vessel 214 or vessel 212, a small flow of any one or more of the following can be used: a substantially inert gas; synthesis gas; molecular oxygen; air; or steam through conduit assembly 230 can be added to conduit 215. The flow of carbonaceous feed and flux is preferably initiated shortly after iron circulation begins to maintain a steady state condition.

Shut Down

The system is shut down as follows:

The flow of carbonaceous feed and flux to the first zone is halted. The level in the first zone is adjusted by the pressure control valve 221 in conduit 220 of the second vessel 214 so that most of the slag can be tapped from vessel 212. Then the pressure of the second zone is adjusted so that the level of molten iron in the upper vessel 212 is at its minimum value. Molten iron in the first zone is then tapped. The location of the tap being such that after tapping, the remaining molten iron in the first zone and in conduits 213 and 215 can be stored in the volume of second zone 277.

The pressure in zone 277 is reduced so as to . allow all of the remaining molten iron to flow into vessel 214. Once the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure, a tap having flanged plug 240 in the bottom of vessel 214 is opened and substantially all of the molten iron as a liquid is drained.

If desired, the burner in the top of the second vessel 214 can be used to keep the refractory hot until the next operating period, or the system may be allowed to cool at a predetermined rate adjusted with some heating by burner 262. Alteratively, cooling may be accelerated by adding steam, air or an inert gas to the second zone 277 and or the first zone 275. The cooling rate may be retarded by firing the burner in the top of the second zone 277.

Steady-State Operation

With reference to Figure 4, the following is a brief discussion of steady-state operation of a preferred embodiment of this invention.

Perhaps the most straightforward way to understand the steady- state operation of X molten metal gasifier of this invention is to consider the relations!, of the various energy and material inputs and outputs of the system.

At steady-state operations, with respect to energy balance considerations, the rate at which carbon is dissolved of dispersed in vessel 212, the first zone, results in a net energy consumption due to the endothermic process of dissolving carbon, for example, in iron. This is preferably counterbalanced almost exclusively by the net heat generated in vessel 214, the second zone. Vessel 214 permits two types of reactions: one endothermic, e.g. reaction of carbon and water to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide; and the other, exothermic, e.g. reaction of carbon and molecular oxygen or some other equivalent chemical source to yield preferably one carbon monoxide, but, if desired, some carbon dioxide. The net energy produced clearly depends upon the difference in heat produced by exothermic processes versus heat consumed by endothermic processes occurring; hence, for example, the ratio of the amount of water versus molecular oxygen, respectively, used.

With respect to vessel 212, the various inputs comprise: a carbonaceous feed; slag layer components; molten bath components; and a motive gas which can consist of both inert and oxidative components. The outputs from vessel 212 result from pressure regulation and removal of any excess slag layer or excess molten metal and maintaining a substantially constant volume of molten metal. With respect to vessel 214, the inputs comprise: water; an oxidative gas; and recycled molten

metal. The outputs from vessel 214 result from pressure regulation and maintaining a substantially constant volume of molten metal within vessel 214.

The following discussion will consider individually each material input or output with respect to vessels 212 and 214.

With respect to vessel 212, means 233 for introducing carbonaceous feeds, slag components, and gaseous components operates in the following way. A solid carbonaceous feed which can comprise chopped up material such as, for example, tires, plastics, or any other carbon containing feed, are stored in carbonaceous feed hopper 231. The material preferably is cut into segments roughly one-quarter inch or less. The precise size of the carbonaceous feed is not critical. The feed size is primarily determined by ease of transport through conduits and screw feed assemblies. Carbonaceous feed from feed hopper 231 is transferred into screw feed 241 and transported from screw feed 241 to conduit 226 by means of a screw feed 241 and motor 242. This is a preferred means for introducing carbonaceous feed into conduit 226. It is to be understood that there are other alternative means for introducing carbonaceous feed into vessel 212. An alternative would be to have the conduit 226 enter below the surface of molten metal 217 through a wall. The rate of addition of carbonaceous feed is controlled by the rate motor 242 turns a screw of screw feed 241. A motive gas introduced through conduit 226 indicated by line 236 provides a means for moving carbonaceous feed components through conduit 226 into molten metal bath 217.

To introduce slag layer component corresponding to molten slag layer 219, crushed limestone of roughly 1/8 inch or less are fed from flux hopper 238 into screw feed assembly 245. The particulate size of crushed limestone and other slag components is not in itself critical, except to the extent of providing easy transport through conduits and by means of screw feed 243 and conduit 226. In the drawing, it is illustrated schematically that both the carbonaceous feed and the limestone are introduced together through the same conduit 226. This is a preferred arrangement, but it is not critical to the operation of this invention. It is ideal to have the slag components and the carbonaceous components closely mixed in the molten metal bath layer 217 to increase the likelihood that sulfur, halogens, and other undesirable components will be in intimate contact with slag components to ensure their removal and capture in the slag layer 219. The rate at which slag components are introduced will be controlled by the rate at which they are transferred from flux hopper 238 to screw feed 243, and further controlled by the rate at which the screw of screw feed 243 is turned under the motive force of motor 244.

Since slag layer 219 will eventually become saturated with sulfur components and other undesirable species, the slag layer from time to time or continuously is removed and replaced. The process of removing portions of slag layer 219 is as follows. Pressure within quench pot 232 is regulated by a schematically disclosed split range pressure valve controller 259 arranged to control the inlet pressure as well as the exit pressure from the system. Valve 261 is attached to a source not shown for introducing gas under an appropriate pressure. Similarly, controller

259 arranged to control the inlet pressure as well as the exit pressure from the system. Valve 261 is attached to a source not shown for introducing gas under an appropriate pressure. Similarly, controller 259 controls the outlet valve 260 to relieve pressure from quench pot 232. By adjusting the appropriate inlet and outlet pressures, slag layer 219 can be introduced into quench pot 232. As molten slag layer 219 moves into quench pot 232 through channel 253, it will eventually fall into quench liquid 263, where it solidifies into particulates which form a paniculate layer 265 at the bottom of quench pot 232. Particulates 265 are removed by transport through screw feed assembly 255 to a storage area not shown. The quench liquid level is adjusted from time to time by addition through means not shown. The liquid 263 is preferably water, but other materials which can act as a quench may be used. Examples of such quench liquids are oils, molten salts or metals.

Some of the molten metal layer 217 can be separately removed by first adjusting the level of molten layer 217 to completely cover the opening to pathway 253 which leads to quench pot 232. By adjusting the relative pressures within zone 275 relative to the pressure of zone or region 276 of quench pot 232, molten metal of layer 217 can be transported into quench pot 232.

To regulate pressure of zone 275, the pressure controller 229 controls valve 227 in conduit 225. Since the temperature of gas in zone 275 is so hot, it is necessary to pass hot gases from zone 275 through heat exchanger 228 prior to contacting conduit 225 and valve 227. Heat exchanger 228 has an input 250 for heat exchange material at a

temperature in the range of 1000-1300° C, and an output 252 for heat exchange material in the range of about 300° C to 600° C.

Though only one conduit 226 is shown, it is within the intended scope of this invention to have more than one conduit input into the molten layer 217. It is preferred that in all instances, the material introduced into molten layer 217 be introduced below the surface of molten layer 217 to avoid difficulty with slag layer 219 and to ensure the greatest amount of mixing of material into molten layer 217. To further ensure proper mixing, weirs 266 are present in vessel 212 to cause a circuitous path of circulating molten metal. To see the circuitous path established by weirs 266, reference is made to enlarged Figure 5. The numbers in Figure 5 are the same for corresponding features shown in Figure 4.

Examples of suitable material for weirs or barriers 266 are: the same or similar ceramic materials as the wall lining.

Examples of suitable heat exchangers corresponding to heat exchangers 228 and 211 are: a tube and shell heat exchanger where the hot gas flows through tubes made of stainless steel, inconel or incalloy being cooled by generating steam on the shell side.

Vessel 212 has walls consisting of preferably three layers. An exterior layer 247 made of structural steel generally in the range of 1-2 inches thick, depending upon the overall pressure that is to be the normal operating pressure of the system. An intermediate layer 246

providing insulation properties to limit the transmission of heat from the interior of vessel 212. Interior layer 248 is an inner refractory material having sufficient corrosion resistance to both slag and molten metal bath components. It is expected that there will be some turbulence as a result of mixing and the introduction of motive gas and feed components through conduit 226 such that some protection for the inner surfaces of vessel 212 different from the insulative properties available to the system by reason of layer 246 will be required.

The operation of vessel 214 is as follows. Air or oxidizing gas is introduced through valve assembly 222 from a source not shown. The oxidizing gas from valve assembly 222 reacts with carbonaceous components within molten layer 218, thereby heating up layer 218. To provide a balance and temperature regulation of molten layer 218, water may be introduced through valve assembly 224 from a source not shown.

The water can cause cooling in two ways: one, by endothermic reaction with carbon to form CO and hydrogen; and the other by changing temperature from that on addition to that at steady state conditions. It is possible that a portion of the output coolant from heat exchanger 211 that exits through conduit 256 may so introduced into valve assembly

224. Excess gaseous components from zone 277 are transported to heat exchanger 211 through pathway 281 for indirect heat exchange with coolant introduced through input conduit 254. Examples of coolant in conduit 254 are boiler feeds, saturated steam and the like. Because of the extremely high temperatures in zone 277, it is expected that superheated steam will often be the coolant exiting conduit 256. The gas from zone 277 having been cooled by heat exchanger 211 is then

regulated by valve 221 and valve controller 223. Controller 223 regulates the pressure within conduit 220. The gas in conduit 220 consists primarily of a synthesis gas of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This synthesis gas is taken to a processing zone (not shown) wherein the components are utilized either as chemical feedstock or as a pollutant free medium BTU fuel gas.

By controller 223, adjusting the pressure within conduit 220, the pressure in zone 277 can be maintained or changed as desired. By reducing the pressure of zone 277, a net flow of additional molten metal will accumulate in vessel 214. Similarly, by increasing the pressure of zone 277, the layer of molten layer 218 can be moved downward. As the amount of molten metal in vessel 214 decreases, there is a corresponding increase in the volume of molten metal in vessel 212. Consequently by controlling the relative pressures in zones 275 and 277, the relative levels of molten metal in vessels 212 and 214 can be regulated.

Of particular importance in the operation of the system of this invention is the necessity to maintain a flow of molten metal from vessel 212 to vessel 214 and back to vessel 212. Molten metal exits vessel 212 through conduit 213 in the direction shown by the arrows within conduit 213. Similarly, molten metal is transported from vessel 214 back to vessel 212 through conduit 215 in the direction shown by the arrows within conduit 215. To ensure this path of circulation, a motive or lift gas is introduced periodically through input assembly 230 consisting of a valve and conduit. The source for motive or lift gas through input assembly 230 is not shown. The gas may consist of oxygen to increase

the temperature of the rising molten metal in conduit 215 or merely an inert gas such as nitrogen to change the overall density of the material in conduit 215 to increase its tendency to rise in conduit 215.

Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of vessel 214 and a portion of conduits 213 and 215. It contains a modification to vessel 214, but maintains the same numbers for corresponding or equivalent features in each. In Figure 8, a slag layer 216 that is not present in Figure 4 is shown. To permit removal of slag layer 216 so that there is not an undesirable buildup of that layer in vessel 214, outlet 292 is at a different level relative to inlet 290, thereby permitting by appropriate pressure control to permit removal of all or a portion of layer 216. This is done because although one may not directly add slag components to the second zone, it is possible that these components become entrained within the material transferred from the first zone to the second. In any event, having a slag layer 216 in the second vessel permits a further purification, in the event such is necessary depending upon the carbon feeds, to remove additional undesirable components such as sulfur or halogens and the like from synthesis gas produced in said second zone or vessel 214.

The operation of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 expect for the modification discussed in the immediately preceding paragraph, is substantially the same as that discussed with respect to Figure 4.

Figure 9 shows a modification to the plant of Figure 4, wherein it is possible to introduce carbon feeds into vessel 212 through a wall below

the surface of layer 217. To do this, it is shown that there are two motive gas sources 236 to ensure free movement of any material being transferred through conduit 226. Also it is to be noted that in Figure 9, a slag layer 216 is shown in the vessel 214. Although inlet 290 is at the same level as 292, it is still possible to remove slag components in the same manner as that disclosed with respect to vessel 212. The vessel 232 and other means are however not shown in Figure 9.

The following table gives the reactions occurring in the various molten metal layers:

Reactions Occurring in the Slag Layer of the First Zone and Optionally the Second Zone:

CaO + FeS + C --> CaS + Fe + COT CaO + FeCl ₂ + C --> CaCl ₂ + Fe + COt

Reactions Occurring in the Molten Metal of First Zone: C + 3Fe --> Fe ₃ C C _n H _m + 3nFe --> nFe ₃ C + m/2H ₂ T C _k H _m N _n + 3kFe --> kFe ₃ C + m/2H ₂ T + n/2N ₂ T

C _k H _m O _n + 3 (k-n) Fe -> (k-n)Fe ₃ C + M/2H ₂ T + nCOT C _k H _m S _n + (3k +n) Fe -> kFe ₃ C + m/2H ₂ T + nFeS or nH ₂ ST C _k H _m Cl _n + (3k+n/2) Fe --> kFe ₃ C + m/2H ₂ T + n/2FeCl ₂

Reactions Occurring in the Molten Metal of Second Zone:

2Fe ₃ C + 0 ₂ --> 6Fe + 2COT Fe ₃ C + H ₂ 0 --> 3Fe + H ₂ T + COT

In Figure 4, there are: a two zone gasifier 210, a first vessel or zone 212, a second vessel or zone 214, a down flow conduit 213, an upflow conduit 215; a plurality of conduits: a steam and solid conduit 226, an off gas conduit 225, a steam or liquid conduit assembly 224 for the second zone 214, oxygen containing stream inlet conduit assembly

222 and a syngas outlet conduit 220, and, optionally, a secondary gas inlet conduit assembly 230, molten metal or slag tap pathway 253 and quench pot 232.

With reference to Figure 4, in first zone 212, there are two immiscible liquid layers. The lower level consists of a molten metal layer 217. Preferably, the molten layer will consist of iron because of its very high solubility for carbon, low volatility or vapor pressure at optimal operating temperatures, and a viscosity in the range of about 2 to 20 centipoise ("cps") at operating temperatures in the range of 1147°C to

1800° C. However, other materials which have suitably high solubility of carbon, e.g. in excess of 1/2 wt%, could be used. An ideal material would be molten at a much lower temperature with a very high level of solubility for carbonaceous material, but also with a suitably low viscosity and low volatility or vapor pressure at operating conditions. For example, a viscosity in the range of about 2 to 100 cps and a vapor pressure less than about 1 torr (one millimeter of mercury) and preferably less than about 0.1 torr for molten material at a temperature in the range of about 1000 to 1800° C. The second level 219, less dense than molten metal layer 217, is a slag layer 219. In zone 212, the temperature of the molten metal layer in the case of iron is 1300° C, but

can be anywhere in a temperature range of 1147° C to 1800° C. The pressure in first zone 212 can be anywhere from about 1-2 bar (about 0 psig to 15 psig), and preferably is from 1.3-1.7 bar (about 5 psig to 10 psig). The temperatures and pressures are preferably dictated by thermodynamic considerations to optimize any reactions occurring and to optimize the propensity of any undesirable materials such as sulfur or halides to be captured by slag layer 219.

As is clear from Figure 4, from time to time or on a continuous basis, it is desirable to remove slag or iron through passageway 253. This will be true because slag from time to time or continuously will be added in the form of slag precursor materials, such as calcium oxide and perhaps silicates. Iron is often present in carbon source materials such as coal; consequently, some iron from time to time will also have to be removed to maintain proper molten phase levels.

Transport gas and solids such as carbon-containing materials are introduced through conduit 226 which optionally may also involve additional conduits. Off gases that are produced in first zone 212 or introduced into the first zone as a result of reactions occurring in the second zone 214, or as a result of introducing gas through conduit assembly 230 and are vented through off gas conduit 225 after transport through pathway 283 and heat exchanger 228 wherein there is an indirect heat exchange to reduce its temperature.

The second zone 214 contains a molten layer 218 and as shown in Figure 5 may optionally contain a slag layer 219, the temperature of the

second zone is 1147° C to 1800° C, the pressure is preferably about 2.7- 205 bar (25 psig to 3000 psig). These temperatures are dictated by heat requirements in the first zone and heat losses elsewhere throughout the system. Higher pressures and temperatures are possible and only limited by the practical cost of operation and materials available.

Downflow conduit 213 interconnects first zone 212 with second zone 214. Upflow conduit 215 also interconnects first zone 212 to second zone 214. Due to the temperature difference between the first zone and the second zone, convective transfer of molten metal will occur from the first zone to the second zone and back. Initially, molten iron or other molten material in zone 212 will be transferred through down flow conduit 213 to the second zone 214. Since an oxygen containing stream is introduced into the second zone, the temperature of the second zone will be hotter than that of the first zone, and therefore, there will be a tendency for the heated molten metal of layer 218 to be transferred through conduit 215 back to the first zone. Optionally, as a method for increasing the rate of circulation and to improve the flow rate and sometimes even to initiate the direction of flow, gas either inert or oxidizing can be introduced through conduit assembly 230. With the introduction of gas through conduit assembly 230, the tendency for the molten metal to move up through conduit 215 and down through conduit 213 is increased.

As a method for controlling the amount of temperature in the second zone, optionally, steam or other liquid can be introduced through conduit 224. Steam introduced through conduit 224 will provide

temperature control through an endothermic reaction with any carbonaceous material present, wherein water plus carbon become hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The pressure in force per unit area in the second zone of vessel 214 will depend upon the relative heights of molten material in each of the zones and the difference in heights between each zone, taking into account any variation, uniform or not, in densities of relevant portions of molten material. For example, the densities of layers 216 and 218 in appropriate units times their respective heights are deducted from pressure or force per unit are produced by the molten material in each conduit 213 and 215 plus molten layers 217 and

219, i.e. respective heights times their respective densities in appropriate units. The pressure of gas in second vessel 214 will be determined by the amount of back pressure maintained within synthesis gas conduit 220 by the control valve 221. The pressure in the first zone will be determined by the off gas pressure determined by the valve 227 on off gas conduit

225. To some degree, the amount of back pressure from slag taps and iron taps also play a part. However, it is preferred that the primary control of the relative molten liquid layers and their heights within the first and second zones shall be determined by the back pressure determined by any gases above these liquids.

Reactions occurring in the first zone of vessel 212 are: the reactions occurring in the molten slay layer 216; and the reactions in molten metal layer 217. The reactions occurring in the second zone of vessel 214 are: the reactions in the molten metal layer 218 and optionally, in the presence of a slag layer such as shown in Figure 8.

The off gas with a total pressure in the range of 0 to 15 psig through conduit 225 will have a composition expressed as volume percent in the range of about 20 to 80% H ₂ , 15 to 70% CO, 0.5 to 5% N ₂ and minor amounts of various other gases, all of the foregoing depending on the carbonaceous feed source and any mobilizing or fluidizing gas added to zone one, directly or indirectly.

The synthesis gas exiting through the synthesis gas conduit 220 will have a composition expressed as volume percent in the range of 10 to 40% H ₂ , 55 to 85% CO, 0.5 to 5% N ₂ , 2 to 10% Ar and minor amounts of various other gases depending on the source of oxygen with a pressure in the range of 2.7-205 bar (25 to 3000 psi).

The circulation rate from first zone to second zone will be in the range of 25 to 1000 lb iron per net lb of carbon dissolved in the first zone. Consequently, the greater rate of carbon introduced into the first zone, the greater will be the circulation rate at steady-state conditions all other factors being held constant.

The slag composition by weight of slag layer 219 in the first zone has ranges from 13 to 55% CaO, 20 to 45% Si0 ₂ , 12 to 24% A1 ₂ 0 ₃ , 1 to 25% CaS, 0 to 5% MgO, 0 to 5% Ti0 ₂ , 0 to 2% K ₂ 0 and 0 to 2% Na ₂ 0. The presence and quantity of constituents in the slag layer is dependent on the type and quantity of carbonaceous material fed to the first zone and the rate and composition of flux addition to the first zone. It is possible that species other than those mentioned above would be found in the slag layer, such as halides and heavy metals.

The advantage of having a slag layer 219 in the first zone is that sulfur, chlorine or other halides which are contained in the carbonaceous feed or are contained in other streams feeding into either the first or second zones react with calcium oxide (CaO) and/or magnesium oxide (MgO) in the slag layer to form the corresponding sulfides or halides.

These sulfides and halides exit the first zone when slag is tapped from the first zone. Sulfides and halides in this form are non-hazardous and rather easily handled.

An example of this invention is a gasifier having two zones each with the following capacities: the first zone consists of a cylindrical, refractory lined, steel shell vessel having an internal diameter of at least 3 feet, but more preferably 3-4.6 m (10-15 feet), although larger diameters are feasible if very large carbonaceous feed rates are required. The depth of molten iron in this vessel is preferably at least 2 feet, but more preferably 1-2.5 m (3-8 feet), although greater depths are possible and may be required if the particular carbonaceous feed being introduced is slow to dissolve in the molten metal layer. The depth of liquid slag floating upon the molten metal is preferably at least one (1) inch thick, but more preferably 15-45 cm (6-18 inches), although greater depths are possible.

The particular refractory lining of all areas that are in contact with molten metal or iron, slag and reducing gases at temperatures above 1100° C is of critical importance. In the first zone, the areas exposed to and adjacent to slag and molten iron are the most susceptible to attack.

Multiple layers of ceramic materials offer the best performance as is the

case in similar environments in the steel making industry. The inner most refractory material in areas in contact with molten slag or molten iron should be a fused-cast alpha alumina such as Monofrax A-2 of the Carborundum Company. High alumina brick such as Korundal SC of Harbison-Walker Refractories also perform well in this service. In areas of less severe services, high alumina castable material such as Harmix CU or Harmix AL also by Harbison-Walker Refractories may be used as the inner surface. Behind the first layer of ceramic described above various insulting firebrick or castable materials may be used. If castable materials are used, they may or may not be reinforced with fibers made of stainless steel or other suitable materials.

The temperature of the molten iron or metal in this zone must be at least above its melting point. The melting point of iron (1535° C at 0% carbon) decreases with increasing carbon content up to 4.2 wt% carbon where the melting point is 1147°C, as the carbon content continues to increase above 4.2 wt% the melting point increases rapidly to in excess of 1600° C at 6.7 wt% carbon. It is anticipated that at normal operating conditions the carbon content of the molten iron in the first zone will be at least 3 wt% and as high as 4.5 wt%, but more preferably around 3.3 to 4.2 wt%. This requires a minimum temperature of between 1147° C and 1800° C. A safety margin of approximately 50° C should be added to the minimum since the temperature throughout the zone will not be completely uniform.

The pressure in the first zone of Figures 4-9 is preferably equal to or a little above atmospheric pressure to eliminate the need for

expensive vacuum producing equipment, and more preferably in the range of 5 to 10 psi? to allow for pressure drop in downstream processing equipment without requiring negative pressure at some point in the process. The pressure may be greater than 1.7 bar (10 psig) but this can cause introducing solids into the molten iron to be more difficult, but if much lower than 1.3 bar (5 psig) operation also becomes more difficult.

Carbonaceous solids are added through hopper 231. This hopper may have a long vertical drop pipe to a screw feeder (or similar device).

The coal in the vertical drop pipe may be fluidized by any of several gases such as nitrogen or flue gas to produce a pressure head sufficiently to overcome the pressure of the first zone, the pressure of the molten iron and slag above the outlet of conduit 226, and the pressure drop due to friction in conduit 226. Alternately, hopper 231 may be pressurized to a pressure sufficient to overcome the above mentioned pressures required to feed the carbonaceous material into the first zone. If hopper

231 is pressurized, two identical hoppers will be required so that one can be in operation while the other is being refilled with carbonaceous solids. Another option would be to use a screw feeder which seals sufficiently to allow it to overcome the pressure required to feed the solids into the first zone. Such self sealing screw feeders have been demonstrated on an experimental scale and may become commercially available soon.

A second hopper, 238, is used to feed flux material, typically calcium carbonate, into the first zone that is in every other way generally identical to hopper 231. Both hopper 238 and 231 may discharge into

a common conduit, 226, as shown in Figure 4 or separate conduits may be used. Alternatively, the flux material may be mixed with the carbonaceous feed thereby eliminating one of the hoppers but making independent control of flux to carbonaceous feed ratio more difficult.

By any of the means mentioned above, the carbonaceous feed and flux preferably are pneumatically transported in conduit 226 by a suitable high velocity gas such as a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced in the second zone, as described below at sufficient pressure and velocity so as to inject the solids at a depth of at least 1.4 m (2 feet), and preferably about 0.9-1.8 m (3-6 feet) below the. average level of molten iron layer 217. Injection may be at depths of greater than 1.8 m (6 feet), however there is no incentive to do so unless the carbonaceous feed fails to completely dissolve in the molten iron at lesser depths. The end of the lance must be at least 0.3 m (1 foot), and preferably 0.6 m (2 feet) above the ceramic lining of the floor of the second zone (the same is true for the first zone) to prevent excessive impingement and abrasion of the ceramic liner.

Hydrogen contained in the solids fed beneath the molten iron or metal layer react in near stoichiometric quantities to form hydrogen gas which bubbles rapidly to the surface and exits through conduit 225. Oxygen contained in these solids combines almost exclusively with carbon dissolved in the molten iron to form carbon monoxide. Sulfur contained in the solids reacts initially with iron to form FeS. The FeS later reacts with CaO and carbon to form CaS and CO. Nitrogen contained in these solids may initially react with molten iron to form iron nitrides.

However, once an equilibrium level of iron nitrides is reached, additional nitrogen will react to form gaseous nitrogen which bubbles to the surface and exits through conduit 225. Halides in the feed solids will eventually react with the slag to form the corresponding calcium halide. Any iron in the feed solids whether free iron or chemically bound will react to form elemental iron and increase the quantity of molten iron in the system.

As the solids are continually fed to the first zone, gas will be continuously produced with a typical composition discussed hereinbefore.

This gas exits the first zone at a temperature of at least 1100° C. At this temperature, the gas must be conveyed in a refractory lined conduit 283 since commonly available metals cannot withstand such conditions. The hot gas is heat exchanged in a boiler system similar to that of the convection section of a fired process heater in a petroleum refinery.

After reducing the temperature to less than 300° C, conventional alloy steel piping and valves can be employed to convey and control the gas. This gas could be compressed for further processing to yield refinery or chemical grade hydrogen or to produce chemical feedstocks for processes that produce methanol or formaldehyde or polymers found in Fischer-

Tropsch reactors.

By adjusting the level of molten iron and slag in the first zone by means of the differential pressure between the first zone and the second zone, it is possible to withdraw slag or molten metal, e.g. iron, separately from the same tap provided only slag or only molten iron enter tap

pathway 253 separately. However, if large quantities of either must be withdrawn it is preferable to have a separate tap for each component.

Measurement and indication of slag and molten iron levels in both the first zone and the second zone are critical to the successful operation of this process. A preferred method for measurement of molten iron and molten slag levels is a nuclear level detector. This method has the particular advantage that 11 of the components of the level detector can reside outside of the vessel in which the level is being measured. A p- articular example of such a level detector is the SHLG manufactured by the Chmart Corporation. This detector uses a Cesium 137 radioactive source with a strength of at least 2000 m Ci. Depending on the size and design of the particular vessel, other types of nuclear level detectors can be used.

Most of the reactions occurring in the first zone are endothermic or require heat. This heat is supplied by molten iron at a temperature 100 to 300° C hotter than the first zone flowing from the second zone to the first zone through conduit 215. Cooler, carbon rich molten iron flows by gravity from the first zone to the second zone through conduit

213. The method by which this flow is initiated and maintained is discussed elsewhere in this specification.

The second zone consists of a cylindrical, refractory lined, steel shell vessel, having an internal diameter of at least 0.9 m (3 feet), but more preferably 3-4.5 m (10-15 feet). Larger diameters are feasible if very large feed rates are required. The depth of molten iron in this

vessel is at least one 0.3 m (1 foot), but more preferably 0.6-2.4 m (2-8 feet). A layer of molten slag may or may not be present. Considerations in selecting the refractory lining for the second zone are similar to those discussed earlier for the first zone.

The gas pressure in the second zone is the sum of the gas pressure in the first zone, the vertical height of molten iron as measured from the molten iron interface in the second zone to the molten iron interface in the first zone multiplied by the density of the molten iron expressed in appropriate units and depth of slag in the second zone (if any) subtracted from the depth of slag in the first zone multiplied by the density of the slag expressed in appropriate units. The pressure in the second zone increases by approximately 3 psig for each vertical foot of increase in the difference between the molten iron layer in the first zone and the molten iron layer in the second zone all other parameters held constant. The pressure, for example, where the vertical separation between the two zones is approximately 30 m (100 feet) is 21 bar (300 psig). The minimum pressure for the second zone is roughly 25 psig since the distance of the first zone above the second zone must be at least 2.4 m (8 feet) to ensure reasonable rates of circulation.

There is no absolute maximum pressure for the second zone.

However, as the vertical distance of the molten metal layer 217 including slag layer 219 in the first zone of vessel 214 above the second zone increases beyond 100 feet, design, construction problems, and costs increase rapidly. The economic benefit of having the synthesis gas

exiting the second zone of vessel 214 at a pressure above 21 bar (300 psig) increases only slightly.

In the second zone of vessel 214, carbon dissolved in the molten metal bath 218 is contacted with a source for oxygen (or oxygen produced by any other method which results in steam). To keep the system in carbon balance, the consumption of carbon to form carbon monoxide by oxygen and steam in the second zone must match the amount of carbon which is fed into the first zone minus the amount of carbon leaving the first zone as gas through conduit 225. The reaction of oxygen with carbon to form carbon monoxide is exothermic. The reaction of steam (H20) with carbon to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide is endothermic. Temperature control of the iron in the second zone is preferably controlled by adjusting the ratio of steam to molecular oxygen containing the molten iron in the second zone. The conduits for steam and oxygen preferably introduce these below the surface of molten metal in the second zone by about 5-25 cm (2-10 inches), and more preferably about 15 cm (6 inches) although it is possible to operate with the conduits submerged to lesser or greater depths. However, poorer oxygen and steam utilization occur when the conduits are submerged at depths of less than about two (2) inches and no significant benefit is derived from depths of greater than about 25 cm (10 inches). The conduits which are often referred to as lances must be of special design and construction to withstand the extreme temperature and chemically active environment found in this service. Water, oil, or other cooling media circulating within the lances is usually employed to prevent them from reaching damaging temperatures.

Circulation of molten iron from the hotter second zone to the cooler first zone and back is primarily the result of a difference in density between the molten iron in the upflow conduit 215, and that density in the molten iron in the downflow conduit 213. The density of molten iron in this system is primarily a function of two parameters; namely, carbon content and temperature of the molten iron. Within the range of operating conditions for this system, the density of molten iron decreases with increasing carbon content and with increasing temperature. An increasing difference in density between the molten iron in conduit 213 and 215 results in a pressure differential which causes flow. As the flow rate of molten iron in conduits 213 and 215 increases the pressure loss due to flow increases. Thus, a given density difference between the molten iron in conduit 213 and 215 will produce a particular flow rate of molten iron assuming that all other parameters are constant.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments in Figure 10

Disclosed in Figure 10 is a molten metal gasifier plant 312 that comprises at least three molten metal zone means. These at least three molten metal zone means comprise a first molten metal means 314, a second molten metal zone means 316, and a third molten metal zone means 315.

In the first molten metal zone means 314 are a means for introducing a feed beneath the surface corresponding to conduit 363 through a first zone inlet means 350; a first zone recycle inlet means 352; a first zone recycle ^* outlet means 354; a gaseous outlet means 339; a first zone slag layer outlet pathway 345; a mixing weir 394; fill-plug 370; heat

exchanger 332; pressure regulator means 328; a means for removing, cooling, and storing molten materials 342. The walls, floor, and ceiling of first molten metal zone means 314 comprise three layers. The first layer comprises a metal shell 311. The second layer comprises an insulation layer 309, and the third layer comprises a fire brick layer 310.

The second zone or second molten metal zone means 316 comprises: a second zone recycle inlet means 351; a second zone recycle outlet means 353; a gaseous outlet means 339; a mixing weir means 394; a molten metal fill-plug 370; walls and ceiling preferably comprising at least three layers; mixing weir 394; molten metal outlet 392; gas phase outlet 339, an outlet 392 for molten metals, preferably a gas flame heater inlet 368; inlet conduit 377 for gaseous inputs; inlet conduit 378 for steam or other gaseous inputs. In the third zone, molten metal means zone 315, there are a third zone recycle inlet 356, a third zone recycle outlet 357; preferably at least three-layered walls, floor, and ceiling; a gas phase outlet 339; a molten metal fill-plug inlet 370.

Connecting the first, second, and third molten metal zone means are: conduits 322, 318, and 324. In conduit 322, there is a gas injection means 374 comprising a conduit 375 and valve 372. In conduit 324, there is also a gas injection means 374 that also comprises a separate conduit 375 and valve 372, which serves an identical function to that gas injection means 372 within conduit 322.

In conduit 363, there are a valve 365, a screw feed 364, powered by a motor 366. Hopper 362 stores material that is preferably gravity fed into the throat of feeder 364.

Briefly, operation of the system referred to as plant 312 is as follows:

Feed, either in gaseous or solid form or both, is introduced into plant 312 through conduit 363. Gaseous components may be introduced from a source not shown through valve 365. The solid feeds introduced into conduit 363 by means of feeder 364 can be carried by a fluid, a vapor, or other gaseous sweep into first zone feed inlet 350. It is preferable that the feed be introduced below the molten layer 380 which comprises a molten metal, for example, iron or iron containing other materials to improve solubility and reactivity. Generally, a plug of vapor will prevent molten metal from entering into conduit 363. Within first molten metal zone means 314, there are preferably three different layers of material. The first layer is molten metal 380. Within molten metal 380 are dissolved feed and some gaseous inputs which are also introduced through conduit 363. Floating on molten metal layer 380 is a slag layer 384. Slag being less dense generally than molten metal will float on molten metal layer 380. Above slag layer 384 is a vapor layer 381. Within vapor layer 381 are primarily hydrogen, with some carbon monoxide, and a trace of methane.

The precise level of layer 384 is determined by the amount of pressure maintained in vapor layer 381. The amount of pressure in

vapor layer 381 is determined by pressure controller or pressure regulator means 328. Pressure regulator means 328 provides a set point control for valve 330 in conduit 340. A pressure sensor 326 monitors the pressure upstream of valve 330 to establish whether valve 330 is opened or closed relative to a source for pressurized vapor not shown.

Generally, the valve is either opened or closed to maintain the pressure within the vapor level or vapor layer 381.

To remove slag layer components from layer 384 through first zone slag outlet pathway 345, the pressures in vapor layers 381 and 389 are adjusted. The vapor pressure within slag removal vessel 344 is determined by a slag pressure control system 348. Slag pressure control system 348 comprises a pressure controller 360 which sets a set point for two valves 346 and 347. Conduit 356 splits into two outlet conduits containing respectively valve 346 and valve 347. Pressure controller 360 establishes a set point for each of these valves, 346 and 347 respectively, so as to permit pressurizing inlet gases to maintain the pressure of vapor layer 389. When the pressure exceeds the set point value, then one of the two valve opens to relieve the pressure. In other words, valve 347 permits an influx of pressurized gaseous and valve 346 permits a relief from such pressures so that the overall pressure within vessel 344 as measured in vapor layer 389 is maintained at some desired value. This in turn determines through the relative pressure of vapor 381 and that of vapor 389, the movement of slag layer components from layer 384 through pathway 345 into vessel 344. Within slag removal vessel 344 there is a liquid layer 388, preferably comprising water or some other medium capable of removing substantial amounts of heat. In other

words, liquid layer 388 is a quench layer that causes slag layer components in laye. ^,$ ?4 to solidify into solid particulates 387. Particulates 387 are αoduced through conduit 359 into feeder conduit 358 powered by motor 361. Material transferred by feeder 358 are taken to a location not disclosed. Additional liquid can be introduced into vessel 344 by means of a valve not shown. Additional molten metal components can be introduced into vessel 314 through fill-plug 370.

It is to be noted that during initial start-up of plant 312, molten metal can be introduced through any of the fill plugs identified by the common number 370.

The precise location of the various layers in each of the zones is determined by the relative pressures present in each of the zones.

Accordingly, changing the pressure of the vapor layer 381 of vessel 314 will change the location of the molten layers in each of the three zones.

Having discussed vessel 314, let us now discuss vessel 316 which comprises some of the same items as that in vessel 314 and 315, at least with respect to pressure control. Molten metal from vessel 314 is transferred through conduit 324 in direction shown by arrow 371 to vessel 315 through inlet 351. Materials entering inlet 351 are ensured stirring from at least two sources. The first source is weir 394 which ensures that there is an indirect flow from inlet 351 to second zone outlet 353. The second source of stirring is the introduction through conduits 377 and 378 of gaseous components. As explained earlier, inlet

conduit 377 for gaseous inputs can introduce oxygen or even hydrocarbon feeds. Inlet conduit for gaseous input 378 can introduce steam or other gaseous components. The gaseous components introduced through these conduits below the molten metal layer 382 in vessel 315 undergo appropriate reactions to be discussed in more detail with respect to an example of this invention. Gaseous components enter the gas phase 383 where they exit through gaseous outlet 339 and insulated chimney outlet 338. The very hot gaseous components within insulated chimney outlet 338 pass through heat exchanger 332 where they indirectly exchange heat with material entering inlet 334 and leaving outlet 336. The gaseous components cooled by heat exchanger 332, then enter conduit 340 where pressure regulator controller 328 maintains pressure within conduit 340 at some desired value. Valve 330 having a set point releases excess gases to maintain pressure within conduit 340 to some desired value. This value is determined by the desired level of material within vessel 315 and also with respect to the desired pressure sought in vapor layer 383. Molten metal circulating from layer 382 passes through third zone outlet 353 into conduit 318 and then into vessel 316. Again, molten metal is stirred by mixing weir 394 having the same number as the mixing weir in vessels 314 and 315.

Molten metal entering third zone recycle inlet 356 mixes in layer 385, then in part exits through third zone recycle outlet means 357 into conduit 322 in the direction of the arrow 371.

Optionally, but preferably gaseous materials, such as ethane and methane are introduced through conduit 396 and valve 398 into inlet for

gaseous components 397. Again, as in vessel 315, the vapor layer 390 of vessel 316 is maintained at a certain pressure by the same pressure controlling system as described with respect to vessels 314 and 315. The same numbers are used for equivalent functioning elements. The molten metal leaving through second zone recycle outlet means 353 enters conduit 322 and then returns to vessel 314 where it enters molten layer 380 through first zone recycle inlet 352. Optionally, but preferably, there is a gaseous flow control means 374 comprising a valve 372 and conduit 375. Each of these is downwardly oriented through wall conduits 322 and 324, respectively. Depending upon the amount of gas injected through conduit 375 either into conduit 322 or 324, the movement of molten metal in the direction of arrow 371 can be either increased or decreased. Clearly introduction of gaseous components into conduit 322 through conduit 375 from a source not shown through valve 372 will tend to increase circulation rates in the direction of arrow 371 within conduit 322. However, introduction of gaseous components into recycled conduit 324 results in a decrease in the circulation rate as indicated by arrow 371 in conduit 324.

Example 18 discusses in detail the rates appropriate for introducing materials through the various conduits just discussed. And also, in Example 18, there is a discussion why the addition of methane and ethane as the hydrocarbon source for generating hydrogen in first-zone 314 will not work in the absence of another component to the feed having a much higher carbon-to-hydrogen content.

Table A tabulates preferred levels of parameters.

Details as to how the apparatus is started up and molten metal is introduced into the system and initially induced to circulate are given in the text relating to Figures 4-9. Shutdown procedures are also discussed and disclosed.

EXAMPLES

Example 1 (Invention Operating on Solvent Deasphalted Bottoms (SDA)) The feed rate is 22.3 tonnes/hour of SDA bottoms. The molten iron circulation is 9,000 tonnes/hour through recycle zone 108 and 1.75 tonnes/hour of hydrogen are emitted through H ₂ outlet 130 and 43.8 tonnes/hour of CO are emitted through CO outlet 132. The results for this and other Examples are shown in Table A.

Example II (Invention with Methane Heat Balance) The procedure of Example 1 is followed except that methane is added to the feed for heat balance. The ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the product gas is approximately 1:1 on a molar basis.

Example 3 (Invention With Steam Heat Balance) The procedure of Example 1 is followed, except that steam is added to the feed for heat balance. The ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the product gas is approximately 1:1 on a molar basis.

Example 4

(Invention With Carbon Dioxide Heat Balance) The procedure of Example 1 is followed, except that carbon dioxide is added to the feed for heat balance. The ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the product gas is approximately 1:3 on a molar basis.

Example 5

(Coal Feed to Invention)

The procedures of Example 1 are followed except that the feed is coal and the approximate molar ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen is 3:1 and that 20,000 Kg/hour (44,000 pounds/hour) of steam are injected through oxidizer feed means 107 along with 10,000 Kg/hour

(22,500 pounds/hour) of oxygen.

Example 6

(Trash Fed to Invention)

The procedures of Example 1 are followed except that the feed is mixed non-metallic trash (largely waste paper) and garbage (largely organic food residue), which is dried by using heat from the process, and the molar ratio of carbon monoxide to hydrogen is approximately 1:1.

Example 7 (Methylene Chloride and other Chlorinated Organics Disposal) The procedure of Example 1 is followed except that the feed is methylene chloride, which has been contaminated and has no commercial value but represents a substantial disposal problem. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen are produced in a molar ratio of approximately 1:1.5. To neutralize the chlorine and avoid toxic emissions, 2 pounds of slaked lime CaO per pound of methylene chloride is added near the top surface of feed zone liquid level 116 and oxidizing zone liquid level 118, and 2.5 pounds of slag per pound of methylene chloride is permitted to flow outward through an outlet (not shown) which skims the surface of feed zone liquid level 116 and oxidizing zone liquid level 118. The slag comprises largely CaCl ₂ .

Example 8

(Invention with Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis)

As shown in Figure 3, Example 1 is continued and some of the carbon monoxide produced is mixed with steam 66 reacted to produce

C0 ₂ + H ₂ in water-gas shift reactor 60. The carbon dioxide is separated from hydrogen in C0 ₂ removal closed vessel 102. This hydrogen and

hydrogen from H ₂ outlet 130 are mixed with the remaining CO. Then the syngas 62 is reacted in Fisher-Tropsch reactor 64 to produce Fisher-Tropsch liquids 68. The Fischer-Tropsch liquids comprise naphtha, kerosene, and diesel fuel. By varying conditions of the Fischer-Tropsch process according to well-known techniques, the product distribution may be varied to favor naphtha or diesel, at will.

Example 9

(Invention with Fischer-Tropsch and Boudouard)

When the process of Example 6 is repeated, the C0 ₂ by-product from water-gas shift reactor 60 is fed to zone 106; it reacts with carbon dissolved in the molten metal to form two moles of CO for each mole of C0 ₂ fed to zone 106.

TABLE A

Example 10 (Circulation) An example of circulation is given as follows:

1. The internal diameter of both conduit 213 and 215 is 12 inches. The equivalent flow length of each of these conduits is 150 feet while the vertical distance from the bottom of the inlets to the bottom of the outlets of each conduit is 30 m (100 feet).

2. The rate of carbon dissolving in the first zone is 15224 lbs/hr. The temperature of the first zone is 1300° C, the temperature of the second zone is 1600° C. The carbon content of the first zone is 4.5% while the carbon content of the second zone is 3.68%. This results in a density of (436.8 lb/foot ³ ) and a viscosity of 9 centipoise for the first zone and a density of 422.2 lb/foot ³ and a viscosity of 6 centipoise for the second zone. For the densities and vertical separation stated above, the pressure differential that results to produce flow is approximately 0.7 Kg/cm ² (10.0 psi).

3. To dissolve 6905 Kg/hr (15,224 lbs/hr) of carbon in the first zone when the inlet carbon concentration in the molten iron is 3.68 wt% and the outlet carbon concentration in the molten iron is 4.00 wt%, an iron circulation rate of 2,166,000 Kg/hr (4,776,000 lb/hr) is required.

4. The pressure drop in conduit 215 due, to friction of flow is approximately 0.21 Kg/cm ² (3.1 psi) while the pressure drop in conduit 213 due to friction of flow is approximately 0.22 Kg/cm ²

(3.2 psi). This shows that more pressure differential is available for flow than is required by the two conduits. The temperature in the second zone could be reduced or the temperature in the first zone increased to yield the desired flow rate or the system operated at a slightly higher iron circulation rate without changing the temperature of either zone.

An example of typical operation is given as follows: 1. Fifteen tons per hour of coal having the following composition are fed to the first zone:

2. At this feed rate the following limestone addition rate is required to remove the sulfur contained in the incoming coal without exceeding a CaS level of 20%:

3. With these addition rates, the following gas flow and composition excluding the flow and composition of gas that is used to pneumatically transport the solids in conduit 226 is produced and exits from conduit 225: Gas Leaving Vessel

Consistent with a material balance, the additional amount of carbon leaving the first zone over that coming into the first zone from the second zone is: 6906 Kg/hr (15244.4 lbs/hr) or 1269.2 mol/hr

The quantity and composition of slag leaving the first zone is as follows:

Species Leaving Vessel in Slag mol wt. mol/hr mol% Kg/hr lb/hr wt%

CaS 72.14 36.49 18.3% 1194 2632 20.0%

CaO 56.079 61.03 30.6%o 1552 3422 26.0%

SiO2 60.084 78.87 39.5% 2149 4738 36.0%

A1203 101.96 23.24 11.6% 1074 2369 18.0% Total 199.63 100.0% 5970 13163 100.0%

The quantity and composition of cryogenic oxygen and the quantity of steam added to the second zone are as follows: Ox en Fed to Lower Vessel

The quantity and composition of gas leaving the second zone is as follows:

Total 1659.0 100.0% 16630 36663 100.0%

Example 11

(Invention with Cooling Jacket) A variation of this invention consists in installing a cooling jacket between the refractory and the steel wall of all or part of the system. The cooling rate could be adjusted so that a layer of solidified slag or iron would form on the inside wall of the refractory to prevent or reduce attack by slag or molten iron. Such an arrangement can be particularly useful in areas where molten slag contacts refractory.

Example 12 (Invention with Coal Carbonization)

A variation of this invention consists in using it in conjunction with a coal carbonization process. Coal carbonization destructively distills volatile hydrocarbons from coal leaving a nonvolatile residue of coke which is sometimes referred to as char. Char is primarily carbon and ash. The char is a carbonaceous feed readily soluble in the molten iron bath of the first zone.

Example 13 (Invention Disposing of Automobile Tires) The invention is fed automobile tires as the carbonaceous feed to the first zone. The tires are preferably reduced in size to 0.6 cm (1/4 inch) or less and injected as with coal. This process would be particularly well suited to handle automobile tires since the steel in the cord and sidewalls would be readily converted into molten iron.

Example 14 (Invention with Hazardous Materials)

The invention is fed hazardous organic chemicals such as dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls, nitriles, polyhalogenated organic compounds, and the like as all or part of the carbonaceous feed. Referring to Figures 4-9, these materials could either be injected beneath the surface of molten metal in zone 1 or injected into the upflow conduit 213, if longer residence time at elevated temperature is desired. At temperatures above 1200° C all hazardous organic compounds rapidly and completely decompose, i.e. chemical bonds such as C-C bonds thermally break. Sulfur, chlorine and fluorine are captured by the slag. Heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead, or arsenic either form an alloy with the molten iron or are captured by the slag.

Example 15

(Invention with Limestone) The invention is fed spent limestone from limestone scrubbers as all or part of the source of the slag components, e.g. the calcium fed, to the first zone of Figure 9. Spent limestone from limestone scrubbers

seldom contains more than 10% sulfur and at least 80% of the calcium present is either calcium oxide or calcium carbonate.

Example 16 (Invention with Baffles)

A variation of this invention is to add baffles made of refractory similar or identical to the lining of zones one and two to cause more desirable flow patterns in either the first or second zone of Figure 9.

Example 17

(Invention with Electromagnetic Pump) The invention of Figure 10 used with an electromagnetic pump for primary movement of the molten iron or as a means of controlling the flow rate of molten iron. These types of pumps were developed for circulating liquid metal coolant in breeder reactors in the nuclear power industry. A pump of this type capable of producing a sufficient differential pressure can be used in this application so that the first zone and second zone are or can be at the same or nearly the same elevations. The electromagnetic pump would allow the second zone to operate at whatever pressure is required to produce synthesis gas for downstream processing. Electromagnetic pumps can also be used to retard flow by generating electricity.

Example 18 (Invention Regenerating Slag)

The invention regenerates the slag tapped from the first zone, preferably while still hot to avoid the requirement of reheating, with

steam and perhaps oxygen to convert calcium sulfide in the slag to elemental sulfur, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, or calcium oxide. Part of the slag regenerated in this fashion is preferably returned to the flux hopper 234 to reduce the amount of limestone added. Some of the slag whether regenerated or not is preferably not recycled to avoid any possible accumulation in the slag of unwanted species, such as sulfur, halogen, heavy metals and the like.

Example 19 (Invention Using Supplemental Carbon Feed

Plus Methane as Primary Feed)

This example shows the use of methane (ethane could be substituted) as the sole feed to generate hydrogen without a carbonaceous source supplemental feed. Most of the hydrogen plants disclosed in Figure 10 discloses that: the energy required to disassociate methane (and/or ethane) into carbon and hydrogen, an endothermic reaction, is not balanced by the energy that is released when carbon oxides are produced. This is true because the energy from converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide is usually not efficiently transferred to the molten metal, but instead escapes from the system as part of the heated gases exiting through conduit 338 connected to second-zone 315. Essentially, hydrogen is produced in first-zone 314 and carbon oxides are produced in second-zone 315.

Also shown in this example is the necessity that the circulation rate must be at least 25 pounds of iron for each pound of carbon dissolved

from any feeds introduced into hydrogen plant 312 or hydrogen plant 112 of Figures 2 and 3.

With reference to Figure 10, the following is a brief discussion of steady-state operation of a preferred embodiment of this invention.

The most straightforward way to understand the steady-state operation of the molten metal gasif ier of this invention is to consider the relationship of the various energy and material inputs and outputs of the system.

At steady-state operation, with respect to energy balance considerations, the rate at which hydrocarbons thermally dissociate to hydrogen and carbon (with the carbon dissolving in the molten metal) in vessel 312, the first zone, determines the heat requirement for vessel 312.

This heat requirement is satisfied by the reduction in temperature of the molten metal entering vessel 312. This must be counterbalanced by the exothermic reaction of carbon dissolved in the molten metal in vessel 314 being oxidized to carbon monoxide. The exothermic reaction in vessel 314 is accommodated by the molten metal leaving at a temperature higher than its entering temperature. For the entire system to remain at steady-state several simultaneous requirements must balance.

First, the net heat requirements in vessel 312. Any system heat losses and the heat required to heat all of the feeds to the system to its operating temperature must be balanced by the heat released in vessel 314.

Second, the rate of molten metal circulation must be such that the difference in carbon concentration between entering and leaving molten metal multiplied by the mass flow rate of molten metal is equal to the net carbon feed rate to vessel 312. Molten iron has a maximum carbon solubility of approximately 4.2% by weight at 1200° C. At higher carbon contents the melting point of the iron carbon solution increases rapidly. At approximately 6% by weight no more carbon is soluble at any temperature. The minimum carbon content which would result if all of the carbon entering vessel 314 were oxidized is 0. While 0 represents the extreme lower limit the actual practical limit is somewhat higher. This limit will be discussed later. This means that the minimum molten metal circulation rate is 23.8 Kg (l/(.042-0) or 23.8 Kg) of molten metal per kilogram of carbon.

Third, the density differences in conduits 322 and 324 must be sufficient to establish and maintain the desired circulation rate of molten metal. The density difference between conduits 322 and 324 results in part from temperature difference, from difference in carbon content and from the gas content of the molten metal in each of the two conduits.

If sulfur or other undesirable contaminants are percent in the feed the sulfur will form hydrogen sulfide and exit with the gas leaving vessel 314. For most uses the hydrogen sulfide is unacceptable. In most applications where it is present in refinery streams it is removed by special absorption systems. With the instant invention it is possible to add certain fluxing compounds which contain calcium carbonate or calcium oxide. The fluxing compounds form a layer of molten slag which

floats on top of the molten metal. The calcium contained in the fluxing compounds reacts tohform calcium oxide at the temperature of vessel 314. Calcium oxide reacts with sulfur in the molten metal forming calcium sulfide which remains in the slag layer. Higher carbon contents in the molten metal favor the reaction of sulfur in the molten metal reacting with the slag layer. Flux and slag may be periodically or continuously added and or withdrawn.

Because the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon increases as the carbon number of paraffin gases decreases the endothermic heat required per mol of carbon is highest for methane and next highest for ethane. More heat is required by the endothermic heat of reaction for the dissociation of methane and ethane than is produced by the combustion of the carbon contained in them to carbon monoxide. It is not possible to realize the heat generated by reacting the carbon to carbon dioxide because when carbon monoxide forms it rapidly exits the molten metal bath. If sufficient oxygen is present to allow the formation of carbon dioxide this formation occurs in the gas space 383 above the molten metal layer and does not heat the molten metal. The primary result of oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide is to increase the temperature of the gas leaving vessel 314. It is not practical to heat the incoming streams above 815° C (1500° F) due to heat exchanger material limitations. It is unlikely that a higher temperature in the exit gas would be of much benefit.

A critical feature of the instant invention is that when gaseous feeds to vessel 314 do not have sufficient carbon to allow the system to

operate in heat balance, high carbon content feeds such as solvent deasphalted pitch are added with the gaseous feeds so that the system is in heat balance. If excess high carbon containing feeds are added in the feed, steam is added to vessel 315 to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide, an exothermic reaction, to keep the system in heat balance.

The pressure in vessel 314 may range from just over atmospheric pressure (14.7 psia) to in excess of 400 psia. The upper pressure is not limited by any major consideration except the economic balance between the extra cost of higher pressure rated vessels compared to the savings in compression cost realized by producing hydrogen at a higher pressure. At a pressure greater than 400 psia the chemical equilibrium between methane, hydrogen and carbon results in the hydrogen purity in the gas leaving vessel 314 dropping below 95% when the temperature in vessel 314 is 1370°C (2500°F).

Operating temperature is constrained by the limits of the refractory linings in vessels 314, 315, and 316 and the increase in heat loss as the temperature increases. The combination of high temperature, high feed rates and high molten metal circulation rates result in more rapid erosion rates for the refractory linings. Heat exchange of the feed gases in vessel 314 and the oxygen and steam in vessel 315 with the hot exiting gases is desirable. Feed - effluent heat exchange is constrained by the cost of heat exchange equipment on the one hand and the savings resulting from greater thermal efficiency on the other. Molten metal circulation rates must be at least 24 Kg molten metal/Kg carbon (24 lbs

molten metal per lb carbon). The most desirable circulation rate is in the range of (100 to 1,000 lbs molten metal per lb carbon).

Referring to Figure 10, the following details illustrate the above concepts with specific operating conditions. For this case the feed consists of pure methane. This is in no way intended to limit the range of hydrocarbon feeds which can be processed but rather is chosen for illustrative purposes. The feed rate chosen is 16 grams per hour. This is approximately the molecular weight of methane in grams, a rate of 16 tones per hour could have just as easily been chosen. Approximately 4 grams of the methane form hydrogen, the balance, 14 grams form carbon which dissolves in the molten metal. For the purposes of this example the feed methane is heated to 760° C by heat exchange with the hydrogen exiting vessel 315. The heat necessary for the endothermic reaction described above and the heat necessary to raise the methane to reaction temperature, in this case 1250° C, is approximately 72,000 cal. In the second zone 316, the 12 grams of carbon are oxidized to carbon monoxide by oxygen which has been heat exchanged with the exiting carbon monoxide to 760° C. The heat produced by this reaction less the heat necessary to heat the oxygen to operating conditions, in this case

1291° C, is approximately 62,000 calories. Additional heat loses in the system are dependent on the particulars of the system. In this example a value of 10,000 calories will be used.

The system is not in heat balance because 72,000 calories are required in vessel 15, 10,000 calories are lost by the system and only 62,000 calories are produced in vessel 316. The deficit is approximately

20,000 calories. By adding an additional 13 grams of high carbon content feed to vessel 344, 15,000 calories of heat are required in vessel 314, however, 62,000 additional calories are generated in vessel 316 resulting in an excess of heat. This allows a quantity of steam to be added to vessel 316 resulting in an endothermic reaction of steam with carbon to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The rate of steam addition can be varied to keep the system in heat balance.

When flux is added to vessel 314, additional heat is required to heat the flux to operating temperature. The rate of flux addition is determined by the feed rate of high carbon content material multiplied by its sulfur content and by the efficiency of the slag in reacting with sulfur. As more flux is added to vessel 314 less steam is added to vessel 316 to keep the system in heat balance.

MODIFICATIONS Specific compositions, methods, or embodiments discussed are intended to be only illustrative of the invention disclosed by this specification. Variations of these compositions, methods, or embodiments are readily apparent to a person of skill in the art based upon the teachings of this specification and are therefore intended to be included as part of the inventions disclosed herein.

Reference made above to any other specification or literature is intended to result in such patents or literature being expressly

incorporated herein by reference including any patents or other literature references cited within such patents. What is claimed is: