Gasification of Coal

Abstract

An improvement in the process for the gasification of a solid fuel wherein the solid fuel is at least partially oxidized at a temperature above the melting point of ash of the solid fuel and at a pressure of 10-200 bar where the resultant synthesis gas is thereafter cooled in the presence of combustion residues of the solid fuel, and the combustion residues are thereafter discharged directly, the improvement residing in carrying out the gasification in a gasification zone disposed vertically over and in fluid communication with a radiation zone comprising cooling surfaces, the radiation zone have disposed at the bottom thereof and in fluid communication with the radiation zone a water containing bath. The radiation zone is cylindrical or conical, widens by 0 to 15 degrees towards the bottom, is made in a finned wall construction with a relation of height to diameter of </=6:1 and comprises cooling surfaces. A jet centrally placed in the radiation zone for introducing synthesis gas and combustion residues from the gasification zone into the radiation zone at a flow rate of 1-30 m/sec. The effluents from the gasification zone are directed into the radiation zone and into contact with the water containing bath, whereby combustion residues are retained by the bath. Synthesis gas can thereafter be removed from the radiation zone and further cooled in a convection chamber. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the process.