Gasification of solid fuels - using a vibration mill as reactor to simplify process and increase output

Gastification of solid fuel is carried out in a vibration mill during the milling process, with the gasifying agent (air, O2, steam or CO2) passed through in countercurrent to the fuel (e.g. coal). The process is simplified by a redn. in the number of stages and amount of equipment. The mechanical action increases the reactivity of the coal, allowing a reduction in gasification temp. and requirement of O2 and steam, giving product gas contg. less inert gas. The counter-current gas flow allows the heat of the product gas to be used directly to pre-heat the coal, which also removes dust from the gas. Reduced slag formation leads to a stabilised process, and eases the generator lining problem. By circulating the milling bodies as heat carriers, amount of O2 and/or air to maintain the process temp. is reduced.