Method and apparatus for separating gases and solids during the carbonization of coal

A device for separating gases and solids, particularly coal dust, during the carbonization of coal, particularly predried and preheated fine coal in coke ovens arranged in a battery which includes a standpipe extending upwardly from the top of the battery having a bend extending from the top of the standpipe downwardly into a collecting main, comprises, a vertically extending standpipe which extends upwardly from the top of the battery and has a bend at the top thereof extending outwardly and downwardly from the top and which includes a longitudinally extending collecting main connected into the lower end of the bend with a solids discharge line overlying the bend and extending substantially parallel to the collecting main. The solids matter discharge line includes a connection extending downwardly into the bend. Means are provided for spraying a liquid into the bend over the collecting line and the solids matter discharge line includes a shutoff control in the connection to the bend. Exhauster means are connected to the solids matter discharge line for exhausting the gases enriched with the solids to a combustion furnace where they are burned. The combustion furnace may be one which heats water to form steam which is supplied back into the collecting line. Some of the solids which are removed are directed to a cyclone separator where coal dust is separated therefrom and the gas is returned to the collecting line. With the method of the invention, the bend is selectively connected to the solids matter discharge line so that gases containing solids are withdrawn therefrom and part of them are directed to a separator to remove the coal dust solids and to return the gases to the collecting main and other parts are directed to the furnace for burning therein.