si

GATE STRUCTURE OF FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR WITH FOOTING

In some embodiments, a field effect transistor structure includes a first semiconductor structure and a gate structure. The first semiconductor structure includes a channel region, and a source region and a drain region. The source region and the drain region are formed on opposite ends of the channel region, respectively. The gate structure includes a central region and footing regions. The central region is formed over the first semiconductor structure. The footing regions are formed on opposite sides of the central region and along where the central region is adjacent to the first semiconductor structure.




si

Method of Forming a Semiconductor Structure Having Integrated Snubber Resistance

A semiconductor structure is disclosed. The semiconductor structure includes a source trench in a drift region, the source trench having a source trench dielectric liner and a source trench conductive filler surrounded by the source trench dielectric liner, a source region in a body region over the drift region. The semiconductor structure also includes a patterned source trench dielectric cap forming an insulated portion and an exposed portion of the source trench conductive filler, and a source contact layer coupling the source region to the exposed portion of the source trench conductive filler, the insulated portion of the source trench conductive filler increasing resistance between the source contact layer and the source trench conductive filler under the patterned source trench dielectric cap. The source trench is a serpentine source trench having a plurality of parallel portions connected by a plurality of curved portions.




si

Method of Producing an Integrated Power Transistor Circuit Having a Current-Measuring Cell

A method for producing an integrated power transistor circuit includes forming at least one transistor cell in a cell array, each transistor cell having a doped region formed in a semiconductor substrate and adjoining a first surface of the semiconductor substrate on a first side of the semiconductor substrate, depositing a contact layer on the first side, structuring the contact layer to form a contact structure from the contact layer, the contact structure having, in a projection of the cell array orthogonal to the first surface, a first section and, outside the cell array, a second section which connects the first section to an interface structure, and forming an electrode structure on and in direct contact with the first section in the orthogonal projection of the cell array, the electrode structure being absent outside the cell array.




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METHODS OF GROWING HETEROEPITAXIAL SINGLE CRYSTAL OR LARGE GRAINED SEMICONDUCTOR FILMS AND DEVICES THEREON

A method is provided for making smooth crystalline semiconductor thin-films and hole and electron transport films for solar cells and other electronic devices. Such semiconductor films have an average roughness of 3.4 nm thus allowing for effective deposition of additional semiconductor film layers such as perovskites for tandem solar cell structures which require extremely smooth surfaces for high quality device fabrication.




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Low Temperature Deposition of Silicon Containing Layers in Superconducting Circuits

Provided are superconducting circuits and, more specifically, methods of forming such circuits. A method may involve forming a silicon-containing low loss dielectric (LLD) layer over a metal electrode such that metal carbides at the interface of the LLD layer and electrode. The LLD layer may be formed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at a temperature of less than about 500° C. At such a low temperature, metal silicides may not form even though silicon containing precursors may come in contact with metal of the electrode. Silicon containing precursors having silane molecules in which two silicon atoms bonded to each other (e.g., di-silane and tri-silane) may be used at these low temperatures. The LLD layer may include amorphous silicon, silicon oxide, or silicon nitride, and this layer may directly interface one or more metal electrodes. The thickness of LLD layer may be between about 1,000 Angstroms and 10,000 Angstroms.




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Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory Structure and Method of Forming the Same

A magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) structure includes a bottom electrode structure. A magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element is over the bottom electrode structure. The MTJ element includes an anti-ferromagnetic material layer. A ferromagnetic pinned layer is over the anti-ferromagnetic material layer. A tunneling layer is over the ferromagnetic pinned layer. A ferromagnetic free layer is over the tunneling layer. The ferromagnetic free layer has a first portion and a demagnetized second portion. The MRAM also includes a top electrode structure over the first portion.




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ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION ASSEMBLY, ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ORGANIC LIGHT-EMITTING DISPLAY DEVICE USING THE ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION ASSEMBLY

An organic layer deposition assembly for depositing a deposition material on a substrate includes a deposition source configured to spray the deposition material, a deposition source nozzle arranged in one side of the deposition source and including deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction, a patterning slit sheet arranged to face the deposition source nozzle and having patterning slits in a second direction that crosses the first direction, and a correction sheet arranged between the deposition source nozzle and the patterning slit sheet and configured to block at least a part of the deposition material sprayed from the deposition source.




si

Side release buckle

A side release buckle includes: a plug; and a socket, the plug including: a base; a pair of legs; and engaging portions, the socket including: a body; an insertion opening; a housing space; engaged portions; and a pair of guide surfaces. The guide surfaces, which are formed on an inner surface of the housing space and extend in an insertion direction of the legs while being opposed to each other, each include: a squeezing portion formed continuously with corresponding one of the engaged portions; and a guiding portion formed between the squeezing portion and the insertion opening. An interval between the guiding portions near the engaged portions is wider than an interval between the squeezing portions near the engaged portions. An inclination angle of each guiding portion to an insertion direction of the plug is smaller than an inclination angle of each of the squeezing portion to the insertion direction.




si

Collapsible retaining structure for body piercing jewelry

Flexible retaining structures for body jewelry and method for their use.




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Watch comprising interchangeable strap connecting means

A watch comprising a watch case with opposite arranged connecting parts in form of two parallel branches for the mounting of a watch strap or cord between said branches, where said watch further comprises at least one generally T-shaped strap or cord connector comprising a spring loaded sliding bar suited for engaging in holes provided in a surface of each branch facing each other, said T-shaped strap or cord connector further comprises a cord receiving opening being arranged opposite to the spring loaded sliding bar and being an opening adapted to receive a cord having generally round or polygonal cross section, said cord at a first end and a second end being provided with interacting locking parts.




si

Snag resistant slide fastener

Embodiments herein provide modified slider bodies with one or more features such as an elongated spring cap, a protrusion on the bottom plate and/or plate coupler of the slider body, and/or vertically offset side rails. These features may minimize introduction of loose fabric, such as the lining of a lined garment, into the tape slot of the slider body, thereby help reduce jamming of the slider body during operation of the slide fastener.




si

Side-loading quadrant deadend clamp assembly

A clamp assembly includes a body member having a cable groove formed therein to receive a cable. A keeper is connected to the body member and has a lower surface adapted to engage the cable received in the cable groove. A biasing member is disposed between the keeper and the body member.




si

Profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers and composite part comprising a profiled retaining section

A profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers includes an upper region, a center region and a lower region forming at least one anchor. The upper region is designed as a piping, or in the manner of a piping, for protruding over a visible side of the skins to be positioned. The center region includes two sides to be sewn to the decorative layers. The anchor is designed to be introduced in a groove having a lesser width than the anchor itself and to exert a force on the groove in the lateral direction. The upper region, the center region and the anchor are integral with each other and arranged in the vertical direction relative to each other. Also described is a composite part that uses the profiled retaining section.




si

Vital signs monitor




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Support for an infusion line connected to an infusion pump




si

Funeral urn system and method of using same

A funeral urn system comprising: a funeral urn defining an urn proximal attachment and a substantially opposed urn distal attachment, the funeral urn including an urn body defining an ashes receiving cavity and an urn aperture leading into the ashes receiving cavity, the funeral urn also including an urn cap selectively securable to the urn body in register with the urn aperture to seal the ashes receiving cavity; and a spear head cap, the spear head cap defining a cap proximal attachment and a substantially opposed cap distal end section tapering in a direction leading away from the cap proximal attachment. The urn proximal and distal attachments are configured and sized to be selectively attachable respectively to the urn distal and proximal attachments of another urn similar to the funeral urn. The urn distal attachment is configured and sized to be selectively attachable to the cap proximal attachment.




si

Method to improve the appearance of a corpse and new thanatocosmetic compositions

The present invention relates to a method to improve the appearance of a corpse by means of the application of specific thanatocosmetic compositions. The invention also relates to the new compositions and to their use in thanato-aesthetics.




si

Positioner

In one embodiment of a positioner, two opposing end beams may be cooperatively engaged with two opposing side beams. A first lowering unit may be cooperatively engaged with either a first end beam or first ends of the two opposing side beams. A second lowering unit may be cooperatively engaged with either a second end beam or second ends of the two opposing side beams. Legs and leg extensions may be cooperatively engaged at either end of either end beam, and pads may be placed on the distal ends of each leg extension. Actuators corresponding to each leg and leg extension may be in communication with a control unit to control the position of each actuator. Lateral extensions may be engaged with each end beam.




si

Critical point drying systems and methods for in situ tissue preservation

Methods and systems for preserving tissues in situ using critical point drying are disclosed. Such methods and systems are particularly applicable to the preservation of a deceased body, such as a deceased person or animal, with or without removal of internal tissues or organs. A fixative can be perfused through the vascular system of the body while blood is removed from the body. The exterior of the body can also be immersed in a bath of fixative. The fixative in the vascular system and the bath can be replaced by subsequent washes of buffer, de-ionized water, and/or alcohol. The alcohol-infused and fixated body can be disposed in a pressure chamber and subjected to a critical point drying process using carbon dioxide. After the critical point drying process, the body is in a preserved state.




si

Arrangement for a meter cabinet, distribution cabinet, switch cabinet or empty housing

An arrangement is disclosed for a meter cabinet, distribution cabinet or empty housing, including a frame and a door, wherein the frame can carry a door and the door is attached pivotally to the frame on its hinge side. The door may be aligned in relation to its frame quickly and without problems, with an adjustment device for aligning the door in the closed condition, the adjustment device being associated with the frame.




si

Device to assist the opening of a covering element pivotably mounted relative to an edge of a frame

A device is provided to assist the opening of a covering element pivotably mounted relative to an edge of a frame. The device includes an assistance cylinder (6). The assistance cylinder (6) includes a hollow shaft (7), a guide pin (10) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) and comprising at the end thereof opposite the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) a yoke (11), a spring (13) inserted in the hollow shaft (7) surrounding the guide pin (10) and mounted pre-stressed when unloaded between the end wall (4) of the hollow shaft (7) and the yoke (11) of the guide pin (10), and a screw (14) secured to the end of the guide pin (10) and engaging with the end wall (8) of the hollow shaft (7) for keeping the pre-stressed spring (13) in the released state thereof. The invention is useful in the field of road systems.




si

Image forming apparatus having pivotable casing

An image forming apparatus includes a first casing, a second casing, an arm, a guide unit, a support part, and an urging member. The second casing is supported on the first casing and configured to pivot relative to the first casing. The arm has a first end portion rotatably coupled to one of the first casing and the second casing and a second end portion slidably coupled to the other of the first casing and the second casing. The guide unit is provided at the other of the first casing and the second casing and configured to slidably guide a shaft. The guide unit includes a first guide and a second guide. The support part supports the first guide such that the first guide is movable toward and away from the second guide. The urging member is configured to urge the first guide toward the second guide.




si

Removable grommet device and method of using thereof

A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. A top structure has a top surface. An aperture having a central axis is positioned interior of the top structure. A sidewall is formed around the aperture and connected to the top structure. The sidewall is positioned substantially perpendicular from the top surface of the top structure. At least two upper protruding structures are connected to the top structure at different locations along the top structure, wherein each of the upper protruding structures extends into the aperture. At least two lower protruding structures extend from the sidewall at different locations along the sidewall, wherein each of the lower protruding structures have a flexing portion extending into the aperture, wherein each of the upper protruding structures are substantially radially aligned with the flexing portion of each of the lower protruding structures, respectively.




si

Hinge in composite material and process for its manufacture

Disclosed is a hinge having a rigid portion integral with a flexible portion suitable to be bent with respect to the rigid portion, wherein the rigid portion has a substrate in a rigid composite material and the flexible portion has a first flexible sheet, wherein a first portion of the first flexible sheet is joined at least partially to the substrate by means of at least one first layer of resin for composite materials, wherein the flexible portion also has a second flexible sheet joined at least partially by means of at least one second layer of resin for composite materials both to the first portion of the first flexible sheet and to at least one second portion of the first flexible sheet which is not joined to the substrate.




si

Mounting ring with extensions




si

ELECTROMECHANICAL-MAGNETICALLY INTEGRATED BRAKING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

The invention relates to an electromechanical-magnetically integrated braking assistance device, comprising an electrical motor, an oil holder, a braking main cylinder, an assistant force generating portion, and a pedal input rod, an absolute displacement sensor or a relative displacement sensor is connected to the pedal input rod; a lead screw is sleeved over the pedal input rod, and a ball nut is sleeved over the lead screw; a ball nut bushing is fixed to the ball nut by being sleeved over the ball nut; a driven gear is fixed to the ball nut bushing by being sleeved over the ball nut bushing; and the electric motor meshes with the driven gear via a transmission mechanism. An end of the lead screw which passes through the ball nut bushing has an aperture, into which a feedback disc is installed; an end of the feedback disc is connected to an end of an output rod which is coaxially arranged with the lead screw inside the assistant force generating portion, and another end of the output rod extends into the braking main cylinder and is connected to a piston of the braking main cylinder.




si

PAD FOR A BICYCLE DISC BRAKE AND DISC BRAKE COMPRISING SUCH A PAD

The invention relates to a pad for a bicycle disc brake, comprising a support frame and an element made of friction-wearing material associated with said support frame. The element made of friction-wearing material comprises a visual wearing indicator, which preferably is defined on an upper portion of the element made of friction-wearing material, more preferably at a side end area of said upper portion. The invention also relates to a bicycle disc brake comprising a pair of pads of the type described above.




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BRAKE DEVICE OF TRANSMISSION

A brake device of a transmission includes a first brake provided in a transmission including an outer cone and an inner cone, a second brake provided at one end of the first brake and operated at the time of a low stage or backward movement, and an elastic body provided between the first brake and the second brake to operate the first brake or the second brake depending on a spring load.




si

VARIABLE DAMPING SYSTEM USING A PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE

A damper assembly includes a housing and rod supported by the housing. A piston assembly is attached to the rod, and is positioned to separate an interior chamber of the housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston assembly includes an annular plate that defines at least one orifice. The orifice interconnects the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber in fluid communication. The damper assembly includes a piezoelectric device that is moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in response to a control signal. When disposed in the disengaged position, the piezoelectric device does not affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice. When disposed in the engaged position, the piezoelectric device does affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice, to adjust a damping rate of the piston assembly.




si

MODIFIED ACTUATOR DESIGN TO IMPROVE LOAD DISTRIBUTION AND DAMPING

The present disclosure provides systems for mitigating brake vibration. In various embodiments, a brake force distribution arrangement may comprise: a member in operable communication with an actuator having at least two contact surfaces such that as one of the at least two contact surfaces moves in a direction of actuation of the actuator the other moves in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the actuator.




si

RAILCAR BRAKE BEAM ASSEMBLY AND RELATED METHOD OF DESIGNING A RAILCAR BRAKE BEAM ASSEMBLY

A railcar brake beam assembly including a brake beam formation having a tension member, a compression member and strut, and with the strut defining an axis for the brake beam assembly. First and second brake head assemblies are disposed to opposite lateral sides of the axis, with each brake head assembly being operably carried by the brake beam formation and includes a guide member extending in a direction away from the axis. The first and second brake head assemblies are generally centered laterally relative to the axis of the brake beam assembly. A distal end of the guide member on the first brake head assembly is disposed a different lateral distance from the axis of the brake beam assembly than is a distal end of the guide member on the second brake head assembly to minimize lateral shifting movements while maintaining adequate clearances for permitting reciprocal moments of the brake beam assembly during application of braking forces. A method of designing a brake beam assembly for a railcar is also disclosed.




si

MATERIALS FOR DAMPED HEATSINK DISK BRAKE ASSEMBLY

A friction disk brake system may comprise a plurality of rotor friction disks and a plurality of stator friction disks. At least one of the friction disks may be a split disk friction disk. The split disk friction disk may comprise a first disk half and a second disk half. A carbon foam damping feature may be located between the first disk half and the second disk half.




si

VARIABLE-DENSITY COMPOSITE ARTICLES, PREFORMS AND METHODS

A metal matrix composite article that includes at least first and second regions, first and second reinforcement materials, a metal matrix composite material occupying the second region of the body and comprising a metal matrix material and the second reinforcement component, a preform positioned in the first region of the body and infiltrated by at least the metal matrix material of the metal matrix composite material. The article further includes a transition region located proximate an outer surface of the preform that includes a distribution of the second reinforcement component comprising a density increasing according to a second gradient in a direction toward the outer surface of the preform.




si

BRAKE PAD ASSEMBLY AND HEAT DISSIPATION STRUCTURE THEREOF

A heat dissipation structure for a brake pad is provided for being assembled to a caliper device. The caliper device includes a caliper body, and the caliper body has a receiving space. The heat dissipation structure includes: a main body, integrally extruded from aluminum and cut to have an ultimate appearance, including a plate body and a heat dissipation portion integrally extending from the plate body, the plate body for being disposed on the caliper body and at least partially extending into the receiving space, when the main body is assembled to the caliper body, the heat dissipation portion is exposed outside the caliper body. A brake pad assembly is further provided, including a heat dissipation structure as described above, further including a brake pad, the brake pad disposed on a lateral face of the plate body.




si

BYPASS FOR A SUSPENSION DAMPER

A vehicle suspension damper comprises a cylinder and a piston assembly including a damping piston along with working fluid within the cylinder. A bypass permits fluid to avoid dampening resistance of the damping piston. A fluid path through the bypass is controlled by a valve that is shifted by a piston surface when the contents of at least one predetermined volume is injected against the piston surface which acts upon the valve. In one embodiment, the bypass is remotely operable.




si

Method for the capture and disposal of carbon dioxide in an energy conversion process

An energy conversion process that exports by-product CO2 at elevated pressure where a fuel gas feed stream is mixed with a reactant stream and additional CO2 is added to at least part of, the fuel gas feed stream, the reactant stream or both through desorption by contacting with a CO2-rich solvent stream in a first stage contactor to produce a mixed feed gas stream and a CO2-lean solvent stream; passing said mixed feed gas stream to a chemical conversion step, where further CO2 is produced; chilling at least part of the products of said chemical conversion step and thereby produce a CO2-lean gas stream; and passing at least part of said CO2-lean gas stream said to a second stage contactor where further CO2 is removed, by absorption, to produce a product gas stream and a solvent stream rich in CO2 from which said CO2-rich solvent stream is subsequently derived.




si

Gasification system flow damping

In one embodiment, a gasification system component, such as a quench unit or scrubber may retain of pool of a cooling fluid for cooling another fluid. The gasification system component includes a flow damping mechanism designed to dampen flow of the cooling fluid, the other fluid, or both, within the gasification system component. The flow damping mechanism may be disposed in an inner chamber formed between a dip tube and a draft tube or disposed in an outer chamber formed between the walls of the gasification system component and the draft tube. The flow damping mechanism also may be disposed between the inner chamber and the outer chamber.




si

Gas generator and processes for the conversion of a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas

A gas generator and process for converting a fuel into an oxygen-depleted gas and/or hydrogen-enriched gas. The gas generator is preferably used for generating protection gas or reducing gas for start up, shut down or emergency shut down of a SOFC or SOEC. The process for converting fuel into oxygen-depleted gas and/or a hydrogen-enriched gas includes combusting the fuel in a primary catalytic burner with an oxygen-containing gas to produce a flue gas with oxygen, combusting or partially oxidizing the flue gas comprising oxygen with excess fuel in a secondary catalytic burner to produce a gas with hydrogen and carbon monoxide, and reducing the trace amounts of oxygen from the gas comprising traces of oxygen and obtaining an oxygen-depleted gas, or reducing the carbon monoxide present in the gas by conversion to carbon dioxide or methane to obtain a hydrogen-enriched gas.




si

Process for purifying solid carboniferous fuels prior to combustion, liquefaction or gasification using a rotary chamber

Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up.




si

Fuel feed system for a gasifier

A method of startup for a gasification system includes assembling a fuel mixture for use by a gasifier at a fuel mixture assembly point, wherein the fuel mixture includes a quantity of particulate solid fuel and a quantity of non-ventable carrier gas. The method includes channeling the fuel mixture through a first conduit to a fuel mixture disassembly system including a non-ventable carrier gas removal apparatus, establishing a substantially steady flow of the fuel mixture within the first conduit, and redirecting the fuel mixture through a second conduit to the gasifier to facilitate gasifier startup.




si

Fuel processing system with temperature-control fluid circuit

An integrated reformer and combustion apparatus for use in a fuel cell system comprises at least one reformer plate (3) at which in use a reforming reaction can take place and at least one combustion plate (1) at which in use a combustion reaction can take place. The plates are arranged in a stack such that the reformer plates (3) and combustion plates (1) are interspersed. The apparatus is arranged such that in use a reforming reaction and a combustion reaction can take place simultaneously, the combustion reaction providing heat for the reforming reaction. A further fluid circuit (19, 29) may be provided in thermal communication with at least one of the reformer unit and the combustion unit so as to allow the temperature of that unit to be controlled.




si

Method and apparatus for fast pyrolysis of biomass in rotary kilns

Described herein are systems and methods for achieving fast pyrolysis of wood and other carbonaceous solids in rotary reactors. Novel heating, feeding and condensing methods result in high oil yields near those currently achieved with more complicated fast pyrolysis systems. High intensity burners are arranged and controlled to produce high heating rates and uniform temperature of the rotating cylindrical walls of the reactors. The feeding system delays the onset of pyrolysis until the solids fall onto the heated kiln walls. The pyrolysis gases and vapors are rapidly withdrawn and quenched with recycled liquids. The first condenser incorporates a clean out nozzle. Char products are readily separated and discharged into a heat exchanger where heat is recovered and used together with heat from reactor flue gas to dry the solids prior to being fed to the reactor.




si

Apparatus and method for rapidly producing synthetic gas from bio-diesel by-product using microwave plasma

Provided are an apparatus and a method for rapidly producing a synthetic gas from a bio-diesel byproduct using microwave plasma, in which, while a plasma flame is generated by a plasma generator and waste glycerin, a bio-diesel byproduct, as fuel, is gasified by being supplied to the generated plasma flame of high temperature, the fuel is supplied in various types to increase the contact time or the contact area with the plasma flame and thus promote gasification thereof and the contents of steam and oxygen supplied and the plasma power are controlled to increase the collection amount of combustible gas and thus allow rapid production of the synthetic gas.




si

Process and system for gasification with in-situ tar removal

The present invention relates to a process and system for gasifying biomass or other carbonaceous feedstocks in an indirectly heated gasifier and provides a method for the elimination of condensable organic materials (tars) from the resulting product gas with an integrated tar removal step. More specifically, this tar removal step utilizes the circulating heat carrier to crack the organics and produce additional product gas. As a benefit of the above process, and because the heat carrier circulates through alternating steam and oxidizing zones in the process, deactivation of the cracking reactions is eliminated.




si

Methods for gasification of carbonaceous materials

The present disclosure is generally directed to process of gasification of carbonaceous materials to produce synthesis gas or syngas. The present disclosure provides improved methods of gasification comprising: adding one or more carbonaceous materials, adding a molecular oxygen-containing gas, adding a methane-containing gas and optionally adding water or steam into said gasifier. This disclosure is also directed to process of production of one or more alcohols from said syngas via fermentation or digestion in the presence of at least one microorganism.




si

Method for producing methane by catalytic gasification of coal and device thereof

The invention relates to a gasifier comprising a syngas generation section, a coal methanation section and a syngas methanation section in the order from bottom to top. The invention also relates to a process for preparing methane by catalytically gasifying coal using such a gasifier. Optionally, the gasifier is additionally provided with a coal pyrolysis section above the syngas methanation section.




si

Tar removal for biomass gasification systems

The disclosed embodiments provide systems for the removal and use of tar from a biomass gasification system. For example, in one embodiment, a biomass gasification system includes a reactor configured to gasify a biomass fuel in the presence of air to generate a producer gas. The system also includes an absorber configured to receive a mixture of the producer gas and tar and to absorb the tar into an organic solvent to produce treated producer gas and a rich solvent mixture containing at least a portion of the tar. The system further includes a recycle line configured to direct the rich solvent mixture to a biomass gasifier.




si

Enhanced plasma gasifiers for producing syngas

A plasma gasification reactor, and process for its operation, with one or both of, first, a quench zone within an upper part of a top section of the reactor and, second, feed ports through a lateral wall of a middle section of the reactor for supplying feed material to a feed bed within the middle section and the feed ports located proximate the feed bed. The quench zone is provided with nozzles for introducing a fluid to reduce the temperature of molten solid bits sufficiently to minimize their sticking within external ductwork. The middle section feed port arrangement assists in more thorough reaction of light particles in the feed material that may otherwise exit with gaseous products.




si

Upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels using a lean fuel gas stream from a pyrolysis step

A method and apparatus for upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels includes subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to a pyrolyzing process, thereby forming upgraded carbonaceous fuel and a flow of lean fuel gases. Auxiliary fuel is combusted in an auxiliary fuel combustor to produce auxiliary fuel combustion gases, and the lean fuel gases are heated with the auxiliary fuel combustion gases. The heated lean fuel gases are combusted in a lean fuel combustor, thereby producing a gas stream of products of combustion, and at least a portion of the gas stream of products of combustion are directed to the pyrolyzer.




si

Solids circulation system and method for capture and conversion of reactive solids

A solids circulation system receives a gas stream containing char or other reacting solids from a first reactor. The solids circulation system includes a cyclone configured to receive the gas stream from the first reactor, a dipleg from the cyclone to a second reactor, and a riser from the second reactor which merges with the gas stream received by the cyclone. The second reactor has a dense fluid bed and converts the received materials to gaseous products. A conveying fluid transports a portion of the bed media from the second reactor through the riser to mix with the gas stream prior to cyclone entry. The bed media helps manipulate the solids that is received by the cyclone to facilitate flow of solids down the dipleg into the second reactor. The second reactor provides additional residence time, mixing and gas-solid contact for efficient conversion of char or reacting solids.