Anthony John Du

US Patent:

43110045, Jan 19, 1982

Filed:

Oct 26, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/088648

Inventors:

Anthony A. du Pont - Los Angeles CA

Assignee:

Rotoflow Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

F04D 2910

US Classification:

60 3905

Abstract:

A system and method are disclosed for processing an oxygen-containing gas for use in a chemical process producing a generally inert gas. A fluid handling rotor is carried by a rotary shaft for effecting a pressure change in the oxygen-containing gas. A housing surrounds the rotor and the adjacent portion of the shaft. A bearing, axially spaced from the rotor, supports the shaft in the housing for rotation. Lubricant is injected into the bearing and is caused to flow through the bearing and axially toward the rotor. A seal surrounds the shaft intermediate the rotor and the bearing and seals between the shaft and housing. A generally inert seal gas is extracted from the products of the chemical process and injected into the seal under a pressure greater than the pressures within the housing on either side of and immediately adjacent the seal.

US Patent:

41370520, Jan 30, 1979

Filed:

Aug 17, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/825271

Inventors:

Anthony A. du Pont - Rolling Hills CA
Joseph A. Connell - Harbor City CA

International Classification:

C10B 302

US Classification:

48 89

Abstract:

Apparatus and system for producing coal gas from coal, air and water. Pulverized coal is introduced into a rising stream of air and steam in a retort to constitute a fluidized or entrained bed. The coal reacts with the steam and air to form a gas consisting of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, methane and higher hydrocarbons. In some cases the air may be eliminated to produce nitrogen-free gas. In other instances, the production of methane and higher hydrocarbons may be suppressed to produce a gas consisting primarily of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The retort is constructed so that product gas and air may be burned in an annular space surrounding the central reaction column to produce hot flue gas. Steam tubes may be disposed in the annular space so that the steam and air introduced to the central reaction chamber may be super-heated by the hot flue gas. A further annular space or "wet wall" may be provided surrounding the first annular space through which the intake water is passed, so that the intake water may be brought to a boiling point and converted to steam prior to its being introduced into the steam superheating tubes.