Patent Abstract:
The present application provides a reactor for: converting feedstock material into gases; or disassociating or reforming a chemical compound; and/a a mixture to its constituent elements; and/to other chemical forms, and; finally a heating device. The reactor comprises a heating device for discharging an ionized gas into the reactor, a feedstock feeder for injecting the feedstock material into the reactor, and a shell forming a chamber that encloses a portion of the heating device and a portion of the feedstock feeder. The application also provides a method for converting hydrocarbon material into synthetic gases. The method comprises: providing the hydrocarbon material to a burner inserted into a reactor, a second step of supplying ionized gases into the reactor, and a third step of subjecting the burner to a flame of the ionized gases such that molecules of the hydrocarbon material are dissociated to forming synthetic gas.

Full Description:
[0001]    This application is a national phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application Serial No. PCT/SG2012/000450 filed on Nov. 29, 2012, and claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Singapore Patent Application No. 201108938-0, filed on Dec. 2, 2011 and Singapore Patent Application No. 201205660-2, filed on Jul. 30, 2012, which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present application relates to a reactor. It also relates to methods of making, installing, assembling, disassembling and using the reactor. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Traditional power generation, either in large or small scales, usually occurs in the forms of burning fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and petroleum. These methods typically cause environmental pollution. For example, an Internal Combustion Engine using the petroleum normally releases particulate matters, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, sulfur monoxide and sulfur oxides into the air, which are toxic to human and animals. Although nuclear power plants generate about 13˜14% of the world&#39;s electricity at present, many organizations (e.g. Green Peace International) and individuals believe that nuclear power poses threats to people and environment. Alternative sources, including various forms of renewable energy, generally face the problem of high cost and poor efficiency. Technologies for power generation with high efficiency, less pollution and low cost are much desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A first aspect of the present invention provides a reactor for converting or reforming a feedstock material into gases or dissociating the feedstock material into its constituent elements/molecules (e.g. gas or powder). The feedstock material includes various types of natural or synthetic materials from ecosystem or factories. For example, the feedstock material includes hydrocarbon material of an organic mixture such as human waste, manure, forestry products, agricultural products, and other biodegradable materials. The feedstock material also includes hydrocarbon of non-organic types, having hydrogen or carbon, such as plastics, ammonia, water and hydrogen sulfide. The reactor is further configured to disassociate some chemical waste materials (e.g. hydrogen sulfide H 2 S) into hydrogen gas (H 2 ) and sulfide powder (S). 
         [0005]    The reactor comprises a heating device for discharging an ionized gas or ionized gases into the reactor, a feedstock feeder for injecting the feedstock material into the reactor, and a shell housing forming a chamber that encloses one or more parts of the heating device, and one or more portion of the feedstock feeder inside the chamber. The heating device can provide an initial source of heat for ignition or burning. Often, the heating device is automatically regulated for operation. 
         [0006]    The feedstock material is configured to be disassociated into synthetic gas or particles by flames of the ionized gas. Under a temperature above 2,200° C., the feedstock material, either in a mixture or a single substance form, is split into elemental molecules in forming the synthetic gas, such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), hydrogen gas (H 2 ) and CH (e.g. Methane). 
         [0007]    The heating device is configured to be kept electrically neutral for dissociating the feedstock material. In other words, the heating device neither passes electric currents between its components for ionizing gases, nor discharges electric currents to surroundings (e.g. ambient gases) such that corrosion of the heating device is avoided or minimized. No parts of the heating device is subjected to high voltage or electric current such that the heating device becomes inert to its ambient, in contrast to electrically charged metal parts surrounded by plasma, which occurs in a plasma torch. Life span of the heating device is much extended; whilst the reactor also has low operation cost and requires less maintenance. 
         [0008]    Since the high temperature is generated by the ionized gas(es), no extensive electric field of high voltage is applied inside the reactor. No electrode is exposed to high voltage such that both the heating device and the portion of feedstock feeder (e.g. burner) are not eroded easily. Hence, components inside reactors, including the heating device and the feedstock feeder, can have a prolonged life span for durable operation with stable performance. Inside the reactor, since the feedstock material is disassociated under the high temperature in a limited supply of oxygen, the synthetic gas can be discharged out of the reactor for other applications, such as providing fuel to a boiler. The reactor may produce carbon dioxide gas (CO 2 ), which is carbon neutral as its carbon source is not from fossil fuels. The synthetic gas offers a useful source of energy, which is environmental friendly. When waste material is used as feedstock to the reactor, the waste material is eliminated, which no longer cause pollution to the environment. 
         [0009]    The feedstock feeder comprises a burner (i.e. first burner) hermetically inserted into the chamber, such that the reactor may be operated at a positive pressure (i.e. internal pressure higher than ambient pressure), a negative pressure (i.e. internal pressure lower than ambient pressure) or an ambient pressure. Alternatively, the burner may be inserted into the chamber without the hermetic sealing. One or more components of the burner are made of a material for withstanding high temperature (i.e. above 1,000° C. Degree Celsius). The robust material prevents the burner from being destroyed or deformed for durable and long-lasting operation. For example, the burner can be made of a ceramic material, a metal or a composite material, such as silicon carbide, tungsten, tungsten carbide, tantalum, tantalum carbide, tantalum hafnium carbide, hafnium carbide. 
         [0010]    The burner may comprise internal, external or both types of channels for feeding the feedstock material into the chamber. These channels have predetermined sizes for feeding the feedstock material into the reactor at predetermined flow rates. For example, the burner can have eight channels and each of these channels has a diameter of 0.5 mm (millimeters) for feeding the feedstock material at 1.5 liter per minute. The feedstock material can cool down the burner in the progress of feeding through the channels. 
         [0011]    The one or more components of the burner may include an electrically conductive material such that the ionized gas can raise temperature of the burner markedly when touching the burner with its ionized flames. For example, the burner can be entirely made of Tungsten material whose melting temperature is about 3,422° C. 
         [0012]    The one or more components of the burner can be placed adjacent to the heating device such that the flames of the ionized gases are configured to touch the burner for disassociating the feedstock material. The burner can be elevated to a temperature above 1,000° C. for burners of steel material, 2,200° C. for burners of ceramic materials, or 3000° C. for burners of tungsten material such that the feedstock material passing through the burner is exposed to the high temperature and may be disassociated into the synthetic gas. More advantageously, since the burner and the heating device are placed in close proximity, flames of the heat device can easily wrap around exterior surfaces of the burner such that the burner may be uniformly heated up quickly. 
         [0013]    The burner can alternatively comprise an Archimedean screw feeder and a feedstock propeller coupled together for injecting the feedstock material into the reactor. The Archimedean feeder provides an efficient feeding mechanism for supplying the feedstock material into the reactor. Feeding rates of the Archimedean feeder can easily be regulated by adjusting a rotation speed of a feeding screw of the Archimedean feeder. When required, the feeding screw can be replaced for changing a pitch distance (channel size) between its neighboring teeth and the depth of the teeth. Hence, the Archimedean screw feeder can be adapted to feed the feedstock material with different particle content/size, water content of various viscosities as well as gaseous. The Archimedean screw feeder may be replaced by other similar means for propelling the feedstock material, such as a slurry pump. 
         [0014]    The Archimedean screw feeder comprises a replaceable feeding screw fitted inside a feeding sleeve for propelling the feedstock material between neighboring teeth of the feeding screw. The feeding sleeve may tightly enclose the replaceable feeding screw such that the feedstock material can be completely blocked from entering the reactor when the replaceable feeding screw is held standstill. In other words, the Archimedean screw feeder can also operate as a valve for regulating the flow rate of the feedstock material. Alternatively, either the feeding sleeve, or both the feeding sleeve and feeding screw have teeth such that the feedstock materials can be propelled by the teeth. 
         [0015]    Similarly, one other method is using a tube with inner threads embraced the burner or another method, the burner has inner or outer or both threads embraced by inner or and outer tubing. The tube with threads or the burner with threads turns by a first motor and the feedstock material is fed to the burner. A second motor rotates the burner back &amp; forth (rocks) to prevent over burning if tube with thread is used. It is possible to use a motor to rock the HHO supply tube and thus the flame rocks and the burner remains still if the tube with thread is used. If the burner has thread, then it will be continuously rotated by a motor and HHO flame can be stationary. 
         [0016]    The Archimedean screw feeder and the feedstock propeller may be supported on a wall bracket bearing and a screw bearing respectively for rotating the feeding sleeve, the feeding screw, or both. The bearings permit relatively easy rotation between the Archimedean screw feeder and the feeding sleeve. 
         [0017]    The shell can comprise or incorporate a heat exchanger that is connected to a portion of the shell for cooling the shell. The heat exchanger can be a shell and tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, a plate and shell heat exchanger, a plate fin heat exchanger, or other types of heat exchangers. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger has fins on an exterior surface of the shell such that a refrigerant or coolant flowing over the fins can extract heat away from the shell. The shell is kept at a low temperature (e.g. below about 100° C.) for achieving stable operation of the reactor. 
         [0018]    The reactor may further comprise a slag collector at a bottom side of the reactor for collecting and disposing solid waste (e.g. dust/powder collection). When adopting organic waste mixture as the feedstock material, some elements of the mixture may form a mixture of metal oxides and silicon dioxide. However, the slag can also contain metal sulfides and metal atoms in the elemental form. The slag is discharged periodically out of the reactor during a continuous operation of the reactor. The slag can be used as construction material or industrial raw material. 
         [0019]    The shell may seal the chamber hermetically such that the reactor is configured to operate at negative pressure. Under the negative pressure, since a chamber of the reactor has a lower pressure than its ambient, the ionized gases can easily flow into the reactor without the danger of causing backlash to an ionized gas generator (e.g. HHO gas generator). Alternatively, the reactor can be operated positive pressure such that the pressure inside the chamber is higher than the ambient pressure of the reactor, and the synthetic gas can be easily discharged, collected or burnt at a vent of the reactor for pressure relief. The shell may be open to ambient such that the reactor can operate at ambient pressure (e.g. atmospheric pressure). 
         [0020]    In a preferred embodiment, the reactor further comprises a regulator connect to one or more of the feedstock feeder, the heating device and an exhaust (i.e. an inlet of a gas separator) for controlling molecular disassociation process in the chamber. The regulator includes one or more microprocessors that coordinate the feedstock feeder, the heating device and the exhaust automatically. In one embodiment, the regulator is an industrial computer, which is installed with computer software programs for operating the reactor automatically. 
         [0021]    The regulator may be connected to one or more temperature sensors inside the chamber or on the shell for monitoring an internal temperature of the reactor. The temperature sensors check temperatures at various positions of the reactor such that the shell can be cooled down, whilst the feedstock material can be disassociated at the high temperature constantly. 
         [0022]    The regulator is connected to a feeding valve, a pump or other control/propelling devices on a feeding tube of the feedstock feeder for adjusting flow rate of the feedstock material. The feedstock material may have different proportions of organic content and water content depending variations of the feedstock material. The flow rate of the feedstock material is coordinated with the supply of the ionized gas for controlling disassociation rates of the feedstock material and the production volume of the synthetic gas. The feeding valve may be electrically controlled, having a non-return valve or both. The feedstock feeder may further comprise an electrically controlled pump for pressurizing the feedstock material for feeding. The feeding valve may be replaced by a pump, or other regulating means. 
         [0023]    The regulator may be connected to a discharging valve, a vacuum pump, or suction pump for the exhaust for governing flow rate of the synthetic gas. The exhaust adjusts the output of the synthetic gas such that the synthetic gas burning rate or storage of the synthetic gas is coordinated with the dissociation process of the feedstock material. In short, all processes of the reactor are brought under the control of the regulator for complete automation. 
         [0024]    The present application can provide a gasification device that comprises the reactor and an HHO gas generator. The HHO gas generator is connected to the heating device for supplying the ionized gases. The ionized gases comprise oxygen gas, hydrogen gas and free ions of oxygen and hydrogen molecules (O 2 , H 2 , O −2 , H + , HO − ). In contrast to pure oxygen and hydrogen gases (no electrical charge), the ionized gases can be burnt at a much higher temperature of more than 2,200° C., which is sufficient for disassociating the hydrocarbon material into the synthetic gas. In one preferred embodiment, the ionized oxygen and hydrogen gases (i.e. HHO gas or oxyhydrogen gas) is generated by an electrolysis process in water solution of potassium hydroxide. The potassium hydroxide solution may be replaced by water. Electrodes for conducting the electrolysis process may be charged with continuous supply of constant voltage (e.g. DC) or pulsating direct current. 
         [0025]    The HHO gas generator can further comprise a water tank. The water tank comprises a liquid orifice for receiving water in liquid or gas form, and a gas orifice for releasing the ionized gas. The water tank is connected to reactor such that water from the reactor is received by the water tank for generating the ionized gas, whilst the ionized gas is supplied to the heating device of the reactor. Various parts of the gasification device interact and operate together in a regulated manner. 
         [0026]    The HHO gas generator can further comprise a Direct Current (DC) power supply for supplying an electric current to an anode and a cathode in the water tank. Outputs (e.g. voltage and current) of the DC power supply may be connected to the regulator for regulating production rate of the ionized HHO gas (i.e. oxyhydrogen gas). Any of the anode and cathode can be in the form of parallel metal plates dipped or immersed inside the water solution. The water tank may have a water level indicator or sensor, which is further connected to the regulator for controlling water level inside the water tank. 
         [0027]    The gasification device can further comprise a pressurized gas loop optionally having a reactor portion that is connected to the reactor for absorbing heat from the reactor. The pressurized gas loop contains a working fluid (i.e. refrigerant) that is configured to be circulated around the reactor (e.g. shell) and inside the pressurized gas loop. The working fluid includes chlorofluorocarbons, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, water and non-halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. propane). The pressurized gas loop can utilize phase change of the refrigerant for extracting heat from the reactor effectively. The refrigerant inside the pressurized gas loop is circulated around the repeatedly under a predetermined pressure. In particular, the predetermined pressure is adjustable for regulating heat transfer efficiency. 
         [0028]    The pressurized gas loop can comprise a pressure-to-motion device for outputting mechanical movement, electricity or both. The pressure-to-motion device converts pressure difference between its inlet and outlet to mechanical motion, such as linear translation or rotary movement. For example, the pressure-to-motion device is a piston engine (i.e. reciprocating engine) that converts the pressure difference into a rotating motion. Alternatively, the pressure-to-motion device is a turbine or its variations for providing rotary motion of high speed (e.g. at 1,000 rpm). 
         [0029]    The pressurized gas loop can further comprise a compressor for increasing pressure of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant is converted from gas to liquid phase by the elevation of pressure. Temperature change can also occur after the pressure or phase change. Since the heat exchanger on the shell can operate as an evaporator/boiler, the compressor and the heat exchanger can work together for extracting heat from the reactor via the phase change of the refrigerant, which is effective and efficient. 
         [0030]    The pressurized gas loop can further comprise a heating portion for heating the refrigerant before entering the pressure-to-motion device. For example the heating portion can be exposed to flame of the synthetic gas for raising temperature of the refrigerant at a downstream of the pressurized gas loop. Pressure of refrigerant is further increased for propelling the pressure-to-motion device faster. 
         [0031]    The gasification device may further comprise a hydrogen gas circulation loop for receiving, collecting and converting the hydrogen gas to heat, water, or both. The hydrogen gas is a part of the synthetic gas, which comes from the reactor. The hydrogen gas loop may also transport other types of synthetic gas, such as carbon monoxide gas (CO). The hydrogen gas loop takes exhaust gas of the reactor for heating the refrigerant such that the pressure-to-motion device can generate more energy, such as electricity. In an alternative, the hydrogen gas may be collected for powering a hydrogen fuel cell or for other industrial use. 
         [0032]    The hydrogen gas circulation loop may comprise a gas separator (e.g. scrubber) connecting to the reactor for separating the hydrogen gas from the synthetic gas. For example, in a scrubber, a mixture of hydrogen gas (H 2 ) and carbon dioxide gas (CO 2 ) may be separated by pressurizing the mixture at 5.2 Bar such that the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) becomes liquid for draining away from the hydrogen gas (H 2 ). 
         [0033]    The hydrogen gas circulation loop may further comprise a hydrogen torch which is connected to a hydrogen upstream tube on the gas separator for heating a heating portion of the pressurized gas loop. The hydrogen torch can also burn the synthetic gas of other types, such as carbon monoxide gas. Both the hydrogen torch and the heating portion may be enclosed or surrounded by a case or enclosure for avoiding leakage of the synthetic gas. 
         [0034]    The hydrogen gas circulation loop can further comprise a liquid pump connected to a hydrogen burning chamber of the hydrogen gas circulation loop for circulating water to the water tank. The liquid pump can accelerate the water circulation and/or propel the water to a high level. Hence the components of the gasification device can be more flexibly arranged vertically for providing a compact apparatus. 
         [0035]    The present application also provides an engine for providing electricity or propulsion. The engine comprises the gasification device and an electricity converter connected to the pressure-to-motion device, the power supply, or both. The pressure-to-motion device of the gasification device provides mechanical driving force (e.g. torque) by disassociating the hydrocarbon material into the synthetic gas. The synthetic gas may also be supplied as a fuel, either for pressurizing the working fluid of the pressurized gas loop, or for causing piston motion in an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). The engine can either be installed in a building for supplying electricity to a household, on board for driving a vehicle. 
         [0036]    The present application moreover provides a powertrain for providing locomotion to a vehicle. The powertrain comprises the engine and a transmission connected to the engine. The transmission includes a gearbox, a belt transmission, a chain drive or a combination of any of these. The powertrain delivers motions of related speed and amount to wheels or propellers of the vehicle. The powertrain may alternatively drive an electricity generator for charging an onboard battery of an electric vehicle. 
         [0037]    In the application, the heat exchanger may comprise a filtration system for removing impurities from the pressurized gas loop, which is beneficial for maintaining the pressurized gas loop. Particular, the heat exchanger may comprise a condenser that can covert the working fluid from gas phase to liquid phase. Hence, the working fluid can be repeatedly converted between the gas phase and the liquid phase inside the pressurized gas loop for efficient heat transfer. 
         [0038]    Another aspect of the present application provides a method for converting or reforming a feedstock material (e.g. hydrocarbon material) into synthetic gas. The method comprises a first step of providing the feedstock material to a burner inserted into a reactor, a second step of supplying ionized gasses into the reactor, and a third step of subjecting the burner to a flame of the ionized gases such that molecules of the feedstock material are dissociated in forming the synthetic gas, basic element or compound. The three steps of operation may be coordinated by a regulator (e.g. industrial computer), which adjusts temperature, flow rate and pressure, at various positions automatically and continuously. The method can be implemented by a large factory or by a compact apparatus onboard a vehicle. The feedstock material may be replaced by an organic mixture in liquid or gas phase. 
         [0039]    The step of providing the feedstock material or mixture can comprise a step of pulverizing or grinding a feedstock material/mixture into powder or fluid form for feeding through channels inside the burner. Feedstock material in powder form can be more effectively exposed to a high temperature environment for speedy disassociation. 
         [0040]    The step of providing the feedstock mixture or material may comprise a step of squeezing the feedstock material through the channels. Under pressure, the feedstock material can be uniformly injected into the reactor with a predetermined rate, which is useful for controlling the rate of synthetic gas generation. 
         [0041]    The step of supplying ionized gases can comprise a step of delivering a direct electric current through an ionic substance via an anode and a cathode. In an electrolysis operation, the anode and cathode receive positive and negative charges, whilst the rate of HHO gas generation can be controlled by regulating the voltage, current and pattern of charge (e.g. pulsation) of the direct current. The step of supplying the ionized gas may also be achieved by passing an electric current (e.g. direct current) through water, or water with an electrolyte. 
         [0042]    The step of supplying ionized gases may further comprise step of igniting the ionized gases for generating the flame above 600° C., 1,000° C. or 3,000° C. The ignition may be automatically provided by a piezoelectric lighter or a spark plug such that the disassociation process of the feedstock material can be initiated automatically. 
         [0043]    The step of supplying ionized gases can further comprise step of causing the flame to touch the burner for heating up the feedstock mixture. The flame may enwrap the burner such that the burner can be raised to an extreme temperature (e.g. above 2,200° C.), or even higher. The burner may rotate or move linearly such that different parts of the burner can be sequentially touched by the flame, whilst localized heating is avoided for preventing melted down of the burner. 
         [0044]    The step of providing the hydrocarbon or compound or singular or plural element material may comprise a step of propelling the material between neighboring teeth of an Archimedean screw feeder. A thread of the Archimedean screw feeder can propel the material under regulated speed, whilst cooling the burner. Whilst the material is gaseous, it may just flow by the narrow the gap of space to a lower pressure zone. 
         [0045]    The step of subjecting the burner to the flame can comprise a step of shifting a feeding sleeve of the Archimedean screw feeder under the flames. The shifting action may be carried out by an electric motor connected via a gear transmission. The feeding sleeve can be moved during the process of disassociating the compound material or transferring heat to material that flows through. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0046]    The accompanying figures (FIGS.) illustrate embodiments and serve to explain principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that these figures are presented for purposes of illustration only, and not for defining limits of relevant applications. 
           [0047]      FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram of a gasification device; 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  illustrates a burner of the gasification device; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative burner of the gasification device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0050]    Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present application will now be described with references to the above-mentioned figures. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 1 and 2  provide an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1  illustrates the diagram of the gasification device  20 . The gasification device  20  comprises a reactor  22 , an HHO gas generator  24 , a hydrogen gas circulation loop  26 , a pressurized gas loop  28  and an organic feeder  30 . 
         [0052]    The reactor  22  further comprises a burner  32 , a torch  34 , a slag collector  36  and a shell  38 . The shell  38  forms an enclosed chamber  40  which is hermetic. At a lateral side  42  of the reactor  22 , the burner  32  is placed above the torch  34  with close proximity such that flames  44  of the torch  34  can spread over an exterior surface  46  of the burner  32  when in use. In a longitudinal direction, at a bottom side  48  of the reactor  22 , the slag collector  36  has an inverted cone shape such that a wider opening  50  of the slag collector  36  opens towards top, whilst a narrower opening  52  of the slag collector  36  points downwards. A side opening  54  is connected to the wider opening  50  for discharging slag  56  from the slag collector  36 . On a top side  57  of the reactor  22 , a gas discharge opening  59  is connected to a valve (not shown), opposite to the bottom side  48 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 2  illustrates the burner  32  of the gasification device  20 . The burner  32  has a cylindrical shape and is made of tungsten material having a melting point of −3,422° C. In a longitudinal direction of the burner  32  (see cylindrical axis), there are parallel cylindrical tunnels  58  evenly distributed over a cross-section of the burner  32 . The diameter of the burner  32  is about 10 millimeters (mm), whilst each of the cylindrical tunnels  58  has a diameter of 0.5 millimeters (mm). The cylindrical tunnels  58  open at a front end  60  of the burner  32  inside the reactor  22 , and connect to the feedstock feeder  30  at a back end  62 . The burner  32  is inserted into the reactor  22  on the shell  38 . 
         [0054]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in contrast to the torch  34 , the burner  32  of the reactor  22  is connected to the feedstock feeder  30 . The feedstock feeder  30  has a slurry tank  88  filled with an organic mixture  90 , a feeding tube  92 , a feeding pump (not shown), a feeding valve  93  and a regulator  95 . The feeding tube  92  joins a bottom side of the slurry tank  88  to the back end  62  of the burner  32 . The feedstock mixture  90  contains green waste, food waste, paper waste, and biodegradable plastics that are in a liquid or semi-solid form (e.g. slurry). The feeding valve  93  is connected to the regulator  95  for controlling flow rates of the organic mixture  90 . The regulator  95  is further connected to a temperature sensor  97  on the reactor  22  for controlling reaction rates of the gasification device  20 . Pressure sensors  101  on the pressurized gas loop  28  is further connected to the regulator  95  for process control and monitoring. 
         [0055]    In the reactor  22 , the torch  34  provides a heat and ignition source that can cause the organic mixture  90 , which exits front end  60  of the burner  32 . The flame  44  of the torch  34  can raise temperature of the burner  32  to be more than 2,200° C. such that it can catalyze/disassociate the organic mixture  90  into synthetic gas (syngas)  91  and solid waste (slag)  56 . The synthetic gas  91  includes CO, H 2 , CH, etc. The burner  32  is an electrically conductive material especially those at high temperature that is raised to a high temperature under the flame  44  of the ionized gas (oxyhydrogen gas or HHO gas). The burner  32  further provides conduits  58  for providing an energy source (fuel or feedstock) of the reactor  22 . The shell  38  forms an enclosed chamber  40  such that heat from the burner  32  and the torch  34  is preserved and removed only by the carbon dioxide fluid  116 . The slag collector  36  collects solid waste at bottom. Excess liquid (e.g. water) of the reactor  22  can be discharged via the narrower opening  52  below. 
         [0056]    According to  FIG. 1 , the HHO gas generator  24  comprises a Direct Current (DC) power supply  64 , an anode  66 , a cathode  68 , a concealed water tank  70  partially filled with a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution  72 , and two orifice  74 ,  76  and a liquid pump  84 . The anode  66  and the cathode  68  are connected to opposite ends of the DC power supply  64 , and they  66 ,  68  are partially immersed inside the potassium hydroxide solution  72 . The potassium hydroxide solution  72  in a liquid form fills a lower portion of the water tank  70 , whilst an upper portion of the water tank  70  is filled with HHO gas  78 . The HHO gas  78  differs from a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen gases by having hydrogen and oxygen gases charged with ions (i.e. ionized hydrogen and oxygen gases). A liquid orifice  74  of the HHO gas generator  24  is covered by the potassium hydroxide solution  72 , whilst a gas orifice  76  of the HHO gas generator  24  is exposed above the potassium hydroxide solution  72 , and is located on top of the liquid orifice  74 . The gas orifice  76  is connected to the torch  34  via a tube  82  and a non-return valve  83 , whilst the liquid orifice  74  is connected to the narrower opening  52  of the slag collector  36 . The liquid pump  84  is mounted on another tube  86  that connects the liquid orifice  74  and the narrower opening  52  of the reactor  22 . 
         [0057]    The hydrogen gas circulation loop  26  includes a gas separator  94 , a hydrogen upstream tube  96 , a hydrogen burning chamber  98  and a hydrogen downstream tube  100 , which are sequentially connected. Moreover, an inlet  102  of the gas separator  94 , which is located at a bottom side of the gas separator  94 , is linked to the gas discharge opening  59 . The inlet  102 , which is also an exhaust of the reactor  22 , has a discharging valve  103  for controlling gas flow rates between the reactor  22  and the gas separator  94 . The hydrogen downstream tube  100  is further connected to the narrower opening  52 . A hydrogen torch  104  is interconnected to an exit  106  of the hydrogen upstream tube  96  and inserted into the hydrogen burning chamber  98 . The gas separator  94  further has a vent  108  on its top side and is connected to an interior of the gas separator  94 . 
         [0058]    In the hydrogen gas circulation loop  26 , the gas separator  94  separates the synthetic gas  91  from the reactor  22  such that hydrogen gas  99  is diverted into the hydrogen upstream tube  96 , whilst remaining gases are discharged via the vent  108  for further processing. The hydrogen torch  104  can incinerate the hydrogen gas  99  for generating heat. The oxygen gas is provided from ambient automatically. 
         [0059]    The pressurized gas loop  28  has a copper pipe  110 , a turbine  112  with a pressure regulator  113  and a compressor  114  connected in series. Carbon dioxide fluid  116  fills all of these three components  110 ,  112 ,  113 ,  114 . The copper pipe  110  has a reactor portion  118  and a heating portion  120  serially connected to the turbine  112 . In particular, the reactor portion  118  is inserted into the reactor  22  hermetically and exposed inside the chamber  40 . The heating portion  120  penetrates through the hydrogen burning chamber  98  air tightly. Both the reactor portion  118  and the heating portion  120  have radial fins (not shown) on their external surfaces for facilitating heat exchange. 
         [0060]    In the pressurized gas loop  28 , the turbine  112  serves a pressure-to-movement device that can receive the carbon dioxide fluid  116  of higher pressure at its inlet  122  to rotary motion and discharge the carbon dioxide fluid  116  of lower pressure at its outlet  124 . In contrast, the compressor  114  propels and pressurizes the carbon dioxide fluid  116  that leaves the turbine  112 . In other words, the compressor  114  can convert the carbon dioxide fluid  116  from gas phase to liquid phase. In contrast, the carbon dioxide of liquid phase can be converted from liquid phase to gas phase after passing through the reactor portion  118 . 
         [0061]    When in use, the DC power supply  64  discharges electric current to the potassium hydroxide solution  72  via both the anode  66  and the cathode  68 . Electrically charged hydrogen and oxygen gases  78  (HHO gas) form bubbles on surfaces the electrodes  66 ,  68 . The HHO gas  78  has ions  80  and is highly inflammable. Since the HHO gas generator  24  is hermetically concealed, the HHO gas  78  leaves the HHO gas  78  via the gas orifice  76  and enters the torch  34 . The HHO gas  78  is ignited by a piezo igniter element (not shown) at an outlet of the torch  34  such that the flame  44  wraps around and touches the burner  32  substantially. The piezo igniter element may be replaced by a spark plug. 
         [0062]    The burner  32  is raised to be more than 2,200° C. under the flame  44 . In the meantime, the organic mixture  90  in the slurry form is propelled by a pump (not shown) from the slurry tank  88  to the burner  32  via the back end  62 . The organic mixture  90  cools the burner  32  when passing through the cylindrical tunnels  58 . At the front end  30 , the organic mixture  90  is disassociated into constituent elements such that the organic mixture  90  is converted into the synthetic gas  91  and the slag  56 . The slag  56  is formed by inorganic materials, such as scrap metals and construction waste. In the reactor  22 , the slag  56  is accumulated at the slag collector  36  and discharged through side opening  54 . In contrast, the synthetic gas  91  departs from the reactor  22  and enters into the gas separator  94 . 
         [0063]    In the gas separator  94 , the synthetic gas  91  is separated such that the hydrogen gas  99  goes into the hydrogen upstream tube  96 , whilst the remaining gases escape from the gas separator  94  from the vent  108 . The remaining gases (e.g. CO &amp; CH) are collected by a boiler (not shown) for converting into useful energy or motion. 
         [0064]    The hydrogen gas  99  travels from the gas separator  94  to the hydrogen torch  104  via the hydrogen upstream tube  96 . The hydrogen gas  99  is burnt at the hydrogen torch  104  for heating the fins (not shown) of the hydrogen upstream tube  96 . As a result, the hydrogen gas  99  reacts with oxygen gas taken from the ambient and is converted into water  126  in liquid or vapor form. The water  126  is further condensed or cooled down by the ambient when moving through the hydrogen downstream tube  100 . The discharged water  126  is driven either into the water tank  70 , or out of the gasification device  20 . Water  126 , which is formed inside the chamber  40  is also propelled either into the water tank  70 , or out of the gasification device  20 . 
         [0065]    In the process of forming the synthetic gas  91 , the carbon dioxide fluid  116  is circulated around the pressurized gas loop  28 . In detail, the carbon dioxide fluid  116  in a liquid form is heated up by the atmospheric ambient temperature before the check valve  111  prior to entering the chamber  40  and further heated in the chamber  40  of the reactor portion  118  and evaporated into a gas form. The carbon dioxide  116  in the gas form moves out of the reactor portion  118  and is further heated by the hydrogen torch  104 , with increase in pressure. The carbon dioxide gas  116  of high pressure pushes blades/rotor (not shown) of the turbine  112  to rotate for generating electricity and/or mechanical motion. The pressure regulator  113  controls the carbon dioxide pressure to the turbine  112  for speed and power regulation. In automatic function, regulator  95  controls pressure regulator with other sensors feedback. An electricity converter  128  is connected to the turbine  112  for receiving energy input and providing electricity for supplying the DC power supply  64 . In the meantime, the turbine  112  can be connected to a gearbox (not shown) of a vehicle  130  for transportation. 
         [0066]    In the gasification device  20 , the turbine  112  can alternatively be replaced by a piston pump when dealing with high pressure. The piston pump can still provide mechanical motion for generating the electricity and a drivetrain of the vehicle. In the HHO gas generator  24 , the DC power supply  64  can either provide stable direct current discharge or pulsating direct current discharge for generating the HHO gas  78 . potassium hydroxide solution  72  may be replaced by water free from potassium hydroxide, such as tap water. The feedstock feeder  30  can include a grinder such that organic feeding stocks (e.g. municipal solid waste, organic waste) may be pulverized for feeding through the cylindrical tunnels  58  smoothly. The gasification device  20  can also perform pyrolysis process for decomposing organic material at elevated temperatures without the participation of oxygen, such that the gasification device  20  may be alternatively known as a pyrolysis device. The gasification device  20  can also be used as a reformer for other chemical process. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3  provides another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  shows parts that have reference numerals similar or identical to those of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Description of the corresponding parts is therefore incorporated by reference. 
         [0068]    In particular,  FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative burner  140  of the gasification device  20 . The alternative burner  140  has an Archimedean screw feeder  168  and a feedstock propeller  170  that are coupled together. 
         [0069]    The Archimedean screw feeder  168  further comprises a feeding sleeve  142 , a feeding screw  144 , a screw holder  146 , a wall bracket  148  and a wall bracket bearing  150 . The feeding screw  144  is contiguously inserted into the feeding sleeve  142 , whilst the feeding sleeve  142  is snugly slotted inside an opening on the wall bracket  148 . The feeding sleeve  142  is cylindrical and made of silicon carbide (SiC) material. The wall bracket bearing  150  is tightly held between the wall bracket  148  and the screw holder  146  such that the wall bracket  148  and the screw holder  146  can rotate with respect to each other around a rotary axis of the wall bracket bearing  150 . 
         [0070]    The feedstock propeller  170  further comprises a screw handle  152 , a screw bearing  154 , a motor bracket  156 , a screw joint  158 , a feeding motor  160 , a (feeding) motor casing  161 , a roll motor  162 , a driving gear  164  and a driven gear  166 . The screw handle  152  is attached to an end of the feeding screw  144  and a shaft of the feeding motor  160 . The screw bearing  154  is firmly seized between the motor bracket  156  and the screw handle  152 . Both the motor bracket  156  and the feeding motor  160  are enclosed by and affixed to the motor casing  161 . The roll motor  162  is attached to the wall bracket  148 . The roll motor  162  includes a motor shaft  163 , which is inserted into the driving gear  164 . In contrast, the driven gear  166  is fixed onto the screw holder  146 , whilst the driving gear  164  meshes with the driven gear  166 . 
         [0071]    When in use, the organic mixture  90  is poured into a receptacle  147  of the screw holder  146 . Since the feeding motor  160  causes the feeding screw  144  to rotate via the screw joint  158  and the screw handle  152 , the organic mixture  90  is squeezed by threads  149  of the feeding screw  144  and moves forward towards a discharge opening  172  of the Archimedean screw feeder  168 . In the meantime, the feeding sleeve  142  rotates continuously clockwise and anticlockwise (back and forth), whilst the feeding sleeve  142  is rolled continuously by the roll motor  162 . In a feeding process, the organic mixture  90  is propelled between neighboring teeth of the feeding screw  144  and ejected out of the discharge opening  172 . Since the flames  44   a ,  44   b  touch the feeding sleeve  142  and raise its temperature to above 2,200° C., the organic mixture  90  is decomposed under the high temperature in forming the synthetic gas  91  or reformed compound in the reactor  22 , which are basic forms of materials made of fundamental constituent elements/molecules. Both the feeding motor  160  and the roll motor  162  are connected to control unit (not shown) of the reactor  22  such that the rotation range and speed of these motors  160 ,  162  are precisely regulated. When rotating, the wall bracket bearing  150  and the screw bearing  154  provide stable support to parts of the burner  140  for operation under high temperature. Rotary torque of the feeding sleeve  142  is provided from the roll motor  162 , via the motor shaft  163 , via the driving gear  164 , via the driven gear  166 , via the motor bracket  156 , to the feeding sleeve  142 . In contrast, rotary torque of the feeding screw  144  is transmitted from the feeding motor  160 , via the screw joint  158 , via the screw handle  152 , to the feeding screw  144 . 
         [0072]    In the alternative burner  140 , the meshing between the gears  164 ,  166  may be replaced by friction engagement between mechanical parts or a chain drive. The silicon carbide may also be replaced by other materials that can withstand extreme high temperature. 
         [0073]    In the application, unless specified otherwise, the terms “comprising”, “comprise”, and grammatical variants thereof, intended to represent “open” or “inclusive” language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, non-explicitly recited elements. 
         [0074]    As used herein, the term “about”, in the context of concentrations of components of the formulations, typically means +/−5% of the stated value, more typically +/−4% of the stated value, more typically +/−3% of the stated value, more typically, +/−2% of the stated value, even more typically +/−1% of the stated value, and even more typically +/−0.5% of the stated value. 
         [0075]    Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments may be disclosed in a range format. The description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed ranges. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. 
         [0076]    It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the application will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5