Patent ID: 8915980

Claim:
A process for discharging solids from a gasification apparatus for the production of synthesis gas, in which the solids from the gasification apparatus are directed into a water bath positioned underneath the gasification apparatus, said gasification apparatus having a bottom outlet for solids and being inside a pressure vessel, the process comprising: directing the solids stream or the solids suspension from the water bath housed within the pressure vessel into two or more lock hoppers simultaneously or consecutively by means of a flow divider mechanism comprising a flow divider element and two or more subsequent shut-off devices, the lock hoppers being connected directly or indirectly to the pressure vessel via a flow divider element; feeding the solids stream or the solids suspension from the water bath for collecting the solids formed in the gasifier into the lock hopper or hoppers, where it is subsequently reduced in pressure; separating or connecting the lock hoppers to the liquid in the water bath by means of shut-off devices; and maintaining a continuous solids suspension stream in at least one lock hopper by returning a solids-depleted water stream from the lock hopper connected to the pressure vessel by means of conveyor equipment to the pressure vessel.