US 11,807,531 B2
Method and apparatus for processing of materials using high-temperature torch
Clifton T. Knight, Kemah, TX (US); Arthur R. DiNicolantonio, El Lago, TX (US); Erik M. Howard, Seguin, TX (US); Darrell Poteet, Houston, TX (US); and Richard C. Stell, Houston, TX (US)
Assigned to KNIGHTHAWK ETEC, INC., Houston, TX (US)
Filed by KNIGHTHAWK ETEC, INC., Houston, TX (US)
Filed on Jul. 9, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/505,920.
Prior Publication US 2021/0009412 A1, Jan. 14, 2021
Int. Cl. C01B 3/36 (2006.01); B01J 6/00 (2006.01); B01J 12/00 (2006.01); B01J 4/00 (2006.01)
CPC C01B 3/363 (2013.01) [B01J 4/002 (2013.01); B01J 6/008 (2013.01); B01J 12/005 (2013.01); C01B 2203/0255 (2013.01); C01B 2203/0272 (2013.01); C01B 2203/0415 (2013.01); C01B 2203/1241 (2013.01); C01B 2203/1247 (2013.01); C01B 2203/1258 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for processing input material, comprising:
a hydrogen torch reactor vessel defining a combustion zone;
the hydrogen torch reactor vessel having at least one input for a combustible torch fuel to at least one torch nozzle, the at least one torch nozzle being adapted to generate at least one non-plasma flame within said reactor;
the hydrogen torch reactor vessel further having at least one input port for receiving the input feedstock, the input feedstock being directed proximally to the at least one flame;
the hydrogen torch reactor vessel further having an output for discharging a primary reactor output stream;
at least one cooler coupled to receive the primary reactor output stream and operable to cool the primary reactor output stream and generate a secondary output stream;
a separator, coupled to receive the secondary output stream from the at least one cooler, the separator being operable to further extract at least one gas from the secondary output stream; and
a boiler and a superheater, the boiler and the superheater connected to the hydrogen torch reactor vessel via a steam input line, the steam input line connected to a steam input port to the hydrogen torch reactor vessel.