DISCUSSION WITH DR. DE SMARLE OF SOCOGAZ
Socagaz is an abbreviation of Societé Cooperative de Gazification Soutterraine. This group is studying underground gasification of coal in a pitching seam (80°) at Bois de Dame near Liége, Belgium. The details of the underground gasification work will be reported by Dr. W.C. Schroeder. Some of the work done on the gasification of a cylindrical block of coke having a passage through the center is mentioned below.
In order to obtain information on the progress of gasification in cylindrical passages, tests have been run on a cylinder of coke bound together with about 10% by weight of cement. The cylinder is 800 mm. in diameter and 3.0 meters high. A passage 60 mm. in diameter passes up through the center. Gasification is started in this center tube and as the gasification proceeds, the diameter of the center passage becomes larger, first at the bottom and then progressively along the length of the internal passage. With cold air, the hot zone moves up the passage at a rate of 3 ft. per hour. The hot zone remains stationary with hot air at 1000-1200°F. and also with cold air at a low velocity.
Tests in this apparatus with oxygen and steam have shown that the 02 disappears as soon as it enters the reactor even when no solid surface is near the entering oxygen stream. Under such conditions oxygen burns combustible gases and the heat released is transferred to the reactor walls.
Dr. de Smaele gave us copies of the results of a few runs in this equipment. Prints of these results have been attached to copies of this report sent to Dr. Schroeder, Dr, Hirst, Dr. Schmidt, and Mr. Perry. If any one else desires these details, they will be furnished upon request.