Patent · US Expired

Inverted vessel processing method for the production of methane gas

US4157958A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
17References
9Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 17, 1978
Grant dateJun 12, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 17, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E50/30
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacture of combustible gas consisting principally of methane with minor amounts of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen from organic wastes comprising an inverted vessel positioned in a body of water in a matter of such that the water acts as a "liquid door" to trap plant material and gas within the vessel. The combustible gas manufacturing method provided by the apparatus operates at a temperature of about 21.degree. C. to 37.8.degree. C. Under ideal conditions it is possible to produce as much as about 11 cubic foot of gas per pound of organic waste. A moving current of water agitates the organic material and sweeps the waste products from the bottom of the vessel where they may be recovered and used as fertilizer if desired.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.