Char separator and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing reusable fuel wherein the apparatus comprises a support body and a plurality of augers disposed within the support body. The augers may be configured to rotate against a vapor flow to clean carbon char from vapors comprising condensable and non-condensable hydrocarbons. A drive system may be connected to drive and control the plurality of augers. An exhaust system is connected to the support body. A gearbox housing is connected to the exhaust system, wherein the drive system is accommodated in the gearbox housing. A ventilation system is disposed within the gearbox housing. Additionally, a thermal expansion system may be connected to the support body.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . An apparatus for cleaning carbon char from vapors, comprising:
 a support tube including first and second ends;   a plurality of augers positioned in the support tube;   a discharge flange connected to the first end of the support tube;   an exhaust housing connected to the second end of the support tube, including an exhaust port;   a drive system connected to the exhaust housing opposite the support tube, including a gearbox housing and an auger gearbox drive connected to the plurality of augers, the auger gearbox drive configured to drive the plurality of augers; and   a ventilation system disposed between the gearbox housing and the exhaust housing.   
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the support tube comprises a plurality of split tubes. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the plurality of split tubes form a clover geometrical shape. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of augers comprises screw-type conveyer augers each including at least one flight. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the at least one flight of one auger intersects with the at least one flight of at least one of the remaining plurality of augers. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the drive system controls the rotation and timing of the plurality of augers. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the auger gear drive utilizes spur gears to control the rotation and timing of the plurality of augers. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of augers are configured to rotate against a vapor flow to clean carbon char from vapors comprising condensable and non-condensable hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the exhaust port is positioned on a side of the exhaust housing. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the ventilation system comprises a packing seal space or an air gap. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , further comprising a thermal expansion system connected to the support tube, wherein the thermal expansion system comprises an expansion cart connected to the support tube and further supported along an exterior structure, and wherein the expansion cart allows thermal expansion of the support tube while maintaining support of the support tube along the exterior structure. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , further comprising a plurality of support rings disposed at intermediate points along a length of the support tube to facilitate maintaining an outer peripheral shape of the support tube, wherein an inner periphery of each plurality of support rings corresponds to an outer peripheral shape of the support tube. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the support tube is oriented vertically. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the plurality of augers are self-cleaning. 
     
     
         36 . A method for cleaning carbon char from vapors, comprising:
 providing an apparatus for cleaning carbon char from vapors, comprising:
 a support tube including first and second ends; 
 a plurality of augers positioned in the support tube; 
 a discharge flange connected to the first end of the support tube; 
 an exhaust housing connected to the second end of the support tube, including an exhaust port; 
 a drive system connected to the exhaust housing opposite the support tube, including a gearbox housing and an auger gearbox drive connected to the plurality of augers, the auger gearbox drive configured to drive the plurality of augers; and 
 a ventilation system disposed between the gearbox housing and the exhaust housing; 
   receiving a vapor flow comprising condensable and non-condensable hydrocarbons at the discharge flange;   rotating the at least one auger against the vapor flow;   cleaning carbon char from the vapor flow;   discharging a condensed high carbon chain fuel at the discharge flange; and   discharging a favored hydrocarbon chain vapor at the exhaust port.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising controlling a temperature within the support tube to select the favored hydrocarbon chain vapor to discharge. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising controlling an amount of heat rise in the support tube via at least one of an RPM of the at least one auger and an outside insulation of the support tube. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the discharged favored hydrocarbon chain vapor comprises clean reusable fuel. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the step of cleaning carbon char from the vapor flow comprises condensing condensable hydrocarbons on the plurality of augers. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the step of cleaning carbon char from the vapor flow further comprises catching carbon ash on the condensed condensable hydrocarbons on the plurality of augers.