(199c) Realistic Impurity Generation Via Coal Gasification

Coal gasification is more efficient and environmentally friendly way to utilize coal than conventional coal combustion systems.  However, there are some disadvantages to using coal as an energy source.  Gasification comprises of many reactions, of which the two primary reactions; pyrolysis and steam gasification are endothermic. During the gasification process, impurities are transformed into gas, liquid and solid phases.  The degrees to which these materials are transformed are dependent upon the impurity type and association in the fuel.  During gas cooling the vapor phases condense and react with other impurities in the gas phase and with heat transfer surfaces such as gas cooling systems.  Likewise, the liquid droplets will solidify into particles. These interactions are important in studying their effect on syngas cooling systems. Previous research¹ has shown that certain impurities have a high potential of condensing in the syn-gas cooler.  The impurities found were lead, germanium, tin, antimony, bismuth, titanium, cadmium, zinc and arsenic.   The focus of this research will be to find ways to mitigate the negative effects these impurities have on syn-gas coolers and hot gas cleanup by designing a small scale, fluidized bed, gasifier and characterizing the product gas through a syn-gas cooling system.