(9d) Novel Warm Synthesis Gas Cleanup for Igcc Systems

For last 15 years, RTI's Center for Energy Technology (CET) has been working with the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop technologies to support DOE efforts in coal gasification for production of electric power and value-added products. A unique technology platform has been developed to remove sulfur and other contaminants from syngas derived from gasification of coal and other carbonaceous feedstocks. This development work not only includes the development of unique materials for removal of various contaminants in the syngas, but also integration of these removal processes into overall integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) system. Compared to existing technologies, these new technologies will reduce capital and operating costs of syngas clean-up significantly. With use of these new processes, the overall thermal efficiency of power generation from coal will be improved, which will also result in lower carbon emissions. Also, coal will be able to replace natural gas as a feedstock for energy-intensive production of commodity chemicals, like ethylene, hydrogen, etc. Overall, this technology package will improve the competitive position of coal gasification versus conventional pulverized coal combustion for power generation. This paper will present the status of technology development efforts (primarily the results of pilot-plant testing with real coal derived syngas at Eastman Chemical) and technical and economic advantages of this technology compared to Rectisol and Selexol processes.