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Oxygen Blown Gasification of Coal Fines--Eltron Research, Inc., 5660 Airport Blvd., Boulder, CO 80301-2340; 303-440-8008
Dr. David R. Peterson, Principal Investigator
Ms. Eileen E. Sammells, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82570
Amount: $499,996
Current technology for oxygen-blown coal gasification requires a cryogenic oxygen plant that is both capital and energy intensive. Catalytic Membrane Reactors (CMRs), which separate oxygen directly from ambient air, would allow for the efficient, spontaneous conversion of coal fines and steam to a valuable chemical feedstock and fuel source. They would also have a lower impact on the environment. A novel process for the oxygen-blown gasification of coal fines, using an advanced CMR system, is being developed. This technology will replace the conventional coal gasifier with a CMR. The CMRs developed during Phase I, using oxygen separated from the atmosphere via the membrane, resulted in spontaneous and complete coal gasification. This membrane-based gasifier was also able to obtain coal gasification production rates up to 17.8 ml/min/cm2 of membrane area. In Phase II, advanced prototype hardware will be designed and fabricated for process demonstration. CMR technology (which involves catalyst, membrane, and reactor design issues) and process operating conditions will also be optimized in order to achieve both efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: CMR technology should make the IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) process more efficient, less costly and more environmentally benign than present technology. Oxygen mediated from the atmosphere, via the CMR reducing-surface, to the coal gasification oxidation-surface should be effective in promoting this process.