WESTINGHOUSE PLASMA GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

摘要

This paper will present information regarding the application of plasma technology togasification of fossil/organic fuels. It will include results from two decades of testing at theWestinghouse Plasma Center pilot plant in Madison, PA, as well as demonstration plant resultsincluding data on various feed materials, synthesis gas composition, plasma energy requirements,emissions (NOx, SOx, dioxin/furans, etc.), and non-hazardous glassy slag residue. Further,physical features of the Westinghouse Plasma Gasification Reactor design will be discussed suchas: ambient pressure operation, low reactor gas velocity and particulate carryover, expectedrefractory life, feed flexibility, plant retro-fit installation, plasma torch system maintenancerequirements, PLC control system, interface with steam boiler or combined cycle balance ofplant, etc.In view of the increases in natural gas prices, as well as the electricity shortages that aredeveloping, Westinghouse Plasma Corporation engineers have recently investigated theapplication of their plasma technology to gasification of coal. The paper will describe their initialconclusion that the Westinghouse Plasma Technology can be demonstrated to gasify coal in anambient pressure plasma-fired reactor that can be retro-fitted into existing power plants andinstalled in new plants, with potential benefits over existing coal incineration power plants,including the following:1. Greater feed flexibility enabling coal, coal fines, mining waste, lignite, and other opportunity fuels” to be used as fuel without the need for pulverizing.2. Comply with EPA New Source emissions standards for NOx, SOx, particulates, etc.3. Elimination of fly ash and bottom ash disposal, producing a glass product with value.4. Higher thermal cycle efficiency producing more electricity per ton of coal.5. Lower carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electricity produced.6. Lower capital cost as existing plant infrastructure can be utilized in retro-fitapplications, and lower unit power production costs.The paper will also illustrate that the fundamental Westinghouse Plasma Technology is proven by12 years of industrial full scale operation in a 100 ton/hour metals processing plant at the GeneralMotors Corporation Central Foundry, as well as by a plasma gasification demonstration plant thatwas built in 1999 in Japan. Initial operating information of a commercial gasifier in a waste-toenergyplant currently under construction and expected to start in September of 2002, will bediscussed.