Investigation of the Potential for Utilization of Saline Ground Water in Energy-Related Processes. Final Report.

摘要

The usability of saline water for coal gasification,liquefaction,and coal-fired power plants was evaluated. Water resources high in total dissolved solids (TDS) in western coal regions were identified. High TDS waters were defined as water containing more than 1500mg/l of dissolved solids. The water systems of three coal gasification processes,two coal liquefaction processes,and a coal-fired power plant are described. Cooling water systems,ash sluicing systems,flue gas cleaning,and boiler feed water systems were studied to assess the potential for saline water substitution. Water consumption for the processes was determined from energy and mass balance calculations. A computer simulation of aqueous inorganic chemical systems was used to evaluate the impact of using various qualities of high TSD waters. It was concluded that high TDS ground waters are available in most western coal resource regions. Some surface water supplies high in TDS also exist in coal-producing regions. An assessment of the feasibiity of use of different high TDS waters revealed that TDS alone is not an adequate parameter for evaluation. Specific components in the water dictate usability of water and type and extent of treatment required. Ability to predict the aqueous inorganic chemistry of water systems is required to accurately assess the feasibility of water use. (ERA citation 03:007465)