Utilization of Battelle-Treated Coal in Gasification and Combustion Processes to Control Sulfur Emissions. Final Report

摘要

The purpose of the study was to provide an evaluation of the environmental and associated economic advantages of using a coal treated by a process developed by Battelle as a feedstock for: (1) a new partial oxidation/combustion process; (2) commercially available fixed-bed gasifiers; and (3) utility combustors. Findings confirm the technical and economic feasibility of using Battelle Treated Coal (BTC) in at least the first two applications. For conventional pulverized combustors, temperatures are too high to allow compliance capture of sulfur at reasonable Ca/S ratios. The program consisted of experiments to investigate the potential performance of the BTC in these applications, and an economic feasibility study of BTC utilization. An important advantage to small users is that the use of BTC eliminates the environmental problems associated with the treatment and disposal of sludges and waste water generated from flue-gas and fuel-gas desulfurization. Another potentially significant advantage is the improved overall reliability expected relative to product (fuel) gas cleanup and FGD options. The increased reliability results from the BTC production process being decoupled from the gasification step. The results suggest a potential breakthrough in effective sulfur emission control and scavenging for substitution of natural gas or oil with high-sulfur coal for industrial boilers. To capitalize on the study results, Battelle recommends: (1) continuation of research and development efforts directed toward improvement of environmental and economic advantages and commercialization of BTC utilization; and (2) more research into the mechanism of gasification enhancement and sulfur retention when using BTC. (ERA citation 08:004068)