• Ilyushechkin, Alex
• Tremel, Alexander
• Harris, David

Abstract

Pilot-scale testing of four Australian coals in the Siemens 5 MWth gasification facility has already demonstrated how laboratory-scale data are useful in our understanding of coal performance under more realistic conditions [1].This paper presents a new, more detailed analysis and interpretation of the results of these pilot scale tests, and continues to relate coal gasification behaviour to laboratory-scale characterisations of feed coals. Laboratory assessment of the gasification behaviour of the coals used in the pilot gasifier suggested a wide range in likely gasification performance.Each of these coals subsequently required a different gasification strategy, and each was consistent with assessments made based on laboratory characterisations.The interactions between reactivity and slagging properties were also important: for example, good ¿reactivity¿ coals with mineral matter requiring a high temperature to melt and flow did not produce as good a quality syngas as coals with good reactivity properties and mineral matter that melts and flows at low temperatures.It was evident from the pilot scale measurements that coal conversion reactivity and mineral matter requirements have a direct impact on the operating conditions required for successful gasification.Coals were able to be classified according to these requirements, and these classifications were quantitatively linked to laboratory-scale measurements of slag viscosity and coal reactivity as an important validation of laboratory-based coal assessment techniques. Reference 1. D J Harris and D G Roberts.The Use of Bench Scale Data in Understanding Coal Performance in a Pilot Scale Gasifier, The 4th International Conference on Clean Coal Technologies and the 3rd International Freiberg Conference on IGCC and XtL Technologies, Dresden, Germany (2009).

Topics

• mineral
• melt
• viscosity
• gasification