| Abstract |
Twenty tests carried out in the HYGAS pilot plant during the report period, using hydrogen from the steam reforming of natural gas, are described. These tests were all performed with Montana lignite at 1000 psig, and produced valuable scale-up data and significant operating experience. A number of operating problems, including solids movement through the reactor, oil-water separation, and fines handling, were either overcome or are approaching solution. The incorporation of the steam-oxygen gasifier in the bottom of the HYGAS reactor, which completes the pilot plant system's capability to produce pipeline-quality SNG from coal, steam, and oxygen, is described. A number of successful runs, proving the feasibility of the ash-agglomerating gasification concept, are reported. Successful batch-testing of the 2-MW Electrothermal Gasifier, using both the computer and manual control modes, is described. A number of support studies, which include catalyst evaluation for clean-up methanation and evaluation of the use of water instead of oil as the coal-slurry medium, are reported. |
