EPA-600/2-76-101
April 1976
Environmental Protection Technology Series
EVALUATION OF POLLUTION CONTROL IN
FOSSIL FUEL CONVERSION PROCESSES:
Final Report
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into five series. These five broad
categories were established to facilitate further development and application of
environmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The five series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TECHNOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and
demonstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent
environmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This
work provides the new or improved technology required for the control and
treatment of pollution sources to meet environmental quality standards.
EPA REVIEW NOTICE
This report has been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval
does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the
views and policy of the Agency, nor does mention of trade
names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use.
This document is availaole to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/2-76-101
April 1976
EVALUATION OF POLLUTION CONTROL
IN FOSSIL FUEL CONVERSION
PROCESSES
FINAL REPORT
by
E.M. Magee
Exxon Research and Engineering Company
P. O. Box 8
Linden, New Jersey 07036
Contract No. 68-02-0629
ROAPNo. 21ADD-023
Program Element No. 1AB013
EPA Project Officer: William J. Rhodes
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Prepared for
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Research and Development
Washington, DC 20460
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Literature Survey 2
1.2.1 Trace Elements in Fossil Fuels 2
1.2.2 Coal and Crude Oil
Conversion/Treatment Processes 2
1.3 Discussion with Process Developers 3
1.4 Trips to Commercial Plants 3
1.5 Preliminary Process Designs 3
1.6 Analytical Test Plan 4
1.7 Transient Pollutants 4
2. COAL GASIFICATION PLANTS 7
2.1 General Gasification Description 7
2.2 Coal Storage and Preparation 11
2.2.1 Description of Coal
Storage and Preparation 11
2.2.2 Effluents to Air from Coal
Storage and Preparation 14
2.2.3 Liquids and Solids Effluents
from Coal Storage and Preparation 15
2.2.4 Process Alternatives 15
2.3 Gasification and Quench Sections 16
2.3.1 Gasifiers and Operating Conditions. ........ 16
2.3.2 Gasifier Effluents to Air 18
2.3.3 Liquid and Solid Effluents 18
2.3.4 Process Alternatives 18
2.4 Shift Conversion and Cooling 23
;i 2.4.1 Description of Shift Conversion 23
2.4.-2 Effluents to Air from Shift Conversion and Cooling. 23
2.4.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents
from Shift Conversion and Cooling 24
2.4.4 Process Alternatives in Shift Conversion
and Cooling 24
2.5 Acid Gas Removal 24
2.5.1 Description of Acid Gas Removal 24
2.5.2 Effluents to Air From Acid Gas Removal 28
2.5.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents from Acid Gas Removal . 28
2.5.4 Process Alternatives in Acid Gas Removal 28
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Page
2.6 Methanation Section 29
2.6.1 Description of the Methanation Section 29
2.6.2 Effluents to Air From the Methanation Section ... 30
2.6.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents 30
2.6.4 Process Alternatives in Methanation 30
2.7 Compression and Drying 30
2.8 Final Product Gas 31
2.9 Oxygen Plants 31
2.10 Sulfur Recovery 31
2.10.1 Description of Sulfur Recovery 31
2.10.2 Effluents from Sulfur Recovery 34
2.11 Ash and Solids Disposal 36
2.11.1 Description of Ash and Solids Disposal 36
2.11.2 Effluents to Air from Solids Disposal 36
2.11.3 Liquids and Solids Effluent from Solids Disposal. . 36
2.11.4 Process Alternatives in Solids Disposal 38
2.12 Wastewater Treatment 38
2.13 Power and Steam Generation 43
2.13.1 Alternatives in Power and Steam Generation 43
2.13.2 Effluents from Power and Steam Generation 45
2.14 Cooling Water System 45
2.15 Raw Water Treatment 48
2.16 Miscellaneous Plant Sections 48
2.16.1 C02 Acceptor Regeneration 48
2.16.2 Low Btu Fuel Gas Production in the Lurgi Process. . 48
2.16.3 Low Btu Fuel Gas Production in the HYGAS Process. . 51
3. COAL LIQUEFACTION PLANTS 55
3.1 General Description of Coal Liquefaction Plants 55
3.2 Main Liquefaction Train 57
3.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation 57
3.2.2 Coal Liquefaction 57
3.2.3 Products Separation 64
3.2.4 Hydrotreating 64
3.3 Hydrogen Production 64
iv
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
3.4 Auxiliary Facilities 68
3.4.1 Oxygen Plants 68
3.4.2 Acid Gas Removal 68
3.4.3 Sulfur Recovery 72
3.4.4 Ash and Solids Disposal 72
3.4.5 Wastewater Treatment 72
3.4.6 Electricity and Steam Generation 72
3.4.7 Cooling Water System 77
3.4.8 Raw Water Treatment 77
3.5 Products from Liquefaction Plants 77
3.6 Miscellaneous Facilities 77
4. COAL TREATING 87
4.1 Description of the Meyers Process 87
4.2 Feed, Products, Utilities and
Effluents of the Meyers Process 87
5. THERMAL EFFICIENCY 92
5.1 General 92
5.2 Non-Process Related Factors
Affecting Thermal Efficiency 92
5.3 Thermal Efficiencies of Processes Investigated 94
5.4 Detailed Losses in Thermal Efficiency 94
6. STREAM ANALYSIS FOR TRACE ELEMENTS
AND OTHER POTENTIAL POLLUTANTS 99
6.1 General 99
6.2 The Fate of Trace Elements in Coal Conversion 99
6.2.1 Trace Elements in Coals 99
6.2.2 Trace Elements in Coal Feed
to Processes in this Study 105
6.2.3 Fate of Trace Elements in Coal 105
6.3 Trace Elements in Petroleum and Shale 108
6.3.1 Correlations Indicated 108
6.3.2 New Data Required 109
6.4 Trace Compounds Formed in Coal Conversion 109
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Page
6.5 Data Acquisition 113
6.5.1 Analyses to Be Made 113
6.5.2 Analytical Techniques 113
6.5.3 Coal Conversion Streams to Be Sampled 113
6.6 Analysis of Streams from Commercial and
Development Scale Gasification Plants 121
7. TECHNOLOGY NEEDS 133
7.1 Trace Elements in Coal 133
7.2 Trace Elements and Other Potential
Pollutants in Coal Conversion 134
7.3 Improvements in Thermal Efficiency 135
8. TRANSIENT POLLUTANTS 137
8.1 General 137
8*2 Startup 138
8.3 Shutdown 143
8.4 Upsets 153
8.4.1 General 153
8.4.2 Coal Storage and Preparation 154
8.4.3 Crushing and Screening 155
8.4.4 Drying 155
8.4.5 Pretreatment 156
8.4.6 Coal Conversion 158
8.4.6.1 Gasification 158
8.4.6.2 Liquefaction 160
8.4.7 Shift and Cooling 162
8.4.8 Acid Gas Removal 163
8.4.9 Methanation, Compression and Drying 164
8.4.10 Sulfur Plant 165
8.4.11 Oxygen Plant 166
8.4.12 Solids Disposal 167
8.4.13 Water Treating 167
8.4.14 Steam and Power Supply 172
8.5 Maintenance * .... 174
8.6 Chemicals and Catalyst Replacement 175
8.7 Storage of Products and Byproducts 176
8.8 Design Considerations 176
9. BIBLIOGRAPHY 179
VI
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
APPENDICES
A. PROCESS DESCRPTIONS - GASIFICATION 187
A.I Koppers-Totzek Process 187
A. 1.1 General 187
A. 1.2 Main Gasification Stream 187
A.1.2.1 Coal Preparation 187
A.1.2.2 Gasifier 189
A. 1.2.3 Gas Cleaning 190
A. 1.2.4 Acid Gas Removal 190
A. 1.3 Auxiliary Facilities 190
A.1.3.1 Oxygen Plant 190
A.1.3.2 Sulfur Plant 190
A.1.3.3 Utilities 191
A. 2 Synthane Process 192
A. 2.1 General 192
A. 2.2 Main Gasification Stream 192
A.2.2.1 Coal Preparation and Storage 192
A.2.2.2 Coal Grinding 194
A. 2.2.3 Gasification 194
A. 2.2.3.1 Coal Feed System 194
A.2.2.3.2 Char Letdown 196
A.2.2.4 Dust Removal 197
A.2.2.5 Shift Conversion 199
A. 2. 2.6 Waste Heat Recovery 199
A. 2.2.7 Light Hydrocarbon Removal 199
A.2.2.8 Gas Purification 199
A. 2. 2.9 Residual Sulfur Cleanup 200
A.2.2.10 Methanation 201
A.2.2.11 Final Methanation 201
A.2.2.12 Final Compression 201
A.2.3 Auxiliary Facilities 201
A.2.3.1 Oxygen Plant 201
A.2.3.2 Sulfur Plant 202
A. 2.3.3 Utilities 202
A.2.3.3.1 Power and Steam Generation. . . 202
A.2.3.3.2 Cooling Water 203
A.2.3.3.3 Waste Water Treatment 203
vii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
APPENDICES Page
A. 3 Lurgi Process
A. 3.1 General
A. 3. 2 Main Gasification Stream
A. 3. 2.1 Coal Storage and Pretreatment. . .
A. 3. 2. 2 Gasification
A. 3.2.3 Tar Separation
A. 3. 2. 4 Shift Conversion
A. 3. 2. 5 Gas Purification
A.3.2.6 Methanation
A. 3.2.7 Compression and Dehydration. . . .
A. 3. 3 Auxiliary Facilities
A. 3. 3.1 Oxygen Plant
A. 3. 3. 2 Sulfur Plant
A. 3 . 3 . 3 Incineration
A. 3. 3. 4 Power and Steam Production . . . .
A. 3. 3. 5 Raw Water Treatment
A. 3. 3. 6 Gas Liquor Treatment and
Effluent Water Treatment
A. 3. 3. 7 Ash Disposal
A. 4.1 General
A. 4. 2 Main Gasification Stream
A. 4. 2.1 Coal Preparation
A.4.2.2 Gasifier
A. 4. 2. 3 Gas Cleaning
A. 4. 2. 4 Acid Gas Removal
A. 4. 2. 6 Regenerator
A. 4. 2. 7 Ash Desulfurizer
A. 4. 3 Auxiliary Facilities
A. 4. 3.1 Sulfur Plant
A. 4. 3. 2 Utilities
A. 5 BIGAS Process
A. 5.1 General
A. 5. 2 Main Gasification Stream
A. 5. 2.1 Coal Preparation and Drying. . . .
A. 5. 2. 2 Gasification
A. 5. 2. 3 Quench and Dust Removal
A. 5. 2. 4 Shift Conversion
A.5.2.5 Acid Gas Removal
A. 5. 2. 6 Methanation and Drying
A. 5. 3 Auxiliary Facilities
.... 204
.... 204
.... 204
.... 204
.... 206
.... 207
.... 207
.... 208
.... 208
.... 208
.... 209
.... 209
.... 209
.... 210
.... 210
.... 210
.... 212
.... 213
.... 213
.... 213
.... 213
.... 213
.... 215
.... 215
.... 216
.... 216
.... 216
.... 217
.... 217
.... 217
.... 218
.... 219
.... 219
.... 219
.... 219
.... 221
.... 221
.... 221
.... 222
. . . . 222
223
viii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
APPENDICES Page
A.6 HYGAS Process 223
A.6.1 General 223
A.6.2 Main Gasification Stream 224
A.6.2.1 Coal Preparation 224
A.6.2.2 Gasification 224
A.6.2.3 Quench and Dust Removal 226
A.6.2.4 Shift Conversion and Cooling 226
A.6.2.5 Acid Gas Treatment 226
A.6.2.6 Methanation and Drying 227
A.6.3 Auxiliary Facilities 228
A. 7 U-Gas Process 229
A. 7.1 General 229
A.7.2 Main Gasification Stream 229
A.7.3 Auxiliary Facilities 231
A. 8 Winkler Process 232
A. 8.1 General 232
A.8.2 Main Gasification Stream 232
A.8.2.1 Coal Preparation 232
A.8.2.2 Gasification 234
A.8.2.3 Gas Cooling and Dust Removal 234
A.8.2.4 Sulfur Removal 235
A.8.3 Auxiliary Facilities 235
B. PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS - LIQUEFACTION 237
B.I COED Process 237
B.I.I General 237
B.I.2 Main Gasification Stream 237
B.I.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation 237
B.I.2.1.1 Coal Storage 237
B.I.2.1.2 Coal Grinding 240
B.I.2.2 Coal Drying and First Stage Pyrolysis. . . 241
B.I.2.3 Stages 2, 3, 4 Pyrolysis 242
B.I. 2.4 Product Recovery System 243
B.I.2.5 COED Oil Filtration 243
B.I.2.6 Hydrotreating 244
B.I.3 Hydrogen Plant 245
ix
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
APPENDICES Page
B.I.4 Auxiliary Facilities 246
B.I.4.1 Oxygen Plant 246
B.I.4.2 Acid Gas Removal 246
B.I.4.3 Sulfur Plant 247
B.I.4.4 Utilities 248
B.I.4.4.1 Power and Steam Generation . . 248
B.I.4.4.2 Cooling Water 250
B.I.4.4.3 Water Treatment 251
B.2 SRC Process 252
B.2.1 General 252
B.2.2 Main Liquefaction Stream 252
B.2.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation 252
B.2.2.2 Slurry Formation and Liquefaction .... 254
B.2.2.3 Hydrotreating 254
B.2.3 Acid Gas Removal 255
B.2.4 Hydrogen Manufacture 255
B.2.5 Gasification and Slag Disposal 255
B.2.6 Auxiliary Facilities 256
B.3 H-Coal Process 259
B.3.1 General 259
B.3.2 Main Liquefaction Stream 261
B.3.2.1 Coal Preparation and Feeding 261
B.3.2.2 Liquefaction Section 261
B.3.2.3 Gas Separation and Cleanup 262
B.3.2.4 Liquid Product Recovery 262
B.3.3 Hydrogen Manufacture 262
B.3.4 Auxiliary Facilities 263
C. PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS - COAL TREATING 266
C.I Meyers Process 266
C.I.I General 266
C.I.2 Main Process Streams 266
C.I.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation 266
C.I.2.2 Reactor Section 266
C.I.2.3 Sulfur Removal Section 268
C.I.2.4 Product Drying Section 268
C.I.2.5 Sulfur Recovery Section 269
C.I.2.6 Iron Sulfate Recovery Section 269
C.I.3 Auxiliary Facilities 269
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd)
APPENDICES Page
D. TRACE ELEMENTS IN PETROLEUM AND SHALE 271
D.I Domestic Crude Oils 271
D.I.I Sulfur and Nitrogen Data 271
D.I.2 Other Trace Element Data 272
D.2 Shale Oil 288
E. TABLE OF CONVERSION UNITS 292
xi
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LIST OF TABLES
No. Page
1 Gasification Processes for Which Designs Were Made. ... 8
2 Reactions in Gasifier 1°
3 Coal Preparation and Storage Operations-Gasification. . . 12
4 Coal Analyses - Gasification 13
5 Gasifier Descriptions and Operating Conditions 17
6 Inputs to Gasifiers 19
7 Raw, Dry Gas from Gasifiers and Quench 20
8 Other By-Products from Gasifier and Quench 21
9 Char Analysis 22
10 Sour Water from Shift Conversion, Cooling and Scrubbing . 25
11 Acid Gas Removal 27
12 Net Dry Product Gas 32
13 Gasification Process Oxygen Requirements 33
14 Sulfur Recovery in Gasification Systems 35
15 Solid Gasifier Product 37
16 Classification of Wastewater Treatment Methods 40
17 Dirty Water Treatment Systems of Gasification Plants. . . 41
18 Generation of Steam and Electricity in
Gasification Plants 44
19 Effluents from Steam and Electricity Generation 46
20 Cooling Water Requirements and Effluents in Gasification. 47
21 Raw Water Treatment in Gasification 49
22 Feed and Effluents of the C02 Acceptor
Regeneration Section 50
23 Disposition of the Low Btu Fuel Gas in
the Lurgi Process 52
xii
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LIST OF TABLES (Cont'd)
No.
24 Inputs and Outputs of the Lurgi
Low Btu Gasification System 53
25 Major Inputs and Outputs of the Low Btu
Gasification Plant Used in the HYGAS Process 54
26 Coal Storage and Preparation Operations - Liquefaction . 58
27 Coal Analysis - Liquefaction 59
28 Coal Drying 60
29 Liquefaction Descriptions and Operating Conditions ... 61
30 Inputs to Liquefaction Reactors 62
31 Outputs from Liquefaction Reactors 63
32 Raw Product to Product Separation 65
33 Input Streams to Hydrotreating 66
34 Output Streams from Hydrotreating 67
35 Input Streams to Hydrogen Production 69
36 Output Streams from Hydrogen Production 70
37 Oxygen Requirements - Liquefaction Processes 71
38 Liquefaction Acid Gas Removal Facilities 73
39 Sulfur Recovery in Liquefaction Systems 74
40 Wastewater Treatment for Liquefaction Plants 75
41 Generation of Steam and Electricity in
Liquefaction Plants 76
42 Effluents from Steam and Electricity Production
in Liquefaction 78
43 Cooling Water Requirements and Effluents
from Liquefaction 79
44 Raw Water Treatment in Liquefaction 80
45 COED Syncrude Properties 81
46 SRC Process - Major Streams from Plant 82
xiii
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LIST OF TABLES (Cont'd)
No. Page
47 Liquid Product from H-Coal Process 83
48 Product Char Analysis from the COED Process 84
49 Other Products from Liquefaction 85
50 Inputs and Outputs of SRC Syngas Plant 86
51 Analysis of Feed Coal and Coal Product of
The Meyers Process 88
52 Inputs and Outputs of the Meyers Process 89
53 Utility Requirements of the Meyers Process 90
54 Thermal Efficiency in Gasification 95
55 Thermal Efficiency in Liquefaction 96
56 Thermal Losses by Unit in Lurgi Gasification 98
57 Trace Element Concentration of Pittsburgh No. 8
Bituminous Coal at Various Stages of Gasification . . . 108
58 Components in Gasifier Gas 110
59 Mass Spectrometric Analyses of Benzene-Soluble Tar
from Synthane Gasification Ill
60 By-Product Water Analysis from Synthane Gas 112
61 Possible Pollutants from Coal Processing 114
62 Other Analyses 115
63 Summary of Effluent Streams to be Analyzed
Coal Gasification - Lurgi Process Model 117
64 Summary of Effluent Streams to be Analyzed
Coal Liquefaction - COED Process Model 123
65 Analyses of Streams in Gasification 126
66 Analyses of Streams in Gasification Plants:
Ash Disposal 128
67 Analyses of Streams in Gasification: Gas Liquor 129
68 Analyses of Streams in Coal Gasification:
Gas Purification 130
xiv
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LIST OF TABLES (Cont'd)
No. Page
69 Analyses of Streams in Coal Gasification:
Organic Liquid By-Products 131
8.1 Possible Sources of Transient Pollutants 140
8.2 Gasification - Possible Transient Emissions 145
8.3 Transient Emissions from SRC Process 149
8.4 Coal Pretreatment - Calculated Yields and Balances. . . 157
8.5 Typical Catalyst and Chemicals Consumption in
a Liquefaction Process . 171
8.6 Example of Number of Trains and Spares Proposed
for Large Scale Gasification Plant 177
APPENDICES
D.I Sulfur and Nitrogen Content of the Giant
U.S. Oil Fields 273
D.2 Trace Element Content of U.S. Crude Oils 283
D.3 Sulfur and Nitrogen Content of Crude Shale Oils. . . . 289
xv
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LIST OF FIGURES
No. Page
1 Typical Table of Contents from a Process Report 5
2 Flow Plan for Coal Gasification 9
3 Generalized Coal Liquefaction Scheme 56
4 Trace Elements in U.S. Coals 100
5 Lurgi Gasification 116
6 COED Liquefaction 122
8.1 Flowrates for a Representative Coal Gasification Process 139
8.2 BIGAS Process - Possible Transient Emissions 144
8.3 SRC Process - Possible Transient Emissions 148
APPENDICES
A. 1.1 Koppers-Totzek Gasification Process 188
A.2.1 SYNTHANE Coal Gasification - 250 million SCFD High -
Btu Gas 193
A.3.1 LURGI Process 205
A.4.1 C09 Acceptor Process 214
A-5.1 BIGAS Process 220
A.6.1 HYGAS Process 225
A.7.1 U-Gas Process 230
A.8.1 Winkler Process 233
B.l-1 COED Coal Conversion 238
B.I.2 COED Design Revised to Incorporate Environmental
Controls and to Include Auxiliary Facilities 239
B.2.1 SRC Coal Liquefaction Process 253
xvi
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont'd)
No. Page
B.3.1 Block Flow Plan of H-Coal Plant for
Coal Liquefaction 260
C.I Flow Diagram of Meyers Process 267
D.I Frequency Distribution of Sulfur Content in
Crude Oils of U.S. Giant Oil Fields 280
D.2 Frequency Distribution of Nitrogen Content in
Crude Oils of U.S. Giant Oil Fields 281
xvii
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT S
The following personnel of Exxon Research and Engineering
Company made major contributions to the work under this contract:
R. R. Bertrand
H. E. W. Burnside
G. Ciprios
H. J. Hall
C. E. Jahnig
C. D. Kalfadelis
E. M. Magee
G. E. Milliman
T. D. Searl
H. Shaw
G. M. Varga, Jr.
The contributors wish to express special thanks to Miss E. A.
DeTuro and Dr. A. H. Popkin for assistance in gathering information.
The advice and consultation of various members of the Exxon Engineering
Petroleum Department, the Exxon Engineering Technology Department,
the Synthetic Fuels Engineering Department, and the Analytical and
Information Division of Exxon Research and Engineering Company are very
much appreciated. Thanks are also due Miss L. Krupski and Mrs. N. M.
Malinowsky for their assistance in report preparation.
A long list of companies, U.S. Government agencies, and their
personnel were consulted in the course of this work. Visits were made
to the various facilities of these organizations and their personnel were
very helpful in donating their time to these visits. Attempts have been
made in the various reports under this contract to point out the sources
of much of our information and we wish to acknowledge the help that was
received.
A special acknowledgement is due T. K. Janes and W. J. Rhodes
of the Environmental Protection Agency for continued advice and informa-
tion that aided considerably the progress of this work.
xviii
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Along with improved control of air and water pollution, the country
is faced with urgent needs for energy sources. To improve the energy situa-
tion, intensive efforts are under way to upgrade coal, the most plentiful
domestic fuel, to liquid, gaseous and solid fuels which give less pollution.
Other processes are intended to convert liquid fuels to gas. A few of the
coal gasification processes are already commercially proven , and several
others are being developed in large pilot plants. These programs are exten-
sive and will cost millions of dollars, but this is warranted by the pro-
jected high cost for commercial conversion plants and the wide applica-
tion expected in order to meet national needs.
Coal conversion is faced with potential environmental problems
peculiar to the conversion process as well as problems that are common to
coal-burning electric utility power plants. It is thus important to examine
the alternative conversion processes from the standpoint of pollution and
thermal efficiencies and these can then be compared with direct coal
utilization when applicable.
This type of examination is needed well before plans are initiated
for commercial applications. Similar industries, such as the petroleum
industry, have gradually grown over a number of years. Much knowledge has
been gained concerning stream compositions in the plant, control technology
and other operating parameters. This is not true of coal conversion plants.
The country is faced with the possibility of having a new industry suddenly
emerge on a vast scale with very little background and knowledge of potential
environmental hazards. At a time when the country is faced with an energy
gap it is also faced with large environmental problems. If recognition of and
action taken on the latter is not done early in the area of coal conversion,
then the filling of the energy gap may have to be delayed considerably to
avoid worsening of the environmental situation.
Coal is a dirty material and the potential exists in coal gasifica-
tion and liquefaction for far more environmental problems than have even
been conceived in coal combustion. Coal combustion is a drastic operation
that contains within itself a great amount of pollution control: potential
organic pollutants are converted essentially one hundred percent to carbon
dioxide and water; many inorganic materials are converted to innocuous oxides.
In fact, incineration is an often used technique of destroying unwanted
materials. Even so, coal combustion leads to environmental problems that have
not been completely solved despite many years of experience. Problems connected
with sulfur, nitrogen oxides and trace element emissions are examples of
these.
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- 2 -
Coal conversion by liquefaction or gasification is much more
condusive to environmental contamination. The conditions for coal conversion
are far milder than for its combustion; instead of destroying potential
pollutants, they are actually formed. Massive streams of dirty water, many
hydrocarbon streams, numerous gaseous vents and huge quantities of solids
offer the potential for almost every conceivable method of environmental
pollution.
Unfortunately, there is little operating experience on which to
draw that will predict where and in what form undesirable chemicals will
appear. In conceptual designs, the main process streams can be reasonably
identified and quantified, but as secondary and tertiary streams are added
to the design, the composition of the streams becomes less and less obvious.
The picture has been so cloudy that it was not known where knowledge was
lacking. With massive funding of coal conversion technology a great need
is present to develop adequate pollution controls before many large plants
are built. Otherwise, large amounts of funds will have to be spent in
retrofitting such plants to add on pollution control equipment, and the
time delays could be very large before such plants could operate in a manner
that is safe for the environment. To clarify the environmental picture
and to furnish a base for additional or new pollution control technology
development, the Environmental Protection Agency contracted for the present
study to be made by Exxon (formerly Esso) Research and Engineering Company
under Contract No. EPA-68-02-0629.
Much of the work under this contract has been reported in individual
final task reports and no attempt is made to include all the information
in the final report. References to individual task final reports are given
in appropriate places. This final report rather addresses itself to sum-
marizing and generalizing the work that has been performed.
1*2 Literature Survey
1.2.1 Trace Elements in Fossil Fuels
An extensive and in-depth literature survey was made to compile
available information concerning trace element concentrations in coal,
crude oil and shale oil for U.S. fossil fuels. The results of this survey,
the interpretation and critique of the information, and information gaps
have been reported in a final task report (1) and at an EPA symposium (2) .
1.2.2 Coal and Crude Oil
Conversion/Treatment Processes
A large quantity of literature information was collected on the
various techniques for treating and converting coal and crude oils. Included
were physical cleaning techniques, coal gasification processes, coal lique-
faction processes, petroleum gasification processes, and a number of mis-
cellaneous conversion and treating processes. The last category included
various petroleum refinery processes and sulfur removal processes. Informa-
tion obtained indicated the need for more extensive work to fill the gaps
in the environmental aspects of the processes. This literature information
was used extensively in later parts of the program.
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- 3 -
1.3 Discussion With Process Developers
A number of visits were made to the developers of various pro-
cesses for coal conversion. During these visits, unpublished, non-confidential
information was obtained relating to possible polluting streams and techniques
that might be used to clean the streams. An attempt was made to obtain as
much information as possible to use in preliminary environmental plant
designs. The visits to and discussions with the developers were very helpful
in these studies. The following is a list of developers visited:
U.S. Bureau of Mines
Applied Technology Corporation
Institute of Gas Technology
Koppers Company, Inc.
Consolidation Coal Company, Inc.
Steams-Roger Inc.
FMC Corporation
Pittsburg and Midway Coal Mining Company
Hydrocarbon Research, Inc.
1.4 Trips to Commercial Plants
A number of commercial plants in the U.S., Europe and South Africa
were visited in the course of this contract. A significant amount of non-
confidential information relating to pollutants, pollution control and
energy efficiency was obtained. This information was useful in confirming
the design parameters used for the developing processes, since in many
cases the design bases for the latter processes were sketchy. The following
is a list of companies whose plants were visited:
Consumers Power Company
Westfield Development Centre of the Scottish Gas Board
Azot Sanayii
South African Coal, Oil and Gas Corporation, Ltd.
1.5 Preliminary Process Designs
Information collected during discussions with developers and com-
mercial plant vendors and operators, together with information from the
literature were used to prepare preliminary designs of coal conversion
plants. These designs were prepared to pin-point the areas where concern
for pollution control should be focused and to obtain overall thermal
efficiencies for the processes. For some processes, we used rather detailed
engineering designs prepared by others; for other processes, screening type
designs, with little optimization, were prepared using the little informa-
tion that was available. The basis and information sources for each study
were defined as much as possible. Plant location, which can have a major
effect on air and water conditions, pollution controls required and product
disposition, was not specified. Since the basis for each process was dif-
ferent regarding such items as coal feed, product slate, etc., great caution
should be taken in making comparisons between the various processes. The
process reports are listed in References 3-10 and 41-44.
-------
- 4 -
Where possible, an attempt was made to obtain consistency in
the various process designs but this was frequently impossible due to
fundamental differences in the processes themselves. For example, feed
coals were different and products were frequently different. In almost
all cases, consistency was sacrificed to meet the desires of the developers
pertaining to specific coals, products, methods of pollutant removal, etc.
or to conform, as far as possible, to other designs prepared for govern-
mental agencies or developers. In no case was technical accuracy knowingly
sacrificed to conform to anyone's desires or other designs. In all cases,
engineering alternatives were suggested. Environmental technology needs
were highlighted in each case.
The various plants were made self-sufficient in that utilities
were included in the designs. Costs or economics were not included and
areas such as coal mining and general offsites as well as small utility
consumers such as instruments, lights, etc., were excluded.
An example of the items considered in these studies is indicated
by the table of contents from a typical process final report shown in
Figure 1.
1.6 Analytical Test Plan
It became obvious early in this work that sufficient information
was not available to accurately predict all possible pollutants in the
processes and to determine the fate of these pollutants (including trace
elements of interest). Consequently, an Analtyical Test Plan was prepared
that could be used to determine the course of the pollutants through the
various units of coal gasification and liquefaction processes. A "typical"
flow plan was shown for gasification and liquefaction. Streams to be
sampled were specified for these plants, and analyses to be performed were
indicated. Methods of sampling, sample storage and methods of analysis for
each material were specified. Ranges of expected pollutant concentrations
were specified where possible. Actual examples of analyses of important
streams were given, when available. Existing local and Federal regulations
and proposed regulations were outlined for each pollutant. The Analytical
Test Plan should serve as a guide and model for analysis of pollutant con-
taining streams in any coal conversion plant.
1.7 Transient Pollutants
An attempt was made to point out sources and types of transient
pollutants, i.e., pollutants resulting from start-ups, shut-downs, upsets,
maintenance, etc. The material in this section has not appeared in previous
reports. It was prepared by C. E. Jahnig and E. M. Magee.
-------
- 5 -
Page
SUMMARY 1
TABLE OF CONVERSION UNITS 2
INTRODUCTION 3
1- PROCESS DESCRIPTION AND EFFLUENTS - GENERAL 5
2. EFFLUENTS TO AIR - MAIN GASIFICATION STREAM 8
2.1 Coal Preparation and Storage 8
2.2 Coal Grinding 13
2.3 Gasification 14
2.3.1 Coal Feed System 14
2-3-2 Char Letdown 16
2.4 Dust Removal ]-8
2.5 Shift Conversion 25
2 .6 Waste Heat Recovery 25
2 .7 Light Hydrocarbon Removal 25
2.8 Gas Purification 26
2-9 Residual Sulfur Cleanup 27
2-10 Methanation 28
2.11 Final Methanation 30
2 .12 Final Compression 30
3. EFFLUENTS TO AIR - AUXILIARY FACILITIES 31
3-1 Oxygen Plant 31
3.2 Sulfur Plant 31
3.3 Utilities 33
3-3.1 Power and Steam Generation 33
3-3.2 Cooling Water 36
3-3-3 Waste Water Treatment 37
3-3.4 Miscellaneous Facilities 39
4. LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS EFFLUENTS 40
4.1 Coal Preparation 40
4.2 Coal Grind ing , 41
4-3 Gasification 41
4.4 Dust Removal 41
4-5 Shift Conversion 47
4.6 Waste Heat Recovery 47
4.7 Gas Purification 47
4.8 Residual Sulfur Cleanup 48
4.9 Me thanat ion 48
4 .10 Gas Compression 48
Figure 1
Typical Table of Contents from a Process Report
(From Ret. 4)
-------
- 6 -
Page
4.11 Auxiliary Facilities 48
4.11.1 Oxygen Plant 48
4.11.2 Sulfur Plant 48
4-11-3 Power and Steam Generation 49
4.11.4 Cooling Water 49
4.11.5 Miscellaneous Facilities 50
4.12 Maintenance , 40
5. THERMAL EFFICIENCY 51
6. SULFUR BALANCE 55
7. TRACE ELEMENTS 58
8. PROCESS ALTERNATIVES 66
9. ENGINEERING MODIFICATIONS 69
10. QUALIFICATIONS 72
11. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NEEDS 76
12. BIBLIOGRAPHY 82
Figure 1 (Continued)
Typical Table of Contents from a Process Report
(From Ref. 4)
-------
- 7 -
2. COAL GASIFICATION PLANTS
Preliminary designs have been made for the gasification processes
listed in Table 1. The design for the E-Gas process was for a low Btu
product, that for the Winkler and Koppers-Totzek processes were for inter-
mediate Btu products and the rest were designed to produce high Btu gas.
In this section of the final report, a summary is given of the results of
the studies for the necessary steps in the gasification processes. This
summary will include unit descriptions, effluents to the air, solid and
liquid effluents, and process alternatives. It cannot be emphasized too
strongly that, although tables may be given with results for each process,
extreme care should be taken in making comparisons because of the different
coal feeds, product slates, furnace feeds, etc. used in the various designs.
The Lurgi, Koppers-Totzek and Winkler gasification processes are commercial
while the rest of the processes considered are in various stages of develop-
ment and the designs are conceptual.
Overall environmental considerations of coal gasification have
been reported (11,12,13).
2.1 General Gasification Description
Figure 2 is a typical flow plan for coal gasification. Not all
the units are the same for different processes and for some, additional
units are required.
Coal arrives in the plant and is stored or used directly. Coal
preparation may consist of physical cleaning to remove refuse (in many of
the designs this step is assumed to be carried out at the mine), crushing
and drying. In some cases a slurry preparation step is necessary.
In the gasifier, the coal is reacted with steam and oxygen (pure
or as air for low Btu gas) at elevated temperatures and, usually, at elevated
pressure. The major reactions in the gasifier are shown in Table 2. The
oxygen is necessary to burn part of the coal to supply the heat required for
the endothermic reaction of steam with the coal. The products are related
to the temperature of the reaction; less methane and carbon dioxide are
produced at higher temperatures. Also, by-products such as tar and phenols
are reduced at elevated temperatures. Higher pressures tend to increase
the formation of methane which is desirable if high Btu gas (substitute
natural gas, SNG) is the end product. The quantity of methane is relatively
immaterial if fuel gas is desired and may be detrimental if synthesis gas
is to be the product. The hot, raw product is normally scrubbed with pro-
duct liquor or tar to cool it to the point where higher boiling components
such as tar and phenols can be removed and to remove particulates.
If SNG or synthesis gas is desired, a shift reactor is normally
included to produce more hydrogen by the following reaction:
CO + H20 = C02 + H2 + 17,770 Btu/lb-mole
The hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio should have a value of approximately
3/1 for the methanation step.
-------
- 8 -
Table 1
Gasification Processes for Which Designs Were Made
(Numbers in the parentheses are references to the Bibliography)
Koppers-Totzek (3)
Synthane (4)
Lurgi (5)
C02 Acceptor (6)
BI-GAS (7)
HYGAS (8)
U-Gas (9)
Winkler (10)
-------
Acid Gas
Vent Gas
t
Coal Feed
Coal
Preparation
Gasifica-
tion
Shift
t
A • T» c n j_ AS El
sQaench and
Scrub
Acid Gas
Removal
Methanation
SNG
T
Air Refuse
Nitrogen Oxygen
t t
Steam,
Oxygen
(pure
or Air)
Tail
Gas Sulfur
Steam Gas Liquor
MAIN GASIFICATION TRAIN
Water
02
Plant
t t
S
Plant
Flue
Gas Ash
t t
Air +
Moisture
Water to Re-use
i Net
Discharge
Steam and
Power
Generation
t
Cooling
Tower
NH,
Phenols.^.
etc.
Sludge Treated
Water
L t t
Waste
Water
Treatment
.1
rr tt
t
Raw
Water
Treatment
j
\
Other
Units
Acid Air
Gas
Fuel Air Air Gas Liquor
UTILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
Figure 2
Flow Plan for Coal Gasification
Raw Make-up
Water
-------
- 10 -
Table 2
Reactions in Gasifier
Devolatilization and Drying
Coal + Heat -
Organics
Gasification
Combustion
C + H20 + 56,400 Btu/lb-mole
C + C02 + 74,200 Btu/lb-mole
CO +
2 CO
CO + H20
C + 1/2 02
C0
17,700 Btu/lb-mole
CH, + 32,300 Btu/lb-mole
CO + 47,550 Btu/lb-mole
C + 00 > C00 + 169,200 Btu/lb-mole
-------
- 11 -
An acid gas removal unit is the next step in the reaction sequence.
Hydrogen sulfide must almost always be removed. Carbon dioxide is usually
also removed except for fuel gas applications. A number of techniques are
available for acid gas removal including hot carbonate solutions, amine solu-
tions, physical absorbtion in cold methanol or other solvents, and, in some
cases, chemical reaction of H2S with appropriate reagents. The reactions
occurring are usually reversible so that the materials used are regenerated.
This is the last step in fuel gas production.
The final step in the sequence for producing SNG or hydrogen is
methanation by the following reactions:
CO + 3H2 = CH4 + H20 + 87,000 Btu/lb-mole
CO2 + 4H2 = CH4 + 2H20 + 71,000 Btu/lb-mole
This is a major step in SNG production but is relatively minor when hydrogen
is being produced because most of the CO has been removed in the shift
section of the plant. SNG is compressed to pipeline pressure and dried.
A number of auxiliary facilities is required for many plants. If
oxygen is used in gasification, then an oxygen plant is required. The sul-
fur compounds from acid gas removal are converted to sulfur in a separate
plant if the conversion is not effected in the removal step. For most
plants, steam and power must be generated by combustion of an appropriate
fuel. Cooling towers, waste water treatment and fresh water treatment are
required in all cases. In certain instances, other facilities are required.
For example, in the C02 Acceptor process, an acceptor regenerator is
necessary.
Each of the steps in the overall gasification scheme are discussed
in the following sections for the different processes.
2.2 Coal Storage and Preparation
2.2.1 Description of Coal
Storage and Preparation
Table 3 gives a summary of the coal preparation and storage assump-
tions used in the designs. A more detailed description of the individual
coal preparation sections is given in Appendix A. A variety of coals were
selected by the developers for the processes studied and, thus, comparisons
of the processes are difficult. A summary of feed coals with analyses is
shown in Table 4. About 30 days storage was assumed for most processes.
The size of the coal feed is dictated by the nature of the process and
varies from 70% less than 200 mesh up to 1-3/4 inches.
All the coals are dried except for those used in the Lurgi and
Synthane processes. In some cases, especially when the moisture content
is very high, it is necessary to dry the coal for smooth operation of the
process. In others the coal is dried to reduce the heat load in the
gasifier, lessening the oxygen requirements. As can be seen from Table 3,
a variety of fuels can be used for drying the coal. As indicated below, the
purpose of using clean fuel gas in drying is to reduce stack emissions.
-------
Table 3
Coal Preparation and Storage Operations-Gasification
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
Co? Acceptor
• 1 [^^••^••^^^•^••^••••^^•.•.^^•.^•^•••••M
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Coal Type
Nava j o
Sub -bituminous
Pittsburgh
Seam
Nayaj o
Sub-b ituminous
Lignite
Western
Kentucky No. 11
Illinois No. 6
Pittsburgh
Seam
Lignite
Quantity
Stored, tons
200,000
400,000
720,000*
800,000
"ft &
700,000
530,000
220,000
600,000
Size of
Coal Feed
70% -i 200
mesh
70% < 200
mesh
1^3/4" x 5/8" &
3/8" x 3/16"
8 x 100 mesh
70% < 200
mesh
< 8 mesh
-------
T»ble 4
Coal Analyses - Gasification
Proximate , %
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CO. Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Fixed
Coal Type Carbon Volatiles
NaVaj° 35 0 31 2
Sub-bituitinous JD JX
Pittsburgh Seam
Nava j o
Sub-bituminous
Lignite
Western Kentucky . , , ,Q _
No. 11 4i> Jy-:>
Illinois No. 6
Pittsburgh Slam
Lignite Type
Ash
17.3
7.4
17.3
7.47
6.7
10.79
10.7
14.5
Ultimate
Moisture
16.5
2.5
16.5
33.67
8.4
6.48
6.0
13.3
C
76.72
81.9
76.72
70.53
80.20
78.45
80.70
71.2
H
5.71
5.8
5.71
4.71
5.50
5.43
5.64
5.4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
N
.37
.7
.37
.17
.62
.53
.35
.8
(MAF),
S
0.95
1.8
0.95
1.00
4.10
4.75
4.97
4.3
%
0
15.21
8.9
15.21
22.59
8.58
9.85
7.34
18.3
Higher
Other Value
0.04 S
13
0.04 8
-J
12
12
12
8
Heating
, Btu/lb
,830
,700
,872
,376
,330
,600
,387
,910
CJ
I
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 14 -
Other operations in coal storage and preparation include slurry
feed formation in the HYGAS Process. The use of a slurry feed obviates the
problems of lock hoppers operating at high pressures OVLOOO psi) and the
consequent handling of lock hopper gas. Evaporation of the slurry liquid
is required, however, and pumping slurried coal represents heavy duty on
pumps.
2.2.2 Effluents to Air from Coal
Storage and Preparation
The coal storage piles represent a potential source of air pol-
lution from dusting and possible fines. In all cases, the storage piles are
large and have a large surface area, thus winds can remove significant
quantities of dust. Spontaneous combustion could produce obnoxious fumes
and proper compaction of the coal piles is necessary (Ref. 14, p. 296-306).
Lignites are especially prone to catch fire, but in all cases, proper
monitoring of temperatures should be carried out and means should be
available for extinguishing fires if they occur.
All coal handling steps are potential sources of dust. Covered
conveyors should be used and spills should be recovered promptly or at
least maintained in a wet state until recovery is possible.
Crushing and grinding operations can be dusty and should probably
be carried out in enclosed spaces provided with sub-ambient pressure control
and bag filters. The enclosures would also reduce noise although personnel
within the buildings should be properly protected. Environmentally sound
disposition of the collected coal dust must be provided. For processes
using fine coal, this should present no problem. If fine coal cannot be
used in the conversion process, it may be necessary to burn the coal dust
for steam generation; in which case, adequate control of stack gas emis-
sions must be provided.
Drying operations present a source of potential pollution. If
clean gas is used for drying, one source of pollution is reduced. In all
cases, particulate control is necessary since the coal is contacted with
a large volume of hot gas. For example, to meet the particulates standard
of 0.1 Ibs per MM Btu (the level required of stationary boilers) the lignite
loss in the C02 Acceptor process would have to be less than 0.01 weight
percent.
Control of NOX formation may be desirable. Flame temperature
should be kept low and excess oxygen content should be limited to about 10%.
This can be accomplished by recycling vent gas. Inert gas (nitrogen from the
oxygen plant or carbon dioxide from acid gas removal) can be added to reduce
flame temperature and moisture content of the dryer gas. Each process must
be considered individually in order to minimize pollution and costs.
-------
- 15 -
2.2.3 Liquids and Solids Effluents
from Coal Storage and Preparation
The first problem is due to rain. The storage pile has a very
large surface area and the residence time is long so that rain has a chance
to react and form acids or extract organics, sulfur, and soluble metals,
and in any event contribute suspended matter to the rain runoff. Therefore,
it is necessary to collect water from this area as well as from the process
area, and send it to a separate retention pond. This pond should have a
long enough residence time for solids to settle out; also, there will be
a certain amount of biological action which will be effective in reducing
contaminants. Limestone can be added in this circuit if needed to correct
acidity. The problem may bear some resemblance to acid mine water and
should be reviewed from that standpoint (15,16). Run off from the dolomite
storage area should also be treated.
In some comparable situations, seepage down through a process area
can be a problem in addition to the runoff. Even though storm sewers collect
the runoff in a chemical plant or refinery, leaks and oil spills can release
enough material that it actually seeps down into the ground water supply.
If the ground contains a lot of clay this will not normally be a problem -
in fact, the clay can absorb large quantities of metallic ions. In sandy
soil it may be necessary to provide a barrier layer underneath the coal
storage piles. This could be concrete, plastic or possibly a clay layer.
Water from the coal drainage retention pond will be relatively
clean and low in dissolved solids and is therefore a good makeup water
for the cooling tower circuit and for preparation of boiler feed water.
Normally all of the runoff water can be used in this way so that it will
not constitute an effluent from the plant.
No specific solid or liquid effluents are expected from the coal
or dolomite grinding, drying, and preheating sections. Coal dryer vent
gas will be passed through bag filters to recover the dust. It can be
combined with the ash slurry and returned to the mine. Electrostatic
precipitators or scrubbers may be used instead of bag filters.
In the BIGAS design, considerable refuse is removed at the plant.
It is probable that the refuse will be returned to the mine. Wash water
should be sent to a settling pond and recycled.
2.2.4 Process Alternatives
An alternative to minimize dusting and drainage from coal piles
is to use the piles only as "dead storage" (17). This stored coal would be
used only in emergencies. A much smaller quantity of coal could be stored
in silos for day-to-day use. The emergency storage can be covered with a
a coating of polymer or asphalt. This reduces the drainage and dusting
problems. A further advantage would be loss of coal value due to slow
reaction with air. This reaction should decrease with time and coal value
losses will be minimized. The use of a cap is, however, contrary to pre-
vious recommendations (Ref. 14, p. 298) and should be used with care.
-------
- 16 -
A number of options exist for minimizing air pollution in coal
preparation. To minimize coal dusting, for those plants using fine coal
feed, the coal can be dried in a relatively coarse form with subsequent
grinding. Drying offers a number of other alternatives for optimization
with respect to cost and pollution.
One major area for optimization is trade-off between heat load
in the gasifier and dryer. This should especially be considered in low
Btu processes using air for gasification. Some of the heat of drying in
the gasifier can be recovered in subsequent steps in the process. Smaller
dryer gas volumes can be used if the moisture content of the coal feed
is allowed to increase.
Another major area to be considered is the use of clean gas for
dryer fuel vs the use of coal with stack gas scrubbing. The latter
alternative should be effective in removing particulates and sulfur.
Nitrogen or carbon dioxide from the process can be used to
reduce the oxygen content of the dryer gas. This increases drying capa-
city of the gas over that obtained by gas recycle.
In those areas where water is a premium, much of the moisture
from the coal dryer gas could be recovered using air fin condensers. This
might be very useful for Western coals and lignite where the moisture content
of the coal is high and fresh water is scarce.
2.3 Gasification and Quench Sections
2.3.1 Gasifiers and Operating Conditions
The gasifiers examined in this study include several types. These
range from a counter-current, slowly moving bed to fluidized beds to
entrained flow. Temperatures vary considerably, often in the same bed, and
range from 600°F in the dryer of the HYGAS process to 3000"F in the bottom
of the BIGAS process. Pressures vary widely, from essentially atmospheric
pressure in the Koppers-Totzek process to 1200 psia in the HYGAS process.
Both air and oxygen gasifiers were examined. The products from the pro-
cesses include low, medium and high Btu gas. (The processes producing
high Btu gas necessarily produce a medium Btu gas before methanation.) A
summary of the various process gasifiers is shown in Table 5 together with
operating conditions and type of final product gas. A more detailed
description of the gasifiers is given in Appendix A and in references 3-10.
The inputs to the gasifiers are given in Table 6. The quantities
of coal/lignite feed shown for 'the processes is actual feed dried to the
moisture contents given as footnotes. The C02 acceptor process is different
in that air is fed to the acceptor regenerator rather than to the reactor.
Except for the Koppers-Totzek and U-Gas processes, the Btu contents of the
final product gases are roughly the same (231-250.3 X 10^ Btu/day). The
Koppers-Totzek design produces 88.7 X 10^ Btu/day while the U-Gas design
produces 124 X 10^ Btu/day. These products are discussed in a later
section.
-------
Table 5
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgl
CO- Acceptor
BI-GAS
Gasifier Descriptions and Operating Conditions
Entrained
Slagging
Fluid bed
Counter-current
bed
Fluid bed
Top zone - entrained
bottom zone - slagging
Oxidant
Supplied
oxygen
oxygen
oxygen
air*
oxygen
Temperature,
°F
2700
Top - 800
Bottom - 1700
Top - 1100 - 1400
Bottom - VL700
1500
Top zone - 1700
Bottom Zone - 3000
Pressure,
psia
15
1200
Product Gas
Medium Btu
1000
420
150
High Btu
High Btu
High Btu
High Btu
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Fluid bed
4 sections
Fluid
Fluid
bed
bed
oxygen
air
oxygen
Top - 600
2nd Sect.
3rd Sect.
Bottom -
1900
1700
- 1250
- 1750
1900
1200
350
30
High
Low
Medium
Btu
Btu
Btu
*To Acceptor regenerator
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 18 -
The products in the raw gas from the gasifier/quench section of
the plants are tabulated in Table 7, based on dry gas. Other materials
Leaving the gasifiers in various streams are given in Table 8.
In Table 8, some of the solid effluents from the gasifiers are
classified as ash while others are shown as char. The distinction is
subjective as some carbon remains in the ash and some chars have rela-
tively low carbon. The analyses of those solids listed as chars are
shown in Table 9. Steam is also produced in all cases from the gasifier
jackets or in waste heat boilers.
2.3.2 Gasifier Effluents to Air
No major gaseous effluent streams are expected from the gasifier/
quench sections of the plants. It is expected that inert gas or steam
used in pressurizing lock hoppers will be returned to the main gas stream.
Care must be taken that sources of dust from dry ash or char does not
enter the atmosphere. Quench systems for ash or char should be designed
to prevent effluent odors, if present. For more details of the containment
of gaseous effluents from the gasifier sections of the plants, the indivi-
dual process reports (3-10) should be consulted.
2.3.3 Liquid and Solid Effluents
The largest liquid and solid effluent streams from the gasifier
section of the plants are the ash or char streams. For those processes
utilizing char as fuels, these streams are not effluents at this point.
The ash is usually recovered as a slurry and may pass to
settling ponds, be returned to the mine,, or may have a use such as land
fill. In all cases, there exists the possibility of leaching of inorganic
materials into general water systems. This can be prevented by using
linings for ponds where the soil is sandy. Linings will not be necessary
if the soil has a large adsorptive capacity for the soluble ions.
Dirty water streams from the quench sections of each process
are sent to some form of waste water treatment. This treatment is
reported to consist only of settling ponds for some streams such as ash
slurries, but the treatment may be extensive for those streams containing
phenols, ammonia, etc. The waste water treatment systems will be discussed
later.
There is a purge stream of slurry oil from the HYGAS process that
may require treatment. It may contain organic materials as well as trace
elements. The disposition of this stream will depend on further defini-
tion of its analysis.
2.3.4 Process Alternatives
No major process alternatives exist for the gasifiers since each
is defined by the developer. Minor alternatives such as lock hoppers vs
slurry feeding, method of pressurizing feed hoppers, methods of ash removal
and techniques for quenching the various raw gas streams are discussed for
each process in the process reports (Ref. 3-10). A good discussion of
these alternatives is presented in the Synthane report (Ref. 4).
-------
Table 6
Inputs to Gasifiers
(Ib/hr except as noted)
Higher Heating Value,
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
G02 Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Coal or Lignite
1,
1,
1,
1,
1,
479,
187,
722,
413,
946,
057,
575,
675,
300
500
200
400
300
900
400
000
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)**
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Btu/lb coal*
10,
13,
8,
10,
13,
12,
13,
9,
327
700
872
945
285
600
178
320
Steam
84
1,169
1,762
1,653
409
981
371
820
,700
,700
,200
,700
,700
,700
,750
,800
Oxygen
Air
326,900
304
468
•••
497
270
-
961
,000
,500
.«•
,600
,300
-
,300
—
—
3,373,400***
—
—
1,849,000
—
VO
I
Notes: * With moisture as shown in notes 1-8.
** 7,164,000 Ib/hr hot acceptor also enters from regenerator
*** Air used in regeneration of acceptor
(1) 2%
(2) 2.
(3) 16
(4) 0%
(5) 1.
(6) 0%
(7) 0%
(8) 8.
Moisture
5% Moisture
.5% Moisture
Moisture
3% Moisture
Moisture
Moisture
7% Moisture
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 7
Raw, Dry Gas from Gasifiers and Quench
Process
Kopper s -Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
C(>2 Acceptor*^
BI-GAS**
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
CO
575, 300
320, 000
535, 500
431, 600
1,024,300
650, 100
520, 800
1, 094, 800
H2
22, 200
38, 200
76, 500
145, 000
40,900
48, 300
25, 600
85, 700
(Ib/hr)
C02
88, 900
871,000
1, 243, 800
308, 500
512,300
763, 800
422, 900
1, 066, 500
CH4
600
268, 000
174, 000
98, 900
207,300
244, 200
72, 400
32, 000
H2S
3,400
12, 200
10, 700
1,142
40,600
43, 300
25, 600
51, 250
COS
700
N.R.
N.R.
N.R.
N.R.
700
1,400
10, 000
N2
11, 000
16, 000
8,800
6,200
15,300
1,700
1, 407, 900
34, 000
Higher
Hydrocarbons
0
15,000
28,900
N.R. '
NJ
o
N.R. i
15,100
\
N.R.
N.R.
* Does not include gas from acceptor regenerator
** Output includes 104,100 Ib/hr (dry) recycled product gas
N.R. = Not reported
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 8
Other By-products from Gasifier and Quench
Process Ash
Koppers-Totzek 111,500
Synthane
Lurgi 314, 000
2 Acceptor *
BI-GAS 68, 400
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
(Ib/hr)
Char Tar & Oil
negligible
362,200 43,200
126,400
496,800** N.R.
N.R.
138,900 N.R.
86,400 N.R.
372,500 N.R.
Phenols
negligible
N.R.
10,100
N.R.
N.R.
1,300
N.R.
N.R.
NH
negligible
13, 200
16,900
N.R.
7,700
11, 300
N.R.
N.R.
Hydrocarbon liquids
negligible
7,400
18,400
N.R.
N.R.
39, 800
N.R.
N.R.
* See regenerator section in section 2.16.1.
** Char passes to regenerator. 7,977,000 Ib/hr of acceptor passes to regenerator section.
N.R. = Not reported
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 22 -
Table 9
Char Analysis
Process
Synthane
C0£ Acceptor*
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Char Analysis, wt. %
C
71
63
10
20
31
.4
.41
.3
.33
.7**
H 0
0.9 1.8
0.54 2.26
N. A. N. A.
1.43
N. A. N. A.
S
1.5
0.97
N. A.
0.58
N. A.
N
0.5
0.25
N. A.
1.78
N. A.
Ash
23
32
N.
75
N.
.9
.57
A.
.88
A.
HHV,
11,
9,
1,
3,
4,
Btu/lb
000
450
488
877
810
* Char is burned in acceptor regenerator
** Average of two streams
N. A. = not available
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 23 -
2.4 Shift Conversion and Cooling
Shift conversion, that is, the reaction of carbon monoxide with
steam to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide, is only used in those pro-
cesses where SNG is the final product and only then when there is not suf-
ficient hydrogen in the raw gas to effect the methanation step. (Processes
designed for maximum hydrogen production would of course also use the shift
reaction.) Of the processes studies in this work, only the Synthane, Lurgi,
BIGAS and HYGAS processes use shift conversion.
2.4.1 Description of Shift Conversion
When SNG is to be the final product of the process, it is
usually necessary to convert carbon oxides to methane by hydrogenation.
Since the principal reaction is carbon monoxide with hydrogen, a ratio of
hydrogen to carbon monoxide of about 3:1 is required prior to methanation.
This ratio is obtained in the shift reactor section of the plant by reacting
carbon monoxide with steam in the following reaction:
CO + HLO = C02 + H2 + 17,770 Btu/lb-mole.
(The C02 Acceptor process is an exception since sufficient hydrogen is pre-
sent in the raw gas.) Usually, only a fraction of the total raw gas stream
passes through the converter system since only part of the carbon monoxide
is reacted. Before entering the converter reactors, the gas is usually
washed to remove most of the tars, dust, etc., to prevent bed plugging.
Although low temperature catalysts (ca. 450°F) are available for
carbon monoxide conversion, these catalysts are deactivated by sulfur
compounds. In the designs for SNG production, it has been assumed that
acid gas removal is most economically carried out after the shift reaction
so that carbon dioxide, formed during shift conversion, is also removed.
Thus, high temperature (ca. 700°F) catalyst are used that are not grossly
affected by sulfur compounds. These usually consist of chromia promoted
iron oxide and have a life of up to three years. The exothermic heat of the
shift reaction is removed by intercooling and preheating the cool raw gas.
After the shift reaction the shifted gas and bypassed gas are
cooled and remixed. During cooling, as much useful heat is recovered as
possible. Also during cooling, organic compounds may be removed and sent
to storage or to other units in the plant. Large quantities of water are
condensed and must be treated prior to reuse or discharge. (In some cases,
at least part of the dirty water can be used for quench.) The cooled gas
is then sent to the acid gas removal section for further purification.
A more detailed description of the individual shift converter
sections may be found in Appendix A.
2.4.2 Effluents to Air from Shift
Conversion and Cooling
There are normally no effluents to the air from the shift con-
version and cooling section of the plant; any vent gases are collected,
recompressed and returned to the system.
-------
- 24 -
2.4.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents
from Shift Conversion and Cooling
The only solid effluent from the shift conversion section is
the periodic catalyst removal required after about three years operation.
The relatively small quantities involved should present no disposal
problems. A note of caution is warranted, however. It is possible that
there would be a buildup of trace metals on the catalyst that could present
environmental problems. The spent catalyst should be examined carefully
before disposal to assure that the disposal method used will be environ-
mentally sound.
Liquid streams leaving the shift/cooling section may include oil
products to storage or other use and contaminated water. The latter must
be treated and will be discussed later in Section 2.11. The quantities of
dirty water leaving the shift conversion and cooling areas are shown in
Table 10. The water from the cooling areas is also included for those
processes without a shift reactor.
2.4.4 Process Alternatives in Shift
Conversion and Cooling
Few process alternatives exist in the area of shift conversion.
The technique is quite old and most variables have been optimized.
One alternative that might offer advantages in some cases is
the use, as much as possible, of the dirty water before treatment. This
is done in the BIGAS process. Use of the water in place of steam would
offer credits for steam production as well as decrease the load on waste
water treatment. It should be noted, however, that water in the Koppers-
Totzek process is relatively clean and requires only a settling pond for
treatment for reuse.
Cooling of the gas stream prior to acid gas removal should be
carried out so as to conserve as much heat as possible for subsequent use.
The level at which this heat is recovered will be determined by its sub-
sequent utilization. Air fin coolers can be used as far as possible in
the final cooling to conserve cooling water.
2.5 Acid Gas Removal
The acid gas removal section of the plant has the duty of
removing sulfur compounds, carbon dioxide and any other materials that
would interfere with subsequent methanation. There is a large number of
options for this section and no attempt will be made to describe them all.
Brief descriptions will be given of those chosen for the processes in the
present study together with the effluents from each as far as information
is available.
2.5.1 Description of Acid Gas Removal
The procedures chosen for acid gas removal generally involve
chemical or physical absorption of the acidic materials in a suitable
liquid with subsequent desorption of the acid gases at a lower pressure
-------
- 25 -
Table 10
Sour Water from Shift Conversion, Cooling and Scrubbing
Process
Synthane
Lurgi
BI-GAS
HYGAS
Koppers-Totzek (3)
C02 Acceptor (3)
U-Gas (3)
Winkler (3)
Water,
Ibs/hr
1,110,000
1,277,500 (1)
866,600
806,500
7,142,800 (4)
612, 000
230,800
928,300
Disposition
To waste water treatment
To waste water treatment
To quench (2)
To waste water treatment
To clairifier
To waste water treatment
To waste water treatment
To waste water treatment
(1) Contains sour water from initial cooling
(2) Perhaps 86,000 Ib/hr must be treated to prevent build up of trace contaminants
(3) No shift conversion. Sour water from quench and cooling
(4) This water is reported not to contain sour components; the large
quantity is needed for solids removal.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 26 -
(and in some cases at higher temperatures) to regenerate the absorbent.
Table 11 lists the acid gas removal techniques suggested for the processes
studied in this work. It should be noted that acid gas removal is a major
consumer of utilities.
The hot carbonate process has been described in a number of
publications (e.g., Ref. 18 and 19). Basically, the process involves
absorption of acid gases in a solution of potassium carbonate (and
additives) at about 230°F. The acid gases are desorbed in a regeneration
tower at lower pressure with steam stripping. Variations (such as operation
at a lower temperature in the absorber) have been suggested to increase
absorption. Other sulfur compounds, such as COS, CSn and mercaptans can be
removed to a certain extent depending on conditions. Thiophenes should
not react with the carbonate solution but partial removal has been
reported (18). Cyanides and sulfur dioxide may react irreversibly with
the solution. By modification of the design two acid gas streams can be
obtained: one high in sulfur content (suitable for a Claus plant) and
the other high in carbon dioxide. The latter stream will still contain
significant sulfur as hydrogen sulfide that will have to be incinerated
or removed (see the description of the BIGAS process (7)).
The Rectisol cold methanol process operates by absorption of acids
in methanol at reduced temperatures (ca. -50°F) and has been described in
the literature (e.g., Ref. 20). This process is capable of removing all
the types of sulfur compounds but can also remove significant quantities
of combustibles. One design (21), after reducing combustibles to a
minimum, incinerates the acid gas after sulfur removal. Although it is
possible to obtain a relatively pure C02 stream and a high concentration of
H2S in a separate stream, the relationship between the loss of product
gas and the concentration of H^S in such an arrangement is not clear. (The
unit described in Reference 21 produces only one stream with a low H0S
content unsuitable for a Claus plant.) The Rectisol process may use
stripping gas (N2) in some cases and can be Integrated with the final
product gas compression step to remove water from the final product gas.
The Koppers-Totzek process makes use of an amine system (methyl
diethanolamine) for acid gas removal at about 120°F. This system is
capable of producing a high concentration of H2S in the sour gas stream
which can be sent to a Claus plant. Several hundred parts per million of
sulfur compounds and most of the C02 remain in the product gas, but for
fuel use this is acceptable. If it were necessary to methanate the product
gas, further treatment would be necessary.
Selexol acid gas removal, indicated for use in the U-Gas process,
absorbs acid gases in dimethoxy tetraethylene glycol. (See References 22
and 23 for a description of the Selexol process.) A high concentration of
H,S in the product gas stream can be obtained by this process, but no
information is available as to the concentration of product gas in the
acid gas stream.
-------
Table 11
Acid Gas Removal
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CCU Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Type of
Acid Gas
Removal
Methyl diethanolamine
Hot carbonate
(Benfield)
Cold methanol
(Rectisol)
N. S.
Hot carbonate
(Benfield)
Cold methanol
(Rectisol)
Dimethoxy
tetraethylene
glycol (Selexol)
Hot carbonate
Volume
of Acid Gas,
MM scfh (1)
0.138
9.2
Acid Gas
Analysis (1)
V % H2S
23.1
1.5
V 7= Total S
Compounds
24
N. S.
HHV of
Acid Gas,
Btu/scf (1)
N. S.
(2)
35
Type of S
Guard
N. N.
Iron oxide
13.5
0.22
2.92
(3) (4)
>
(5)
1.71
1.58
4.04
(6)
1.1
14.6
29.8
17.9
15.0
N. S.
(4)
5.9 N. S.
N. S.
N. S.
18.2
15.0
38
N. S.
N. S.
N. S.
N. S.
N. S.
char (or activated
carbon)
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
N. N.
N. N.
I
S3
N. N. - Not needed
N. S. = Not specified
(1) Dry Gas
(2) Estimated
(3) Does not include gas from
regenerator
(4) N. S. if wet or dry gas
(5) Does not include all CO, - 9.91 MM scfh
vented separately
(6) Does not include all C02 - 9.88 MM scfh
vented separately
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 28 -
The sulfur content of the gas from the acid gas absorption
system is usually decreased further by reaction with iron oxide, or zinc
oxide or by adsorption. This step is frequently necessary to protect the
tnethanation catalyst which is highly sensitive to the presence of sulfur
compounds. The clean gas, if SNG is to be the final product, then passes
to the methanation section. The acid gas stream containing the H2S passes
to .a sulfur recovery plant.
2.5.2 Effluents to Air From Acid Gas Removal
The only atmospheric emission from the acid gas removal section
is, in some cases, a carbon dioxide stream containing sulfur compounds and
combustible materials (H2» CO, CH*, etc.). The quantities that could be
emitted depend on the type of system used and the specific design of the
system. The sulfur compounds, such as H2S, COS, thiophenes, etc., can be
removed by various treating processes, such as adsorption by molecular sieves.
Alternatively, the combustible materials can be converted to carbon dioxide and
the sulfur can be emitted as sulfur oxides by inceration. Unless the HHV of the
carbon dioxide stream is sufficiently high, the cost of incineration can be
expensive due to the large quantities of carbon dioxide that must be vented.
When guard boxes are to be regenerated (usually by air blowing
at elevated temperatures), appropriate disposition of the exit gases must
be available. These gases normally will contain sulfur oxides. The
effluent may be directed to a furnace stack if the SOX concentration is
not too high. Otherwise some sort of scrubbing will be necessary.
2.5.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents
from Acid Gas Removal
Condensate streams are formed in the acid gas removal sections
of the plants. These streams are normally sent to a waste water treat-
ment section. Build up of impurities in the absorption medium requires
purging of the absorbent and the disposition of these purges requires
individual examination. One frequently suggested technique of disposal
is by incineration followed by mine burial of the solid residues.
When guard boxes are necessary prior to the methanation step,
it is necessary to dispose of the spent solids from time to time. One
suggested method is mine burial. A determination of leachability of the
solids will be necessary to assure that contamination of ground water is
not a problem. The solids should especially be examined to assure that
potentially hazardous trace elements have not accumulated which could
present an environmental problem. If such is the case, techniques will
have to be devised to assure the environmental soundness of the ultimate
fate of the solids.
2.5.4 Process Alternatives in Acid Gas Removal
Besides those discussed in 2.5.1, other alternatives exist for
removal of acid gases from the main gas streams (24, 25, 26). In parti-
cular, it should be mentioned that aqueous solutions of monoethanolamine
(MEA) and diethanolamine (DEA) have been used for removal of acid gases
-------
- 29 -
from gas streams (see, for example, Reference 27). If COS is present,
MEA reacts with it irreversibly, while the COS passes through DBA. The
MEA and DEA are not particularly selective for H2S removal vs C02 removal.
However, triethanolamine (TEA) preferentially removes hydrogen sulfide and
a combination of TEA and a C02 removal system could be used to obtain a
highly concentrated hydrogen sulfide stream for a Glaus plant.
Alternatives for trace sulfur removal should also include the
use of molecular sieves alone or in conjunction with methods discussed
above.
Any type of acid gas removal unit chosen can be varied exten-
sively. The choice of configuration will be dictated by such restrictions
as gas composition, temperature and pressure, type of sulfur recovery
facility, availability of excess steam, economics of the final trace
sulfur clean-up system, and others. Each case must be examined individually,
not only to choose the best type of acid gas removal system for the
particular application, but also as to what modification to choose for
the best type. It should be kept in mind, however, that ultimate dis-
position of effuents can be a major factor in the final choice for acid
gas removal.
As in other cooling operations, air fin cooling rather than the
use of cooling water can be advantageous in areas where water is scarce.
Where the absorber and regenerator operate at different temperatures, heat
exchange can be used to reduce the heat load. Another possible alternative
to be considered is the use of heat pumps to minimize energy consumption.
Still further energy conservation can be had by the use of liquid turbines
in the depressurization of the absorber solution. These options must, of
course, be considered from the standpoint of cost, availability and environ-
mental effect.
2.6 Methanation Section
2.6.1 Description of the Methanation Section
When SNG is the desired final product, a methanation step is
required. The reactions involved in methanation are
CO + 3H2 = CH4 + H20 + 87,700 Btu/lb-mole
CO. + 4H2 = CH4 + 2H20 + 71,000 Btu/lb-mole
It is usually desirable to reduce the need for the last reaction to con-
serve hydrogen requirements. Fortunately, the reaction of C0£ is slow in
the presence of CO. The above reactions are generally carried out over a
nickel catalyst that is easily deactivated by sulfur compounds, hence
the need for very clean feed gas.
Methanation has been used for years in, for example, ammonia
plants where the levels of carbon monoxide to be removed has been low. In
the production of SNG, the concentration of CO is high and special consi-
derations are then necessary (28).
-------
- 30 -
The methanation reactions are highly exothermic and it is neces-
sary to design the unit to keep the temperature within limits dictated
by catalyst life. It is also desirable to recover as much as possible of
the heat released in the reactions at as high a temperature as possible.
Other design considerations involve the possible formation of nickel
carbonyl at low temperatures and the reaction of CO to give C02 and carbon
at high temperatures; methanators usually operate at about 750 F.
Temperature control can generally be effected by large recycle
of the cooled effluent gas. This keeps the carbon monoxide low and hence
the temperature rise is minimized. The U.S. Bureau of Mines (now PERC of
ERDA) has proposed the use of a heat exchanger in which a nickel catalyst
is sprayed 6nto the exchanger tube walls (4). Heat can then be transferred
to a suitable liquid.
2.6.2 Effluents to Air from the Methanation Section
During normal operation, there should be no effluents to the
air from the methanation section. During start-up, recycle of the process
gas is necessary, and during shut-down, facilities are required for flushing
the catalyst bed with inert gas and for oxidizing the catalyst with a
stream containing low amounts of oxygen. The effluent gases can be
incinerated.
There is the possibility of the formation of nickel carbonyl,
especially at low temperatures, and care must be taken that this is not
released to the atmosphere (or, for that matter, that the final SNG
product is not contaminated).
2.6.3 Liquids and Solid Effluents
The only liquid from methanation is a relatively clean conden-
sate that can be sent to raw water treatment. Gases evolved during
decompression of the water should be recompressed and returned to the
system. No solids leave this section except during catalyst replacement;
the catalyst will probably be reworked to recover the nickel content.
2.6.4 Process Alternatives in Methanation
Few alternatives exist for methanation and these generally have to
do with methods of heat recovery/temperature control. Internal cooling, as
in the Bureau of Mines (now PERC of ERDA) technique, is one possibility. The
generally accepted method is recycle of a large stream of cooled gas. Heat
is then extracted from the hot gas from the reactor before recycle. However,
the recycle compressor can be a large energy user. A desirable alternative,
but one that is not available at present, would be a catalyst that was more
tolerant of sulfur compounds.
2.7 Compression and Drying
For high Btu gas a compression step may be required to bring the
gas to pipeline pressure. (For some other applications, compression of
the gas from the atmospheric gasification processes may be required.) This
compression does not release atmospheric pollutants but does require con-
siderable energy. The gas is then dried, using, for example, a glycol
-------
- 31 -
system. (Systems using a cold methanol carbon dioxide removal step do
not require further drying.) The water from the gas stream is sent to
raw water treatment. Gases evolved during decompression are recompressed
and returned to the gasification system. Thus there are normally no
gaseous, liquid or solid effluents from the compression and drying sec-
tion. The materials used for drying will have to be replaced infrequently.
2.8 Final Product Gas
Table 12 shows the analyses of the product gas produced in each
of the processes studied, along with the total volumes, heat contents and
pressures.
2.9 Oxygen Plants
All the gasification processes studied in this work except the
CC>2 Acceptor and U-Gas processes, require an oxygen plant. Oxygen in some
form is required to burn part of the coal to produce the heat required in
the gasifier. The U-Gas process uses air to accomplish this. The CC>2
Acceptor process carries out the oxidation in a separate reactor where
air can be used without contamination of the product gas with large
quantities of nitrogen. Other than for process operability, the use of pure
oxygen allows the production of a higher Btu product from the gasifier than
could be obtained by the use of air and the consequent introduction of
nitrogen into the gas stream. Reference 29 presents a good discussion of
oxygen separation from air.
Table 13 lists the oxygen requirements of the processes studied.
The oxygen plants are relatively clean; the major effluents to the atmos-
pheres are those that come in with the air. The liquid effluent is the
water from the air and this can be directed to boiler feed water treatment.
However, oxygen plants consume considerable energy for compression; approxi-
mately 0.2 hp-hr is required per pound of oxygen. Supplying this energy
represents the major environmental effect of the oxygen plant.
2.10 Sulfur Recovery
2.10.1 Description of Sulfur Recovery
Sulfur recovery is a major concern with respect to its effect
on the environment. There are quite a number of alternatives available
for sulfur recovery, each with its own problems. Sulfur recovery has long
been an active area for research and development and has been discussed
extensively in the literature (see, for example, Refs. 24,25,26,30,31).
Basically, sulfur recovery usually depends on the oxidation of
sulfur according to the equation
H2S + (0) > H20 + S
Classically, the oxygen came directly from air but newer processes depend
on intermediate compounds which oxidize the hydrogen sulfide.
-------
Table 12
Net Dry Product Gas
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CO,, Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Volume of HHV of Pressure of
Product Gas, Product Gas, Product Gas
MM scfd Btu/scf psia
290
250
251
263
250
260
784
886
303
927
972
952
943
1000
158
282
166
1000
915
1000
1075
958
300
Ca 15
i Gas Analysis, Volume %
CH,
0.1
90.5
95.9
93.0
91.8
93.0
4.9
2.0
H0
32.6
3.6
0.8
4.8
5.1
6.6
13.8
42.7
N9
2 —
1.2
2.1
1.2
0.8
1.9
0.2
54.4
1.2
CO
— 2 —
5.2
3.7
2.0
1.3
1.1
0.1
6.7
15.1
CO
60.9
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
20.2
38.9
H0S + COS
0.03
0.015
0.08
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 33 -
Table 13
Gasification Process Oxygen Requirements
Oxygen Required, Ib
Oxygen Required, per MM Btu in Gasi-
Process Ib/hr fier Feed Coal
Koppers-Totzek 326,900 66.04
Synthane 304,000 18.69
Lurgi 468,500 30.67
BI-GAS 497,600 39.58
HYGAS 270,300 20.28
Winkler 961,300 61.58
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 34 -
The Glaus process, developed about 1890, oxidized li^S over a
bauxite or iron ore catalyst. Later modifications included oxidation of
part of the hydrogen sulfide completely, to recover heat and the subsequent
reaction of the S02 with the remaining H2S to produce sulfur. The latter
technique allows operation at lower H2S concentrations in the feed stream.
At very low concentrations of H2S, fuel must be added to the hydrogen
sulfide stream to support combustion. The biggest problems with the
Glaus plant approach is that high concentrations of H2S are required and
the tail gas from the plant still contains sulfur at such a level as to
make its atmospheric release undesirable.
The liquid phase production of sulfur has been used to decrease
sulfur content of the exit gases. These processes use an intermediate
compound such as vanadates to oxidize the l^S and can operate with dilute
feeds. Commercial examples of these processes are the Stretford (32, 33,
34), the Giammarco Vetrocoke (24) and the Takahax (24) processes. These
processes suffer due to problems in removal of other sulfur compounds,
such as COS, and difficulty of liquid effluent disposal.
Details on sulfur recovery for the various processes are
summarized in Table 14.
2.10.2 Effluents from Sulfur Recovery
The principal effluent from sulfur recovery plants is the tail
gas. In the past it has been common practice to incinerate Glaus plant
effluents. In coal gasification, the large volume of CC>2 in the effluent
makes incineration expensive. Furthermore, the S02 content of the incin-
erated gas can be excessive.
A number of processes have been announced for removing most of
the sulfur from the Glaus tail gas (24). Among these are the Beavon,
IFF, SCOT, Sulfreen and the W-L processes. In the Beavon and SCOT
processes, the sulfur compounds are converted to H«S. The H~S, in the
Beavon process, is converted to sulfur in a Stretford unit. In the SCOT
process, the H2S is separated from the C02 using a selective alkanolamine
absorber and is returned to the Claus plant. In the IFF process, the tail
gas is incinerated and scrubbed with aqueous ammonia. The sulfates are
reduced to sulfites, S02 is generated from the sulfites in solution and
is reacted with a slip stream of l^S to produce sulfur. The Sulfreen
process is an extension of the Claus process. The H2S and S02 are reacted
catalytically at low temperature to form sulfur. The W-L process produces
S02 solutions by incineration of the Claus tail gas followed by absorption.
The S02 is removed from solution and returned as a concentrated stream to
the Claus unit.
The use of tail gas clean-up adds to the cost of the gasification
plants. Also, those processes utilizing liquids usually have a liquid
effluent to dispose of with attendant environmental consequences that must
be taken into account. Each case must be investigated individually to
determine the environmental effects and at present no firm commitments
have been made as to the process to be used.
-------
Table 14
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CCL Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Sulfur Recovery in Gasification Systems
Type of
Sulfur
Recovery
Glaus
Stretford
Stretford
N.S.
Glaus
Glaus
Glaus
Glaus
Acid Gas to
Sulfur Plant
MM scfd (1)
0.138
9.2
13.5<2>
0.22(3)(4)
2.92^
1>7(2,6)
1.58
4.04
H2S Concentration
in Acid Gas (1) V%
23.1
1.5
0.93(2^
5.9(3>
14.6
29.8<2>
17.9
15.0
Total
Sulfur
Produced,
Ib/hr
3,330
11,670
12,340
9,920
35,130
55,500
23,580
40,420
Sulfur in
Tail Gas,
V ppm
3,390
5
740
N.S.
2,431
3,010
N.S.
N.S.
HHV of Tail
Gas, Btu/scf Tail Gas Disposal
N.S.
26(7>
29
N.S.
N.S.
N.S.
N.S.
N.S.
Clean-up (N.S.)
To boiler stack
Incineration
Incinerate and clean
up with flue gas
Clean-up (N.S.)
Clean-up Wellman-
Lord
Clean-up (N.S.)
Clean-up (N.S.)
Co
Ln
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Dry Gas.
(2) Does not include gas from auxiliary fuel gasification unit.
(3) Does not include gas from regenerator.
(4) N.S. if wet or dry gas.
(5) Does not include all CO. - 9.91 MM scfh vented separately.
(6) Does not include all CO - 9.88 MM scfh vented separately.
(7) Estimated
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 36 -
If the concentration of H2S in the acid gas to the sulfur plant
is very low, then a liquid phase recovery of sulfur is necessary as indi-
cated above. The available processes have difficulty in removing compounds
of sulfur other than H2S. If the sulfur content is sufficiently high, the
gas from these processes must be controlled. One technique could be
incineration as in the Lurgi design. This may be necessary in any case
since most acid gas removal processes also remove combustibles that must
be removed or destroyed before venting. (See the Lurgi and Synthane
processes as examples, Table 11.) The liquid processes also have a
liquid effluent for which inceration may be required (32,33). The
effluent may be quite large, amounting, in some cases, to 0.2 to 0.3
gal/lb sulfur recovered(33). The resulting solids from incineration
must be examined to determine if mine disposal is safe as they may
contain heavy metals such as vanadium or arsenic as well as soluble salts.
It would also be wise to determine that no heavy metals enter the
atmosphere during incineration.
2.11 Ash and Solids Disposal
2.11.1 Description of Ash and Solids Disposal
The solids from the gasifiers are removed in different ways
depending on the process. The Koppers-Totzek process removes molten slag
at low pressure and quenches it with water. The Winkler process, also at
low pressure, removes the char via water cooled screw conveyors. The Lurgi
process, at intermediate pressures, uses a lock hopper. The remaining
processes are conceptual and suggested methods of removal are indicated
in Table 15.
It should be pointed out that not all the solids are removed
directly from the gasifiers. For example, in the Koppers-Totzek process,
only about one-half the solids are removed directly; the remainder exits
with the raw gas and is subsequently removed by an elaborate series of
washing operations. Smaller amounts of dust are carried overhead in the
Lurgi gasifier and are removed in a tar scrubber and a final wash before
shifting. A major portion of the solids in the Winkler process is
removed from the raw gas by cyclone, water scrubbing and an electrostatic
precipitator. In all cases, sufficient care must be taken to assure
essentially dust free gas before shifting.
2.11.2 Effluents to Air from Solids Disposal
There should be little air contamination from solids handling
and disposal from the gasifiers. Odors may occur when ash or char is
quenched, but this must be checked in each case. Care must be taken to
prevent dusting; dust can be controlled by keeping the solids moist.
2.11.3 Liquids and Solids Effluents from Solids Disposal
The solids from the gasifiers represent the largest source of
solids effluents (directly or later from their fuel use). The water quench
streams are also very large.
-------
Table 15
Solid Gasifier Product
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Syn thane
Lurgi
CO 2 Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Type of
Solid
Slag
Char
Ash
Char/Spent
Acceptor
Slag
Ash/Char
Char
Quantity
of Solid,
Ib/hr
111,500
362,200
314,000
496,800
68,400
138,900
86,400
Solids
Type of Cooling, Removal Disposition
Water quench To mine
Dry let-down, fluid bed To power plant
Water cool, ash locks To mine
Char to regenerator N.S.
Spent acceptor overhead,
water cool
Water quench, N.S.
lock hoppers
Water cool, lock hoppers N.S.
Water cooling N.S.
Liquid Disposition
Recycle
—
Used in plant
Recycle
i
CO
Steam to Reactor "^
Water N.S. '
Returned to system
Returned to system
Winkler
Char
372,500
venturi throat
Water cooled
screw conveyors
To power plant
N.S. = Not specified
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 38 -
Chars that can be utilized as boiler fuel are, of course, directed
to the steam plant. Other solids present more of a problem. Permanent
mine storage has been suggested in a number of cases but this may not always
be an environmentally acceptable solution. Although the metal content of
the solids was originally removed from the mine, its physical and chemical
nature has been changed so that its return to the mine could present
problems. The major potential problem involves leaching of contaminants
which may show up in surface water streams or in sub-surface water. If
the soil contains sufficient clay, run-off will be the chief problem, but
in sandy soils the ions can move considerable distances in the soil. In
these cases, consideration must be given to providing an impervious layer
of asphalt, concrete or other material to prevent movement of the inorganic
materials. If surface movement is the only problem, impoundment would
solve the problem.
Liquids that have been in contact with the ash or slag present
similar problems as the solids themselves. Recycle of clarified water
can be used as much as possible but a purge may be necessary to prevent
continued build up of dissolved solids. This purge can be directed to
impervious evaporation ponds.
Perhaps solids from other areas of the plant will present as
much of a disposal problem as the ash from the gasifiers even though the
quantity is lower. Purge streams from various units (e.g. sulfur recovery)
may contain hazardous, soluble metallic ions. Incineration and mine
disposal may be the answer in most cases, but each process must be examined
individually and in detail. Care should be taken in incineration that
hazardous metals do not escape into the atmosphere as vapors or entrained
liquids or solids.
2.11.4 Process Alternatives in Solids Disposal
Although alternatives are available for solids removal and dis-
posal, in general, when the individual process and operating conditions
are considered, very few options exist. Problems connected with solids
removal are discussed in reference 4 and in the section on the Synthane
process in Appendix A. Consideration should be given in all cases to the
possibility of recovering valuable chemicals from the solids before
disposal.
2.12 Wastewater Treatment
The handling of the process and cooling water streams can repre-
sent one of the major pollution problems in coal conversion plants. These
water streams have the potential for both air, water and land pollution if
not handled properly as they can give off gaseous, liquid and solid wastes.
For economic and other reasons many conversion plants are seriously con-
sidering recycling all process water to extinction. The water treatment
systems will have to be designed specifically for each plant; no one pro-
cess will be universally applicable. -The variety of coal sources and
gasifier operating conditions will differentiate the aqueous wastes in
the various processes under development.
-------
- 39 -
Water treatment in coal conversion plants is very much like that
used in petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants. Reference 35
discusses in detail the treatment of aqueous wastes from such plants.
Reference 36 outlines the design of such treatment facilities.
Water treatment technology for petroleum refineries can be
classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary treatment can be
described as gross removal of materials, secondary treatment provides
for reasonably clean effluents, and tertiary treatment methods are for
polishing the effluent or for removal of special materials to acceptable
levels. Some of the methods of each classification are listed in Table 16.
Wastewaters are generally segregated in some fashion such as
oily water (including oily rainwater run off), high solids clean water,
sour water, and very hazardous waters. These streams are handled separately
to minimize the size of treatment units.
The treatment system necessary for each process has not been
specified. A detailed examination of the individual process would be
necessary, including stream analyses, before such a system could be
outlined. Table 17 shows the quantities of water treated by the gasi-
fication plants studied here. The treatment of rainwater run-off, minor
purges, etc. is not indicated. In most cases, secondary and tertiary
treatment has not been determined.
High temperature processes such as Koppers-Totzek and BIGAS
form negligible quantities of heavy organic materials and there is little
sour water to be treated. In the Koppers-Totzek case, it has been
suggested that the water from the particulate removal spray can be
directed to a clarifier and then recycled. This water has been in contact
with hydrogen sulfide and should dissolve a certain quantity of this
toxic substance. The H£S would be removed from the system in the cooling
tower. Such practice should be checked to see if it meets reasonable air
enviornmental requirements.
Some water may contain such materials as phenols, acids, ammonia
and sulfur compounds. In many of the processes considered, the sour water
stream is large and requires special treatment. This usually involves
phenol removal by extraction with a suitable solvent and stripping to
remove ammonia and hydrogen sulfides. The phenols can be sold as such,
burned or recycled. The ammonia can be sold or burned while the hydrogen
sulfide can be routed through the acid gas removal section. Water leaving
the strippers still contains materials that cannot be allowed to enter
the environment. This water is sent to secondary treatment.
Suspended matter is usually removed by coagulation or flocculation.
The sludge from these operations can be disposed of with other sludges from,
for example, biological oxidation. Techniques available are described in
Reference 35 and include incineration and burial. Final solids disposal
can be handled with the ash from the gasifier.
Following removal of the suspended matter, a biological oxidation
unit (biox) may be used to reduce further the contaminant levels of the
water. Several techniques are available for biological treating including
-------
- 40 -
TABLE 16
CLASSIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODS
Primary Treatment
Stripping
Primary Incineration
Neutralization
Oil Separation
Secondary Treatment
Activated Carbon Adsorption
Chemical Coagulation
Flocculation
Air Flotation
Biological Treatment
Aerated Ponds
Activated Sludge Processes
Trickle Filter Processes
Biological Oxidation in Cooling Towers
Tertiary Treatment
Chlorination
Activated Carbon Adsorption
Evaporation
Ozone Oxidation
Ion Exchange
Reverse Osmosis
Dialysis
Precipitation
-------
Table 17
Dirty Water Treatment Systems of Gasification Plants
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
C0» Acceptor
BI-GAS
HIGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Total Dirty Water
Treated, Ib/hr
(1) (2)
Sour Water, Secondary
Ib/hr Treatment Type
Tertiary Treatment
8,
1,
1,
297,
773,
644,
612,
686,
809,
397,
928,
800
900
500
000
000
600
400
300
(3)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(5)
V-* /
1,311,
1, 282,
612,
86,
809,
230,
928,
0
100
000
000
000
600
800
300
None
N.
S.
Activated sludge
N.
N.
N.
N.
N.
S.
S.
S.
S.
S.
None
N.
S.
Evaporation ponds
N.
N.
N.
N.
N.
S.
S.
S.
S.
S.
(1) Does not include rain water, miscellaneous purges, filter backwash, septic sewer, stack gas scrubber.
(2) Does not include "clean" water from condensate in oxygen plant, methanation or compression.
(3) Only clarifier treatment used and water is recycled.
Cooling tower blowdown is disposed of with ash in mine.
(4) Disposition of cooling tower blowdown N. S. S.
(5) Cooling tower blowdown not included; its disposition N. S.
N. S. = Not specified
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 42 -
activated sludge treatment, aeration ponds, trickle filters and biological
oxidation in cooling towers. Such techniques are very effective in
removing phenol and reducing BOD but problems still exist. For example,
an activated sludge system has been found inadequate in ammonium ion
removal and erratic in its removal of cyanide and thiocyanate (37). It
has been pointed out that reduction of BOD does not necessarily mean that
all harmful organics have been removed (38). Materials such as polynuclear
aromatics may not show up in a BOD test and, likewise, would not'be
removed by bacterial action in a biox unit. A third problem arises from
the possibility of air pollution from biox units. The large liquid surface
area necessary for transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide makes biox units
ideally suited for stripping of contaminants into the air (39). This
area of foul water treatment deserves close attention when used in a coal
gasification plant for it would be very easy to convert a water pollution
situation into an air pollution problem. A final problem with biological
oxidation involves its sensitivity to upset conditions. Fluctuations in
the concentration of contaminants in the water influent may cause a de-
crease in the biological activity. In some cases, the activity can be
destroyed by a sudden increase in some component (e.g. cyanide).
Activated carbon adsorption can be used as a final polishing
step after a biox unit or may be substituted for such a unit. The
performance of carbon adsorption of materials from petroleum refinery
effluent has been investigated (40). Advantages of activated carbon are
that effluents are concentrated and can be disposed of rather easily
and the system is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in contaminant
concentrations. A disadvantage is the semi-batch nature of the process
with its necessary regeneration step.
The use of API separators for bulk oil removal are usually
necessary in gasification plants. Not only is it frequently necessary
to treat oily process water, but rain water run off from process areas
and tank farms contains oil that must be removed. It may be necessary
to follow the separation with flotation units before sufficient oil is
removed.
Non-oily rain water run-off can usually be impounded and used,
after raw water treatment, as make-up water. Boiler blowdown water can
also be used as cooling tower make-up water.
One of the larger streams in gasification plants is the blowdown
from the cooling water system. Not only does this water contain large
amounts of dissolved solids but may contain other contaminants introduced
through leaks in heat exchangers, pump seals, etc. Furthermore, materials,
such as chromimum, added to prevent algae formation in the cooling towers,
present a special problem in water treatment. Chromimum can be precipitated
before other treatment of the blowdown water or ion exchange can be used
for metals removal. In the Koppers-Totzek and C02 acceptor processes,
cooling tower blowdown is disposed of with ash in the mine. In the Lurgi
process, final disposal is provided by evaporation ponds. Blowdown water
may be eliminated by using softened water for cooling. Drift loss in the
cooling towers keeps the solids level sufficiently low in the cooling
water circuit. In areas where water is scarce, this total recycle of
cooling water might be especially attractive.
-------
- 43 -
In any gasification plant there will be minor streams to be
considered. These will include minor purge streams, filter backwash,
contaminated water from raw water treatment, etc. These streams must be
considered individually and treatment may consist of special techniques
such as neutralization, precipitation, incineration, and evaporation
ponds.
In conclusion, it should be stated again that careful evaluation
of waste water treatment is necessary. Care should be taken to see that
contaminants are not transferred from the water to the air and proper
management of solids, which are often the product of water treatment
processes, is necessary. Further work in the area of water treatment
is needed,
2.13 Power and Steam Generation
2.13.1 Alternatives in Power and Steam Generation
A number of alternatives exist as regards the methods and fuels
used to generate power and steam and the resulting pollution problems.
Our basis for design of all gasification plants has been one wherein the
plants were self-sufficient with respect to steam and electrical require-
ments. Table 18 shows the steam and electricity requirements for each
process, together with type and quantity of fuel and whether or not flue
gas scrubbing is required.
No separate steam plant is required for the C02 Acceptor, U-Gas
and Winkler plants. In fact, so much by-product high pressure steam is
available in the C02 Acceptor process that all electricity needed in the
plant and mine could be produced by bleeding the high pressure steam to
165 psi and 377,000 Ib/hr of 165 psi steam would be available for sale.
The major area where a number of alternatives are available is
that of fuel used to generate steam. Alternatives include the use of
coal, clean intermediate product, clean final product, char, and manu-
factured low Btu gas. In the processes studied here, alternatives chosen
are coal, char, and manufactured clean, low Btu gas. The use of manu-
factured gas or product gas decreases thermal efficiency of the overall
process but has the advantage of low sulfur emissions. If coal or char
is used as fuel, then stack gas scrubbing is frequently required to
remove sulfur and particulates. This too, of course, reduces thermal
efficiency over the use of coal or char alone and increases liquid or
solid effluents.
In some cases an alternative to reduce sulfur emissions is the
use of some clean product gas along with coal for fuel to the boilers.
In this way, sulfur can be reduced to acceptable levels and particulates
can be removed by electrostatic precipitators. This elminates the large
quantities of spent limestone that must be disposed of from scrubbing
operations. It was estimated that TiO-200 tpd of sulfated lime would
result from scrubbing the flue gas from the Synthane process (4).
-------
Table 18
Generation of Steam and Electricity in Gasification Plants
Boiler Fuel
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CO™ Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Steam Plant,
Ib/hr
646, 000
2, 840, 000
(1)
1,488,800
(4)
1,329,400
N. S.
0
0
Type
Coal
Char
Low Btu
gas
-
Coal
Low Btu
gas
-
-
Quantity,
Ib/hr (MM Btu/hr)
113,300
(1,000)
362, 500
(3, 980)
(3)
(1,725)
-
179, 600
(2, 220)
(2,923)
-
-
Flue Gas Ib/hr
Scrubbing High P
Yes 1, 307, 800
Yes 3, 346, 800
No 3, 067, 900 1,
(4)
2, 142, 000
Yes 2, 931, 200
No N. S.
984, 000
753, 800
y
Low P
109, 500
809, 600
263, 100
253, 000
670, 600
N. S.
600, 000
502, 500
Electrical
Generation, kW
19, 400
6,000
(2)
58, 500
17,500
41, 900 ,
*•
s
•^
57, 000 i
10, 000
20, 000
N. S. = No,t specified
* Extraction steam not included twice.
(1) Besides steam plant, 41,354,260 Ib/hr saturated steam from methanation waste heat boiler is superheated from 562°F to
930° F in superheater using 430 MM Btu/hr of low Btu gas and 443 MM Btu/hr of off-gas from sulfur removal (the heating
value of the latter is small)
(2) Includes 1,500 kW produced in oxygen plant
(3) Plus effluent from gas turbine
(4) No steam plant required; after producing electricity, 377,000 Ib/hr excess steam available at 165 psig for sales
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 45 -
If clean gas is used for fuel, the use of combined cycle opera-
tion becomes an alternative. This alternative has been used in the Lurgi,
HYGAS and U-Gas designs.
2.13.2 Effluents from Power and Steam Generation
The effluents from the production of steam and electricity are
given in Table 19. The major effluents are ash (when coal or char is used
as fuel), flue gas, and heated cooling water when condensers on turbines
are water cooled. The ash may be handled along with gasifier ash described
in Section 2.11. Particulates, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are the
main consideration in the flue gas, although plume formation can sometimes
be a problem. If coal is used, stack gas scrubbing may be necessary to
reduce sulfur emissions. Less information is available on NOV emissions;
A
this subject was discussed in reference 5.
2.14 Cooling Water System
The cooling water system includes some of the largest streams
in the plant and can represent a major source of pollution unless handled
adequately. Table 20 summarizes some of the streams associated with the
cooling water circuit.
The quantity of recirculated cooling water can be varied by the
use of air-cooled heat exchangers where applicable. Cooling water is then
used only for trim-cooling and low temperature heat transfer. The Lurgi
design (5) is a good example of the use of air-fin cooling. In areas
where water is scarce, the use of air cooling may be necessary. This
method of cooling is not without debits, however. Added investments are
necessary and electrical requirements are increased. Balanced against
this is a reduction in water treatment and pumping costs. It has been
estimated in one case that the decrease in thermal efficiency attendant
to the use of air cooling is 1.5% (4).
The possibilities for air pollution caused by the cooling towers
mainly result from leaks in equipment. Especially at high pressures,
leaks in heat exchangers can result in contaminants being transferred to
cooling water. These contaminants can enter the atmosphere with evaporated
water or drift losses. The only technique for preventing such pollution
is continuous monitoring of appropriate cooling water streams and provision
of facilities for immediate removal of offending equipment from the system.
This obviously requires spare equipment to allow for such removal from
service.
The cooling water system is also a potential source of water
pollution. Chemicals used to treat make-up cooling water may include
chromium or zinc compounds, acids, chlorine and others. Some of these
materials are toxic. Furthermore, because of evaporation, the concentra-
tion of dissolved solids builds up in the cooling water and rrust be purged.
Drift loss acts as a purge and additional purge can, in some cases such
as the Koppers-Totzek and C0£ Acceptor processes, be used for ash quench
with subsequent mine disposal. Waste water treatment was discussed in
Section 2.12. There it was pointed out that one possibility for reducing
water effluent would be to use softened water in the cooling water circuit.
-------
Table 19
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
C02 Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Effluent
Boiler Ash,
Fuel lb/hr
Coal 19, 600
Char 87, 500
Fuel Gas nil
(2) (2)
Coal 12, 000
Low Btu nil
gas
-"•""«" •>«•-.
s from Steam am
Spent
Limestone,
lb/hr
3,300
15, 000
0
(2)
44, 500
0
•*— —
d Electricity Generation
Flue
Gas, SOX, NOX, Cooling water,
MM scfd lb/hr lb/hr gpm
320 Less than N. S. 16,400
1.2 Ib/MM Btu
1,070 Less than N. S. N. S.
1.2 Ib/MM Btu
(1) ,,,.
1,440 2,004 676 0 (3)
(2) (2) (2) N. S.
625 Less than N. S. N. S.
1.2 Ib/MM Btu
905 Low N. S. N. S.
N. S.
N..S.
N. S. = not specified
(1) Includes flue gas from steam superheater which includes incinerated gas from sulfur plant
(2) Does not include limestone regenerator
(3) Uses air-cooled condenser
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 20
Process
Koppers-Tot zek
Synthane
Lurgi
C0_ Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Cooling
Cooling Water
Circulated
73,764,000 (l)
50,000,000
65,000,000
21,450,000
131,285,000
100,000,000
25,700,000
31,500,000
Water Requirements and Effluents in Gas:
Cooling Tower Water,
Slowdown Drift Loss
302,000 CD (2) ^8,000
250,000 150,000
105,000 130,000
N. S. 43,000
600,000 263,000
N, S. 200,000
167,000 N. S.
150,000 63,000
Ib/hr
Make-up
1,500,000
1,700,000
1,405,000
N. S.
3,489,000
N. S.
891,000
996,000
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Does not include cooling tower on water scrubber.
(2) Slowdown from utility cooling tower sent to scrubber.
Air to Cooling Tower, MM scfd
48,000
20,000
N. S.
15,000
85,000
74,000
16,000
25,000
—a
I
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 48 -
2.15 Raw Water Treatment
The gasification processes reviewed require raw water for make-up
purposes. The treatment of this water will depend, of course, on the nature
of the water as well as its ultimate use. In general, the water is treated
with lime and filtered. A sludge stream from filter back wash is an effluent
that must be disposed of; this can frequently be concentrated and returned
to the mine with ash. Boiler feedwater make-up can be demineralized by ion
exchange. The blow-down water from the demineralization must be treated;
at least it must be neutrailized. Cooling tower water make-up will usually
be treated with chemicals such as chromium to prevent algae formation.
Other chemicals that may be included in raw water treatment include alum,
chlorine and acids.
Table 21 summarizes the raw water treatment operations in
gasification.
2.16 Miscellaneous Plant Sections
This section presents a brief review of other plant installa-
tions that are not common to all processes. These are the acceptor
regeneration section of the CC^ Acceptor process and the low Btu fuel
gas generation facilities in the Lurgi and HYGAS processes.
2.16.1 COp Acceptor Regeneration
The dolomite Acceptor in the CC>2 Acceptor process removes
sulfur and CC>2 in the reaction section. This reacted dolomite is removed
from the reactor and passes to a regenerator section. The char from the
reactor section is burned with air in the regenerator section to regenerate
the acceptor material which is then returned to the reactor. The hot gas
produced by the char combustion is used to superheat steam and its CO
content is reduced by addition of more air. The hot exhaust gases then
pass through an expansion turbine.
Dust, separated by cyclones from the hot gases, passes to ash
desulfurization where it is reacted with carbon dioxide and water to form
CaC03 and H2S. The sulfur-containing gas from the desulfurizing unit passes
to the acid gas removal unit and the ash is handled as discussed in Section
2.13. A more detailed description of the regeneration section is given
in Appendix A.
The feed and effluents to the regenerator section are tabulated
in Table 22.
2.16.2 Low Btu Fuel Gas Production in the Lurgi Process
In the design of the Lurgi process used in this study, fuel needs
are supplied by fuel gas with 229.1 Btu/scf higher heating value. This
gas is produced in a Lurgi gasifier operating at 285 psig and using air
as the oxygen source. The system is very similar to the Lurgi high Btu
gas train except for the use of air for gasification, a hot carbonate acid
gas removal unit instead of the Rectisol unit used in the main train, and
the lack of methanaf-ion which is not required. The low and high Btu gas
operations cannot be combined because of contamination of the high Btu
-------
Table 21
Raw Water Treatment in Gasification
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
CO Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Raw Water Chemicals
Treated, Ib/hr Added, Ib/hr
1,575,100 N. S.
N. S. N. S.
2,531,000 N. S.
1,420,000 N. S.
3,489,000 N. S.
3,536,000 N. S.
1,245,000 N. S.
1,197,000 N. S.
Sludge from Contaminated Contaminated
Water Treating, Water Treatment Water from Water
Ib/hr Sludge Disposal Water Treatment, Ib/hr Disposal
N. S. Concentrated; N. S;
to mine
N. S. N. S. N. S.
90, 000 Evaporation 275, 000
Ponds
N. S. Concentrated; N. S.
to mine
N. S. N. S. N. S.
N. S. Dispose of N. S.
with char
N. S. Dispose of N. S.
with ash
N. S. N. S. N. S.
Neutralized;
ash slurry
N. S.
Ash
quench
Neutralized;
ash slurry
N. S.
i
N. S. *>
VO
i
N. S.
N. S.
N.S. = Not specified
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 50 -
Table 22
Feed and Effluents of the CC^ Acceptor Regeneration Section
Material Quantities
Inputs
Char, Ib/hr 496,810
Reacted acceptor, Ib/hr 7, 977,000
Air, scfh 44,500,000
Dolomite makeup, Ib/hr 254,454
CO , scfh 600,000
Water, Ib/hr 15, 800
Outputs
Regenerated acceptor, Ib/hr 7,164, 000
Carbonated ash slurry
(50% water), Ib/hr 466,000
Acid gas, scfh 450,000
Flue gas, scfh - 57,300,000
-------
- 51 -
gas with nitrogen, but waste liquids and liquid by-products are combined.
Thus, the coal tar, ash, gas liquor and acid gas produced in the low Btu
complex is combined with those materials from the high Btu system for
ultimate disposal. A major portion of the product gas is heated, by
burning a portion of the product, and expanded through an expander turbine
to provide part of the air compression energy requirements of the low Btu
complex.
The disposition of the low Btu fuel gas is shown in Table 23. The
inputs and outputs of the low Btu plant are given in Table 24.
2.16.3 Low Btu Fuel Gas Production
in the HYGAS Process
Fuel for coal drying and for the utility furnace in the HYGAS
process is provided as low Btu fuel gas from a U-Gas gasifier. The
U-Gas process was the object of a special process report (9) and has been
described in that report. Therefore, no special description will be given
here. The major inputs and outputs of the production of low Btu gas for
use in the HYGAS process is given in Table 25.
-------
- 52 -
Table 23
Gas Disposition
Burned internally to heat gas for
expander turbine on air com-
pressor
To gas turbines in oxygen plant
To steam super heater
To power boilers
Volume, MM scfd
19.5
82.1
44.9
180.2
-------
- 53 -
Table 24
Inputs and Outputs of the Lurgi
Low Btu Gasification System
Material
Inputs
Steam (to gasifler), lb/hr
Boiler feed water, lb/hr
Air (including 3,679 lb/hr water), MM scfd (dry)
Coal, lb/hr
Outputs
Low Btu product gas (HHV, 229.8 Btu/scf), MM scfd (dry)
Ash, lb/hr
Coal tar, lb/hr
Boiler blowdown, lb/hr
Gas liquor, lb/hr
Acid gas, MM scfd (dry)
Flue gas (low sulfur)
Utility Requirements
Steam, lb/hr
Electricity, kW
Cooling water, gpm
Quantities
258,060
54,440
184.0
440,000
307.2
80,224
21,846
560
213,165
40.3
not specified
166,600
4,230
2,000
-------
- 54 -
Table 25
Major Inputs and Outputs of the Low Btu Gasification
Plant Used in the HYGAS Process
Material
Inputs
Coal, Ib/hr
Air (to gasifier), MM scfd (dry)
Air (for sulfur acceptor
regeneration, MM scfd
Steam, Ib/hr
Quench water, Ib/hr
Make-up chemicals to remove sulfur
Quantity
273,800
309.3
17.2
213,300
333,300
not specified
Outputs
Fuel gas (33 MM scfd for coal
preparation), MM scfd
Char slurry, Ib/hr (dry)
Dust
482
37,500
not specified
SO stream (to sulfur recovery), Ib/hr 66,400
-------
- 55 -
3. COAL LIQUEFACTION PLANTS
Preliminary designs have been made for the COED process, the
SRC process and the H-Coal process. A summary is given of the results of
these design studies, including unit descriptions, effluents to the air,
solid and liquid effluents and process alternatives. General comparisons
of the processes arealmost meaningless since the coal feeds are different
and the products are completely different.
3.1 General Description of Coal
Liquefaction Plants
In descriptions of the pollution aspects of coal gasification
plants in previous sections of this report, it was possible to take advantage
of the similarities in the total processing schemes to subdivide all processes
into groups of major sections. Such a grouping is not as easy for coal
liquefaction processes. This is a result of the significant differences in
the nature of the liquefaction and in the different natures of the products
formed.
Plants producing liquids from coals that are being used or investigated
can be classified into three types. These are the Fischer-Tropsch process
which produces liquids from synthesis gas that has been produced by coal
gasification, coal pyrolysis as in the COED process being developed by the
FMC Corporation, and coal hydrogenation. The latter type can be further sub-
divided into non-catalytic hydrogenation as in the Solvent Refined Coal pro-
cess (SRC) of the Pittsburg and Midway Coal Mining Company and catalytic hydro-
genation as in the H-Coal process being developed by Hydrocarbon Research, Inc.
The Fischer-Tropsch process was not studied in the present work, but process
reports have been issued on the other processes (41, 42, 43).
The plant outputs from the COED, SRC and H-Coal processes are quite
different. COED produces, besides the liquid and gaseous products, a relative-
ly large quantity of char, the SRC process produces mainly a heavy liquid
product that solidifies above ambient temperatures, and the H-Coal process pro-
duces mainly a synthetic crude oil with some by-product gas.
A rough generalization of the areas required to produce these
products can be made and a generalized scheme is shown in figure 3. In the
main liquefaction train there are four areas common to all three processes.
These are coal storage and preparation (grinding, drying, etc.), coal lique-
faction, product separation and hydrotreating. Hydrotreating, in the
H-Coal case, is carried out simultaneously with liquefaction. Hydrogen
production is another major segment of the complex and the main train
for this operation is similar to the gasification processes discussed
in Section 2. Finally there are the auxiliary facilities, such as the
oxygen plant, acid gas plant, utilities, etc. which are necessary for
operation of the other segments of the processes. These facilities have
been described in Section 2 for gasification.
-------
Sour Gas
Sour Gas
Oxygen.
™
Hydrocarbon
F
t
Coal
Steam
Coal Storage
and
Preparation
r-^
i
Coal
Area
I
1 Hydrogen
1 Containing
Produc t
Separation
MAIN LIQUEFACTION TRAIN
' 1
Liquid
I
Hydrotreating
Liquid _
Products
i
i
I
Coal, Char, Liquid
or Product Gas Feed
Oxygen
L_i
Char
Hydrogen
Production
u
J Ash
Hydrogen
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
Char
...... j
Oxygen
Plant
Acid Gas
Removal
Sulfur
Plant
Power and
Steam
Generation
Raw Water
Treatment
Waste Water
Treatment
Cooling
Water
Dotted lines indicate streams absent in some plants
Figure 3
Generalized Coal Liquefaction Scheme
AUXILIARY FACILITIES
-------
- 57 -
A more detailed description of the processes studied is given in
Appendix B. For further details, the reader is referred to the process
reports (41, 42, 43).
3.2 Main Liquefaction Train
3.2.1. Coal Storage and Preparation
In general, the description, effluents and alternatives in the
area of coal storage and preparation are the same as those described in
section 2.2 for gasification.
Table 26 summarizes the coal storage and preparation operations
and Table 27 gives the analysis of the coals used in the processes. It
should be noted that the SRC process only has three days storage and that,
furthermore, gross coal cleaning takes place within the liquefaction complex
with the removal of about 200,000 Ib/hr of solids. This must be disposed of,
possibly in the mine.
Table 28 summarizes operations of the coal dryers. In the COED
process, partial drying is effected during milling operations using clean
fuel gas. Drying operations are included with liquefaction. The SRC
process uses coal with enough clean fuel gas to reduce sulfur emissions
to that required by new coal-fired power sources. The H-Coal process makes
use of clean fuel gas to fire the dryer.
3.2.2 Coal Liquefaction
Table 29 summarizes the liquefaction types and conditions. As
indicated earlier, the COED process produces liquids by coal pyrolysis,
the SRC process hydrogenates coal in a slurry and the H-Coal process uses
an ebullating bed of slurry to hydrogenate coal with a catalyst. Table 30
shows the inputs to the reactors and Table 31 show,s the outputs. The H-Coal
process burns 65,800 Ib/hr of clean fuel gas in a pre-heat furnace.
The only major effluent from this area is in the COED gas purge
stream and in the flue gas streams. The flue gas should be relatively
clean since clean fuels are used. The purge stream from the COED process is
indicated to contain a relatively large quantity of combustibles and should,
perhaps, be incinerated. It contains the equivalent of 250MM Btu/hr and is
indicated to be sulfur free.
Leaks on high pressure equipment in the SRC and H-Coal processes may
present problems from an atmospheric pollution viewpoint as well as liquids
pollution. Water run-off from the process areas must of course be collected
and treated.
-------
Table 26
Coal Storage And Preparation Operations-Liquefaction
Process
COED
Coal Type
Illinois No. 6
Quantity
Stored, tons
891,000
Size of
Coal Feed
<16 mesh
(minimum fines)
Fuel for
Coal Drying
Fuel gas
Other Operations
SRC
Illinois No. 6
H-Coal
Illinois No. 6
37,500
1,000,000
<40 mesh
Fuel gas/coal
Fuel gas
Extensive
physical
cleaning
Ui
oo
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant siz.es as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Process
COED
SRC
H-Coal
Coal Type
Illinois No. 6
Illinois No. 6
Illinois No. 6
(1) 5.9% Moisture
(2) 2.7% Moisture
(3) Dry
Table 27
Coal Analysis - Liquefaction
Proximate Analysis,%
Fixed
Carbon Volatiles Ash Moisture
44.0
37.8
32.0 10.0
43.3
8.9
14.0
35.58 47.82 6.59 10
10
Ultimate Analysis (MAF), %
H N
Higher Heating
Value, Btu/lb
75.5 5.5 1.2 4.6 13.2
78.5 6.0 1.1 5.5 8.9
12,420
(1)
78.46 5.20 1.19 3.75 11.40 12,821
12,983
(2)
(3)
Ln
vo
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 28
Coal Drying
Process
Fuel
COED
(1)
Quantity,
Ib/hr
Heating Value,
MM Btu/hr
Dried Coal Moisture
Content. Wt. %
Dryer Vent
Gas. Ib/hr
SRC
Plant fuel gas/
Coal
6,853
2,700
150
2.7
244,300
i
H-Coal
Plant fuel gas
11,667
(1) Drying included with liquefaction
542
457,200
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 29
Liquefactixjn^pescriptions and Operating Conditions
Process
COED
SRC
Type
Fluid bed
pyrolysis
Non-catalytic
hydrogenation
Temperature,
°F
Stage 1, 550-600
Stage 2, 850
Stage 3, 1,050
Stage 4, 1,550
840
Pressure,
psig
.8
Major Reactor Products
Char, gas, liquid
1,000
Gas, char slurried in
high melting liquid
i
Oi
H-Coal
Catalytic
hydrogenation-
ebulating bed
850
2,000
Gas, ash in liquid
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 30
Inputs to Liquefaction
Reactors
(Ib/hr, except as noted)
Steam Recycle
Process Coal Btu/lb Coal (Water) Slurry
COED 2,126,000^ 12,420 507,200
SRC 833, 300^2^ 12,821 110,500 1,666,700
H-Coal 2,083, 300(3^ 12,983 — 4,166,700
Combustion Transport
Gas Air Oxygen, Gas
(A)
48, 600 v' 732,000 313,000 94,100
740,300(5) 811,900
92,000(6)
(1) 5.97« moisture
(2) 2.7% moisture
(3) Dry
(4) Natural gas. Does not include approximately 288,500 Ib/hr gas recycled through char cooler.
(5) Syngas. Does not include 1,039.5 MM Btu/hr of fuel gas to preheat slurry
N)
I
(6) Consists of make-up hydrogen. Does not include 65,800 Ib/hr of fuel gas (1,580 MM Btu/hr) to
preheat slurry or an unspecified quantity of recycled, hydrogen-containing gas.
(7) Oil only
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 31
Outputs From Liquefaction Reactors
(Ib/hr)
Process Raw Product Char Gas Water
COED 2,174,500 1,042,600 732,000^2) 187,000
SRC 3, 689, 700 1 — 873,200(3)
H-Coal N.S.(1) __ N.S. N.s.
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Total product; includes char
(2) Purge gas must be treated due to high CO concentration
(3) Relatively clean flue gas
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 64 -
3.2.3 Products Separation
The raw product stream from liquefaction contains solids, liquids
and gases and these must be separated. Table 32 shows the raw product
composition. Most of the char in the COED process is removed during
liquefaction, but a small portion exits the liquefaction section in the
liquid-gas stream.
Heat is recovered from the raw products and the phases are
separated. Product gas is passed to acid gas removal. Solids and liquids
are separated by filtration in the COED and SRC processes and by vacuum
distillation in the H-Coal process. The small quantity of oily solids
from the COED process is recycled to coal feed. In the H-Coal process,
4,166,700 Ib/hr of product oil is recycled to the slurry tank and the
vacuum bottoms are used to produce hydrogen.
3.2.4 Hydrotreating
The H-Coal process does not have a hydrotreating section. In the COED
and SRC processes, the liquid products from filtration are treated with hydro-
gen to reduce sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen compounds, and to hydrogenate un-
saturated materials. Hydrogenation takes place at elevated temperatures and
pressures.
The major effluents from hydrotreating are flue gases to the air
and sour water. Since clean product fuel gas is used for fuel, the flue gases
should be relatively clean. The sour water from the COED process is returned
to the high temperature liquefaction reactor while it is sent to water treat-
ment in the SRC case. Table 33 summarizes the inputs to the hydrotreating
sections and Table 34 summarizes the output streams.
The liquid products from the hydrotreating area are sent to storage
tanks.
3.3 Hydrogen Production
The production of hydrogen is similar in many respects to gasification
which was discussed in Section 2. No attempt is made here to repeat that
discussion, but a summary description of the hydrogen production facilities
will be given. The reader is referred to Appendix B for more details or to
the individual process reports (41, 42, 43).
In the COED process, by-product gas from the liquefaction process is
mixed with cleaned bleed gas from the hydrogenation unit and fed to steam
reforming reactors. Here it is reacted with steam to produce hydrogen and
C02- The C02 is removed by acid gas absorption and residual carbon monoxide
is removed by methanation. The product hydrogen stream is available for
hydrogenation.
In the SRC operation, synthesis gas is available from the gasi-
fication section (see Section 3.6). This is shifted with steam to produce
hydrogen, followed by C02 removal and methanation.
-------
Table 32
Raw Product To Product Separation
(Ib/hr)
Process
COED
Liquid
846,000
Solid
(1)
27,400
Gas
1,025,400
(2)
SRC
452>0°0
441,400
958,083
H-Coal
N.S.
N.S.
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Oily solids; most char exits separately from reactors.
(2) Not including transport gas
N.S.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 33
Input Streams To Hydrotreating
(Ib/hr)
Process Product Oil
Hydrogen
Make-up
COED
371,800
56,800
Stripping
Gas
205,600
Fuel Gas
(1)
Combustion
Air
(1)
Water or
Steam
SRC
405,400
8,200
9,500
125,700
29,600
H-Coal
(1) 167 MM Btu/hr fuel gas and required combustion air.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 34
Output Streams From Hydrotreating
(Ib/hr)
Process
COED
Liquid Products
328,800
Sour Gas
58,200
Stripping Gas
214,000
Sour Water
33,200
Flue Gas
N.S.
SRC
385,750
(1)
15,900
41,400
135,156
H-Coal
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Not including 10,100 Ib/hr to plant fuel
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 68 -
In the H-Coal process, bottoms from vacuum distillation are gasified
in a Texaco type partial oxidation process, along with supplementary coal,
with steam and oxygen. Solids are removed from the gas which then is passed
through an acid gas removal step and to a shift reactor. Carbon dioxide
is removed from the hydrogen which is then passed to the liquefaction section.
The major effluents from hydrogen manufacture are flue gases, C02
from acid gas removal and any purge from the acid gas removal units. The
flue gases should be relatively clean since clean fuel is used. The C02
effluent should be clean but this should be checked in the case of the SRC
process to be sure that COS is not admitted to the shift section. The waste
water stream may contain carbonates and additives from the hot carbonate
acid gas removal units. Its exact nature is unknown and should be ascer-
tained .
Inputs to hydrogen production are shown in Table 35 and outputs
are summarized in Table 36.
3.4 Auxiliary Facilities
As in gasification, auxiliary facilities have been included to
make the liquefaction plants self sufficient. These facilities have been
discussed in detail under gasification and will only be summarized here.
3.4.1 Oxygen Plants
Oxygen is required in the liquefaction complexes studied in this
work and plants to produce the oxygen have been included. Oxygen plant
descriptions and effluents have been discussed in the gasification section.
Table 37 summarizes the oxygen requirements.
3.4.2 Acid Gas Removal
Although in liquefaction, as opposed to gasification, acid gas
removal is not a part of the main train, such facilities are required to
clean up various ancillary gas streams. A description of the processes
has been given, along with effluents, in the gasification section.
All the plants require what may be called "primary" units for
removal of a mixture of C02 and sulfur compounds. One primary unit is
indicated for the COED process but two might be required; one would be
used for streams from hydrotreating that contain ammonia. The ammonia
could, however, be removed in a separate operation. Three primary units
are required for the SRC process, .one on recycle syngas, one on bleed gas
from hydrotreating and one on syngas production. The latter is separate
from the recycle gas unit because a part of the syngas produced is used
for hydrogen production. The H-Coal process has two such plants, one
on the recycle gas stream to liquefaction and one on the syngas prior to
shifting in hydrogen production.
-------
- 69 -
Table 35
Process
COED
SRC
H-Coal
Input
Raw Material
108,000(1)
255,100(3)
653,300(4)
S treams
Gasifier
Steam
(2)
77,500
177,800
to Hydrogen
(lb/hr)
Oxygen
—
163,700
414,000
Production
Other Steam
and Water
(2)
563,600
1,528,300
Fuel Gas
46,000
7,100
Air
N.S.
93,800
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Mixture of clean product gas and hydrotreater off-gas
(2) 86,000 lb/hr net water consumption
(3) Mixture of char, ash and heavy liquid
(4) Mixture of heavy bottoms and coal
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 36
Output Streams from Hydrogen Production
Process
COED
SRC
H-Coal
Hydrogen
56,800
8,200
92,000
(Ib/hr)
Synthesis
Gas Ash Steam Flue Gas/C02
N.S. N.S.(1)
303,200 108,300(2) 331,500 168,300
222,300 508,000 1,104,800(3)
Water
N.S.
129,700
554,800
Acid Gas
__
111,600
291,500
N.S. = Not specified ,
(1) 120,000 Ib/hr C02 removed from raw hydrogen stream °
(2) Water slurry containing 59,400 Ib/hr slag
(3) C02 vent; contains 19,800 Ib/hr water vapor
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 37
Oxygen Requirements - Liquefaction Processes
Oxygen Required, Oxygen Required, Ib per MM
Process^ Ib/hr Btu in Liquefaction Feed Coal
COED 313,000 11.9
SRC 163,700 15.3
H-Coal 414,000 14.2^
(1) Includes coal to gasifier
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 72 -
Besides the primary acid gas removal facilities, each plant requires
a final CC>2 removal that may be referred to as "secondary" acid gas removal.
These take out essentially pure C02 which can be vented.
Details of the acid gas removal facilities are summarized in
Table 38.
3.4.3 Sulfur Recovery
Sulfur plants, including effluents and alternatives have been
described previously. Table 39 summarizes available information on the
sulfur plants used in the liquefaction complexes.
3.4.4 Ash and Solids Disposal
The disposal of ash and solids was discussed in Section 2.
The type and quantity of ash from the COED process is uncertain since
the type fuel is not completely specified. There is a large fraction
of the coal input that is high Btu char; this will require disposition
with recovery of heat equivalent. In the SRC process, the filter cake
is gasified in a BIGAS type system. This was described in Section 2
above. The principal effluent consists of 108,300 ib/hr of a water
slurry containing 59,400 Ib/hr of ash. The H-Coal process has 222,300
Ib/hr of ash from the hydrogen production section. Its fate is not
specified.
There will, of course, be other solids from water treatment,
etc. to be disposed of. These will be handled by methods similar to
those used for gasification complexes.
3.4.5 Wastewater Treatment
Process wastewater in the COED process is injected into the
last pyrolysis stage of the liquefaction section. Most of the sour
water in the SRC process is injected into the coal slurry prior to
liquefaction. Table 40 summarizes wastewater treatment information for
liquefaction.
A discussion of wastewater treatment was given in Section 1,
A general discussion of wastewater treatment has also been given in
prior process reports (41, 42).
3.4.6 Electricity and Steam
Generation
Table 41 summarizes the steam and electricity produced in the
liquefaction plants. The H-Coal process uses high sulfur coal with
stack gas scrubbing. The COED and SRC processes use fuel gas supplemented
in the former case with char and in the latter case with clean product.
The COED flue gas would require scrubbing.
-------
Table 38
Liquefaction Acid Gas Removal Facilities
Process
COED
SRC
H-Coal
Type of
Primary
(H9S + C02)
Hot carbonate
(2)
Monoethanol-
amine/caustic
Alkan&lamine
Removal
Secondary
(C02 Only)
N.S.
Hot carbonate
Hot carbonate
Quantity
Type of Treated,
Sulfur Guard Primary
ZnO 1,297,400
1,438,400
N.S.
of Gas
Ib/hr
Secondary
N.S.
149,000
1,751,600
Quantity of
Removed ,
Primary
658,500
469,900
386,700
Acid Gas
Ib/hr
Secondary
120,000
67,400
1,104,750
N.S. = not specified
(1) Separate unit may be necessary for ammonia containing streams.
(2) Three units required, one on recycle syngas, one on bleed gas from hydrotreating, and one on syngas production.
H2S Concentration
in Primary Acid
Gas, Volume %
7.2
7.6
35.6
(1)
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 39
Sulfur Recovery In Liquefaction Systems
Process
COED
Type of Sulfur
Recovery
Glaus
Quantity of
Primary
Acid Gas
658,500
H2S Concentration,
Volume %
7.2
Sulfur
Produced,
Ib/hr
42,500
Sulfur in
Tail Gas,
vppm
N.S.
Tail Gas
Disposal
Beavon
SRC
Glaus
469,900
7.6
26,400
N.S.
Beavon
H-Coal
Claus
386,700
35.6
107,900
N.S.
N.S.
N.S. = Not specified
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 40
Wastewater Treatment For Liquefaction Plants
Process
COED
SRC
H-Coal
Total Wastewater
Treated, Ib/hr
(1) (2)
1,494,900
532,200
(4)
1,177,100
Sour Water,
Ib/hr
0
(3)
178,700
752,100
(5)
Secondary and
Tertiary Treatment
biox pond
biox pond
(1) Does not include rain runoff
(2) Does not include miscellaneous streams
(3) Sour water incinerated in final reactor
(4) Does not Include coal wash water
(5) Does not include 110,500 Ib/hr injected to coal slurry
Ln
I
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 41
Generation Of Steam And Electricity In Liquefaction Plants
Process
COED
Boiler Fuel
Total Steam
Generated, Ib/hr
Steam Plant ,
Ib/hr
(2)
782,80CT '
Type
Fuel gas/
char
Quantity,
MM Btu/hr
2,032(3)
High P
1,151,
(1)
ooo(4)
Low P(1*2)
485,800^
Flue Gas
Scrubbing
Yes
Electrical
Generation, kW
95,370
SRC
715,300
Fuel gas/ 1,484
liquid product
1,228,700(4) 298,520(4)
No
64,090
H-Coal
2,178,000
Coal
3,267
3,236,000
Yes
50,000
(1) Does not include extraction steam.
(2) 150 psig or less.
(3) Includes fuel for electrical generation.
(4) Does not include steam for electrical generation.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 77 -
Effluents from steam and electricity production are similar
to those in gasification and are summarized in Table 42.
3.4.7 Cooling Water System
Table 43 summarizes the cooling water requirements and
effluents. The large volume of air from the cooling towers offers
a significant potential for atmospheric pollution. The cooling tower
blow-down contains chemicals and may require special treatment. These
effluents have been discussed in more detail in the section on gasifica-
tion.
3.4.8 Raw Water Treatment
Raw water treatment and effluents were described in the gasifica-
tion section. Table 44 summarizes the information on raw water treatment
in liquefaction.
3.5 Products from Liquefaction
Plants
As indicated above, the COED process produces a synthetic
crude oil and a high Btu char, the SRC process produces a low melting
solid fuel product and the H-Coal process produces a synthetic crude
oil and has excess by-product gas.
Table 45 lists the properties of the synthetic crude from the
COED process, Table 46 lists those for the products from the SRC process
and Table 47 lists the properties of the H-Coal liquids product. Table 48
lists the properties of the char product from COED process. Table 49 lists
the other products from the three liquefaction processes.
3.6 Miscellaneous Facilities
The SRC process produces synthesis gas used in liquefaction and
for hydrogen production. The oily filter cake from product separation,
together with oil, is gasified with steam and oxygen to produce the syn-
thesis gas. The gasification system is a modification of the BI-GAS process
described in Section 2 and Appendix A.5. Table 50 lists the inputs to and
outputs from the syngas plant.
-------
Table 42
Effluents From Steam And Electricity Production In Liquefaction
Process
COED
Boiler Fuel
Fuel gas/char
Ash,
Ib/hr
12,800
Flue Gas,
Ib/hr
N.S.
Spent Limestone,
Ib/hr
N.S.
SO ,
Ib/Sr
Low
NO ,
Ib/fir
N.S.
SRC
Fuel gas/
liquid product
1,246,600
(1)
Less than
1.2 Ib/MM Btu
N.S.
H-Coal
Coal
24,900
3,121,000
39,400
Low
N.S.
N..S. = Not specified
(1) Includes flue gas from firing turbine
-4
00
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 43
Cooling Water Requirements And Effluents From Liquefaction
Cooling Tower Water, Ib/hr
Process
COED
Cooling Water
Circulated
100,000,000
Slowdown
1,200,000
Drift Loss
300,000
Make-up
4,500,000
Air to Cooling Tower, MM scfd
N.S.
SRC
H-Coal
60,600,000 302,000 100,000 1,333,000
100,000,000 425,000 100,000 2,642,000
31,000
69,500
VD
I
N.S. = Not specified
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 44
Raw Water Treatment In Liquefaction
Process
COED
Raw Water Chemicals
Treated. Ib/hr Added, Ib/hr
3,795,000
N.S.
Sludge From
Water Treating*
Ib/hr
N.S.
Water Treat-
ment Sludge
Disposal
N.S.
Contaminated
Water From Water
Treatment, Ib/hr
N.S.
Contaminated
Water Disposal
N.S.
SRC
1,813,000
N.S.
N.S.
Concentrate;
dispose of
with slag
N.S.
N.S.
00
o
H-Coal
3,140,000
N.S. = Not specified
N.S.
N.S.
Concentrate;
dispose of
with ash
N.S.
N.S.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 81 -
Table 45
COED Syncrude Properties*^
Product quantity, Ib/hr 328,800
API, °@60°F 22
Pour Point, °F 0
Flash Point, PMCC, °F 60
Viscosity, cs. @ 100°F 5
Ultimate Analysis, wt. %
C 87.1
H 10.9
N 0.3
0 1.6
S 0.1
Ash <0.01
Moisture 0.1
ASTM Distillation
IBP 190
10% 273
30% 390
50% 518
70% 600
90% 684
EP (95%) 746
Metals, ppm <10
% Carbon Residue, 10% Bottoms 4.6
Hydrocarbon Type Analysis,
Liquid Vol. %
Paraffins 10.4
Olefins 0
Naphthenes 41.4
Aromatics 48.2
* Properties depend on severity of operation of
hydrotreating unit.
-------
- 82 -
Table 46
SRC Process - Major Streams From Plant
NET PRODUCTS
1. 242,900 Ib/hr of heavy liquid, with a sulfur content of 0.5%.
Higher heating value 16,660 Btu/lb
Gravity -9-7° API
2. 120,200 Ib/hr of hydrotreated liquid, with a sulfur content of 0.2%.
Boiling range 400 to 870°F
Higher heating value 18,330 Btu/lb
Gravity 13.9° API
3. 22,700 Ib/hr of hydrogenated light oils with the following approximate
characteristics.
Boiling range C, - 400°F
Gravity 52° API
Nitrogen 5 ppm
Sulfur 1 ppm
-------
- 83 -
Table 47
Liquid Product from H-Coal Process
Synthetic Crude (91,240 b/d) 1,201,300 Ib/hr
Synthetic Crude Inspections
Gravity, °API 25.2
Hydrogen, wt. % 9.48
Sulfur, wt. % 0.19
Nitrogen, wt. % 0.68
-------
Table 48
Product Char Analysis From The COED Process
PRODUCT CHAR
Quantity, Ib/hr 1,042,600
Proximate Analysis, wt. %
Volatile Matter 2.5
Fixed Carbon 75.5
Ash 21.1
Moisture 1.0
Ultimate Analysis, wt. % dry
Carbon 73.8
Hydrogen 0.8
Nitrogen 1«0
Sulfur 3.2
Oxygen 0 • 0
Ash 21.2
High Heating Value,
Btu/lb
-------
Table 49
Other Products From Liquefaction
Process Products, Ib/hr
COED
SRC 0 26,400
(2)
H-Coal 100,800v ' 107,900 0 17,100
By -Product
Fuel Gas
0
Sulfur
42,500
High Btu Char
1,042,600(1)
Ammonia
0
oo
Ul
(1) See Table 48 for description
(2) HHV = 24,000 Btu/lb (900 Btu/scf); H2 content = 56 Vol.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 86 -
Table 50
Inputs And Outputs Of SRC Syngas Plant
Material In, Ib/hr Out, Ib/hr
Char Slurry 255,100
Oxygen 163,700
Steam 77,500 331,500
Water 437,100 29,100
Fuel Gas 2,440
Air 33,000
Slag Slurry - 108,300
Flue Gas - 35,400
Acid Gas - 111,583
Clean Syngas - 352,800
-------
- 87 -
4. COAL TREATING
The Meyers process, being developed by TRW, Inc., is the
only coal treating process examined in detail in this study. The
description of the process, effluents, and alternatives are discussed
in this section.
4.1 Description of the Meyers Process
In the Meyers process, the pyrites in ground coal are
removed by leaching with ferric sulfate according to the equation
FeS2 + 4.6Fe2(S04)3 + 4.8H20 -- 7 10.2FeS0
4
4.8H2S04 + 0.8S
The ferric sulfate is regenerated with oxygen and sulfuric acid
according to the equation
9.6FeSO, + 4.8H0SO, + 2.40, ^ 4
4 z 4 2. i-tj 4.
The sulfur formed in the reaction is dissolved in a light
hydrocarbon solvent and removed from the solid coal product by filtration.
The sulfur is subsequently recovered by solvent evaporation. A portion
of the iron sulfates is removed as a solution from the solid product
by filtration and is subsequently precipitated and filtered and then
leaves the plant as solids.
The solvent and some water are removed from the product which
is then ready for use as a solid fuel.
The total treating complex is self sufficient with respect
to steam, oxygen and electricity, Such facilities have been discussed in
previous sections of this report.
For a more detailed description of the Meyers process, the
reader is referred to Appendix C or to the original process report (44).
4.2 Feed, Products, Utilities and Effluents
of the Meyers Process __
Table 51 shows the analysis of the feed coal and coal product
in the Meyers process. The inputs and outputs of the plant are shown in
Table 52. Utility requirements of the process are shown in Table 53.
Product coal is burned to provide steam.
-------
Table 51
Analysis Of Feed Coal And Coal Product Of The Meyers Process
Proximate Analysis, wt
Fixed C
Volatile Matter
Air
Feed Coal (Dry)
(Lower Kittanning)
58.48
20.66
20.86
Product Coal (Dry)
N.S.
(2)
Ultimate Analysis, wt
C
H
N
S
0
Cl
Ash
N.S.
68.53
3.
1.
3.
1,
85
20
92
56
0.08
20.86
oo
oo
Sulfur Forms, wt %
Pyritic
Sulfate
Organic
Elemental
3.21
0.04
0.67
0.17
0.03
0.71
0.04
HHV, Btu/lb (Dry)
12,140
12,748
N.S. = Not specified
(1) Feed Coal assumed to contain 10% moisture
(2) Product Coal contains 16.62% moisture
-------
Table 52
Inputs And Outputs Of The Meyers Process
Coal
Input(1), lb/hr
220,000
Output^ , lb/hr
210,318
(2)
Air
To Process
To Boiler
To Cooling Tower
From Cooling Tower
31,556
141,229
12,700,000
12,700,000
00
vo
Solvent
Water
Flue Gas
Sulfur
Iron Sulfates
Nitrogen
Ash
Vents
200
153,850
(3)
135,560
154,570
2,438
16,258
24,050
2,541
1,100
(4)
(1) Does not include inputs and outputs of flue gas scrubbing
(2) Includes moisture
(3) As liquid water
(4) From cooling tower
-------
Table 53
Utility Requirements Of The Meers Process
Steam, Ib/hr 120, 000
Electricity, kW 4,530
Product for Fuel, (Dry), Ib/hr 13,234
Water, Ib/hr vo
Raw water required 153,850
Boiler feed makeup 6,000
Cooling water makeup 135,560
Cooling tower drift loss 14,160
Cooling tower blowdown 21,400
(1) High pressure steam. Also uses 120,000 Ib/hr extracted steam.
-------
- 91 -
Major effluents from the plant that could cause problems
include the iron sulfates, cooling tower blowdown, vents and flue gas.
It was assumed that the iron sulfates would be impounded permanently
and that the cooling tower blowdown would be evaporated in a holding
pond. For the specific coal used in the study, the product coal
contained more sulfur than allowed under Federal regulations and
flue gas scrubbing was assumed. The vents, containing small amounts
of solvent, would be incinerated.
Major process alternatives involve methods of separation of
the various phases in the process. The reader is referred to the
original process report for details.
-------
- 92 -
5. THERMAL EFFICIENCY
5.1 General
The thermal efficiency of a process is a qualitative indica-
tion of certain aspects of the process1 effect on the environment. (The
thermal efficiency is the percentage of the coal heating value that is
retained in useful products.) For example, it is an indication of the
disturbances associated with the mining of the raw fuel. It is also a
measure of the heat released to the environment and, in this respect,
is some indication of the possible water requirements.
Perhaps the greatest benefits from the consideration of
thermal efficiency, especially when a detailed examination of it is
made, are the ideas for process improvements that may emerge. The
reaction,
Coal + H20 ) CH^ + CC>2 + By-products,
representating overall coal gasification to high Btu gas, is endothermic.
When the theoretical amount of coal is burned to supply the heat for
this reaction, the theoretical thermal efficiency is 100%. Since the
heating value of the useful products from coal gasification is less
than that of the coal to the plant, part of the heat must be degraded
to the point where it is no longer useful and is rejected to the
environment. A consideration of the reasons for conversion of the
energy of the coal to sensible heat, reasons for the degradation of
the heat and ways of conserving the heat can lead to ideas for
improvements in the processes to reduce their environmental impact.
Perhaps no other parameter of fuel conversion processes is
as difficult to quantify, in such a way that the results can be compared
for different processes, as the thermal efficiency. On the other hand,
except for "cost per million Btu," probably no other number can generate
as much interest. The difficulties associated with comparing the thermal
efficiencies of two processes arise from sources other than from the
process itself. These are discussed below in an attempt to prevent
erroneous conclusions from being drawn in making such comparisons.
5.2 Non-Process Related Factors Affecting
Thermal Efficiency
One of the first major differences in thermal efficiencies of
two processes can be caused by differences in the coal feeds to the
processes. A high moisture content in the coal throws a heavier heat
load on the coal drier; a lower hydrogen to carbon ratio means that more
-------
- 93 -
hydrogen must be produced from water within the process and this leads to a
heat loss; a high ash content requires more energy for handling and grinding
and more heat is lost as sensible heat in the rejected solids; a high sulfur
content in the feed coal can cause a heavier load on acid gas removal
facilities and can require flue gas scrubbing or the use of clean product as
fuel for heat sources. All of these properties of the feed coal can have a
significant bearing on the ultimate overall thermal efficiency of the process.
The nature of the final products plays an important role in
determining the thermal efficiency of a process. Of major importance is the
type of fuel products desired. If a large fraction of the fuel products con-
sists of solid, high Btu char then the thermal efficiency tends to be high be-
cause the char can be thought of as a stream of coal that has by-passed the
process and retains its original heating value. Liquid products require less
hydrogen than synthetic natural gas (SNG) and this leads to a higher thermal
efficiency for liquids production than for SNG. This fact tends to increase
the thermal efficiency of a gasification process if a significant fraction of
the products is liquid. The question then naturally arises as to whether or
not the heating value of the liquids should be included in the thermal
efficiency, especially if only gaseous products are desired and the liquids
are a nuisance. Another major difference in thermal efficiencies results from
the type of gaseous products desired. If a low Btu gas is suitable then air
can be used for gasification and the high energy losses associated with oxygen
production and methanation are avoided. If a medium Btu gas is required (for
example, as synthesis gas) then an oxygen plant is usually necessary but
methanation is avoided. SNG production, of course, requires a methanation
plant and usually an oxygen plant. The desired pressure of the gaseous pro-
duct can also have a large affect on the thermal efficiency.
Another large effect on the thermal efficiency is caused by environ-
mental considerations. For example, the type of fuel used for steam genera-
tion is significant. The use of feed coal tends to give the highest and the
use of clean product the lowest thermal efficiencies. Quite often however,
the use of coal requires flue gas clean up, and this leads to other environ-
mental problems such as, for example, disposal of solid wastes from the
scrubbing operation. Another environmental consideration that affects
thermal efficiency is water availability and use. Air fin cooling can
replace cooling water to a large extent, but decreases thermal efficiency.
Cooling tower blowdown can be cleaned for reuse, but again, thermal efficiency
is decreased. Any unit added to decrease pollutant discharge willi of course,
decrease thermal efficiency.
Another area that can have a major effect on thermal efficiency is
related to the conservatism of the designer and to the degree of engineering
optimization. Obviously, more heat can be recovered by the use of more heat
exchangers, heat pumps, power recovery from high pressure liquids, etc., but
cost or other considerations might limit such use. In some cases, heat con-
servation can be increased with the use of equipment whose reliability is
uncertain. The limits of cost and reliability used by the designer can sig-
nificantly affect the thermal efficiency of the plant. Such effects are
difficult to point out in comparisons of the thermal efficiency of two
processes.
-------
- 94 -
5.3 Thermal Efficiencies of Processes Investigated
The thermal efficiencies of the processes investigated and described
in sections 2 to 4 were estimated. These were overall estimates based on pro-
ducts produced and coal fed. In most cases, variations in the thermal
efficiencies were estimated for different assumptions concerning boiler fuel
and other alternatives of the processes.
The results for gasification are given in table 54. Several values
are presentd which correspond to various assumptions: when only the gaseous
product is considered, when total combustible products (including sulfur and
ammonia) are used in the calculations, and for the range of thermal efficien-
cies for the alternatives considered.
Thermal efficiencies for liquefaction are tabulated in table 55
The efficiencies for liquefaction are confused by the presence of non-liquid
products. Thus, in the COED process, the solid char represents a larger
portion of the product than the liquid. Since the char still contains con-
siderable sulfur, it cannot be considered a clean fuel, and this clouds the
picture as to how to include it in the thermal efficiency. Similarly, the
H-coal process produces excess gas. This gas is, however, clean and could be
used directly if a need were present.
The Meyers process was the only coal treating process investigated
in depth. The thermal efficiency was 92.5% including the sulfur product and
utilizing cleaned coal for fuel.
5.4 Detailed Losses in Thermal Efficiency
As indicated previously, losses of thermal efficiency represent
heat that is rejected to the environment. It is of interest to know where
this heat leaves the process and how. Obviously, the heat leaves as sensible
heat or is rejected to cooling water or to air, but what process units are
responsible for the losses is of much more interest.
The point at which heat leaves the overall complex can be pinpointed
but the unit responsible for the loss is not so easy to ascertain. For
example, sensible heat in the raw product stream is usually recovered down to
the level where the cost of recovery becomes too great (or to the level where
there is no use for the heat). The plant unit where this final low level heat
is rejected to the atmosphere is not responsible for the total loss. This
loss should, in some way, be prorated over the entire plant, but how this
should be done is not evident. Similarly, losses from steam generation
should be prorated over those units requiring steam. This can be done.
As an example, to give some indication of the units responsible for
the energy losses, the Lurgi process was examined in more depth. This process
was chosen because it was representative of the most complicated gasification
sequence, that of producing high Btu SNG, and because considerable information
was available. In carrying out this study the total heating value of materials
-------
xaoxe
Thermal Efficiency in Gasification
Process
Koppers-Totzek
Synthane
Lurgi
C09 Acceptor
BI-GAS
HYGAS
U-Gas
Winkler
Basic
Efficiency,
.%. (1) (2)
62.3(3)
59.3(4)
55.1<5>
62.4
65.9
64.2<6>
69.6(7)(8)
A 7 £ ^ ' \ " /
Efficiency
Including
By-products, %(1)
62.5(3)
64.3(4)
67.3
67>7(9)(10)
66.8
70.5
70.8(8>
^ 0(3)
Efficiency Range
of Alternatives
Considered, %
53.0
59.3
52.9
60.2
61.8
60.3
68.1
££ Q
- 69.0(3)
- 66.0
- 67.3
_67>7(io)di)
- 66.8(12)
- 70.5
- 70.8(8>
_ .0 o(3)
vO
(J*
(1) Coal as fuel.
(2) No by-products included , no debit for flue gas scrubbing.
(3) Medium Btu gas.
(4) Char to boiler, no drying required.
(5) Base case is 52.9% with clean fuel gas to boiler; no drying required.
(6) Base case is 60.3% with clean fuel gas to boiler and drying.
(7) Base case is 68.1% with clean product gas as fuel.
(8) Low Btu gas.
(9) Base case is 66.8% with clean product gas as fuel.
(10) Includes by-product steam and electricity.
(11) Efficiency is 76% if only medium Btu gas is produced.
(12) Efficiency is 77% if only medium Btu gas is produced.
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
Table 55
Thermal Efficiency in Liquefaction
Base Thermal ,^ Range of
Process Efficiency, %V _ Thermal Efficiency,
COED 72.2(2) 57.6 - 72.2
SRC 64.0 60.3 - >70
H-Coal 77.0(3) 67.7 - 77.0
(1) Includes all net products
(2) Char accounts for 46.3% out of 72.2%.
(3) Includes 7.5% for clean by-product gas.
ON
I
Values shown in this table depend on the original bases chosen;
plant sizes as well as other factors differ and direct comparison of the
values is difficult. The process reports in references 3-10 should be
consulted to determine each design basis, information sources, and quali-
fications (see Section 1.5) if individual numbers are to be utilized.
-------
- 97 -
out of each unit plus the sensible heat of useful products out of the unit
were subtracted from the heating value and sensible heat of materials
entering the unit (including electricity). It was impossible to take into
account a number of minor streams and vents but these were indicated to be
small enough to cause no major change in the results. The difference in
the total heat to the unit and total heat in useful materials out of the
unit represents the thermal loss from that unit. This loss occurs to
cooling water, air cooling or as sensible heat in waste materials such as
ash and carbon dioxide.
Table 56 shows the percentage loss for the major areas in the gasi-
fication plant. The first column includes the utilities area and the fuel gas
production area. Since these areas exist only to supply energy to the other
areas, their losses should be prorated to those areas utilizing this energy.
This has been done and the results are shown in the second column of table
56. The second column gives a better perspective of the energy debits
incurred by each process unit.
There are numerous qualifications of table 56, all of which are not
quantified. These latter include the miscellaneous minor streams not taken
into account, rather insignificant sensible heats of streams not included and
miscellaneous vents. One item noted in the table involves losses in
methanation and pipeline compression. In the design, extraction turbines were
used for the compressors in these two areas whereas in most other areas
condensing turbines were used. Since the use of extraction turbines in these
two areas is due to process optimization and since the latent heat losses do
not appear in these areas, an estimate was made of the losses from these areas
when steam losses were evenly distributed to steam drives according to horse-
power. The losses in methanation and pipeline compression are then approxi-
mately 11.9% and 6.9% respectively. The other areas losses would all be
reduced sufficiently to match this increase. Part of the steam drive for
electricity generation is also furnished by an extraction turbine. This was
not corrected because electric power is spread rather evenly over all units.
Another type of qualification that must be made to table 56 involves
those losses which have been subjectively assigned to a specific unit.
Especially significant are losses associated with the shift and cooling area.
The majority of the losses in this area is due to final cooling of the main
gas stream before purification and not to any large electrical or compression
debits. Ideally, these cooling losses should be distributed over other areas
but no locigal way of doing this is evident.
-------
Table 56
Plant Section
Thermal Losses by Unit in Lurgi Gasification
Percent of Total Energy Loss
Coal Preparation
Oxygen Production
Gasification and Quench
Shift and Cooling
Purification
Methanation
Pipeline Compression
Sulfur Recovery
Gas Liquor Treating
Utilities
Fuel Gas Production
Before Proration
of Utility and Fuel Gas
Losses
0.4
13.4
5.7
15.1
6.7
1.1
1.3
6.4
17.5(2)
18.1
After Proration of
Utility and Fuel Gas
Losses
2.2
22.6
22.8
18.7
7.7<3>
1.7(3)
2.4
7.4
VO
00
(1) Major losses due to cooling—see text.
(2) Includes miscellaneous areas totaling 0.4%.
(3) Extraction turbines used; if total losses in condensing steam to steam drives
is distributed evenly, these numbers become 11.9% for methanation and 6.9%
for pipeline compression with equivalent reductions in all other areas.
-------
- 99 -
6. STREAM ANALYSIS FOR TRACE ELEMENTS
AND OTHER POTENTIAL POLLUTANTS
6.1 General
One of the areas of coal conversion that is the most difficult to
evaluate is the control of pollution by trace elements in coal and by trace
organic compounds formed during conversion operations. The main difficulty
is the paucity of analytical data from streams in coal conversion plants. A
fair amount of data is available on trace elements in coal (1) but the fate
of these elements in a gasification or liquefaction plant is largely unknown.
Some qualitative data are available on carbon containing compounds formed in
coal conversion, but little quantitative data are available. From the data
available on trace elements and other trace compounds in coal conversion
systems, it is difficult to decide if a problem with these materials exists.
Information that has been collected under this contract together with a test
plan to determine the fate of trace materials in coal conversion are presented
in this section.
6.2 The Fate of Trace Elements
in Coal Conversion
6.2.1 Trace Elements in Coals
A large amount of data has been accumulated on coals and coal ash
under U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM), U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the
Illinois State Geological Survey (USGS). This material as well as that from
other sources was surveyed and summarized in an early phase of this project.
The data are summarized here in figure 4 for elements by regions. (A repre-
sents the Appalachian region, IE and IW are the Interior Eastern and Interior
Western regions, N refers to the Great Northern Plains region, W indicates the
Western region and SW symbolizes the Southwestern area of the Western region.)
In figure 4, USBM data for ppm on ash are shown at the top, and the
USGS data on. a coal basis at the bottom. The bar graphs for coal are the
90+7o ranges, the dotted lines ( ) are the extremes listed, and the regional
average (•) is for the total region as given by USGS. This average is
usually near the middle of the bar or may exceed it when there are many
extremes, as for copper or zinc. Ranges which start below the limit of
detection are shown by a broken bar line below 1 ppm in figure 4. Shorter
dotted lines (—) represent values outside the 90+% range which were
included in the USGS average but excluded here because they were for beds
less than 75% analyzed. Artificially high specimen sample values for
mercury are indicated by a 0, and A shows the high values for weathered
samples, not included in the averages.
The bar graphs for most elements, thus adjusted, lie within the
range of 1 to 50 ppm, and mostly close to 5-10 ppm on coal. The only ele-
ments significantly higher than this are boron and fluorine, in the range
from 10 to 200 ppm. Beryllium is lower in all regions by an order of
magnitude, at about 0.1 to 5 ppm, and Hg by two orders of magnitude, at
about 0.01 to 0.5 ppm on coal.
-------
- 100 -
1.0
0.1
x
<
z
o
1—
a o.oi
at
UJ
a
r—
X
UJ
5
0.001
Onnni
100
10
1
<*•
0
o
o
z
o
-j 1.0
^
cc
a.
a:
a.
0.1
n ni
...
—
•
A
____
•
— 1
Itli
B
A
A
•^
.
•W
Be
SV\
e
•
^
M
N
/
•
r-
— i
.
|—
-A-
IF
p
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ru/N
A
A
s
-h
i
<
>e
\\\
1
o
o
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fl
a
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M,
•A-
1
•
IE
Hg
u
!
^^*
O
V
u
—
^H
A
-E
1
F
R
Pb
W
'b
|
W
W
W
N
- Fi(Ur. A 1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4
Trace Elements in U.S. Coals
-------
- 101 -
0.1
z
o
ff
W
W
30.01
O£
wl
A IW
LIE
tt
iwV
x
o
UJ
JtW
SWN
0.001
0.0001
1000
Cr Co
100
o
z
o
z
o
Q.
I-
ec.
10
1.0
0.1
\ lAf **
»€
iw
: Figure 4.4 =
I
Mfc
Figure 4 (Cont'd)
Trace Elements in U.S. Coals
-------
Zn
Ga
Ge
- 102 -
Mo
1.0
0.1
X
z
0
t-
§ 0.01
a:
tu
a.
i—
X
Hi
0.001
0.0001
1000
100
_l
o
o
z
o
o
^ 10
a:
LU
a.
i-
cc.
1.0
0.1
t ^
lr
A" iw
-**t
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-»
IE
A IW N
In Ga
...
_—
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mma.
»
—
_•
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*
\P
,-
*
<&
_,
1*1 —
it
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V
~~ A
•
*
A"1
i N-
Ge .
r-i
n
-|—
I
FIW
A
N
—
11
\M
A T"
w
M
Mo
---
--
-A-
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IE
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-
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=^
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w
Figure 4.5
La
•••
— .-•-
•
A.
'"
A
it
^
¥"
IW
•
a
-**-
A
•~
•A
^
1-5-
i—
__
-^
-N-
IE
U
Figure 4.6 -
mm
W
r-i
N
Figure 4 (Cont'd)
Trace Elements in U.S. Coals
-------
- 103 -
Li
Ba Yb Bi
0.0001
Figure 4 (Cont'd)
Trace Elements in U.S. Coals
-------
- 104 -
The following are correlations indicated by the data obtained in
this study:
1. Sulfur in coals appears in moderate amounts in the Appalachian
region, higher in the Interior region (East and West), and less
in all the Western coals.
2. Trace element concentration as a whole correlates only moder-
ately with geographical location, and not at all with coal
rank. Boron, which is high in lignites and lower in high rank
coals, is an exception.
3. The amount of some trace elements is commonly highest in the
top and bottom few inches of a bed, and at the edges of a coal
basin (Ge, Be, Ga, and B at bottom only). These variations
are frequently greater than the differences between the averages
for different beds. Other elements (Cu, Ni, Co) show no such
correlation.
4. Different elements tend to be concentrated at different parts
of the bed or basin, depending on the geochemical processes
involved in the formation of the coal.
5. Those elements which tend to be concentrated in coals (S, Ge,
Be, B, Ga) are associated primarily with the organic portion
of the coal. They also show the largest variance in average
concentrations between different major producing areas: e.g.,
for germanium, which is high in Illinois.
6. The usual amount of some 20 trace elements present is about 5-
10 ppm, in the range 1-50 ppm. B and F are higher, about 10-
200 ppm, and Hg is lower, about O.Q1-0.5 ppm.
7. Most trace elements are present in concentrations which fall
within a narrow range, varying by a factor of 3 or less in the
averages for different basins or areas. This range is close to
their average crustal abundance, which usually lies between the
concentration of the element in coal and its concentration in
ash. Boron and germanium in coal are high compared to crustal
abundance, and only a few elements such as manganese are low.
8. The selection of a completely "non-polluting" coal is not
possible, in the general case. For a given amount of ash,
coals which are low in any one group of elements must be
correspondingly high in others. The definition of non-
polluting depends directly on the decision as to which elements
are of concern, and which are not.
9- Trace element variations between coals in different areas
often reflect differences in the source rocks which contributed
the elements to the coal-forming swamps, and the distance of the
source rocks from the swamp. In certain areas, e.g., the
Illinois basin, this shows an instructive geographical pattern.
-------
- 105 -
10. Surface outcrops or samples weathered otherwise by
exposure may not be indicative of trace element concentrations
in the coal at depth. Surface oxidation creates active sites
on the coal, with which minor elements in flowing water can
selectively react.
11. The elements present in largest amount, as minor components
of the coal rather than as traces only, are the common con-
stitutents of surface waters and rocks; silicon, aluminum,
iron, sulfur, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium, and
magnesium. These are present throughout the coal but they are
often enriched in the top layer, where they have apparently
been leached out of enclosing sediments.
12. Anomalous amounts of specific elements may be found in beds
contiguous to mineral ore bodies of the same element. This
is regularly the case for coals having a mercury, lead, zinc
or uranium content higher than the usual range, and may be
equally true for other elements including copper, tin and
arsenic.
6.2.2 Trace Elements in Coal Feed
to Processes in this Study
The trace elements in coals assumed as feeds for the various
processes were given in each process report when information was available.
Generalizations concerning trace elements in feeds are not possible; each
prospective coal must be examined individually to determine what trace
elements of interest are present and to what degree they will affect
pollution control. Figure 4 is an indication of the ranges that must be
considered.
6.2.3 Fate of Trace Elements in Coal
Although there is considerable information available, as indicated
in Section 6.2.2, on the trace element composition of coals, much less is
known concerning the fate of these elements during gasification and lique-
faction. What goes into the plant must reappear somewhere. Thus, if
20,000 tons per day of coal ±s used as feed and this coal contains 1 wppm
of a trace element, then 40 pounds per day of that element must appear in
streams in the plant.
The fate of trace elements during combustion was determined in a
study of both experimental and industrial furnaces (45). Some 85-90% of
the mercury in coal leaves in the flue gas, and is not retained in the ash.
Neither is it removed with the fly ash in an electrostatic precipitator.
A large portion of the cadmium and lead are also vaporized during the com-
bustion process, but the indications are that these will be retained with
the fly ash and can be separated, for example, by an electrostatic preci-
pitator on the stack gas. This work also shows that some elements appear
in higher concentrations in the high density fractions of coal, so that coal
cleaning may be effective in some cases for control.
-------
- 106 -
Mass balances were made for 34 elements on a coal fired power
station (46). More than 80% of the mercury and much of the selenium
leave as a vapor. The electrostatic precipitator was about 98% efficient
for removing fly ash and the elements associated with it. Other studies
on furnaces have been described in references 47-49.
One study has been made on the trace element content of coal
solids after various stages of treatment (50). The results are shown in
Table 57. A very recent attempt has been made to make a material balance
on trace elements in coal gasification (51). The recovery was variable,
ranging from 17 to over 100 percent. Some information is available on the
trace element content of liquid products from the SRC process (42).
It is obvious that all materials entering the plant must also
leave via the effluent or product streams. Many of the trace elements
volatilize to a small or large extent during processing, and many of the
volatile components can be highly toxic. This is especially true for
mercury, selenium, arsenic, molybdenum, lead, cadmium, beryllium, and
fluorine.
The fate of trace elements in coal conversion operations such
as liquefaction or gasification can be very different than experienced
in conventional coal fired furnaces. One reason is that the conversion
operations take place in a reducing atmosphere, whereas in combustion the
conditions are always oxidizing. This maintains the trace elements in
an oxidized condition such that they may have more tendency to combine
or dissolve in the major ash components such as silica and alumina.
Furthermore, the reducing atmosphere present in coal conversion may form
compounds such as hydrides, carbonyls, or sulfides which may be more
volatile.
Consideration must also be given to trace metals that are not
volatilized and leave in the solid effluents from the plant, one of which
is the slag or ash from the coal fired furnace and from gasification.
Undesirable elements might be leached out of this slag since it is handled
as a water slurry or will ultimately be exposed to leaching by ground water
when it is disposed of as land fill or to the mine. Sufficient information
is not now available to evaluate the potential problems and the situation
on gasifiers may be quite different from the slag rejected from coal fired
furnaces since it is produced in a reducing rather than an oxidizing
atmosphere. Background information on slag from blast furnaces used in the
steel industry may be pertinent from this standpoint, since the blast furnace
operates with a reducing atmosphere. However, a large amount of limestone
is also added to the blast furnace, consequently the nature of the slag will
be different.
Other possible sources of trace element emissions from the plant
need to be evaluated. Thus, additives such as chromates may be used in
the cooling water circuit and appear in the blowdown stream. Depending upon
the amount present and the particular plant location, it may be desirable
to provide for chromium removal, for example using lime precipitation.
Similarly, trace elements may be present in chemical purge streams such as
from acid gas removal systems where arsenates etc. may be used as additives,
or from absorption/oxidation sulfur plants using catalysts such as vanadates.
-------
- 107 -
Table 57
Trace Element Concentration Of Pittsburgh No. 8 Bituminous Coal At
Various Stages Of Gasification
Calculated on the Raw Coal Basis (From Ref. 50)
After
Pretreat
After
Hydro-
Gasifier
After
Electro
Thermal
Gasifier
% Overall
Loss
for Element
Max. Temp.
of Treat, °C
430
650
1000
Element:
Hg
Se
As
Te
Pb
Cd
Sb
V
Ni
Be
Cr
0.27
1.7
9.6
0.11
5.9
0.78
0.15
33
12
0.92
15
0.19
1.0
7.5
0.07
4.4
0.59
0.13
36
11
1.0
17
PPm.
0.06
0.65
5.1
0.05
3.3
0.41
0.12
30
10
6.94
16
0.01
0.44
3.4
0.04
2.2
0.30
0.10
23
9.1
0.75
15
96
74
65
64
63
62
33
30
24
18
0
-------
- 108 -
It can be concluded that, until more information is available
as to what streams trace elements appear in, what form they are in, and in
what quantities they appear, little can be decided on how to prevent their
movement into the environment or even whether or not they present a pro-
blem if they do.
6.3 Trace Elements in Petroleum and Shale
A major survey was made to determine the trace elements in
petroleum and shale. The results of this survey were reported in
detail in reference 1 but are summarized in Appendix D for information
purposes. Correlations found in the data and new data required are
indicated below.
6.3.1 Correlations Indicated
Correlations indicated and conclusions drawn from the data and
information presented herein are given below.
1. The sulfur and nitrogen levels of crudes consumed in the
U.S. are well characterized while the levels for other
trace elements are not.
2. Vanadium and nickel analyses are qualitatively correct
but different methods of analysis produce somewhat
different results. Values for other trace elements are
more questionable.
3. Part (or even all) of the quantity reported for certain
elements present in trace concentrations in a sample may
have been introduced inadvertently by well piping, trans-
portation systems, preparation of the sample for analysis, etc.
4. Analytical data on elements contained in crudes as sus-
pended material or dissolved in associated water cannot have
the same impact as data obtained from elements present as an
intimate part of the organic matrix.
5. Samples must be completely identified as to their origin
if data are to be meaningful.
6. Correlations have been developed between crude oil trace
element concentrations and the geological occurrence of the
oil. This is especially true for sulfur. These correlations
may aid in locating crudes possessing low concentrations of
trace elements.
7. The increasing demand for crude oil by the U.S. coupled
with declining domestic production means that the developing
crude oil gap will be met by imports.
8. Imports of crude from the Middle East can be expected to
increase substantially. Imports from Canada and Venezuela
already at high levels will change proportionaly less.
-------
- 109 -
9. Crude from the Middle East is of lower quality than
much of U.S. production. The consumption of increasing
quantities of Middle Eastern crude will decrease the
overall quality of crudes processed in the U.S. This
can require additional refining complexity in those
refineries processing these crudes.
10. Trace element, data are factors which contribute towards
the establishment of a price for a given crude.
6.3.2 New Data Required
Based upon these conclusions it is apparent that a number of
unmet needs exist related to crude oil trace element data. These unmet
needs are listed below.
1. Far more extensive data are required for potentially
hazardous elements present in trace concentrations in
crude oil. This information should be obtained first on
those crudes consumed in the greatest amounts in the U.S.
Data from oil fields which can be expected to contribute
to U.S. needs in the future (such as underdeveloped fields
in the Middle East) would also be of value.
2. Referee methods must be developed in order to determine
those trace elements that cannot be analyzed reliably at
present. Several programs are underway to accomplish
this. The methods developed should be widely promulgated
as a first step in making crude oil trace element data
more widely available.
3. It must be determined at which point a sample of oil
should be obtained if the elemental analysis is to yield
the maximum amount of information. In addition, it must
be determined if it is desirable to remove extraneously
introduced matter such as water and suspended particulates.
4. Further correlations should be developed between trace
element data and geological information to aid in the
search for high quality crude oils, i.e., those crudes
possessing low levels of significant trace elements.
6.4 Trace Compounds Formed
in Coal Conversion
In addition to the trace elements originally present in coal,
it is also necessary to be concerned with the trace materials formed during
processing. Some idea of the broad spectrum of chemicals produced in coal
conversion is indicated in reference 52. Components in the gasifier gas,
analyses of benzene-soluble tar, and by-product water analyses are shown
in Tables 58, 59 and 60.
-------
- 110 -
Table 58
COS
Thiophene
Benzene
Toluene
CQ Aromatics
o
so2
cs2
Components In Gasifier Gas (From Ref .
(ppm)
Pittsburgh
Seam Coal
860
11
42
phene 7
iophene 6
1,050
185
s 27
10
—
aptan 8
52)
Illinois
No. 6 Coal
9,800
150
31
10
10
340
94
24
10
10
60
-------
- Ill -
Table 59
Mass Spectrometric Analyses Of
Benzene-Soluble Tar
From Synthane Gasification (Ref. No. 52)
(Vol. %)
a/ a/
Structural type; HP-1182- HP-1—'
includes alkyl #118 #92
derivates Pittsburg Illinois
Benzenes •'••^h/ ^
Indenes 6.1— 8
Indanes 2.1 1.9
Nap thalenes 16.5 11.6
Fluorenes 10.7 9.6
Acenaphthenes 15.8 13.5
3-ring aromatics 14.8 13.8
Phenylnaphthalenes 7.6 9.8
4-ring peri-condensed 7.6 7.2
4-ring cata-condensed 4.1 4.0
Phenols 3.0 2.8
Naphthols b/ b_/
Indanols 0.7 0.9
Acenaphthenols 2.0 —
Phenanthrols — 2.7
Dibenzofurans 4.7 6.3
Dibenzothiophenes 2.4 3.5
Benzonaphthothiophenes — 1.7
N-heterocyclics- (8.8) (10.8)
Average mol. wt. 202 212
aj Spectra indicate traces of 5-ring aromatics.
W Includes any naphthol present (not resolved in these spectra).
cj Data on N-free basis since isotope corrections were estimated.
-------
- 112 -
Table 60
By-Product Water Analysis— From Synthane Gas (Ref. Ho. 52)
PH
Suspended Solids
Phenol
COD
Thiocyanate
Cyanide
NH
Chloride
Carbonate
Bicarbonate
Total S
Pittsburgh
Seam
9.3
23
1,700
19,000
188
0.6
11,000
Illinois
No. 6
8.6
600
2,600
15,000
152
0.6
8,100l/
5°°3/
6,000^-'.
11,000^-,
1.40CF-'
Coke
Plant
9
50
2,000
7,000
1,000
100
5,000
I/ Mg/liter (except pH)
21 85% free MH3
3/ Not from same analysis
4/ S" 400
SOg 300
SOr 1,400
s2o= 1,000
-------
- 113 -
Compounds formed in coal conversion may cause environmental pro-
blems, but, unfortunately, little information is available as to the
concentration of such materials in plant effluents. As a first step in
obtaining the necessary information, an analytical test plan was con-
structed to guide in obtaining the necessary data. This plan is described
in the next section.
6.5 Data Acquisition
No systematic study of a coal gasification or liquefaction plant
is available that shows the fate of trace elements and trace organic com-
pounds. It is impossible to estimate the concentrations of these materials
and therefore sampling of the necessary streams with subsequent analysis
of the samples is necessary to determine what controls are necessary. As
part of the present program, an Analytical Test Plan (ATP) was devised for
obtaining the needed information (53). This ATP is summarized here and for
more information, the reader is referred to the original report.
6.5.1 Analyses to be Made
In selecting the possible pollutants for analysis in the selected
plant streams, five factors were considered. These were: 1) the potential
impact of the pollutant on the environment, 2) available data regarding the
composition of commercial coal gasification and liquefaction plant streams,
3) the minor and trace constituents of coals, 4) various process considera-
tions, and 5) lists supplied by the EPA of materials which are considered
potential environmental hazards.
On the basis of this literature, the materials listed in Table 61
were selected for analysis. In addition to these materials other analyses
were deemed desirable to include in the test plan because some environmental
insight might be gained of the process in general; these analyses are
listed in Table 62.
6.5.2 Analytical Techniques
The types of samples were classified as: 1) aqueous samples,
2) coal and coal-related solid samples, 3) gas and ambient air samples, and
4) coal liquid samples. Metals were discussed separately. Methods were
referenced and discussed for analysis of each material contained in the
sample classes. Techniques were given for sampling streams falling into
the various classes. Sample preservation was indicated, where needed.
6.5.3 Coal Conversion Streams
to be Sampled
Figure 5 shows the block flow diagram of the model gasification
plant used in preparing the ATP. Table 63 lists those streams that should
be sampled and analyzed. The ATP gives the methods for sampling and analy-
zing these streams. Successful analysis of these streams will give the
disposition of the pollutants in gasification, but errors may occur due to
faulty sampling, interfering substances, or others, it may then be necessary
to analyze other streams to check the first analyses. If this is the case,
it will be advisable to analyze the streams indicated below.
-------
- 114 -
Table 61
Possible Pollutants From Coal Processing
Metals
As
Ba
Be
Ca
Cd
Cr
Fe
Hg
Li
Mn
Na
Ni
Pb
Sb
Se
V
Other Organic Materials
Thiophene
CS2
phenols
benzene
toluene
xylene
oil
acids
aldehydes
Inorganic Ions
Gases
H2Se
Fe, Co and Ni Carbonyls
so2/so3
NO
x
COS
CH SH
H2
CO
C0
CH,
Polynuclear Aromatics
.Benzo(k)fluoranthene
Benzo(b)fluoranthene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(e)pyrene
Perylene
Benzo(ghi)perylene
Coronene
Chrysene
Fluoranthene
Pyrene
Benzo(ghi)fluoranthene
Benz(a)anthracene
Triphenylene
Benzo(j)fluoranthene
Particulates
CN
SCN
F~
Phosphates
C0
-------
- 115 -
Table 62
Other Analyses
Coal Analysis
Moisture
Ash
Volatile Matter
Fixed C
S
0
C
H
N
Calorific Value
Fusibility of Ash
Water Quality Indicators
Specific Conductance
pH
COD
BOD
TOC
Residue
Dissolved Oxygen
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Turbidity
Color
Oils
-------
WEATHER "DUST
(1
Figure 5
Lurgi Gasification
Patterned After El Paso Burnham Complex
TO ot?t*»*r
-------
Table 63
Summary Of Effluent Streams To Be Analyzed
Coal Gasification
Lurgi Process Model
Stream No.
Stream Name
17
22
24
30
Dust and Fumes in Coal Preparation Area
Analysis For
Sized Coal to Gasifiers and to Fuel
Production
Coal Tar Product*
Shift Startup Heater
Stack Gas
Tar-Oil-Naphtha Product*
Naphtha Product*
Atmosphere in enclosed spaces, discrete
stack emissions from enclosed spaces
and from dust collection equipment,
and atmosphere in vicinity of coal piles,
open conveying and handling equipment, and
coal fines collection system to be analyzed
for particulates.
Complete coal analysis including trace
elements.
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Trace Elements
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Sulfur
Trace Elements
Sulfur
Trace Elements
-------
Table 63 (Cont'd)
Summary Of Effluent Streams To Be Analyzed
Coal Gasification
Lurgi Process Model
Stream No.
33
37
38
39
41
43
51
52
Stream Name
53
56
Synthetic Gas Product
Absorber and Oxidizer Off-Gases and
Incinerator Stack Gases
Liquid Sulfur Product*
Crude Phenol Product*
Aqueous Ammonia Solution Product*
Deaerator Vent Gases
Boiler Stacks and Heaters (multiple
stacks are involved, including heaters
in shift conversion and gas compression
areas
Raw Water to Process
Degasser Vent Gases
Analysis For
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Metal Carbonyls
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates (V, Ni, Na, etc.)
Trace Elements
Total Sulfur
Trace Elements
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Trace Elements
Particulates
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Complete Water Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Hydrocarbons
00
i
-------
Table 63 (Con'd)
Summary Of Effluent Streams To Be Analyzed
Coal Gasification
Lurgi Process Model
Stream No,
65
Stream Name
67
68
69
Evaporation and Drift from Cooling Towers
Analysis For
Wet Ash to Mine
Ash Water Effluent to Evaporation Ponds*
Wet Fine Ash Slurry to Evaporation
Ponds*
Atmosphere in vicinity of
cooling towers to be sampled for:
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Trace Elements
Hydrocarbons and PNA
Complete coal solids analysis and
complete water analysis.
As for Stream 67
As for Stream 67
* Atmosphere over all evaporation and holding ponds and vicinity of all storage tankage to be sampled
and analyzed for hydrocarbons and trace sulfur compounds.
-------
- 120 -
• Coal Preparation
Streams 2 and 3; it would be appropriate to determine the con-
centration of organic and inorganic materials in the run-off
from the coal area as a function of the quantity of rainfall.
• Gas Cooling
Streams 15, 21; into gas cooling and streams 12, 23, and 25
from gas cooling would have to be analyzed to check the
analysis of stream 24.
• Gas Purification
Streams 23 and 26 into gas purification and streams 27, 28,
and 29 from the purification must be analyzed to check stream 30.
• Sulfur Recovery
In order to check streams 37, 38, and 39 it will be necessary to
analyze streams 27, 35, and 36 into the low-pressure Stretford
unit and stream 40 out of the unit.
• Fuel Gas Treating
It would be wise to analyze stream 72 (solution purge) from the
high-pressure Stretford unit. How this is done is difficult
to predict as this purge may be continuous, intermittent, or
in some cases, none at all.
• Cooling Water System
This is one of the most critical units for overall material
balance. Good sampling of evaporation and drift losses are
difficult and other factors may make the cooling towers research
projects in themselves. To get a material balance, it may be
necessary to analyze streams 42, 59, 60, 61, and 62 into the
system and streams 63, 64, and 66 out of the system. Even this
may not be sufficient as trace pollutants can be trapped in
slime in the towers. This also may have to be analyzed and its
quantity estimated. Whether or not these analyses will check
the analysis of stream 65 is uncertain due to the sampling
problems mentioned above.
• Ash Disposal
The streams into ash disposal should probably be analyzed and
compared with effluent streams 67, 68, and 69 to be sure no
air pollutants are escaping. This would entail analyses of
streams 18, 39, 47, 57, 58, and 66.
-------
- 121 -
All of the above would require 28 to 29 more streams to be
analyzed than the 20 indicated in Table 63. If satisfactory results were
not obtained, then it may be necessary to analyze all 72 streams of Figure 5.
A block flow diagram of .the COED process is shown in Figure 6.
This process was used as a model for liquefaction. Streams to be sampled
and analyzed are given in Table 64. If it is necessary to check the
analyses for each unit, then it will be necessary to analyze the additional
streams listed below.
Coal Preparation - Streams 2 and 4.
Stages 2.3.4 Pyrolysis - Streams 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
21, 22, and 39.
Oil Filtration - Streams 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.
Hydrotreating - Streams 30, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, and 39.
Sulfur Recovery - 45 and 51, 53 and 54.
Power and Steam Generation - 20, 46, 58, 59, 60, and 64.
Cooling Water - Streams 68, 71, 72, 73, and 75.
The above would require 37 to 38 more streams to be analyzed than the 23
listed in Table 64.
6.6 Analysis of Streams from Commercial
and Development Scale Gasification Plants
The tables in this section are provided as an indication of the
limits of information available and to provide a frame of reference for
the magnitude of the concentrations of the various streams. These data were
obtained from trips to commercial coal plants and from the literature.
The stream numbers in the tables refer to stream numbers of Figure 5.
Table 65 gives analyses of the feed coals as well as pertinent
information on other coals. Table 66 presents analyses of materials in
ash disposal. Table 67 contains information on liquor streams from
various plants while Table 68 shows what information is available on streams
in gas purification. Table 69 gives analyses on organic hydrocarbon by-
products .
-------
to
I
Figure 6
COED Liquefaction
Patterned After FMC Design (1974)
-------
Table 64
Summary Of Effluent Streams To_JBe Analyzed
Coal Liquefaction
COED Process Model
Stream No.
5
Stream Name
11
20
22
Dust and Fumes In Coal Preparation
Analysis For
Sized Coal to Pyrolysis
Coal Dryer Vent Gas
Purge Gas from Stage 1 Pyrolysis
Product Char
Stack Gas from Superheaters
Atmosphere in enclosed spaces, discrete
stack emissions from enclosed spaces
and from dust collection equipment,
and atmosphere in vicinity of coal piles,
open conveying and handling equipment,
and coal fines collection system to be
analyzed for particulates.
Complete coal analysis including
trace elements.
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Complete Coal Analysis
Including Trace Elements
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
CO
I
-------
Table 64 (Con'd)
Summary Of Effluent Streams To Be Analyzed
Coal Liquefaction
COED Process Model
Stream No.
Stream Name
Analysis For
26 Stack Gas from Transport Gas Heater
35 Stack Gas from Preheater
38 Hydrotreating Reactor Coke Product
40 Syncrude Product
47 Benfield Slowdown
50 Stack Gas from Hydrogen Plant Heaters
52 Separated CO^ from Steam Reforming
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Complete Coal Analysis
Including Trace Elements
Sulfur
Trace Elements
Complete coal solids analysis and
complete water analysis.
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
I
H
NJ
I
55
Sulfur Product
Trace Elements
-------
Table 64 (Con'd)
Summary Of Effluent Streams To Be Analyzed
Coal Liquefaction
COED Process Model
Stream No.
Stream Name
Analysis For
56 Stretford Slowdown
57 Sulfur Plant Off Gas
61 Boiler Stacks and Heaters
(Multiple Stacks are Involved)
62 Lime Sludge from Flue-Gas Treatment
63 Char Ash from Boilers
65 Raw Water to Process
69 Degasser Vent Gases
70 Sludges from Water Treatment
74 Evaporation and Drift from Cooling
Towers
Complete coal solids analysis
and complete water analysis.
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates (V, Ni, Na, etc.)
Stack Gas Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Particulates
Complete coal solids analysis and
complete water analysis
Complete coal solids analysis and
complete water analysis.
Complete Water Analysis
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Hydrocarbons
Complete coal solids analysis and
complete water analysis.
Atmosphere in vicinity of cooling towers to
be sampled for:
Trace Sulfur Compounds
Trace Elements
Hydrocarbons and PNA
I
M
NJ
I
-------
Table 65
Unit
Stream No. and
Identification
Stream Material
Aluminum
Antimony
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Bismuth
Boron
Bromine
Cadmium
Calcium
Cerium
Chlorine
Cobalt
Copper
Chromium
Fluorine
Gallium
Germanium
Gold
Iron
Lanthanium
Lead
Lithium
Magnesium
Manganese
Mercury
Molydenum
Niobium
Nickel
U.S. Coals
From Ref. 1
—
3-60
—
0.08-11
—
2.7-370
__
—
_ _
—
0.4-20
1-50
2.7-20
10-100
0.4-20
0.4-50
Navajo Coal
From Ref. 21
0.3-1.2
0.1-3
—
—
0-0.2
60-150
0.4-18
0.2-0.4
—
—
__
.»
200-780
0.5-8
0.06-0.5
Analyses
(ppm,
Coal Storage and
2 and
ROM Coal and
Illinois No
From Ref.
12,000
<4-10.6
19
50
<10
<5
200
7.2
1.5-<33
3400-4800
—
<10-17
31-78
—
300
—
xin
of Streams in Gasification
unless noted otherwise)
Preparation
5
Feed Coal
. 6 Pittsburgh No. 8
42 From Ref. 50
—
0.15
9.6
—
0.92
—
—
—
0.78
—
—
—
—
—
15
—
—
—
Sasol Plant
From Ref. 57
—
<0.05-<0.5
2-5
—
2-3
—
100
1
<0.05-<0.1
—
150-200
70
—
—
—
100
—
—
20,000-24,000
<1-90
4-33
— _
0.01-1.2
0.1-41
__
1-50
—
1.4-4
—
—
0.2-0.35
—
—
3-30
—
8-<10
7.4
550-890
39-75
0.05
49
<44
29-120
~
5.9
—
—
—
0.27
—
—
12
—
10-20
—
—
500
<0.1
—
—
30-50
Coal*
Fretreatment
5a - Coal After
Pretreatment
Pittsburgh No. 8
From Ref. 50
0.13
7.5
1.0
0.59
17
4.4
0.19
11
Hydrogasifier*
5b - Coal After
Hydrotreating
Pittsburgh No. 8
From Ref. 50
0.12
5.1
0.94
0.41
16
3.3
0.06
10
* Not from Figure 5
-------
Table 65 (Continued)
Analyses of Streams in Gasification
Unit
Stream No. and
Identification
Stream Material
Potassium
Samarium
Selenium
Silicon
Silver
Sodium
Strontium
Sulfur
Tantalum
Tellurium
Thorium
Tin
Titanium
Tungsten
Uranium
Vanadium
Ytterbium
Yttrium
Zinc
Zirconium
Coal Analysis, %
Moisture
Fixed C
Volatile Matter
Ash
C
H
N
S
0
Heating Value, Btu/lb
Gross Streams, Ib/hr
U.S. Coals
From Ref. 1
—
—
6.5-4.0
•--
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
10-600
2.3-190
—
1-50
<1-600
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Navajo Coal
From Ref. 21
—
—
0.08-0.21
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1.1-27
—
16.5
—
—
17.3
76.72 MAP
5.71 MAF
1.37 MAF
0.95 MAF
15.21 MAF
7,500-10,250
Coal Storage and Preparation
2 and 5
ROM Coal and Feed Coal
Illinois No. 6 Pittsburgh No. 8
From Ref. 42 From Ref. 50
1,300-1,790
1.9
7 1.7
18,000 —
0.8
166-320
<20
—
<50
5.8 0.11
<20
40-104
460-600
<30
<100
200 33
0.51
—
42
6.3-35
2.7 after drying
51.70
38.47
7.13
70.75
4.69
1.07
3.38
10.28
12,821
Sasol Plant
From Ref. 57
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
300-500
—
—
—
—
8
—
—
31.6 Dry
52.4 Dry
2.6 Dry
1.2 Dry
0.43 Dry
11.7 Dry
8,890
Coal*
Pretreatment
5a - Coal After
Pretreatment
Pittsburgh No. 8
From Ref. 50
1.0
Hydrogasifier*
5b - Coal After
Hydrotreating
Pittsburgh No. 8
From Ref. 50
0.65
0.07
36
0.05
30
i
i-1
to
Solid
2,162,135
1,041,667
560,000
* Not from Figure 5
-------
- 128 -
Table 66
Unit
Stream No.
Identification
Stream Materials
Si02
A12°3
Fe2°3
CaO
C
MgO
K20
so4
P04
Ti02
Trace Elements
Loss on Ignition
Cr, Co, Ni, Mn
ceams in Gasification Plants: Ash
Disposal
Ash Disposal
18
Dry Ash, %
From Westfield
After Quench
From Ref . 56
54.60
32.66
4.71
3.58
--
1.28
--
--
--
_—
From Sasol
From Ref. 57
52
28
5
7
3
1.7
0.5
0.7
0.2
0.3
From Azot
Sanayii
From Ref. 58
42-65
16-19
13-15
6-10
—
5-7
1-3
0.3-1.0
(S03)5-6
«, •.
0.2-0.8
2.82
Trace
-------
- 129 -
Table 67
Analyses of Streams in Gasification: Gas Liquor
,,nn-f Gas Liquor
Stream No. 16 + 25
Sasol Synthane Westfield From Ref. 56
Gratification From Ref. 57 From Ref. 55 Tar Liquor Oil Liquor
Stream Material
QJ" 6 ppm 0.1-0.6 mg/1 7.8 ppm 2.6 ppm
Fe(CN), — — 4.2 ppm 10.5 ppm
6
SCH" — 21-200 mg/1 NIL 41.2 ppm
H2S
F-
S0 = — — 90.6 ppm 74.1 ppm
223 ppm l:l?Q^?*- °'7^ 177^
go — — 9.0 ppm 15.8 ppm
CO = — 17,000 mg/1 1,128 ppm 17,655 ppm
Cl" — 35-500 mg/1 4.3 ppm 11.3 ppm
Na+ 53 ppm
Ptospnates —
Partieulates
Conductivity
pH — 7.9-9.3 9.4 8.0
Ammonia (free) 10,600 ppm Total m^.
A-onia (fixed) 150-200 ppm 2,500-11,000 mg/1 Total ^ Ij795 ppm Total ^ 9s597 ppffi
COD — 1,700-38,000 mg/1
BOD
TOD — — —
Phenols 3250-4000 ppm 200-6600 mg/1 5,781 ppm 5,047 ppm
TDS
Fatty Acids 0.03% — 696 PPm 228 PPm
Suspended Solids — 23-600 mg/1 100 ppm 340 ppm
Tar + Oil 5000 ppm — 1,000-5,000 ppm 100-500 ppm
Quantity
Phenosolvan
Treated Liquor
39
Sasol From Ref. 57
1 ppm
—
—
12 ppm
56 mg/1
—
—
—
25 ppm
—
2 . 5 ppm
—
1,000-1,800 V Siemens/cm
8.4
215 ppm
1,126 ppm
—
—
Steam Volatile 1 ppm
Bound 160 ppm
875 ppm
560 ppm
21 ppm
—
594,000 Ib/h
-------
Table 68
Analyses of Streams in Coal Gasification: Gas Purification
Unit
Stream No.
and
Identification
Stream Material
so2/so3
HO
X
COS
H2S
Thiophenes
CH3SH
CS0
23
Raw Gas to
Purification
..
—
.*£ 10 ppm
3,220 mg/m3a
—
RSH, 20 ppm
«-
Sasol From Ref. 57
28 27
Pure Gas From Expansion Gases
Purification High Pressure Low Pressure Atmospheric Pressure
„
__
—
not detected 4,500 mg/m3n 7,000 mg/m3n 12,600 mg/m3n
—
total sulfur:
0.05 mg/m3n
Raw Gas
23
From Synthane
From Ref. 55
1-10 ppm
2-150 ppm
186-9,800 ppm
1.3-55 ppm
0.1-60 ppm
10 ppm
HCN
CO
co2
Inert
CH4
V
Flow Rate
Btu
20 ppb
40.05 mol 7.
20.20 mol 7.
28.78 mol 7,
1.59 mol 7,
8.84 mol 7.
0.54 mol 7o
381,000 m3n/h
57.30 mol 7.
28.40 mol %
0.93 mol 7o
1.77 mol 7.
11.38 mol 7.
—
263,000 iu3n/h
21.4 mol %
18.2 mol 7.
46.7 mol "/.
1.5 mol 7o
11.4 mol 7=
0.7 mol 7.
4,600 m3n/h
2.6 mol 7.
4.8 mol 7o
83.4 mol 7.
0.8 mol %
7.2 mol 7.
1.1 mol 7o
15,000 m3n/h
0.14 mol 7*
0.0 mol 1,
97.2 mol %
0.03 mol %
0.9 mol 7.
0.7 mol 7.
98,000 m3n/h
* m3n at 0°C and 760 mm Hg; 1 lb mol = 10.16*7 m3r
-------
Table 69
Unit
Stream No.
Identification
Stream Material
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryllium
Boron
Bromine
Cadmium
Cerium
Chlorine
Fluorine
Lead
Manganese
Mercury
Nickel
Sulfur
Vanadium
Polynuclear
Aromatics
Analyses of Streams in Coal Gasification:
Organic Liquid By-Products
(ppm unless otherwise indicated)
Coal Gasification and Gas Liquor Separation
Goal Tar to Storage
17.
Benzene Soluble Tar
From Ref. 55
0.7
Westfield
From Ref. 56
0.5-2.7 wt.% of tar
Percent of benzene
soluble tar
Indenes, 1.5-8.6
Indans 1.9-4.9
Naphthalenes
11.6-19.0
Fluorenes 7.2-10.7
Acenaphtenes
11.1-15.8
3-ring Aromatics
9.0-14.8
Phenylnaphthylenes
3.5-9.8
4-ring pericondensed
3.5-7.6
4-ring catacondensed
1.4-4.1
0.77%
Oil From Gas Cooling
24
Naphtha From Gas Purification
30
Sasol
From Ref. 57
0.8-1.0
3.1-5.0
0.6-1.0
50
<0.3
<0.03-<0.05
<0.3-5.0
1.6-10
<0.5-5.0
50
1.6-4.1
0.3-0.5
1.6-4.1
0.3 wt.%
1.8-8.2
Westfield
From Ref. 56
0.29%
Naphthalene, 7.
Sasol
From Ref. 57
0.5-0.6
23-30
<0.6
0.5-0.6
Not Detected
<0.3
<0.3
0.5-1.2
<0.6
0.5-1.2
0.2-0.3
<0.1-0.15
1-1.4
0.25 wt.%
0.1-0.3
Westfield
From Ref. 56
Sasol
From Ref. 57
0.078%
Naphthalene, 1.4%
Indan, 1.43%
Indene, 5.37%
0.34 wt.%
-------
Table 69 (Cont'd)
Coal Gasification and Gas Liquor Separation
Unit
Stream No.
"Identification
Stream Material
Other Organics
Thiophene
CS2
(CH3)2S
Phenol
Pyridine Bases
Other Phenols
Benzene
Toluene
Xylene
Acids
Aldehydes
%
Moistures
Fixed C
Volatile Matter
Ash
C
H
N
S
0
Heating Value ,
Btu/lb
Gross Streams
Ib/hr
Liquid
Coal Tar. to Storage Oil From Gas Cooling^ Naphtha From Gas Purification
17 24 30
Benzene Soluble Tar Westfield Sasol Westfield Sasol Westfleld Sasol
From Ref. 55 From Ref. 56 From Ref. 57 From Ref . 56 From Ref. 57 From Ref. 56 From Ref. 57
Percent of benzene
Soluble tar
1.77%
Phenols 2.8-13.7
1.3%
2.7-16.6
All benzenes 1.9-4.1 — — — — 19.56%
28.40%
Cg Aromatics,
15.77%
Other substituted
N-Heterocyclics benzenes, 14.5%
3.8-10.8
7.1% — 16.5%
Furans 4.7-9.2 1:2 Benzfuran,
1.09%
(Tar analysis
Iiainois No. 6),%
0.16%
82.5
6.6
1.1
2.8 0.77%
2.9 (by diff.)
16,000-18,000 ~ 16,000-18,000 — 16,000-18,000
902-946 — 2,485-2,552 — 1,937
-------
- 133 -
7. TECHNOLOGY NEEDS
7.1 Trace Elements in Coal
The results of the Phase 1 study on trace elements in coal
brought out several gaps in existing data. These are summarized here.
1. Little or no data have been obtained on the content of
the hazardous elements F, As, Se, Cd, and Hg in
appropriate U.S. coals. This lack has been partially
filled for mercury by recent studies, and it is being
found in quantities much lower than those commonly
quoted in the literature. Results for the other toxic
elements noted are spotty at best, and methods for As,
Se, and Cd are still in the research stage.
2. Reliable data are needed and not yet available on coals
representing large future reserves which are not yet in
production, such as those in Wyoming. These data should
be on a basis which is directly comparable with the data
for other regions. This means that they should either be
obtained using the previous standard methods of analysis,
or if newer methods are used after sufficient evaluation,
correlation must be assured.
Changes have been noted in some stored samples on re-
analysis by the original standard procedures, so it is
not enough to re-examine old samples by a new method.
The situation to be particularly avoided is analyzing
the new samples only by a new method of analysis, which
is not tied in any way into the present bank of basic
data.
There is a similar need for basic data on the effects of
coal conversions on the fate of trace elements, including
the effect of operating conditions on the distribution
of elements between fly ash (overhead) and bottom ash
in combustion, in gasification, and in all other forms
of processing. For these studies it is not as important
to tie newer methods of analysis to older results. The
method must be calibrated well enough within the range
of concentrations and interferences concerned to be sure
that it gives differential results which are reliable.
Major differences exist in the physical and chemical pro-
perties of the forms in which potentially pollutant elements
are emitted on combustion. This includes such questions as
the ionic state of fluorine, the oxidation state of beryl-
lium, the formation of spinels from oxides, and the physical/
chemical effects of the surfaces of sub-micron particles.
In each of these cases one form may be metabolically active,
and another in equal amounts inactive. These effects will
-------
- 134 -
require special attention if the list of toxic hazards
is extended to include elements whose presence in minute
traces is recognized as essential to health.
7.2 Trace Elements and Other Potential
Pollutants in Coal Conversion
The information shown in the tables of Section 6 is an indica-
tion of the lack of data regarding trace elements and other low concen-
tration pollutants in the various streams of coal conversion plants.
Little information is available for gasification, even though commercial
plants exist, and even less information is available for liquefaction plants.
In the area of coal storage there is a need for analyses of rain
run-off and ambient air. The water run-off can be expected to approximate
mine drainage water but this is not certain. Along these lines, analyses
of seepage from coal piles would be of interest. It might be expected that
dust from coal piles would have the same trace element concentration as
the gross coal, but this is not certain. Due to oxidation, there is the
possibility that organic materials are present in small amounts in the
air over coal piles. Analysis for these should be explored.
In the area of acid gas removal a knowledge of the traces of
product removed would be helpful. Even though the solubility of such
materials as carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen, etc. is small in hot
carbonate, amines, etc., a small quantity passes out with the acid gas and
special precautions must be taken to prevent the eventual escape of these
materials into the atmosphere. A cheap, efficient, high temperature acid
gas removal system would be useful in conserving energy. Work is in pro-
gress to develop such systems (59-61) . A system that would remove the CC>2
in such purity that it could be vented and which did this cheaply would
be useful. It is recognized that a liquid that absorbs sulfur compounds
and C02 to a different degree can produce a C02 stream with any designed
degree of purity by adding more plates to the column. This, however, can
become expensive as the degree of purity increases. The presence of sul-
fur compounds other than H2S also adds complications. Other problems arise
when there are reactions of impurities with the absorption medium. This
results in purges that may be difficult to handle. The magnitude of this
problem is difficult to evaluate at present due to lack of information.
As more information becomes available, this problem can be considered in
more detail. If the sulfur compounds can be removed in sufficient concen-
trations to use a single stream Glaus plant for sulfur recovery, then the
problems connected with carbonyl sulfide, organic sulfur, trace hydrocarbons,
etc. will be minimized.
From a pollution point of view there is little concern with the
shift and methanation sections of gasification, but from an overall environ-
mental viewpoint, the saving in thermal efficiency of producing methane
directly from carbon monoxide and water would be desirable.
If no technique is available that cheaply produces a highly concen-
trated hydrogen sulfide stream, then there is a need for an efficient tech-
nique of converting sulfur containing compounds to sulfur. Even a Claus
-------
- 135 -
plant, operating on a concentrated stream of I^S, produces a tail gas that
may require cleanup. A desirable process would convert all sulfur compounds
to sulfur, incinerate or recover all hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydro-
carbons and produce a tail gas that could be vented directly to the atmosphere.
It would have no obnoxious liquid or solid effluents and could be built and
operated at reasonable costs.
Another area where there are technology needs has to do with
waste water treatment. More details are needed as to the trace element and
compound composition of waste water streams. Certainly, if water is to be
conserved, it is necessary to have a better definition of what is in the
water in order to devise techniques for its re-use. A measurement of bio-
logical oxygen demand is not sufficient for this. Cleaning the dirty water
may not be a simple matter (38).
Of special need are detailed analyses of effluents from waste
water treatment facilities treating water from coal conversion facilities.
One unknown is the effluent to the air from biological oxidation. The
possibility of transfer of water pollutants to the air has been considered
(37). A special problem involves cooling tower blowdown. This waste water
contains large amounts of dissolved solids and is difficult to treat.
Techniques for using this water directly in the process or to make steam
would be desirable.
Solids disposal is another general area where more data are needed
and better disposal techniques are desirable. The leaching characteristics
of ash, slag, flue gas scrubbing materials, incinerated sludges, and
others are needed. The rates of leaching and concentration of potentially
hazardous materials in the leachate would indicate whether or not a dis-
posal technique was sufficient. One study on leaching of spent oil shale
(62) shows considerable leaching of minor elements.
A number of other areas exist for which little if any information
is available. One, for example, is the concentration of volatile trace
elements in coal dryers. Another is the possible use of chars to remove
polluting materials from waste water.
In general, much more information is needed about the composition
of streams in coal conversion plants. The only way to obtain this infor-
mation is by sampling and analyzing these streams. Once it is known what
is present, then decisions can be made as to what is needed in the way of
control technology. If this technology is not available, then programs
can be initiated to develop it.
7.3 Improvements in Thermal Efficiency
To relieve the load on the environment caused by heat losses,
a number of areas exist for research to make improvements in thermal
efficiency. Table 56 is an indication that no discovery will change
the overall thermal efficiency in a major way as the heat losses are
so evenly distributed over so many plant areas. Nevertheless, improve-
ments are possible in many areas and research could lead to such improve-
ments.
-------
- 136 -
Oxygen production is a large source of heat loss. Better
techniques for oxygen production are possible. One possibility is the
thermal decomposition of water by cyclic chemical reactions. This also
produces hydrogen that would find wide use in the production of synthetic
fuels.
A sulfur insensitive catalyst that would carry out the water
gas shift and methanation reactions in one step would make a great con-
tribution to the concept of heat conservation. Gases would then have to
be cooled only once in the gasification sequence.
The need for better, more efficient techniques for sulfur
removal have been discussed previously. This is an old area of technology,
however, and improvements may be difficult without a fresh approach.
The area of water cleanup has also been discussed previously.
When more is known of the composition of wastewater streams, there should
be many areas of research that would improve thermal efficiency.
Most of the processes studied in this work have relatively large
streams containing on the order of 500 million Btu/hr of sensible and
latent heat at temperatures of about 300°F. This heat is worth recovering
but at present no uses for it are obvious. The temperature level of this
heat is greater than that available in some schemes such as energy recovery
from temperature gradients in the ocean, but the quantity of heat available
at any one site is such that no grand plan comes to mind on how it could
be used. This area is worth further thought.
-------
- 137 -
8. TRANSIENT POLLUTANTS
(Section 8 was prepared by C. E. Jahnig and E. M. Magee and has not appeared
previously as a process report.)
8.1 General
The discussion in previous sections of this report dealt pri-
marily with effluents released during normal on-stream operation of the
processes. In addition there can be very significant emissions of an
intermittent nature, for example during startup, upsets, shutdown,
maintenance, etc. Such emissions can be classed as transients. In order
to make the environmental evaluation of an assessment of coal conversion
processes complete, an evaluation of transient pollutants has been made.
Results of this study of transients is presented in this section of the
report.
A plant sized to produce 250 MM scfd of SNG is commonly used for
projected commercial plants, and in the following discussions when reference
is made to a large plant it will refer to this size.
Transient emissions have received little attention or study to
date, particularly on coal conversion processes. One reason is that they
are released intermittently and therefore are difficult or nearly impos-
sible to sample and analyze in order to determine the nature and amount
of emission. Occurrences such as failure of the main electrical power
supply in a plant can cause a serious upset with many transient emis-
sions and very visible effects, but trying to sample them is not a fruitful
way to approach the problem. However, it is important to first define the
transient emissions so that they can be evaluated, classified as to relative
importance, and practical control measures defined. What is needed is to
apply reasonable and achievable controls on transient emissions and this
will probably require a different approach than has been used for normal
or primary emissions.
The purpose of this study is to examine potential transient
emissions from coal conversion processes in order to determine the nature
and amount of each such emission, to give perspective on the relative
environmental concern for each emission, and to discuss and evaluate con-
trol methods.
A preferred approach is to eliminate the problem by suitable
disposal of the stream (e.g., by returning it to the process, as might
be done with vent gas streams), or making use of the stream in the
existing facilities. An example of the latter would be sending high-
sulfur gas release to the boiler furnace instead of a flare, whereby
the heating value of the gas is recovered rather than wasted. Moreover,
emission may be better controlled than with flaring if the furnace is one that
normally burns coal with stack gas cleanup to remove sulfur. For discussion
purposes, results of the study on transients will be organized according
to the following major areas:
Startup
Shutdown
Operating upsets (in sequence of processing steps)
Utilities and auxiliary facilities
Design considerations
Technology needs and opportunities
-------
- 138 -
While there are a large number of coal gasification processes
using somewhat different operating conditions, there are enough similari-
ties that it has been possible to develop a generalized model for steam-
oxygen gasification to give representative flow rates that can be used
for environmental evaluation (13). Figure 8.1 presents flow rates for a
typical large plant. Potential transient emissions that should be con-
sidered are summarized in Table 8.1.
8.2 Startup
During startup of a plant, the operating conditions will often
be such that the products or byproducts are not suitable for sale. This
poses special problems in disposing of off-specification materials,
particularly in the case of gases which are costly to store relative to
solids or liquids. Sulfur, syncrude, etc. could be stored and later
reworked to meet quality requirements. However, in starting up a
gasifier it may be necessary to incinerate or flare the entire output
of a reactor until conditions are lined out and other parts of the plant
such as acid gas removal and methanation are on stream. If the gas has
been processed for sulfur removal, it generally will not result in major
pollution problems when it is burned in a flare, although the heating
value is then wasted. If raw gas is flared before sulfur removal, there
can be a serious, though temporary, pollution problem. In some cases
consideration can be given to sending this gas to a utility or other
furnace where it is burned to recover the fuel value. When the furnace
includes stack gas cleanup, a very desirable pollution control is
achieved along with the recovery of heating value.
Depending upon plant size, there may be up to 30 gasifier vessels,
each of which has to be started up in turn and brought up to system pres-
sure. It has been reported for Lurgi type gasifiers (63) that they can
be brought to operating conditions from a cold start in about 12 hours,
so the exit gas might have to be flared for this length of time before it
can be included in normal production. Flow rate of gas could correspond
to the production of one gasifier, or up to 30 MM scfd of raw gas (8 MM
scfd of SNG). Newer processes under development are expected to use as
few as two gasifier reactors for the same production, in which case the
transient gas flow would be roughly 15 times greater. For the latter case,
roughly 200 MM scf of medium Btu gas may be involved in each instance, with
a potential fuel value of $50,000 at a nominal $1/MM Btu. For a Koppers-
Totzek type gasifier it has been reported that it can be started up and
brought on stream in as little as 1 hour (64).
A common startup problem is waste water treating facilities,
particularly the biox (biological oxidation) unit. It may take 1-2 weeks
to develop and acclimate the bioculture so that it is highly effective
for destroying the chemicals and other constituents present in the waste
water. A final holding pond is usually provided, with a holding time of
1 week or more, which could alleviate waste water problems during startup.
-------
vent gas
3,200
Figure 8.1
Flowrates for a Representative Coal Gasification Process
(Tons per day unless specified otherwise)
(Reference 13)
To sulfur plant
Coal
Feed
16,000
COAL
PREP.
12,000
I
2,500
(including
400 H2S)
GAS IF.
•V
X
SHIFT
-x
*r
SCRUB
s
J
I 1
s C02 Vent
14,000
ACID
GAS
REMOV.
S
METH.
f i ash f 1
1,000
1 *I* * 1 .I/ V
SNG
250 MM SCFD
5,200
>
f
air refuse
1,600 4,000
steam 22,000
oxygen 4,700
steam
3,000
gas liquor
16,000
water
3,000
water to reuse
9,900
nitrogen oxygen
15,500 4,700
tail gas sulfur flue gas
3,120 380
it
32,800
air + moist.
2,130,000
A ash
200
net
discharge
6,000
°2
PLANT
T
s
PLANT
~7K
UTIL.
BOILER
air
20,200
feed air
2,500 1,000
coal air
treated
water
42,000
air
3,000 30,000 2,100,000
gas liquor
16,000
make-up
42,040
i
H
Co
-------
- 140 -
Table 8.1
Possible Sources of Transient Pollutants
Coal handling - broken belt, spills
Coal grinder - breakdown or motor failure
Coal screening - breakage, dust
Coal dryer - fire or broken bag filters
Coal pretreater (if used) - fines carryover, tar emulsion
Lock hoppers - valve failure, dust in vent gas, plugging
Coal pressurizer (slurry feeder) - breakdown or leaks
Slurry preparation - flashing of vapor if coal becomes wet
Ash removal - dust, steam cloud, odors, if valves fail
Tar handling - emulsions, solids, paste
Dust scrubber - plugging, spills of sour water
Shifting - plugging and cleanup, dust
Acid gas removal - chemical purge, sulfur or entrainment in C02
vented due to upset
Methanation - leaks of toxic CO, carbonyls, nickel dust
Sulfur plant - odors, fire, chemical wastes, burner failure
Hydrogen manufacture - similar to a complete gasification plant
Steam supply - failure, contamination with solids or gases
Power supply - failure
Motors, turbine drives, gear reduction, noise due to equipment malfunction
Pumps and seals - breakdown, leaks
Compressors and seals - breakdown, leaks
Valves, piping, flanges - leaks
Heat exchangers - leaks, rupture
Furnaces - flameout, smoke, or noise due to malfunction, tube rupture
Water treating - odors, oil, suspended solids, etc. from sudden surges upstream
Ponds - leaks, overflow
Solids disposal - dust, leaching, runoff due to erosion
Instrumentation - false readings, failure
Slowdown system - overloading, freeze up
-------
- 141 -
Table 8.1 (Cont'd)
Possible Sources of Transient Pollutants
Pressure relief valves - leaks
Vacuum exhaust - on steam condensers, distillation, dust cleanup
Blind changing - leaks, spills
Sampling - purges, leaks, upsets
Product storage - vapor breathing, spills, tank cleaning
Other - corrosion, erosion, drains on equipment
-------
- 142 -
Other concerns on the plant startup are associated with spills,
leaks, vents, drains and purging. Spills of coal may occur on conveyors
and handling, or from unplugging lines, hoppers, etc. Providing a vacuum
cleanup system may be one answer, and of course dust control inside of
buildings is essential for safety. Spills of heavy tar or oil may occur
so plans for cleanup should be included, taking into account the carcinogenic
nature of such materials. Similarly, leaks of liquids should be cleaned up,
in some cases by flushing to a separate "oily water" sewer system. Leaks
of gas, as on valves and compressors might best be controlled by a thorough
program of inspection, monitoring, and maintenance.
Startup usually involves purging equipment with inert gas or
nitrogen, drying of insulation etc., and then displacing with a combust-
ible gas. Mixed gases are vented during the operation, and unless these
are perfectly clean they should be collected and sent to a blow-down
system and incinerator. Consideration can be given to using the utility
furnace or a process heater to provide incineration. Considerable con-
densation of water is frequently encountered during startup, for example
from drying out castable refractory linings. This can be removed via
drains at low points on the equipment and included with makeup water.
Many proposed designs have planned on using clean products
from the process (gasification or liquefaction) as plant fuel to con-
trol pollution. This fuel is of course not available at startup.
Rather than add extra pollution controls or a separate fuel gas manu-
facturing systems, consideration should be given to storing low sulfur
liquid fuels as required for startup. This applies to coal drying,
process furnaces, utility boilers, etc.
One other example of environmental impact associated with
startup will be given, relating to preparation and activation of cat-
alysts. Methanation often uses a nickel base catalyst that is carefully
reduced and activated in situ. Gas streams used in the treating opera-
tions may have to be disposed of by scrubbing or incineration. In
addition, fines are rejected and should be reclaimed. Nickel carbonyl
can form at temperatures below 400°F and is highly toxic. Therefore
the catalyst must not be exposed to normal syngas containing CO except
at temperatures above 400°F. The methanation catalyst can be pyrophoric
in air, so precautions are needed. With other catalysts, such as shift
or hydrotreating catalysts, other specialized treating and handling pro-
cedures are used, resulting in different streams and effluents that must
be evaluated. Environmental concerns are similar. While this discussion
on catalysts is brief, it is intended to illustrate the type of concerns
and impacts that need to be covered by environmental planning, some of
which can be unexpected and result in unnecessary problems if they are
not addressed early enough in the program.
In planning startup procedures, the order in which the various
units are activated should be considered from the standpoints of environ-
mental controls and conservation of resources. Thus, by starting the
utility furnace first, it is available for incineration (and sulfur con-
trol if it includes stack gas cleanup). Steam is then available to
start up an oxygen plant which provides dry nitrogen for purging. Waste
-------
- 143 -
water treating can then be activated, followed by coal preparation and
the sulfur plant. Hydrogen manufacture, with its acid gas removal, may
have to be put in operation before the conversion unit (gasification or
liquefaction) can be started. Then the conversion unit, ash handling,
filters, etc. can be started, followed by systems for treating and
handling products and byproducts (hydrotreating, ammonia, phenol, etc.).
This may not be the actual order of startup decided upon, but is intended
to call attention to its impact on environmental concerns so that the
best overall decisions can be made.
A more quantitative evaluation of potential transient emissions
will now be given, based on a specific process. For gasification, the BIGAS
process will be taken as an example and will be based on the flow plan in
Figure 8.2. Flow rates of the various streams are shown on the figure,
while specific points of possible transient emissions are indicated by
letters within a circle. These latter items are identified and described
in Table 8.2, including information on quantity and composition where these
can be estimated.
In the case of coal liquefaction, the example is based on the
SRC process to make clean boiler fuel, as shown on the flowplan in Figure
8.3. This is representative of a liquefaction process using low severity
and low hydrogen consumption, to make a clean fuel that can be burned with-
out having to control sulfur or particulate emissions. Again, the potential
transient emissions are indicated on the flowplan by letters within circles,
while the amount and composition of these is given in Table 8.3 for the
cases where they can be estimated.
8.3 Shutdown
Transient emissions can result when facilities are shutdown for
inspection, maintenance, or as a result of some interruption. The shut-
down may involve one unit such as a gasifier, or a train of equipment, and
thorough preplanning can avoid or minimize pollution at these times. A
planned shutdown will include the following steps at least, though not
necessarily in this exact order.
- cut input of heat (e.g., oxygen flow)
- cool to above water condensation temperature
- transfer solids to storage
- cool further and remove liquids (oil, water)
- depressure system
- purge with inert gas, then air.
Cooling of a gasifier may take 24 hours or more. As gasifier temperature
is decreased, gas composition will change so that normal operation of
subsequent facilities cannot be continued, consequently a large flow of
gas may have to be incinerated for disposal. The utility furnace should
be suitable for this incineration. If the furnace is equipped with stack
gas cleanup, sulfur emissions would also be controlled without relying on
acid gas removal facilities. Flow rates would be similar to those discussed
in Section 8.2 on startup.
-------
Figure 8.2
BIGAS PROCESS - POSSIBLE TRANSIENT EMISSIONS
FLOWPLAN AND FLOW RATES FOR PLANT MAKING 250 MM SCFD OF PIPELINE GAS FROM W. KENTUCKY NO. 11 COAL
(NUMBERS ARE LB/HR EXCEPT AS NOTED)
(Letters in circles refer to transients - see Table 8.2)
(Reference 7)
1115T
R.O.M. COAL
1,936,899
8.4% nelct
(23,243 tpd!
FEED
REAKER
STORAGE
30
DAYS
;
\
TO BOILER 148 400
TO SUPKTR 31,200 _,
\ ^-^. i
Q 1,211,236 '
/
' *-
1,536,542
RUSHED
V \ WA
\ CO
SHED
At ^ CRU
WASHINC -1- ~i~W D-
COAL 1 8.4% MOIST
X 946,307
r
) 1.3% MOISTURE \_g
r \ '
r ;ROUND\
SH COAL \
' <^T *
11,137
r
SILOS
10 rp-»
op
WATER
866,613
SULFUR
PLANT
/
1
»|STi
'<
SULFUI
LEANU
v 1* A
AIR
93,165
5t
^^
• y
Q
2nd
STAGE
\U/ >.U, 01
. ^. 1,147,
? 95 Vol
5 Vol
SCRUBBED GAS
677,823
/ SOO'F
/ \.,
ACID GAS
REMOVAL
115
. 7. CO,
. 7. H2Q
METH-
ANATOR
PIPELINE GAS PRODUCT
250KM SCFD
1075 psla
943 Btu/SCF HHV
100.0%
- Oxygen plant
- Waste water treating
- Makeup water treating
- Steam and power generation
Flare
-------
- 145 -
Table 8.2
Gasification - Possible Transient Emissions
(For Flowplan in Figure 8.2)
Identification
Refuse (gangue)
Coal Storage
Cleaning refuse
Dust from dryer
Coal silos
Coal feeder
g
Gasifier
Ash hoppers
Ash disposal
Cyclone hoppers
Possible Transients .and Amount
Dust loss at 0.1% would be 9600 Ib/day
Leaching of 10 ppm equals 100 Ib/day
Dust, runoff and leaching should be
controlled. Fires must be prevented.
Comparable to item a. in transients and
amounts. If refuse includes 10% coal
it amounts to a heating value of 7500
MM Btu/day.
Vent gas amounts to 45 MM scfd and
broken bag filters could release 1-10
tons of dust in one minute.
Penumatic transport gas (nitrogen) is
roughly 5 MM scfd and is normally
recycled, but may be vented in upset,
releasing dust.
Medium Btu gas (270 Btu/cf) is used to
pressurize lock hoppers and is normally
recycled. Amount is about 35-70 MM scfd,
which might be released to flare during
upset. (see text)
Possible leaks on valves etc. while
operating, plus dust and odors during
maintenance.
Depressuring water slurry can release
gas, vapors, and dust if normal cooling
fails due to malfunction and external
quench is required. Steam could be 15
MM scfd (see text).
Dust loss at 0.1% would be 1670 Ib/day
Leaching of 10 ppm equals 17 Ib/day
Possible leaks or venting in case of
upset. Char flow is 2/3 of coal feed to
lockhoppers (item f) but pressure swing
may be only 5% as large. See original
process report (7).
-------
- 146 -
Table 8.2 (Cont'd)
Gasification - Possible Transient Emissions
Item Identification
k Sand filters
Shift converter
m Sour water
n Acid gas removal
CO2 vent
Sulfur plant
u
Methanator
Dryer
Product SNG
Oxygen plant
Wastewater treating
Possible Transients and Amount
Collected dust is blown back to gasifier.
Dust may be a problem in maintenance.
Iron catalyst may be pyrophoric, requiring
controlled oxidation at shutdown.
Flow of 866,613 Ib/hr could release H2S
and NH~ and should be diverted to storage
in case of upset.
Chemicals purge may be 150 gal/day for
hot carbonate scrubbing, or perhaps
5-8 times as much for amine scrubbing.
Suitable disposal must be defined.
(see text)
C02 purged to atmosphere is about 14,000
tons/day and may contain sulfur compounds
combustible gases, or entrained chemicals
during upset (see text).
Feed gas contains 426 tons/day sulfur;
release must be prevented. Thus, three
units could be onstream operating at
2/3 capacity and able to pick up load
if one unit shuts down.
Transients are associated with pretreat-
ing catalyst and with shutdown (see text)
Glycol or other drying medium may absorb
combustibles which would be released
upon regeneration.
May have to be flared if product is "off-
spec." Flowrate 250 MM scfd.
No specific emissions problems except
possibly due to defrosting of exchangers.
Upsets or spills can release sour water,
phenols, particulates, odors etc. Soluble
salts and trace elements are introduced,
build up, and must be taken care of. See
text discussion in Section 8.4.11 on this
very important area requiring control of
transient emissions.
-------
- 147 -
Table 8.2 (Cont'd)
Gasification - Possible Transient Emissions
Item
Identification
Makeup water treating
w
Utilites
Flare
Possible Transients and Amount
Chemicals are used in water treatment
(see Table 8.6) including sulfuric acid
and caustic for back washing to regenerate
ion exchange resins, resulting in inter-
mittent waste streams that should be
stored, neutralized, and sent to waste
water treating.
Sulfur in coal burned may be 100 tpd
(see Figure 8.1) and would be released
if stack gas cleanup fails, along with
part of 200 tpd ash. Soot blowing or
tube failure could cause transient
emissions as discussed in text section
8.4.12.
Should be designed for complete com-
bustion with control of smoke and noise.
Recovery of condensibles should be maxi-
mized and no liquids (especially com-
bustible ones) should be allowed to reach
the flare (see text).
-------
Tall
gas Sulfur
6831 317
COAL FEED
12,500 tpd
dried and ground
coal
10,000 tpd
(2.7% moist.)
Fractionation
and
Hydrodesulfurizer
- Waste water treating
MJ - Makeup water treating
f~*\ - Steam and power generation
(w) - Flare
water
881
Figure 8.3
SRC PROCESS - POSSIBLE TRANSIENT EMISSIONS
Block Flowplan Showing Flow Rates of Major Streams
Numbers are flow rates in tons/day. Letters in
circles refer to transients - see Table 8.3
(Reference 42)
-------
_ 149 -
Table .8.3
Transient Emissions from SRC Process
(See Figure 8.3 for Identification of Streams)
Stream Identification
a Coal preparation
Remarks
Dust loss could result from rupture
of bag filter on dryer vent gas e.g.,
due to moisture condensation during
startup.
Slurry preparation
Preheat furnace
Liquefaction
Separation
Acid gas removal
Sulfur plant
Coal is mixed with hot recycle oil and
steam or oil vapors can flash off.
Two % moisture in coal would amount to
200 tons/day. Recovery is needed as
well as odor control.
Furnace is normally fired with clean
fuel but imbalance on air/fuel can
cause smoke. Tube failure could release
a fraction of the 40,218 tons/day
slurry flow rate. Oil fuel may be fired
during plant startup (see text).
Operation is at ultra high pressure so
is subject to leaks of liquid, gases,
and vapors. Thorough monitoring,
inspection, and maintenance should be
provided.
See item d. Also, sour water is
separated and will release flash gases
if depressured, that could amount to
over 2 tons/day and must not be released.
See item d. Large volume of chemical
solution is circulated and may require
purge that could be a pollutant.
Depressuring will release flash gas
as in item e.
Upset or shutdown would release sulfur
to atmosphere and suitable protection
is needed, as by multiple units having
excess capacity (see text). Maximum
potential release is 317 tons/day sulfur
in feed streams.
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- 150 -
Table 8.3 (Cont'd)
Transient Emissions from SRC Process
Stream
Identification
Acid gas removal
Remarks
Plant fuel
Slurry filter
Product treating
m
Gasification
Heat recovery
Dust removal
Acid gas removal
Similar to item f, but any failure to
perform will release sulfur into plant
fuel gas, (294 tons/day of sulfur in
feed gas).
Gas to fuel could contain sulfur if
acid gas removal is inadequate. May
have to be flared at times during
startup resulting in smoke and noise.
Heavy tar is filtered using precoat.
A difficult operation subject to leaks
and spills, especially when plant opera-
tion is not smooth. Containment curbing
and hoods, etc. may be needed (see text)
Fractionation and hydrodesulfurizing
are similar to normal petroleum refining
practice which provides background for
proper pollution controls. Controls
should be included on vents from vacuum
pumps plus product handling and storage.
Heavy product to plant fuel can cause
smoky flame if not properly heated and
atomized.
Similar to gasification for SNG
manufacture - see Figures 8.1 and 8.2,
also Table 8.2.
Possible transient emissions from tube
failure or dust deposits which may con-
tain trace elements - see item m.
Considerable handling of solids and sour
water (1269 tons/day) could lead to
spills, leaks, and flash gas. See items
e,m,n.
Large amount of sulfur is separated
(109 tons/day) and must not be released
to atmosphere during startup or upsets
(see text and item f).
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Table 8.3 (Cont'd)
Transient Emissions from SRC Process
Stream
Identification
Shift conversion
Remarks
COremoval
u
v
w
Oxygen plant
Waste water treating
Makeup water treating
Utilities
Flare
Similar to shift conversion in gasifica-
tion (see Figure 8.2 and Table 8.2).
Catalyst may be pyrophoric, and special
pretreatment may be used.
Note that gas is free of sulfur at
this point so C02 vent stream is less
apt to be contaminated than is SNG
manufacture. Also, C02 stream is smal-
ler (809 vs over 13,000 tons/day) but
combustible content is still a concern.
Similar to that in gasification process
see Figures 8.1 and 8.2, also Table 8.2
- see item s
- see item s
- see item s
Should be designed for smokeless com-
bustion and with noise control.
Recovery of condensibles should be
maximized and no liquids (especially
combustible ones) should be allowed
to reach flare (see text).
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Transfer of solids to storage merits particular attention in
that the flow rates are large and the facilities are used infrequently
and for short times. Pneumatic transport is the usual method and
specific dust recovery equipment must be provided, such as cyclone
separators followed by bag filters. These might be the same ones used
on coal preparation which could be designed to handle the transport gas.
Enclosed storage is needed for many of the liquids removed
at shutdown. Heavy oils and tars from coal processing are carcinogenic,
while these and lighter oils can have strong odors. Water layers generally
contain various compounds of sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen that should not
be allowed to escape to the atmosphere. In some cases these liquids may
be stored until subsequent startup when they can be used to recharge the
system, or are disposed of by working off, for example, through product
treating or waste water cleanup.
When the system is depressured a large volume of gas is released
whieh can contain combustibles, carbon monoxide, sulfur compounds, etc.
For a large gasification plant it is estimated that up to 1 MM scf of
gas could be released on depressuring. Preferrably, the gas should be
incinerated before release, as in the utility furnace or a flare.
In preparation for maintainence, the system will be purged to
remove toxic and combustible gases. Nitrogen may be used for this pur-
pose, if available from an oxygen plant, and will usually be followed
by purging with air. Consideration should be given to sending the purge
gases to an incinerator or furnace, at least during the initial purging,
depending upon the content of contaminants.
Special operating procedures are often used for shutting down
specific facilities, which in each case should be reviewed for environ-
mental impacts and controls. As an example, certain materials may be
pyrophoric under normal operating conditions, such as iron base catalyst
used for shift conversion, nickel methanation catalyst (65), or certain
carbonaceous deposits. In such cases deactivation may be accomplished
by purging with inert gas containing 1-2% oxygen, and gradually increasing
oxygen content to that of air, while monitoring and regulating temperature
levels (66). Treated gas in such operations will usually be recycled, but
all purges from the system should be incinerated or suitably treated if
they contain significant amounts of toxic or combustible materials.
As in the case of startup, the order in which individual
sections of the plant are shutdown can greatly affect environmental
impacts, and should be evaluated carefully on each project. The utility
system will of course be one of the last areas to be shutdown, together
with pollution control systems such as waste water treating, sulfur
plant, etc.
After cooling and purging with air, the equipment is ready to
be opened for routine maintenance, but before discussing this, it is
appropriate to cover transient emissions associated with other interruptions
of operation that are unintended rather than planned for. These are
designated as operating upsets and will be discussed in detail in the fol-
lowing section, in the order of normal steps in the processing sequence,
followed by auxiliary facilities such as utilities, sulfur plant, etc.
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8.4 Upsets
8.4.1 General
One of the first considerations with regard to upsets resulting
from equipment malfunction or other causes is that they happen so quickly
that the generation and flow of process streams cannot be cutback fast
enough, so part or all of the stream has to be diverted to the blowdown
system or to an emergency flare. In the case of liquid or solid streams
they can usually be diverted to storage. While storage of gases in such
situations may be desirable, it is often impractical or uneconomic, so
that a common practice is to flare gas streams during operating upsets.
Flare systems have been developed that facilitate recovery of condensible
portions of the stream before flaring (67), and that minimize undesirable
smoke or noise from the flare burner (68). Consideration should be given
to this background when defining specific facilities for a plant, as well
as to assuring complete combustion.
A second consideration is that leaks and spills can be expected
so that provisions for minimizing them and for cleanup should be included.
Pumps and valves are known to be sources of emissions (69). In addition,
solids storage, handling, and transport can cause transient emissions, as
in the case of belt conveyors or bucket elevators that can break, jam,
cause spills, or fires. Thus, failure of a belt or critical motor can
disrupt operation and sometimes the only practical solution is to dump
material on to the ground in order to make repairs and resume normal
operation. Therefore facilities are needed to cope with various situations
that can result in spills or leaks. Thus, vacuum cleanup trucks can be used
to reclaim for reuse any solids that are spilled. Water flushing can be
provided to wash residual solids to a recovery pond, and can also be used to
flush oil spills to the "oily water" sewer system where they will be
recovered to the maximum extent practical. In critical cases, curbing is
needed around specific process areas to contain leaks and spills so that
they can be flushed to cleanup and recovery facilities. In general, the
objective should be to recover and reuse all miscellaneous losses to
thereby assure that they do not leave the plant as undesirable and poorly
defined effluents.
Fires are of course a most serious upset and can cause extreme
and uncontrolled emissions. While the likelihood is not great, utmost
consideration should be given to their prevention and control. Storage
areas for solids or liquids are most vulnerable, and extensive background
on coal storage as well as oil refinery practices should be used fully (70) .
A similar concern is possible tube failure in furnaces used to heat com-
bustible materials such as oil or gas. Monitoring and control procedures
have been developed in oil refining. Flow to the tube is stopped as soon
as possible, while blanketing steam can be added to the furnace box to
inhibit combustion and overheating. Instrumentation and automatic valves
will often be warranted to minimize the impact of tube failures.
Tube failures or leaks in exchangers are an additional concern.
With air cooling, such emissions can be dispersed in a large flow of air
passing through the exchanger. In the case of water cooling, material
can leak into the cooling water system and cause severe contamination of
air passing through the cooling tower in addition to possible operating
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- 154 -
problems that could upset the plant. Coal conversion processes may operate
at very high pressure 1000-2000 psig, which increases the environmental
concern since the instantaneous flow rate through any given break will be
approximately proportional to the upstream pressure. Prior consideration
of such possibilities and plans for handling them are the best approaches
to the problem, together with monitoring and automatic controls on critical
services.
From the discussion so far it will be apparent that considerable
environmental protection can and should be built in during the planning
and design phases of a project. This is much more efficient and lower
cost compared to add-on facilities. Factors to be considered include
number of parallel trains to use, spares on pumps, exchangers etc., leak
control on pumps, filters, and valves, emergency power source, etc.
Further consideration of such factors will be given in a subsequent sub-
section entitled Design Considerations, after discussing potential tran-
sient emissions from specific processing areas.
To provide a reference framework of flow rates for examining
transients, a generalized or representative coal gasification process has
been developed as shown in Figure 8.1. While there are a large number of
different gasification processes offered, for a given product rate they
are quite similar in most of the major flow rates, such as the amount of
C02 rejected to the atmosphere from acid gas removal. Thermal efficiencies
are also similar in the range 65-707<>; consequently, the coal feed rates do
not differ greatly between processes when using the same coal feed. The
generalized flow plan of Figure 8.1 facilitates analysis of transient
emissions in coal conversion operations and will be referred to in the dis-
cussions that follow. Primary emphasis will be on gasification since it
presents more difficult problems in that it is generally impractical to
divert large flows of gas to storage and in an emergency they have to be
vented or flared, whereas liquids or solids can more easily be diverted
and stored. Liquefaction also includes most of the same operations as
gasification, such as coal preparation, acid gas removal, utilities, etc.
and frequently includes gasification for manufacturing hydrogen. Flow
rates for one specific gasification process during normal operation are
shown in Figure 8.2, while those for one specific liquefaction process are
shown in Figure 8.3. Where reference is made in the text to flow rates
for a typical large plant, the size refers to these figures.
8.4.2 Coal Storage and Preparation
The first operation is to receive and store the coal feed. It
may be delivered by rail, in which case unloading of cars can result
in excessive dust unless facilities are properly designed. Any oversight
is then difficult and costly to correct. If coal is delivered by truck
there is the additional concern of dust stirred up on roads. Some studies
have found roads or other fugitive emissions to be a major source of
pollution (71). Paving will help except that dust can accumulate on the
road due to leakage from the trucks. Wetting or washing the road is
often proposed but consumes valuable water. An environmentally engineered
rail system may be a better method. Concerns on coal storage have been
covered earlier in this report, however, special attention should be
given to controlling dust emissions associated with unloading and stacking
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the coal on piles, and retrieving it by front end loaders or by bucket
wheels. The objective is always to avoid emission of dust, rather than
trying to recover it after it is airborne.
Conveyors of various types are used in the coal preparation
area, all of which are subject to spills, plugs, jams, other failures,
and fires. To the extent possible, conveyors should be enclosed and
special hoods provided at transfer points to collect dust, using a vacuum
collection system if needed or water sprays where appropriate. The
magnitude of potential spills should be clearly recognized, since total
flow rate of coal on conveyors can be 500 tons/hour on bituminous coal
and 1000 tons/hour on lignite.
Effective provision for cleanup is an essential part of environ-
mental planning for coal processing in general, and for coal preparation
in particular. Effective backup on critical equipment is also needed, for
example to maintain the vacuum system in case of mechanical or power failure.
8.4.3 Crushing and Screening
Crushing and screening is generally the next step and is sub-
ject to considerations much the same as for conveyors. In addition there
is a possibility of off-specification non-usable material due to screen
breakage or for other reasons. This may have to be diverted and repro-
cessed or discarded. For a typical coal conversion plant the flow rate
is 500-1000 tons/hour, consequently a rapid response is needed. If the
diverted material has a high content of combustibles it would be undesirable
to discard it without recovering the heating value, with the additional
concern that it could catch fire after disposal.
When coal washing and cleaning is part of the operation, large
volumes of water and fine refuse are handled. Consideration should be
given to spills, leaks, and other losses of wash water and all chemicals
or additives used in the operations. Drying out of the area, equipment,
or ponds can create a dust nuisance that should be avoided by good
operating procedures and proper housekeeping. Disposing of the large
amounts of refuse can cause transient emissions from dust, fires,
leaching, etc. that must be protected against. Fine refuse from coal
cleaning may amount to 1000-3000 tons/day for a large plant, while coarse
refuse may be even more. Therefore a dusting or runoff loss of even a
fraction of one percent could be excessive. Suitable gages have been
developed and used to monitor local dust concentrations and to help
identify sources of the dust (72)•
8.4.4 Drying
Drying is nearly always included in coal conversion processes
if only to assure reliable coal feeding and is particularly needed if
fine grinding is involved or if the coal feed has been exposed to rain.
Since conventional drying is accomplished by directly contacting ground
coal with a large volume of hot combustion gases, very effective con-
trol of dust emissions is required. Typically, cyclones are used fol-
lowed by bag filters. Upsets may occur such as rupture of bags that
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- 156 -
would suddenly release large amounts of dust to the atmosphere. Gas
flow through the dryer is perhaps 30 MM scfd so release of only a
fraction of this through a broken bag would be serious, even though it
might be shut off within a few minutes.
Vent gas from the dryer may contain about 50% moisture, so
that under certain atmospheric conditions it will form a fog or plume
upon mixing with ambient air, and can affect public areas such as high-
ways or air traffic (73). A simple solution is not available but the
problem should be addressed. One approach is to use an indirectly heated
coal dryer in which moisture removed from the coal would be contained
and recovered (7). Alternatively the moist vent gas might be cooled to
recover water and then reheated, although this route would obviously
be costly and may not be warranted.
One final comment on the coal dryer deals with the emission
of odors or combustibles. Depending upon the equipment operation and
on the specific coal feed, some volatile materials may be present in
the vent gas that could cause undesirable odors. This is more likely
with reactive coals such as lignites, and when local overheating of
coal particles may occur. Appreciable amounts of volatile combustibles
are generally released when coal is heated above 500°F (6) . Oxidation
also becomes appreciable and may result in temperature runaway and fire,
causing very extensive emissions and damage to bag filters, if used.
Oxygen content of the drying gas is normally maintained at less than 10%
for safety reasons. Additional information is needed to determine when
and whether there is an odor problem in coal drying, but if there is,
then incineration of the vent gas would be a possible solution.
8.4.5 Pretreatment
In some gasification processes the coal feed is pretreated to
destroy caking properties that could cause operating problems (9). The
usual pretreatment consists of mild oxidation in air at 700-800°F with
considerable heat release. A large volume of air is used, typically
1.0 Ibs air/lb coal, and tar, moisture, and other volatile matters are
released requiring extensive cleanup and attention to pollution controls.
Transient emission could occur if an upset causes formation of tar-water
emulsions that do not separate. If this happens, there should be storage
facilities for the emulsion so that it can be reprocessed at a convenient
time, possibly requiring chemical treatment or distillation to break the
emulsion. In one calculated example the amount of tar from pretreating
was estimated to be 630 tons/day while the water emulsified could be
several times this. Heat and material balances calculated for pre-
treating are given in Table 8.4.
The normal tar production will contain some fine solids. At a
solids content of 2% the amount is 12.6 tons/day which may have to be
removed and disposed of when the tanks are cleaned periodically. With
cleaning twice a year, the accumulation could be as much as 2000 tons.
Incineration in a fluid bed (with sulfur removal) is one possible disposal
method for this oily waste.
-------
- 157 -
Table 8.4
Coal Pretreatment - Calculated Yields and Balances
250 x 109 Btu/D Pipeline Gas
Coal Feed
Major streams (74)
Tons per day
% Moisture
Btu/lb. HHV
Analysis: wt. %
C
H
0
N
S
Ash
Coal Pretreater
Oper. conditions
Char yield, wt. %
Air In, scfm
Off gas Btu/cf HHV
Tar liquid by prod, tons/day
By prod, steam made, Ib/hr
Eastern bituminous, high sulfur
Coal Feed Pretreated Coal
14,700
0
13,186
71.50
5.02
6.53
1.23
4.42
11.30
100.00
800°F, low press.
86.5
260,000**
39
630***
946,000
12,720
0
11,930 (est)
71.27
3.97
6.87
1.00
3.83
13.06
100.00
* Calculated from balances in reference 74.
** Air rate is estimated from heat required to generate steam and provide
sensible heat load on preheater (75). Corresponds to 2.6 SCF oxygen
per pound of coal feed, compared to 1.0-1.5 indicated to be minimum
requirement in reference (76).
*** Estimated from yields and heat balance on pretreater.
-------
- 158 -
Low Btu gas is also a product from pretreatment with air, and
after sulfur removal it is used as fuel. However, its heating value is
very low, 39 Btu/scf for example, so that special burners will be needed
to assure complete combustion and high reliability is needed to avoid
flame out that would result in emission of combustibles. As for solids
handling and gas cleanup operations, it will be seen that these are much
like a typical gasification process and therefore transient emission
concerns are similar. These will be discussed further in the section
8.4.6 on Coal Conversion.
8.4.6 Coal Conversion
The techniques for converting coal to clean products that are
pertinent to this discussion are gasification and hydro liquefaction. Both
of these are subject to upsets that could result in unacceptable transient
emissions. Both operate at high pressure - up to 1000 psig in the
case of gasification, and about 2000 psig for liquefaction. High pressure
increases the chance for leaks as well as their magnitude. Of particular
concern are possible leaks in heat exchangers, valves, pumps, compressors,
and connections as discussed earlier in Section 8.4.1. Also, the possibility
of rupture of exchanger tubes and furnace tubes is of great concern, especially
due to the high operating pressure. Thus, exchangers in cooling water service
could leak contaminants into the cooling water system, while those in air
cooling service could leak and contaminate the air used for cooling. Com-
position of the material leaked will of course depend on the gasification
or liquefaction streams involved. Failure of a furnace tube could release
combustibles into the combustion zone, or in the case of convection tubes
the release would be into flue gas going to the stack. Therefore, such
high pressure equipment will call for close attention and monitoring, with
provision for immediate action and possible automatic instrument response
in order to control undesirable transient emissions. Areas subject to
upsets that are specifically pertinent to gasification or to liquefaction
will be discussed in the next two subsections.
8.4.6.1 Gasification
Coal is usually fed to the high pressure system by means of lock
hoppers in a cyclic operation. First a hopper is charged with coal feed,
then it is brought up to system pressure by adding raw or product gas, and
then it is fed into the reactor. At this point the empty hopper is filled
with high pressure gas which must be released, recovered, and used. The
gas may be cleaned up to remove dust, recompressed, and reused on the lock
hoppers, or it may go to a low pressure fuel gas system but clean up is
also required in this case. Since the operation is cyclic, the gas flow
will take place in surges that can be many times the average flow. Upsets
can aggravate the surges, for example a valve may plug with solids and
suddenly break through. Such plugs can be caused easily by wet coal or
moisture condensation. The gas recovery system needs to be capable of
accommodating surges of dusty gas while giving dependable clean up.
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The possibility of leaking valves must be guarded against and
provided for in the off-gas recovery system, as it can greatly increase the
amounts of gas and dust to be handled. Leaking may result from worn valves,
or if particles are left between the seating surfaces. By way of illustration,
an annulus 1/100 inch wide and 12 inches diameter could leak over 1 million
scf per day of gas from a pressure of 500 psig.
Volume of gas remaining in the empty lock hopper after dumping
to the reactor can also be calculated. It amounts to about 2000 scf of
gas per ton of coal fed, for the same 500 psig operating pressure. Putting
it another way, the total volume of gas from depressuring lock hoppers
may be 5% of the raw gas volume or 10% of the SNG product volume.
Similar considerations apply on the lock hoppers used to remove ash
or char from the gasifier. The tons of ash are much less than the tons of
coal feed, although its density may be much less, depending upon the type
of gasifier. In some cases the ash lock hoppers operate on a water slurry
of ash, thereby alleviating the gas leakage problem. But the ash system
has added potential for transient emissions due to the friable dusty nature
of most ash (unless it has been slagged), and the possibility of withdrawing
hot ash. If the ash is dry when withdrawn, it will generally be wetted down
with water to control dusting, with only a small evolution of steam which
can be collected and condensed. However, upsets could occur, for example in
the lock hopper system, such that the ash could be quite hot as it is withdrawn.
Then cooling it by water sprays could create extreme turbulence and dusting,
requiring extra environmental controls to prevent transient emissions.
Sometimes the ash may be slagged in the gasifier, as in the Koppers
or BIGAS processes. It is usually dropped into water to quench and shatter
it, so that it can be handled as a slurry. The water slurry will be quite
hot when withdrawn and tend to flash off steam and vapors that may contain
sulfur compounds and cause undesirable odors, therefore all off gases should
be contained, returned to the system, or properly cleaned up, or disposed of
by incineration for example.
As in any high pressure process, all liquids that are withdrawn
will tend to flash and give off vapors, since they have been saturated with
gases and vapors within the high pressure system. The ash-slurry system is
no exception and the water can be expected to be saturated with whatever
gas it has been exposed to, such as raw gas containing sulfur. While carbon
monoxide and hydrogen are only soluble in water to the extent of 1-2 vol. %,
carbon dioxide solubility is much higher, about 0.4 to 1.1 volume per volume
of water for 1 atmosphere partial pressure. At gasifier pressure, the partial
pressures are much higher so that release of flash gas must be considered
when defining environmental controls. Thus, variations in temperatures and
flows during an upset can cause transient releases of flash gas. It may be
possible to purge the ash or char system with steam to sweep out other gases
so as to simplify the flash gas problem.
In those cases where the ash is dry as removed from gasification,
there can be transient dust from handling operations. Covered conveyors,
hoods, and other control measures such as water sprays should be used where
practical.
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Various other upsets can occur in the gasification system, such
as: failure of pumps, drives, or other equipment, or stoppage of coal feed,
deterioration of refractory lining, etc. Some of these will cause temporary
interruption of the operation for minutes or hours without a full shutdown,
while others will require cooling the unit down for maintenance. In all
cases, control of transient emissions is needed, as discussed in this section
8.4 and section 8.2 on startup and 8.3 on shutdown considerations.
One other type of upset that should be discussed is the possibility
of overpressuring the system, in which case the safety relief valves automat-
ically open to release gases to the blowdown and flare system. To the extent
possible without jeopardizing safety, it is desirable to cool the gases to
recover any condensibles, scrub to remove particulates and then incinerate
the combustibles (e.g. in a flare). In some cases the decision may be made
to discharge pressure relief valves directly to the atmosphere, but this
should only be done after a careful and thorough study justifies this as the
best practical approach.
It is common for pressure relief valves to leak. Leaks are partic-
ularly likely after they have once been activated and, since the usual valve
is spring loaded or weight loaded, relatively little force is available to make
the valve seat properly. In addition, particles or dirt may interfere with
reseating in dusty services as on the gasifier. Spring loaded safety valves
give protection together with good prospects of keeping the unit onstream
when the upset is minor and correctable. Frangible discs are sometimes used
as an alternative for fastest possible depressuring, but generally result in
a full shutdown of the system since they cannot be reclosed and have to be
replaced. Recently a combination has been offered, using a basic spring
loaded valve together with a frangible disc to assure against leakage prior
to activation of the safety valve. Some safety valve practices are undergoing
reexamination, and recent publications suggest the possibility of having gate
valves upstream of the safety valves, (locked open!) to allow checking out
the valves or replacing them while the plant is onstream. Others have proposed
reliance on instrumentation for protection by isolating the main sources
of pressure so that only a small pressure relief valve is needed rather than
one to carry the entire process flow. Obviously, any changes in safety
practices will only be made after very thorough study. The present discussion
should not be taken as a recommendation for any changes, but rather that each
situation should be examined and reviewed so that the best decisions are made
regarding select ion,sizing and point location of pressure relief valves.
8.4.6.2 Liquefaction
In coal liquefaction systems, the coal feed is mixed with hot
recycle oil to form a slurry which is pumped to high pressure. A slurry
system is also used in some gasification processes, in which case the
following comments are pertinent. Dried coal may still contain 1-2%
moisture, which flashes when it is mixed with hot oil. Provision is nor-
mally included to recover this as well as gas and vapors released from
the oil when it is depressured. However, there may be occasions when the
volume of flash gas is greatly increased due to unexpectedly high moisture
in the coal, possibly caused by an upset on the dryer. If the flash gas passes
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- 161 -
through a cooler, as in some designs, then more cooling will be required
and more water will be condensed and have to be disposed of or stored
temporarily. Increase in flash gas will also result if there is an
increase in the amount of light fractions in the recycle oil, as can hap-
pen unexpectedly due to an upset in the liquid separation facilities
which supply the recycle oil.
Coal must be introduced and mixed with oil to form the slurry fed
to liquefaction, and plugging is a common source of upsets on such systems.
In case of plugging, the system may have to be flushed out with wash oil so
suitable facilities should be provided together with storage to hold the wash
stream so that it can be cleaned up for reuse.
The liquefaction reactants are a mixture of liquids, solids, and
gases, whereas only solids and gases are present in gasification. Liquefaction
is therefore more involved. For example, all liquid streams withdrawn from
the high pressure system will contain dissolved gases and light fractions that
can flash off upon depressuring. These flash gases should be recovered for
use and adequate consideration and planning is needed so that recovery
facilities are not overloaded by rapid removals during upsets. Plugging is
again a possiblity and may call for flushing facilities as discussed for
coal feeding. An upset may also carry heavy liquid from the reactor into gas
handling systems, also calling for flushing facilities with adequate means
for cleanup and reuse of the flushing liquid.
In designing the blowdown and flare systems, it is extremely
important to protect against slugs of liquid hydrocarbons being discharged
to the flare, as serious fires could result. Size of settling or knock-out
drums should be made large enough to prevent any substantial entrainment
of liquids in the gas being flared. If liquid combustibles were present,
the radiant heat from the flare flame could increase greatly and become
unacceptable. Moreover, drops of burning liquid might fall to ground level.
Again it should be emphasized that leaks in equipment are one of
the major environmental concerns in coal liquefaction. - Leaks in heat
exchangers can contaminate the entire cooling water system, while in the
case of air cooling leaks will cause releases directly to the atmosphere,
as discussed in Section 8.1. Other possible equipment leaks to consider
include pumps and compressors, valves, flanges, pressure relief valves,
sample connections, etc. In addition, there is the possibility of rupturing
furnace tubes, with consequent transient emissions. Liquefaction plants can
easily have an odor problem as a result of leaks or spills of materials
containing phenolic type compounds having a strong an
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low boiling materials into the system will appear as an emission from the
vacuum pump, so the pollution control system (e.g. .incinerator), must be
designed to accommodate surges such as those caused by upsets. Emulsions can also
occur in the overhead recovery system of vacuum units and may require provision
for storage and reworking.
Filtration is the other method used to remove solids from the heavy
liquid, if a vacuum filter is used, the above comments are applicable. An
alternative is pressure filtration in which case leaks and spills can be a
problem. Filtration is a difficult operation, complicated by the fact that
removing filter cake is necessary. Filtration involves solid, liquid, and
gas streams all of which can contribute to emissions, including transient
ones. With rotary filters a cake is scraped off, which may be pasty, hard
to handle, and contribute to plugging difficulties. If plugging occurs,
operation may be interrupted to open up equipment and wash it out. Special
cleanup and collection facilities should be available for this. Often a
precoat is used and can introduce additional emission problems in its storage
and handling, application, and removal to disposal.
8.4.7 Shift and Cooling
The shift reactor may be a fixed bed of iron based or cobalt-
molybdenum catalyst. During operation it might become partially plugged''
by dust, in which case efforts may be made to clear it by steaming or
backblowing. Emissions would not be expected since the flowing streams
will be contained and handled in the gas cleanup system. If the shift
reactor must be opened for servicing, then transient emissions of the
catalyst or deposits might occur. Emissions of dust, sulfur compounds,
or iron carbonyl from iron type catalysts should be considered and pro-
tection provided as needed. Trace elements such as arsenic, lead, etc.
may very likely build up on the shift catalyst and in this general area
of the plant, requiring special protective measures. However, sufficient
data on the subject are not yet available to allow defining the situation
and methods for environmental control. Charging, replacing, and discharging
catalyst especially call for dust control. Spent catalyst should be returned
for reworking 6c .'disposed of in a way to avoid transient pollution from
dust or leaching.
Gas cooling and scrubbing is the next operation, typically using
a waste heat boiler followed by heat exchangers and a scrubber. The boiler
and exchangers may develop leaks due to erosion or corrosion, causing emis-
sions directly or indirectly. Protective measures include careful design,
monitoring and inspection, preventive maintenance, plus employee training
and education.
Scrubbing to remove dust is a critical operation to avoid problems
downstream. An upset may result if water circulation is lost for any reason
such as pump or motor failure. Attendant overheating or over-pressuring
may lead to additional upsets. Deposits can occur, requiring extensive
flushing of dirty water to sewers or storage. Transient emissions of gases,
liquids, and solids can be controlled by prior consideration and planning,
including appropriate sparing of critical pumps and other items. Provision
could be made for example to automatically divert any severely contaminated
water (as could result from a tube failure) directly to waste water treating.
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8.4.8 Acid Gas Removal
One of the transient emissions on a coal conversion plant that is
of greatest environmental concern is from the acid gas removal in case of
upset. If it gives inadequate cleanup for any reason, gas product can
not be used and will have to be diverted to a flare since sizeable storage
or a complete backup system is hardly practical. The flare should be designed
for efficient combustion, smokeless operation, and noise control. Sulfur
emission could be very high from the flare until the difficulties are cor-
rected or operation is cut back to avoid diverting to the flare. Typical
flow rate (Figure 8.1) to acid gas removal is 32 MM scfh containing
380 tons/day sulfur, that potentially would be flared if all of the gas
had to be diverted to a flare. One proposed design has 2 trains of acid
gas removal each sized for 75% of the total flow, which would require
diverting 25% of the total flow in case one train shutdown, assuming that
the other train could be quickly brought up to its full capacity. Depending
on the type of upset, partial sulfur removal might be maintained thereby
decreasing emissions, but clearly, very thorough and careful planning and
operation are required to minimize this large potential source of transient
emissions.
A second major concern is possible contamination of the CC>2 vent
gas rejected to the atmosphere. It is a very large stream, and many acid
gas removal systems have difficulty in achieving a satisfactorily low sulfur
level in the rejected CC>2. Therefore, upsets are liable to cause a temporary
increase in sulfur level that could be very objectionable. It is not certain
that the waste C02 stream will always be incinerated before release, since it
is so large a stream that incineration would consume considerable additional
fuel; however, incineration is one available control method to oxidize sulfur
compounds, combustibles, and other contaminants.
Entrainment of scrubbing liquid into the C02 vent stream is another
possible source of contamination, especially if there are upsets and surges
in flow or pressure. Incineration, if used, may take care of this -- or
consideration can be given to use of entrainment separation devices for
protection.
The circulating chemical or solution used for absorption is often
filtered to remove solids that tend to accumulate and could cause fouling
or other problems. The filters are cleaned periodically and the waste
material must be disposed of (78). In addition, cyclic interruptions
associated with filter cleaning may cause upsets or result in emissions or
leaks of gas or liquid. Operating procedures should be defined to minimize
all transient emissions. The waste solids may represent residual coal
ash carried along with the acid gases, or there can be rust particles or
degradation products. Washing or incineration may be needed before disposal,
depending upon its exact nature.
All processes for acid gas removal have chemical losses or
chemical purge streams to dispose of as a result of leaks, vapor pressure,
side reactions, degradation caused by contaminants, etc. Makeup chemicals
are required, possibly amounting to 1.6 tons/day in the case of Rectisol
methanol scrubbing (79) or 150 gallons/day for a Benfield hot potassium
carbonate system (80). Other chemicals are often added as activators or
to combat corrosion, fouling, or foaming (81).
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It should be clearly recognized that all chemicals used by the plant
must be accounted for, generally showing up as effluents, in which case
effective and adequate environmental controls or disposal should be provided
as necessary. Upset could result in unexpected contamination or degradation
of the scrubbing medium, such that it may have to be purged and replaced.
Storage should be available for purge materials so that they can be retained
for reclaimation or ultimate disposal. Of course, storage is also needed for
the normal chemical solution inventory to use when the system is shut down or
emptied for any reason.
An area of great uncertainty is the fate of trace elements (As, Cd,
Se, Cl, F, etc.) in the gas cleanup facilities. Some may pass through the gas
scrubber into acid.gas removal where they may deposit, react with the solution,
or otherwise accumulate and have to be removed as transient effluents. More
information is needed to define the problem.
Following acid gas removal, final traces of sulfur are removed by a
guard bed of zinc oxide in order to protect the methanation catalyst. It is
estimated that the zinc oxide will be replaced every 3 to 6 months. Fixed
bed reactors are used, requiring depressuring and purging with nitrogen or
inert gas for catalyst replacement or maintenance. These vent streams should
be collected and returned to the system or sent to blowdown facilities for
disposal. The spent zinc oxide cannot be regenerated easily but can be returned
to a manufacturer for reworking. The total sulfur removed by the guard is only
a small fraction of a percent of the total sulfur contained in the coal feed
since most ot it has been removed previously. Adequate dust control should
be provided during dumping and recharging of zinc oxide and other materials
used in the guard system. Experience shows that loading and unloading of
catalyst or solids handling can cause a dust nuisance, which may require
shields, hoods, and a collection system with cleanup. There also may be
unappreciated health effects.
8.4.9 Methanation, Compression
and Drying
At this point in the process the streams are very clean with
regard to sulfur and dust but the high operating pressure can lead to
leaks. Prior to methanation the gases contain considerable CO which is
toxic, so monitoring the process area and other precautions may be needed
for protection. There is also a possibility of forming highly toxic
nickel carbonyl as mentioned earlier, if upset conditions lead to a
catalyst temperature, below 400°F for example. Startup of the methanation
reactor generally involves pretreatment operation which can cause tran-
sient releases as discussed in Section 8.2 on startup, while Section 8.3
covers considerations related to shutdown of the facilities.
The large heat release of the methanation reaction is used to
make steam by recirculating gas through waste heat boilers. Pressure on
the gas side is usually higher than the pressure of steam generated;
consequently any leakage in the exchanger will add gas to the steam
system rather than vice versa. This gas leakage must then be removed
from the steam, and shows up as purge gas on steam condensers. For
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example when the steam is used to drive a condensing turbine, there
is also a vacuum pump to remove non-condensible gases from the steam
condenser. The latter gases are pumped for release to the atmosphere,
some times without cleanup or incineration. Clearly, such purges of
"non-condensible" gases can constitute undesirable emissions and should
be reviewed to see whether incineration or some other cleanup is needed.
Certainly in the case of tube failure a considerable amount of carbon
monoxide and other combustible gases could get into the steam system
from which they would be rejected to the atmosphere.
Methanation forms water which is recovered and used for makeup.
As shown in Figures 8.1 and 8.2 for SNG manufacture, this can amount to
about 3000 tons/day. It is clean condensate, although dissolved gases
will be released when it is depressured so these gases should be collected
and may be sent to the fuel system. The gas still contains moisture which
must be removed to meet pipeline specifications. Glycol drying is commonly
used, although other liquid or solid dessicants may be used instead.
The dessicant is regenerated by stripping or heating, releasing water vapor
which may be vented to the atmosphere. If upsets occur, there is a
possibility that glycol (or other dessicant) might also be released to
the atmosphere, so environmental protection should be considered.
A booster compressor is sometimes needed to raise the product
gas to pipeline pressure. Leaks and failures on this equipment could
cause inadvertent releases of combustible gas, or of steam in the event
that steam turbine drives are used. Final cooling of the gas by cooling
water or air cooling may be used, in which case leaks could introduce
combustible gas into the cooling water system and cooling tower, or
directly to the atmosphere.
Starting up and pretreating of the methanation catalyst have
already been discussed. Upsets during operation of the unit may require
repeating the pretreat operation, or even replacing the catalyst, with
associated environmental concerns as described.
8.4.10 Sulfur Plant
The sulfur recovery plant is vital, in that without it, opera-
tion of the coal conversion plant must be interrupted. As shown in Figure
8.1 and 8.2 about 2500-5000 tpd of sulfur containing gases are fed to the
Glaus plant, including perhaps 400 tpd of sulfur of which roughly 99% is
probably recovered. For reliability, the sulfur plant consist of multiple
units with excess combined capacity. Thus, some designs include 3 units
each having 50% of base capacity, or two units of 75% capacity each. Since
it is not possible to startup a sulfur plant instantaneously they must
all be on stream all of the time, but running at part load. Then sudden
changes in feed gas rate can be accomodated quickly.
Changes in composition of the feed gas can also cause upsets
on the sulfur plant. It depends upon combustion of the proper fraction
of feed gas to give the stoichiometric amount of S02 to just react com-
pletely with H2S in the part that bypasses combustion. Hence any change
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that affects combustion air requirement can cause an upset. Change in
content of the feed gas could be one factor, while a sudden change in the
content of hydrocarbons is another. Loss of flame, or an unstable flame,
would disrupt the sulfur recovery operation.
Upsets, for example excessive hydrocarbons, can throw the
product sulfur off specification, such that it cannot be sold. If this
happens the sulfur must be stored until it can be disposed of. Possibly
it could be worked off by feeding through the sulfur plant feed gas
incinerator after steady operation has been resumed.
The sulfur pit is a potential source of obnoxious odors, and
even fires. H^S is rather soluble in molten sulfur and could be released.
Standard procedures and operating techniques are available from suppliers
and should be reviewed to be sure that environmental controls are sat-
isfactory.
The sulfur plant will usually include tail gas cleanup, using
one of the various processes offered. Gas volume is the same as in the
Glaus plant, or larger, while the sulfur entering tail gas cleanup will
be perhaps 5% of that to the Glaus plant. Upsets on the sulfur plant
can also upset the tail gas cleanup of course, and in addition it is
subject to its own upsets. Scrubbing is usually used, introducing the
possibility of deactivating or contaminating the solution such that it
must be removed and replaced. All chemical purges gould be sent to
storage from which they can be cleaned up for reuse or otherwise disposed
of in an acceptable manner.
Solids may have to be disposed of periodically. Catalyst used
in the Glaus reaction has an estimated life of 3-5 years (82) after which
it is discarded. There may also be other solids resulting from cleanout,
general maintenance, or salt deposits etc., that must be disposed of
without excessive pollution.
8.4.11 Oxygen Plant
As in the case of primary emissions the oxygen plant is relatively
clean; no major transient emissions are likely. The major potentially
adverse impact of the oxygen plant would be in the event of an unexpected
shutdown that would upset the gasification part of the plant. Fortunately
the service factor on oxygen production is high and the likelihood of
upsets is small, although this might be offset if only one train is used
for oxygen production. Liquid oxygen storage equivalent to say 8 hours
requirement is often provided to assure smooth operations.
Oxygen consumption for gasification is typically about 5000-
6000 tons/day, giving a waste nitrogen stream of 15,000 to 20,000
tons/day that will be returned to the atmosphere. Transient emissions
such as defrosting of exchangers, etc., should not present environmental
problems.
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8.4.12 Solids Disposal
For the large gasification plants being considered, ash from
the gasifier to be disposed of may be 1000 tons/day on bituminous coal,
or perhaps 3000 tons/day when feeding lignite. In addition, ash from
coal used in the utility boiler and for plant fuel can add about 200-
500 tons/day. Handling losses amounting to a fraction of 1% could be
excessive. Spills, dusting, accumulation in tanks and ponds, etc. could
total 1000 tons/year, so a program of cleanup and disposal should be part
of the planning. Ash quenching can generate odors that may have to be
contained, for example, calcium sulfide in the ash tends to react with
moisture and C02 in the atmosphere to release H2S. Also, if not contained,
quenching could release clouds of steam, particularly if upsets result in
insufficient quench water, amounting to an estimated 15 MM scfd of steam.
Leaching of ash, refuse from coal cleaning, sludge and other
solid wastes could cause transient releases, for example in case of a
storm or due to a spring thaw. Overflow or draining of retention ponds
could give large temporary effluents. Other upsets might discharge sour
water (amounting to 16,000 tons/day for example) if waste water treating
is disrupted. Even though the water may have been processed in the sour
water stripper it will have a strong odor and could contain large amounts
of soluble salts, such as ammonium chloride.
Filter cake may be an oily waste from liquefaction processes.
Usually it can be disposed of by gasification or incineration, but in
case of upsets it may present a disposal problem. The slurry to be
filtered is made up of very heavy oil or tar, so if it cools off or
is spilled a difficult cleanup situation is faced. Again, satisfactory
plans must be developed ahead of time. Oily waste from tank cleanings
etc. presents somewhat similar problems, and fluid bed incineration would
appear to be one good approach.
8.4.13 Water Treating
In general, the water systems on a plant will include process
and sour water cleanup, a cooling water circuit, makeup water treating,
collection of storm runoff, and a recirculating water system for coal
cleaning where this step is included. Facilities can include ponds,
.an oil separator, cooling tower, exchangers, pumps, etc. all of which
are subject to upsets in more ways than can be predicted, resulting in the
release of transients. Chemicals are used in most of the water systems,
such as chlorine, chromates, sulfuric acid, and caustic; consequently,
they may appear as transient effluents, especially during operating upsets.
It is sometimes proposed to add treated sanitary waste to the
cooling tower as makeup, although fouling problems may be thereby aggravated.
In a typical design this could contribute 10-15% of total makeup water
to the plant; however, the drift loss and spray from the cooling tower
should be considered in that contamination could result, at least at times.
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One pertinent study showed significant entrainment of water containing
microorganisms when air was passed through a simulated cooling tower (83),
suggesting that extensive pretreatment of sanitary waste may be needed
if such use is contemplated. In some cases effluent from a municipal
sewage treating plant has been used for industrial plant makeup water,
so progress has been made in solving the attendant problems (84).
However, the environmental factors may not have been adequately addressed.
The various water systems in the plant are closely interrelated,
and an upset in one can affect the others to cause transient effluents.
Thus, sour water is usually cleaned up to reuse as cooling tower makeup,
so failure of the stripper could allow excessive amounts of l^S, NH3,
etc. to be introduced to the cooling tower, causing serious emissions.
Instrumentation to monitor the quality of makeup water going to the cooling
water system may give the desired protection, with provision for diverting
unsatisfactory water to covered storage. The water systems are discussed
below with respect to transient emissions, covering the areas: waste
water treatment, cooling water system, and makeup water treating.
Waste Water Treatment
The usual steps in industrial waste water treatment are:
- solids separation
- extraction of phenols
- sour water stripping
- oil removal
- biological oxidation
- filtration
- activated carbon if needed
All of these could contribute occasional or inadvertent emissions.
Residual ash and solids scrubbed from the gas are separated in a clarifier
or filter for disposal. Mai-operation may increase the amount of solids
(e.g., plugging of dipleg on cyclone separator downstream of gasifier)
and result in overloading or plugging of the solids separation facilities
in waste water treatment. These solids may have to be flushed to storage,
possibly to a pond if there is no problem due to odors or vapors. However,
there is also a question on trace elements since many are appreciably
volatile in gasification. Some, such as fumes of arsenic or lead may
appear in the scrubbing water, or be associated with the ash fines and
be susceptible to leaching when the ash is diposed of. The large amounts
of trace elements that might be carried out of the gasifier with the raw
gas are defined in the individual process reports. Spills of wet ash could
lead to a dust nuisance when they dry out, and, therefore should be cleaned
up promptly.
Extraction of phenols is the next step in waste water treatment
except for those processes that do not make substantial amounts of phenols.
Solubility of cresols and phenols in water may be 2-8 wt. %, and both
low temperature gasification and liquefaction form considerable amounts
of them. For example a design using Lurgi gasifiers shows 120 tons/day
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of crude phenols produced. If an upset in the extraction plant results
in an abnormally high phenol content in the water going to biological
oxidation, there could be a similar surge in phenol content of the water
effluent which might then contaminate sources of drinking water. A level
of only .001 mg/1 causes objectionable taste, while even .0001 mg/1 leads
to off-flavor in fish (85). Chemicals used for extraction of phenol may
also contribute to transient emissions.
Sour water stripping to remove NH3 and H~S from the waste water
is a vital part of water treatment, and any departure from its normal
performance could disrupt or overload subsequent water treating operations.
Stripping is subject to the usual types of equipment failures, or to
interruption of electrical power or steam, but is also liable to plugging
of critical exchangers due to salts such as ammonium carbonate, etc.
Furthermore, changes in the feed stream could decrease cleanup efficiency
temporarily. In some large plant design studies it has been considered
desirable to include 100% spare facilities for sour water stripping.
that is, two independent trains each of which can handle the full design
flow rate (86).
If sour water stripping were ineffective for some reason, such
as steam failure, then the effluent could approach feed water composition.
As reported for the Synthane process (4), sour water from the gasification
typically may contain 5,000-11,000 mg/1 of phenol. Because of the high
level of contaminants it appears prudent to provide some closed storage
for sour water to handle any surges in feed, or to temporarily retain off-
specification water leaving the stripper so that it can be reprocessed
and not allowed to become a transient effluent. Flow rate of sour water
may be 16,000 tons/day (see Figure 8.1) which is very large, but storage
equivalent to several hours to 1 day should be feasible, and useful during
startup or shutdown of the plant.
It will be seen that there is a definite possibility of con-
taminated water being released to holding ponds in the water treatment
system, giving rise to strong odors or evaporation of oil and other
compounds. Therefore, the operations should be followed closely to
protect against serious emissions from ponds or other areas, using
continuous monitoring instruments where appropriate. Ammonia is often
recovered as a byproduct and could contribute to emissions, but these
can be controlled using facilities and operating procedures that are well
established.
After sour water stripping the waste water is processed to
separate oil, using for example an API separator followed by froth flota-
tion. At times, oil vapors and other contaminants can be released, e.g.,
on hot windy days or if the water entering becomes too warm. A common
practice now is to cover or enclose these facilities to control emissions.
Since biological oxidation is generally depended upon to clean
up many minor contaminants in waste water, any upset could result in
transient releases. Changes in entering composition, concentration,
temperature, etc., are known to be detrimental (37) so some surge
capacity is often provided on the feed to help maintain uniform conditions,
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A proper balance of nutrients is needed for reasonably completed con-
sumption of all components, and in some cases specific nutrients such as
phosphate have to be added to balance high nitrogen entering. Careful
monitoring and control may be needed (88).
The bioculture can be inhibited or killed by poisons such as
chlorine and chromates which are frequently added to the cooling water
circuit to control biofouling and corrosion, again introducing potential
for upsets. The bioculture is associated with "activated sludge" retained
in the biox system, and if it dies due to lack of food or from poisons
the system can easily become anaerobic and generate very obnoxious sulfur
and other type odors. Education and training of personnel plus close
attention to operations is perhaps the best practical answer. A holding
pond following biox is also desirable, and protects against suspended
solids in the effluent in the event that the activated sludge becomes
difficult to separate for recycle. Disposal of sludge requires attention
as discussed in Section 8.4.12.
Sometimes a separate filtration step is included to remove
particulates or any residue of sludge which would contribute BOD. Sand
filters may be used, with periodic back flushing to return the solids
to waste water treating, to incineration or to other disposal so as to
control emissions. Activated carbon may be used for final polishing,
in which case it is regenerated intermittently by stripping with hot
combustion gases. This regeneration gas effluent should then be
incinerated, of course, to destroy desorbed materials and any carbon
dust.
Other possible transient sources of waste water to consider
will include storm runoff. Initially, say during the first hour of a
storm, most of the oil and dirt may be washed from the area giving
contaminated water. Subsequent runoff should be relatively clean and
useful as makeup without extensive treatment.
Pretreating of the coal to destroy caking properties is used in
some operations, and can result in considerable sour water to be treated
as mentioned in Section 8.4.3. Also coal cleaning to decrease ash and
pyrites may be included at the coal conversion location, in which case
there is an additional large water stream to be treated. Most of the
water is cleaned up for reuse in washing, screening, or other operations,
but after settling and clarifying the water, it still contains very fine
particulates which are removed in a settling pond. Leaching is also of
concern in coal cleaning operations and on ash from conversion or furnaces.
These few examples will illustrate the broad approach that is needed in
considering environmental controls on waste water cleanup.
Certain other items in water treating should be commented on
particularly those operations where chemicals are consumed. An example
of typxcal consumption of chemicals for a projected easlf1r«Mrtn „!„ I
is given in Table 8.5. In treating makeupVter'1^1^ abused
to precipitate hardneness, while sulfuric acid, caustic, and salt may be
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Table 8.5
Typical Catalyst and Chemicals
Consumption in a Liquefaction Process
(Based on Ref. 42)
Item
Amount
Diatomaceous Earth Filter Precoat
Mono e thanolamine
Cellulose, Asbestors, and Diatomaceous Earth
Corrosion Inhibitor, A
Antifoam
Hydrogenation Catalyst
Sodium Hydroxide
Active Carbon
CO Shift Catalyst
Benfield Solution - K^CC^
DEA
V205
Methanator Catalyst
Zinc Oxide Pellets
BSRP CoMo Catalyst
Sulfur Recovery Catalyst
Stretford Solution Chemical Makeup
Corrosion Inhibitor, B
Polymer Dispersant
Sulfuric Acid
Chlorine
Phosphate Polymer Antifoam
Hydrazine (oxygen scavenger)
Lime
Aluminum Sulfate
Caustic soda
20 tons/day
3750 to 12,600
22 to 110 Ih/day
3-1/4 to 6-1/2 gal/day
7-1/2 to 16 gal/day
255,700 Ib (3-yr life)
340 Ib/day
50 to 100 Ib/day
2399 ft3 (1-yr life)
986 Ib/month
99 Ib/month
17 Ib/month
140 ft3 (3-yr life)
71 ft3 (3-yr life)
750 ft3 (3-yr life)
5200 (3-yr life)
$386/day
319 Ib/day
319 Ib/day
3209 Ib/day
1766 Ib/day
383 Ib/day
2.7 Ib/day
2072 Ib/day
1295 Ib/day
2135 Ib/day
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consumed in regenerating ion exchange resins used to demineralize boiler
feed water. The operations are often cyclic, generating intermittent
effluents; moreover, the storage and handling of the chemicals and
effluents could cause transient emissions unless care and planning
are adequate. Chemical cleaning of exchangers and equipment is another
source of wastes (89). As in the case of barge washing (90), washing out
storage tanks adds more water to be cleaned up.
8.4.14 Steam and Power Supply
A coal conversion plant requires steam and electric power which
are usually supplied from a utilities section of the plant although there
may be an emergency power tie-in with an outside supply. Fuel used for
making steam may be clean low Btu gas made from coal, or the coal may be
burned directly and stack gas cleanup used to control pollution. In the
first case many of the concerns on transient emissions are transferred to
the gasification operation which manufactures the low Btu gas. The second
case combines the concerns of a coal fired boiler plus stack gas cleanup.
Combustion of coal necessarily produces ash refuse which calls
for protection against transient emissions. Great care is needed in
handling, storage and disposal to control dust, odors, or contribution
of suspended solids in water streams. Leaching of trace elements from
the ash is also of concern, and while some work has been done in this
area (91), a great deal more is needed as has been pointed out earlier
in this report.
Ash causes fouling of heat transfer surfaces in coal fired
boilers, and cleaning is accomplished by "soot blowing" using a high
velocity steam jet to blow deposits off the tubes. Soot blowing is
done on stream, without interrupting the operation, consequently the
disloged dust is dispersed in the flowing gas and carried down stream
where it appears as a surge in dust content (92). The gas is usually
passed through an electrostatic precipitator, which gives reasonably
good cleanup of dust. Incidentally, the dust from soot blowing would
be expected to have an unusually high content of relatively volatile
and toxic trace elements. Where stack gas scrubbing is used for cleanup,
backup dust control is thereby provided.
In an electrostatic precipitator the dust deposits on collection
plates which are cleaned periodically by rapping (e.g., 2-10 minute cycles).
While most of the dislodged dust falls into a hopper and is recovered,
there is some increase in dust loss due to rapping. Consideration has
been given to the interaction between soot blowing cycles, rapping cycles,
etc. on dust loss (92). (This reference also presents operating experience
on a large power plant.) In the past, occasions have arisen where parti-
culates formed loose deposits in a stack, accumulated sulfuric acid and
other contaminants, and then sometimes became dislodged, to blow out
through the stack and fall in nearby areas as smut. The situation can
and should be prevented. The explanation of deposition is related to
condensation on the walls due to cooling. Dew point of flue gases is
raised very considerably over the water dew point by the presence of
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only minor amounts of SO^ which forms sulfuric acid. This phenomenon
is well known in connection with corrosion of heat exchangers used for
low temperature heat recovery on furnaces and boilers. Acid dew points
of 320°F are common for flue gases from high sulfur fuels, whereas the
dew point predicted from water vapor content alone may be only 120-130°F.
In the stack, wall temperatures are cooler than the flue gases due to
heat loss so significant condensation can result, for example in the
range of 200-300°F. Furthermore, the concentration of sulfuric acid in
the condensed liquid is surprisingly high. At a dew point of 200°F the
equilibrium concentration of sulfuric acid is 65%, while at 300°F it is
83% for typical flue gases. A solution to the problem is simply to pre-
vent possible condensation by maintaining all surface temperature above
the acid dew point, using adequate insulation or other means.
Tube failure in the furnace can upset combustion and give severe
smoke and dust in the furnace effluent. One possible approach is
to be prepared to isolate and shut off the section of tubes involved as
fast as possible.
Stack gas cleanup is perhaps the most critical part of the
utilities system with regard to potential transient emission of pollutants,
especially of dust, smoke, and sulfur. If it fails to operate properly
for any reason, emissions become excessive and the boiler may have to
be shut down unless a clean fuel can be substituted immediately. Perhaps
a standby system to fire oil fuel could be used, and it would also be
useful for startups. Otherwise, parallel trains might be considered with
stack gas cleanup facilities, which may be convenient when the design
provides, for example 3 boilers, each with a stack gas cleanup system and
each supplying 50% of design requirement and all three intended to be
operating at all times.
Stack gas cleanup often involves the use of chemicals, and
usually with a sizeable consumption of them. Moreover it necessarily
generates byproduct sulfur or sulfur compounds such as H^S or gypsum.
Again, there are concerns about inadvertent handling losses on chemicals,
as well as possible intermittent purges of solution needed to maintain
scrubbing capacity. Plans are needed for containing and disposing of
such materials. Incineration of these materials may be an acceptable
means of disposal.
One comment on boilers that may affect transients is that some
state codes require that boilers be shut down for inspection at stated
intervals. Thus, the quantity of transients is increased.
Electric power for the plant will usually be supplied from a
generator driven by a condensing steam turbine. Heat from the condenser
is dissipated to cooling water or by air cooling. As mentioned earlier,
vacuum on the condenser (of 2-4 in. mercury absolute) is maintained by a
pump that removes non-condensible gases and rejects them to the atmosphere.
Thus, any gases that get into the steam system can become emissions at
this point and may require controls.
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It should be emphasized that extremely high reliability is
needed on the power supply, since without it the plant will have to
shutdown and may have serious transient emissions. One example is loss of
power on an electrostatic precipitator. Extra efforts should be made to
protect against interruption of electric supply to essential facilities,
by using tie-ins to other sources, emergency generators, spares driven
by steam turbines, etc.
8.5 Maintenance
Maintenance on the plant covers repairs, cleaning, additions,
and general servicing of facilities. There are several categories of
work including unscheduled or emergency repairs due to failure of pumps,
heat transfer surfaces, etc. A second category is routine maintenance
during turnarounds to inspect and recondition equipment as needed. A
third type of maintenance is "preventive," such as scheduled servicing
of seals, pumps, exchangers, etc. to replace worn parts and prevent upsets
or leaks before they occur. This is somewhat like the normal oil-change
or tune-up on an automobile. In a fourth group is "predictive" maintenance
which is now becoming possible as a result of progress and sophistication
in instrumentation and computer applications (93). It will be seen that
the degree of concern on transient emissions is very directly related to
the overall philosophy and planning on maintenance. Environmental aspects
improve as the maintenance program proceeds in the direction of the third
and fourth categories discussed above.
Before general maintenance is started on equipment, the plant will
have been depressured and purged. Liquid and solids inventories will have
been removed to the extent possible and sent to storage. Opening the equip-
ment at this point should not cause serious emissions, although spills can
be expected and will need to be cleaned up. Some parts of the system will
then be flushed with oil or water to remove tar, sour water, dust, etc.
The liquid used for washing should be contained and cleaned up, while the
contaminants in it should be separated for disposal.
Cleaning is a necessary part of the procedure to remove solids
deposits in vessels, piping, heat exchanger and the like. One method
of cleaning uses a blast of air, containing sand or shot. Other methods
use a high pressure water jet, or strong chemicals. Regardless of the
method, precautions are needed to avoid transient releases of the deposits
being removed, or the materials used in the cleaning operation. In some
cases, the presence of toxic trace elements may require special considera-
tion. Many such elements are partially volatile at gasification conditions
(e.g., arsenic, lead, cadmium etc.) and are expected to deposit on sur-
faces downstream as the gas is cooled. Protection of personnel is needed
in addition to plans for safe disposal of such trace elements. Additionally,
consideration should be given to all chemicals and materials used in
maintenance, as well as chemicals or residues that are used in the plant
or that might remain in the unit at shutdown. The latter may include
carcinogenic tar, chemical solutions in the acid gas removal system and on
stack gas or Glaus plant tail gas cleanup, or sour water. Plans should
provide for collecting, storing, and disposing of all such miscellaneous
wastes.
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During the shutdown, various catalysts used in the process may
be regenerated, screened to remove fines, or replaced. Dusting and
emissions need to be controlled. Also, catalyst (e.g., methanation) or
some deposits may be pyrophoric, requiring suitable precautions. Noise
during a turnaround may be sufficient to be objectionable or even harmful,
depending upon the situation. Truck traffic and the high level of activity
can also cause problems but can be allieviated by prior consideration.
8.6 Chemicals and Catalyst Replacement
As previously mentioned, various chemicals and catalysts are
used by the plant for acid gas removal or other scrubbing systems and in
water treating, etc. In addition, catalysts are used for shifting, as
sulfur guards, in methanation, the sulfur plant, etc. All of these chemicals
and catalysts require environmentally sound storage and handling as well
as provision for satisfactory disposal of spent materials. An illustration
of chemicals consumed in coal conversion is shown in Table 8,5 for the SRC
process.
Water gas shift catalyst may be regenerated and screened at
intervals to remove deposits and fines which cause high pressure drop in
fixed beds. It is estimated that the operation may take up to 5 days.
The pyrophoric potential of this catalyst should be taken into account.
Acid gas removal has a chemicals makeup that is sometimes taken care of
by removing part of the inventory and replacing it with fresh solution.
Disposal of the purge will have to be tailored to the specific chemical
composition. In some cases it can be completely destroyed by incineration,
while in other cases the presence of heavy metals (vanadium) or toxic
elements (arsenic) will complicate the situation.
Replacement of zinc oxide guard ahead of the methanator will be
needed perhaps 2-3 times a year, at which time the spent catalyst might be
returned to a manufacturer for reprocessing. Methanation catalyst may have
a life of a year or more but may lose activity and have to be replaced
sooner. Again, the catalyst may be pyrophoric and in addition toxic car-
bonyls may be present. Standards for personnel protection may require
respirators and other suitable precautions.
In those plants that include hydrotreating of liquid products
or byproducts, the catalyst may be either nickel based or cobalt-molybdenum.
Precautions for working with these and other catalyst are available from
various manufacturers (66).
Hydrogen manufacture is needed in the liquefaction processes,
and uses process steps very similar to gasification to make SNG, although
the shifting and acid gas removal are intensified. Transient considerations
are similar to those described for gasification. In addition, soot may be
formed if partial oxidation of solids or heavy oil is used. While this is
normally recycled to gasification and converted, it does represent an
additional material that could lead to transient emissions.
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Water treating uses many chemicals that require precautions as
covered briefly at the beginning of this section. One other aspect should
be mentioned, that is, the possible effect of corrosion of heat exchangers
in cooling water services. Surface area may easily exceed 100,000 sq. ft.
and at a modest corrosion rate of 1 mil/year, and with copper tubes this
could introduce 5600 Ib/year of copper into the cooling water circuit.
8.7 Storage of Products and Byproducts
Storage and handling of liquids and solids are well known sources
of transient emissions, for example in oil refining and chemicals manufacture
these can be the largest single source of emissions (69) • Suitable pre-
cautions have been developed to control tank breathing and filling losses,
as well as in product handling and shipping, and these are especially
pertinent on coal liquefaction plants. Similarly, precautions are avail-
able for ammonia, sulfur, phenols and specific chemicals and should be
followed when applicable. Storage of molten sulfur, for example, intro-
duces the possibility of H^S release or fires.
8.8 Design Considerations
Most transient emissions can be attributed to upsets, startup,
shutdown, or other interruptions; therefore design features that improve
reliability and service factor will generally be environmentally desirable.
A basic consideration is the number of equipment trains to use. Gasifiers
that are currently in commercial use have a limited capacity, less than
1000 tons/day of coal, so 30 units may be needed for a large plant. Service
factors may be 85-90%, and provision is needed to allow shuting down any
one unit for maintenance without disrupting the rest of the plant.
Frequently the gasifiers will be grouped to feed two separate and
independent trains of gas cleanup facilities. Similarly, parallel trains
are used in other areas of the plant as illustrated in Table 8.6. For
some gasification and liquefaction processes under development the use of
only two reactors is projected for a large plant (94).
The order of starting up and shutting down individual sections of
the process can affect emissions, as discussed. In general, stopping the
flow of coal and oxygen to the gasifier will be a first step at shutdown,
while environmental controls such as acid gas removal and the sulfur plant
will be the last to be shutdown, along with the utilities system. Automatic
shutdown of individual systems or pieces of equipment will be provided by
"fail-safe" instrumentation. Again, preplanning can minimize adverse
environmental effects by assuring that proper facilities are available when
needed.
Slowdown and vent streams can often be sent to a common
collection system where any condensible liquids will be recovered. The
remaining gas will be incinerated, or where appropriate, it can be burned
in a furnace to recover heating value. Streams released from pressure
relief valves can often be handled in the same or a similar system, as
well as vents from lock hoppers, vacuum systems, etc.
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Table 8.6
Example of Number of Trains and Spares Proposed
for Large Scale Gasification Plant
930 MM scfd of 215 Btu/scf gas from
10,000 tpd Illinois coal
(From Ref. 95)
Operating/Spare
Air Compression 4/1
Air Separation 4/0
Oxygen Compression 4/0
Gasification 4/1
Particulate Removal and Gas Cooling
Bulk Particulate Removal 4/1
High Temperature Cooling 4/1
Low Temperature Cooling 4/1
Acid Gas Removal 4/0
Expansion 4/0
Power Generation 1/0
Sulfur Recovery 2/1
Tail Gas Treating 2/1
Water Treating 1/0
Cooling Water System 1/0
Process Condensate Treating 1/0
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Consideration should be given to having a supply of low sulfur
fuel oil available for use as backup, in case of failures on cleanup sys-
tems used on furnaces that normally burn dirty fuel.
Mechanical seals on pumps, although more costly than simple
packing, will minimize leaks. Blowback of gas, oil, etc. through the
seal may also be used to prevent leakage, or a collection jacket could
be used.
Areas of the plant where spills of oil, coal, ash, etc., are
most likely should be identified and probably should be confined by
curbing or wells so that any spills are contained and can be cleaned up.
Vacuum cleanup truck and flushing facilities should be available where
needed. A separate oily water system, such as those used in oil refineries
usually should be provided. Protection against vapor emissions at sewer
connections and junction boxes is sometimes needed. A separate storm sewer
system and retention pond can be used to recover clean water from rain run-
off. However, experience shows that the initial part of such run-off may
be oily and contaminated so it should be diverted to the oily water sewer.
Protection against emissions from all storage and handling areas
should be reviewed to be sure that it is adequate. Storage for "off-
specification" production should be available so that it can be recovered
and used rather than sent to waste disposal.
In designing a plant it should be recognized that all chemicals
and material entering the plant must also leave in some form since they
do not simply disappear. This includes dissolved solids in makeup water
for example. It also applies to trace elements entering with the feed
coal, some of which may accumulate as deposits on equipment and have to
be removed by cleaning. Toxic elements such as arsenic, lead, etc., will
require precautions and special consideration. If there is major uncer-
tainty as to where the toxic elements will appear, and in what form, then
it necessarily follows that there must be a corresponding uncertainty as
to whether environmental controls are adequate.
Elements such as chlorine in the coal can form HC1 during gasi-
fication or liquefaction which will appear in the downstream recovery
system. It is not clear in what form it will ultimately leave the system,
or whether pH control will be needed. One concern is that chlorides can
cause stress corrosion cracking of alloy steels used for fabrication,
resulting in tube failure or leaks that would be environmentally undesirable.
One of the most effective means for controlling transient emis-
sions is to guard against failures and to be ready for fast response if
they do occur. This calls for a thorough and effective program of monitoring
inspection, and maintenance. Likewise, an intensive and recurring program
to educate and train personnel can reduce losses, conserve resources, and
protect the environment.
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*
(88) Kostenbader, P. D., and Flecksteiner, J. W., "Biological Oxidation
of Coke Plant Weak Ammonia Liquor," Journal WPCF 4]^ No. 2 pp. 200-207.
(89) Congram, G. E., "Trim Fuel Costs in Steam Generation," Oil Gas
Journal, May 5, 1975, pp. 235-237.
(90) Ball, J., Adams, D. G., and Stryker, C. A., "Management of Tank
Washings in Marine and Coastal Commerce," Texas A&M University,
Report TAMU-SG-74-221, Feb. 1975.
(91) Beckner, J. L., "Trace Element Composition and Disposal of Gasifier
Ash," Seventh Synthetic Pipeline Gas Symposium (AGA), Chicago, 111.
Oct. 27-29, 1975.
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(92) Mills, R. A., and Tassicker, 0. J., "Analysis of Pilot Plant
Electrostatic Precipitator Testing," International Clean Air
Conference, Rotorua, New Zealand, Feb. 17-21, 1975.
(93) James, R., and Block, H. P., "Predictive Maintenance System
Improved at Exxon Chemical Plant," Oil Gas Journal, Feb. 2, 1976,
pp. 59-64.
(94) Bolln, J. J., "Commercial Concept Designs," Fifth Synthetic Pipeline
Symposium, Chicago, 111., Oct. 29-31, 1973.
(95) Fluor Engineers and Constructors Inc., "Economics of Air vs. 02
Pressure Gasification of Coal," EPRI239-1, Jan. 1975, (PB 242, 595).
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- 186 -
APPENDIX A
Process Descriptions - Gasification
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APPENDIX A
PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS - GASIFICATION
In this appendix a general description is presented of the
gasification processes studied. The reader is referred to the individual
process reports for details.
A.I Koppers-Totzek Process
A.1.1 General
The gasifier operates at about 2700°F and atmospheric pressure
with oxygen, a small amount of steam, and a dilute suspension of powdered
coal to produce synthesis gas. The product gas is high in CO and hydro-
gen, with negligible methane. The process is described generally in the
Koppers brochures. Additional information has been obtained from the
literature and by discussions with the Koppers Company. A discussion of
the processing steps follows.
A.1.2 Main Gasification Stream
Figure A.1.1 is a block flow diagram of the process and auxiliary
facilities. This design, based on the design supplied by the Koppers
Company, feeds 6,750 T/D of bituminous coal containing 16.5% moisture,
17.3% ash, and 0.63% sulfur with a HHV of 8830 Btu/lb. The product gas,
after acid gas removal, is 290 MM cfd with a HHV of 303 Btu/cf and 300 ppm
sulfur. This sulfur content meets requirements but could be reduced by
the use of more equipment. Most commercial applications are for making
ammonia or methanol, but the gas can also be used as a clean fuel for
firing ceramics, glass manufacture, etc., or for steam generation and
combined cycle power plants or for upgrading to high Btu SNG; in other
words the gas can be used whenever synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing
gas can be used. The process can also be used to gasify coal fines, char,
hydrocarbons, or tar.
A.1.2.1 Coal Preparation
The first unit to be considered is the coal storage pile and hand-
ling facilities. This particular design does not require beneficiation of
coals of 30% ash content or lower. For 30 days storage, the coal piles are
about 200 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 1,000 feet long. There are two of
these, with loading, unloading, and conveying equipment. These will generally
be tamped down, but there can still be dusting and wind loss. Covered
conveyors should be used, and other precautions included in the design to
minimize dusting from stacking etc. Thorough planning is necessary to
avoid possible combustion in coal storage piles etc., and to provide for
extinguishing any fires that may start.
Coal drying uses a rotary drum drier fired with part of the
product gas, giving a sulfur level in the off gas well below that allowa-
ble for liquid or solid fuel firing. Use of feed coal as fuel would be more
-------
GASIFICATION PROCESS
GAS TO DRYER
COAL IN
COAL
STORAGE
r
f ' 1
COAL
PREP.
GAS IF IER
1
DUST
REMOVAL
J
-^
^
p/WpDCC
ACID
pAC
REMOVAL
I,
PRODUCT
GAS
.VXILIARV FA
°2
PLANT
SULFUR
PLANT
UTILITIES
WATER
TRHAT.
WASTE
WATER
TREAT .
COOLING
TOWER
oo
oo
Figure A.1.1
Koppers-Totzek Gasification Process
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efficient than the use of product gas but would give 1.4 Ib S02/MM Btu
compared to the allowable 1.2 Ib S02/MM Btu. However, the major part
of the fuel could be coal, supplemented by some product gas to meet
sulfur emission limits. A large volume of excess air is used to bring
the drying gas temperature down to less than 1000°F in order to avoid
overheating the coal. Also, flue gas is recycled on the drier to hold a
maximum of about 10% oxygen in the gas. The coal is not oxidized in the
drying step and no tar, sulfur, or volatiles should be evolved, since the
coal temperature is not over 200°F. It may be that a fluid bed drier
would be more effective than the preceeding because it would allow a
higher gas inlet temperature without overheating the coal. This would
reduce the volume of dusty effluent gas since less excess air is needed,
and the fuel efficiency would increase correspondingly. As an alterna-
tive, it might be possible to dry the coal using heat in the flue gas
from the utility boiler.
The drier vent gas must be cleaned up and for this purpose
an electrostatic precipitator was added to the base design. Bag
filters might be used instead, but they must be kept hot enough to avoid
water condensation. A water scrubber could be used, and may be
preferred if odors in this vent gas are objectionable. The degree of
odor control needed will depend on the type of coal and the plant
location. It may be more of a problem for example on lignite, and this
information should be obtained from plane or experimental operations.
Even so, the gas will have a high moisture content and may form a
water fog under certain atmospheric conditions. In locations where this
is not acceptable, one solution is to make sure that the vent gas is
above the critical temperature for fog formation.
Grinding and pneumatic transport with nitrogen are designed
for completely closed gas recycle. The gas balance lines from this system
(e.g. coal feed hoppers) should be vented into the dust removal system.
Great care should be taken to avoid spills, overflow, leaks on seals, and
the like. As a further precaution to control pollution, this entire
system could be housed in a building, with positive ventilation control
tied into bag filters.
Noise control may also be needed. While the building may shield
the process area from undue noise of the grinding and handling operations,
additional precautions may be needed from the standpoint of personnel
inside the building.
A.1.2.2 Gasifier
The gasifier uses an entrained flow of coal, oxygen and steam.
Coal is fed by screw feeders and is intimately mixed with steam and
oxygen. The high temperature of operation causes slagging of the ash.
Part of the slag exits at the bottom of the reactor and part passes
overhead with the gas. The very hot gases are quenched above the
reactor by a water spray before entering a waste heat boiler. Low
pressure steam is produced in the gasifier jacket and high pressure steam
is produced in the waste heat boiler. The gas then passes to the gas
cleaning section.
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A.1.2.3 Gas Cleaning
The raw product gas is cooled in a waste heat boiler and then
scrubbed with water. Water from the scrubber, containing approximately
half of the slag as well as dissolved H2S etc., goes to a clarifier to remove
solids and then to a cooling tower in which the air will strip out dissolved
gases. If all the dissolved H2S is stripped into the air, it will give
a concentration of 1-2 vppm. While this is below the Maximum Allowable
Concentration, it is far above the odor threshold and would be unacceptable.
It is common to find an appreciable Biox action in the cooling water cir-
cuit, and Koppers Company experience shows that there is no odor problem,
but this area needs better definition, particularly on higher sulfur coals.
The problem can be avoided by using indirect cooling by cooling water or
air-fins. The calculated amount of H2S is less than 100 Ibs/hr and it
should be relatively easy to inactivate it by adding lime slurry, or by
passing the circulating water through a bed of lump limestone. There
might be sufficient alkalinity from the fraction of the slag that is
carried over to do the task.
A.1.2.4 Acid Gas Removal
After compression, the gas is scrubbed with amine to remove H~S.
It is understood that Koppers Company is planning to use MDEA (methyl
diethanolamine) for selective removal of l^S; thus, a concentration of
227o H2S passes to the Glaus plant.
The final product gas after scrubbing contains 200 vppm of H2S,
as well as an estimated 100 vppm of COS. This gas is considered a relatively
clean low Btu fuel. The sulfur level is too high, however, for methanation
etc., to make a high Btu fuel. However, if methanation is desired other
systems can be used to reduce sulfur to acceptable limits.
A.1.3 Auxiliary Facilities
In addition to the basic process, a number of auxiliary facili-
ties are required which will now be discussed with regard to effluents
to the air.
A.1.3.1 Oxygen Plant
The oxygen plant provides 4,000 tons per day of oxygen. It
should pose no pollution problems since the only major effluent is a
nitrogen stream, but there is a large consumption of utilities which
affects overall thermal efficiency of the process.
A.1.3.2 Sulfur Plant
The IkS stream from acid gas removal goes to a Glaus plant.
Sulfur recovery of about 97% can be achieved with three stages in
"straight-through" flow. The tail gas still contains about 1 ton per
day of sulfur and must be cleaned up, although this gas volume of 7 MM cfd
is small relative to the other effluents. A .number of processes are
available now for tail gas clean up and several of these will be in com-
mercial use soon (e.g. Shell's SCOT process, Wellman-Lord process,
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Beavon Process, etc.)- In some, the tail gas is first reduced to convert
all sulfur compounds to H2S which can then be removed; in others, the
tail gas is incinerated and the S02 is then scrubbed out. Limestone
scrubbing of the incinerated tail gas may be used, with disposal of
spent limestone along with the coal ash being returned to the mine. The
amount of spent limestone is relatively small.
No specific preference is indicated for Glaus tail gas clean-up
since by the time that coal gasification finds much commercial application
in this country, there will be considerable commercial experience to
draw on. It is reasonably certain that there will be at least one
demonstrated, satisfactory process available.
A.1.3.3 Utilities
In the utilities area', the main cooling tower has by far the
largest volume of discharge, 48,000 MM cfd of air. It is therefore critical
froir. the standpoint of pollution. In this particular case it is not ex-
pected to contain significant amounts of undesirable contaminants. The
cooling water circuit is clean and does not contain ash or objectionable
materials such as H2S. Normally a certain amount of leakage can be
expected on exchangers using cooling water. Since the process operates
at low pressure, this should not be a major item. Also, most of this
cooling water is from steam condensers of drivers on compressors, rather
than on oil, sour water, etc. Cooling towers will always have the problem
of mist as well as fog fcreation, as discussed under the area of gas
scrubbing.
The utility power plant is a major item from the standpoint of
pollution as well as thermal efficiency of the over all process, and is
sized to make the plant self-sufficient in steam and power. It is desir-
able to burn coal as fuel, which means that sulfur and ash removal are re-
quired on the flue gas. This particular coal contains 0.63 wt. 7<, sulfur
corresponding to 1.4 Ib S02/MM btu, whereas the allowable is 1.2. Therefore,
some sulfur control is required. There are many ways to do this. As
one example, a water scrubber can be used to remove ash and if some
limestone is added it should be feasible to remove,for example, 20%
of the S02> and thereby conform to regulations. The amount of limestone
to dispose of is moderate, amounting to about 40 tons per day for complete
S02 removal, compared to the ash production of 235 tons per day from
the utility boiler.
An alternative is to burn part of the product gas along with coal
to meet the allowable quantity of S02 in the flue gas discharged to the
atmosphere. It would be possible to burn only product gas in this utility
boiler to supply all the fuel required. This may not be a practical case
but does set a limit. It would result in minimum pollution from the utility
boiler, with regard to sulfur and particulates, in cases where this is
justified or necessary. The volume of flue gas from the power plant is
320 MM cfd, or about the same as the volume of clean product fuel gas.
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In view of the intensive effort underway on flue gas clean-up,
it is expected that there will be techniques in wide spread use by the
time that coal gasification finds extensive application. When flue gas
desulfurization is used on a boiler with coal firing, it may be desirable
to add the Glaus tail gas to the boiler so that it is incinerated and
passes through the sulfur cleanup. This would avoid the need for
separate facilities for tail gas cleanup, but it does assume that the
Glaus plant would be near the boiler house. Location of the boiler might
also be dictated by the practicality of using the flue gas for coal
drying.
A.2 Synthane Process
A.2.1 General
The Synthane Process being developed by the Bureau of Mines
is an intrinsically high efficiency fluidized bed coal gasification
system operating at commercial pipeline pressure and designed to produce
high-Btu content product gas. Gasification is accomplished in the
presence of steam/oxygen, whereby heat required for the gasification
reactions is supplied by the reaction of oxygen with a portion of the
coal. High pressure favors methane yield, minimizes gasifier volume,
reduces oxygen requirement and reduces product gas compression. A good
fluidized bed operation insures the homogeneous reaction system required
to avoid damage by locally high oxygen concentrations-
It was found possible to pretreat any caking coal by the proper
combination of oxygen content of the fluidizing gas, temperature, and
residence time, using a single vessel system wherein the operations of
coal pretreatment, carbonization, and gasification are combined.
An engineering evaluation of the Synthane Process, which by
this time incorporated Bureau of Mines methanation developments,
was prepared by The M.W. Kellogg Company in 1970. Notwithstanding
the substantial extension of high-pressure technology required to com-
mercialize the process, there was found sufficient incentive in the
economies projected in terms of overall simplicity, high gasifier methane
yield, and small reaction volumes to proceed with design of a prototype
large pilot plant. The prototype pilot plant was designed by The Lummus
Company, and is now being operated.
A block flow diagram of the process and auxiliary facilities
is shown in Figure A.2.1. This design feeds 14,250 tpd of a Pittsburgh
seam coal containing 2.57» moisture, 7.4% ash, and 1.6% sulfur to the
gasifiers. 250MM scfd of product gas is produced, with a HHV of 927
Btu/scf.
A.2.2 Main Gasification Stream
A.2.2.1 Coal Preparation and Storage
On-site coal storage will be required for all gasification
plants to provide back-up for continuous gasification operations. For
-------
PUR.IF.
MEVH.
GI&
COMP.
J0.4MM
CHAR
I3
PIANT
i
!-•
V€>
I
Figure A.2.1
SYNTHANE Coal Gasification - 250 million SCFD High - BTU Gas
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- 194 -
thirty days storage, there might be four piles, each about 200 feet
wide, 20 feet high, and 1000 feet long. Careful management and planning
will minimize dusting and wind loss and the hazard of combustion in
storage facilities.
The feed coal employed in this design has low inherent moisture
content, such that a special coal drying step is not provided. It may
be possible to operate the system without such a facility with coal from
particular seams, but this indicates enclosed on-site storage. Coal of
the type and size range (-3/4 inch) indicated to be held in stockpiles
in this design might be expected to acquire and retain 6-8 weight per
cent surface moisture on exposure to rain.
A.2.2.2 Coal Grinding
Approximately 53 MM cfd of atmospheric air is aspirated into
the ball-mill grinding operation, which reduces coal size to 70 percent
through 200 mesh. The air stream is heated in a circulation system and
passed through the mills, where it serves both to control moisture in
the pulverizing process and as transport medium for the pulverized material.
The coal/air mixture passes through cyclones, where separation
occurs, and the air stream is discharged to the atmosphere through bag
filters. Such arrangement is commercially proven, with acceptable
particulate emission, though load on the filters may amount to some
60 tpd in this case. Only trace quantities of hydrocarbons have
been detected in such commercial streams, and odor is not considered
a problem. Collected fines from the filters are recycled to mill product.
A.2.2.3 Gasification
A.2.2.3.1 Coal Feed System
Coal is charged to the gasifiers in the Bureau of Mines design
through pressurized lock hoppers. A number of alternatives regarding
the mechanical arrangement, the pressurizing medium, and the consequent
net energy requirement and pollution potential of lock hopper operation
appear feasible.
In this design, each gasifier is provided with one lock
hopper, which discharges alternately into two feed hoppers from which
coal is passed to the gasifier using a steam/oxygen mix as transport
medium. Oxygen reacts with coal in the transfer line, liberating heat
which prevents steam condensation,that might otherwise interfere with
coal transport. Hence, in this case, some pretreatment of coal occurs
in the transfer line.
The gasifier charging sequence involves filling the vented
lock hopper from pulverized coal storage bins, pressurizing the filled
lock hopper, and discharging its load into a feed hopper. In this
configuration, it is presumed that a feed hopper is maintained slightly
above gasifier operating pressure while on line to the gasifier, and
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that pressure is allowed to drop to the gasifier pressure level as the
hopper empties. At this point, the feed hopper is ready to accept another
charge from the filled, pressurized lock hopper.
The pressurized lock hopper must be vented to essentially
atmospheric pressure when empty of coal in order to be refilled. In a
multiple gasifier system, operation may be sequenced such that initial
venting may be to a lock hopper awaiting press'urization, or to a suc-
cession, of these, such that some of the energy represented by the com-
pressed gas may be recovered directly, while simultaneously reducing
the quantity of residual gas to be vented ultimately. Alternatively, two
or more lock hoppers might be provided each gasifier specifically to
permit such sequencing, since there may be practical operating limita-
tions to the degree to which gasifier operation may be scheduled.
The choice of pressurizing medium may directly affect the main
gasification processing sequence, as well as the design and operation of
the lock hopper system. The use of steam alone as this medium is con-
sidered mechanically unacceptable due to interference expected with coal
transport from condensation, which may not be controllable.
Since some fraction of the pressurizing medium will travel
with the coal into the gasifier, the use of a nitrogen-containing inert
gas for such medium is considered unacceptable from a process viewpoint,
since it dilutes the product gas, reducing its heating value, and
occupies volume in the reaction sequence otherwise.
It is believed that C02, which is separated from the main
process gas stream following shift conversion, is the preferred pres-
surization medium. Such C02 must be superheated to prevent lique-
faction at 1000 psia, and the rate of heat loss from the pressurized
feed system must be controlled to prevent condensation. Depending
on the mode of operation of the feed system, the volume of raw
gas issuing from the gasifier may be increased some 3-5 percent
as a consequence of admission of pressurization gas with coal. This
increased volume must be handled through the acid gas removal step, but
it is presumed otherwise not to affect process operation.
In the method of operation of the coal feed system described
above for this design, there should be no opportunity for gasifier
gas to back through the lock hopper. Hence, trace quantities only of
coal-originated materials, other than coal dust, should appear in vent
gas. However, the use of a heated hopper system, as will be required
if C02 is the pressurization medium, may subject coal in contact with
heated surfaces to sufficiently high temperature to cause stripping of
volatiles or of sulfurous gas. Formation of carbon- or carbonyl sulfides
is also possible.
We have assumed an alternative to continuous atmospheric vent-
ing which involves containment of lock hopper vent gas, as in gas holders
from which it could be recompressed, limiting the requirement for fresh
make-up gas to the losses (largely back into the system) from the coal
feed system. In this arrangement, it will probably be necessary to
treat or filter gas entering the holder to remove dust.
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A.2.2.3.2 Char Letdown
Ash must be removed from the Synthane gasifier, as in most
gasification processes, in a more or less continuous fashion, to main-
tain carbon concentrations in the gasification zone sufficiently high
for desired reactions to proceed. Experimental work indicates incentive
for limiting the degree of carbon gasification, and a proposed feature
of the Synthane process involves setting the carbon content of the ash
(char) removed from the gasifier such that combustion of the char will
balance the total steam and energy requirements for the process.
The high operating pressure of the Synthane gasifier imposes
special problems on the system used to extract char. At the point of
discharge from the gasifier bed, char is indicated to be at temperatures
in excess of 1700°F.
The char in this design represents a significant sensible heat
discharge from the gasifier. From thermal and process points of view,
perhaps the ideal system would transfer hot char directly to the boiler
in which it is to be combusted along with any associated gas, preserving
most of this heat and avoiding use of cooling media, water or steam,
that would require additional energy to subsequently separate or treat.
The mechanical design of a throttling arrangement that would permit such
operation, however, will require substantial development.
Consideration of a variety of alternatives led the designers
of the large pilot plant to a system wherein char is cooled in situ
prior to the point at which it must be passed through valves. Hot
char is caused to flow into a separate fluidized bed cooler by regulating
the pressure differential between the gasifier bed and the cooler. Steam
is used to fluidize the bed, and water is injected into the system for
cooling. High-pressure steam is generated in the»cooler, and this
steam may be used in the process (specifically in the carbon monoxide
shift converter) after it has been filtered to remove char fines. The
designers point out that this steam might be directed to the gasifier
in its contaminated state if the gasifier distributor were designed to
introduce contaminated steam and oxygen separately.
Cooled char may be fluidized out of the cooler bed into lock
hoppers, avoiding throttling valves, or may be passed from the bottom of the
cooler bed through valves into lock hoppers- Agglomerates which may come from
the gasifier could present problems with either method of cooler operation.
The preferred alternative is a "dry" system, in which a filled
char lock hopper is isolated with valves which are arranged to be blown
clean before closing. Steam is vented to atmosphere via filters arranged
within the lock hopper, ahead of the pressure-reducing valves. Char flows
out of the bottom of the lock hopper into a conveying line in which stoam is
used as transport medium. The empty lock hopper is repressurized with
steam before being put on line to again receive char.
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A second alternative directs a char/steam mix from the cooler
through a slide valve into a char slurry quench tank, where water sprays
cool the char and a slurry is formed. The quench tank is vented to the
char cooler. Char slurry is depressured through orifice valve arrangements,
the char slurry is filtered to recover water, and water is recycled to the
slurry quench tank through coolers. The char filter cake is estimated to
contain 40-50 percent water in this case.
Gas from the gasifier will be carried into the char cooler
along with char. It is presumed that most of this gas will issue from
the char cooler along with the generated steam and be directed back into
the main gasification stream, either directly into the gasifiers or at
the shift converters. It is not possible to estimate the degree of gas
contamination that may persist through the char depressurizing system
into the steam which is indicated to be vented ultimately from a "dry
char" process. Some 3000 pounds per hour of steam is estimated to be
so vented if this scheme be applied to the Bureau of Mines design.
Depending on its composition, some of this vent steam may be employed in
the scrubber water treating system, or may serve to transport char to the
utility boiler, in an integrated commercial plant. Although there
would probably be least atmospheric pollution associated with a "wet char"
or slurry letdown system, the water pollution generated and the energy
associated with water treatment and wet char combustion would indicate
that the slurry technique would be used only if an operable dry char
arrangement cannot be developed.
To summarize, the design basis does not specify the method by
which char will be removed from the gasifiers, except to provide lock
hoppers to receive char. The lock hopper volume provided is not consistent
with estimates of char density, so that lock hopper cycle rate may be
higher than indicated.
With the preferred dry char process, we have assumed that about
100,000 pounds per hour of high pressure steam will be generated by direct
water injection in the char cooler, and that this steam, along with as-
sociated gasifier gas, will be reintroduced into the process at the shift
converters. Some 3000 to 6000 pounds per hour of steam is estimated to be
vented from the lock hoppers, depending on cycle rate. "Dry" char is as-
sumed to be conveyed to the utility boiler using a steam transport system.
Net atmospheric pollution associated with char let-down is therefore as-
sumed minor.
A.2.2.4 Dust Removal
Raw gas issuing from the gasifiers must be treated to remove
particulates and condensable matter that may interfere with subsequent
gas processing. The precise nature of materials which must be separated
from raw gas at this point is not known, except that coal or char fines
and coal-tars or oils are assumed to be present.
In the design basis, gas from the gasifiers passes first
through cyclones, where heavier particles (char1) are removed, and then the
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gas is subjected to cold-water scrubbing. Scrubber liquor effluent is
depressured into decanters, where tar separation occurs, and water is
recirculated to the scrubbers through water-cooled heat exchangers by
high-pressure pumps. This design does not further detail the operation,
or provide for further handling of separated products or of scrubber
liquid.
We believe it may be possible to adapt a "tar-scrubber" of the
type developed for petroleum fluid coking reactors to the Synthane coal
gasifier to avoid the mechanical problems associated with tar and solids
deposition in the gas outlets. Moreover, it should be possible to
extract high-level energy from the process.
In the fluid coker, the scrubber vessel is integral with the coker
reactor. The cyclone is internal to the reactor, with its outlet gas
discharge into the scrubber. Heavy tar condensed from the gas stream
in the scrubber is pumped through external exchangers, where high-pressure
steam is generated. The cooled tar stream separates, with the portion
not used for scrubbing being returned to the coker feed line. It is of
coarse necessary to control temperature of the tar pool in the bottom
of the scrubber vessel and tar velocities in the external circuit to pre-
vent coking and solids deposition.
In the Synthane design, gasifier outlet temperature is estimated
to be 800-1400°F. A stean dew-point of about 440°F is estimated for the
raw gas conditions. It is further estimated that up to 70 percent of the
heavy tar in the gas stream may be condensed by operation of the tar
scrubber at about 560°F, or sufficiently high in temperature to
permit generation of 1000 psia steam in the external circuit. It is
estimated that about 365,000 pounds per hour of 1000 psia steam could be
generated in this manner, assuming gasifier output to be at 1000°F.
Removal of the bulk of the heavy tar in the gas stream at this
point should greatly reduce the emulsification problem as water is con-
densed from the gas downstream. Similarly, the tar scrubber would
serve to remove a major fraction of the char, ash, and coal fines contained
in this gas, so that loads on the downstream tar-oil separation ar>d water
treatment systems should be reduced significantly.
From a thermal point of view, it would be desirable to return
the separated tar stream to the gasifier, as is done in the petroleum
coker. But if this is found to adversely affect gasification, such
separated tar could instead be directed to the char utility boiler or
may be further processed for sale.
In this design, we have assumed that scrubbing will be used
following the tar scrubber, but that gas which separates from the scrubber
effluents on depressuring will be recompressed back into the main gas
stream at a point following shift conversion. Additional tar and hydro-
carbons which condense along with water from the gas stream as the stream
temperature is lowered may be directed to finishing facilities to be
processed for sale, or could be burned in the utility boiler. Either or
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both water and light hydrocarbon might be recirculated to scrub the gas
stream, and steam could be generated in the process of cooling the
circulated fluids. Alternatively at some point, gas would be sufficiently
clean to permit direct operation in a conventional waste heat boiler. On
the assumption that gas temperature is reduced to about 300°F to effect
clean-up, some 300,000 to 400,000 pounds per hour of low-pressure steam
may be generated in the scrubbers.
A.2.2.5 Shift Conversion
Scrubbed raw gas from the dust removal process is separated
into two equal streams, one of which by-passes the shift converters,
since only half of the total stream must be shifted to adjust the total
H2:CO ratio to 3:1 for purposes of methanation. In this design, a
significant quantity of high-pressure steam must be introduced to the
catalytic shift converters to achieve desired equilibrium, however.
A.2.2.6 Waste Heat Recovery
The raw gas streams which are split ahead of shift conversion
are recombined following the converters, and are cooled from an average
temperature of about 500°F to 300° F ahead of the gas purification system.
Low-pressure steam is generated, and there are no effluents to atmosphere.
A.2.2.7 Light Hydrocarbon Removal
For our design, we have assumed that the gas stream may be cooled
in water exchangers to about 90°F after it has been used to reboil the
Benfield regenerator and passed through light oil scrubbers to remove B-T-X
components. The scrubbing fluid would be available from the upstream
hydrocarbon separators. Gas which separates on depressurizing this scrubber
effluent could be recycled to the vapor space of the upstream separators
for recompression into the main gas stream. Downstream distillation facili-
ties would be required to separate naphtha if it were to be sold. It is
estimated that 20,000-25,000 GPD of B-T-X coald be so separated, requiring
an estimated equivalent of 25,000 pounds per hour of low-pressure steam.
Part of the heat removed in the cooling process could be returned
to the gas stream after scrubbing by exchange with the heated water leav-
ing the coolers, so that the net thermal loss might be held to the equiva-
lent of about 60,000 pounds per hour of low-pressure steam. About 18,000
pounds per hour of water would be condensed from the gas stream on cooling,
and this (equivalent) water would have to be reintroduced on reheating the
gas to avoid depletion of the Benfield solution. This might best be
accomplished by direct introduction of high-pressure steam, rather than by
reintrodaction of the contaminated separated water, which would be directed
to the waste water treatment facility.
A.2.2.8 Gas Purification
The gas purification or acid gas removal process which is used
is the "Benfield" hot potassium carbonate system developed by the Bureau
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of Mines. This method of removing C(>2 and H2S from the produced gas is
indicated to have substantial thermal advantage over amine systems at the
high process pressure employed.
In the Benfield system, gas absorption takes place in a con-
centrated aqueous solution of potassium carbonate which is maintained
at above the atmospheric boiling point of the solution (225°-240°F) in
the high-pressure absorber. The high solution temperature permits high
concentrations cf carbonate (alkalinity) to exist without incurring
precipitation of bicarbonate according to:
K2C°3 + C°2 + H2° * 2KHCO
Partial regeneration of the rich carbonate solution is effected by
flashing as the solution is depressured into the regenerators. In this
design, sensible heat of the main gas stream is used to reboil the
regenerators, so that the gas is cooled to about 260° F in the process.
The gas is further cooled in cold-water exchangers to about 225° F before
entering the absorbers.
It is necessary in this design to admit additional low-pressure
steam into the regenerators to complete the regeneration process and to
balance heat and water requirements. Regenerated solution is pumped back
through the absorbers. The main process gas stream exits the absorbers
at 230°F, and is cooled by cold-water exchange to about 100°F before
undergoing residual sulfur cleanup. Stripped acid-gas flows to the sul-
fur recovery plant.
A.2.2.9 Residual Sulfur Cleanup
Methanation catalysts are adversely sensitive to very small
quantities of sulfur in feed gas. The Benfield system is reported to
be capable of operation such that sulfur present in process gas as hydrogen
sulfide and carbonyl sulfide may be virtually completely removed. Less
is known about the other forms of organic sulfur which may be present in
process gas, especially thiophenes.
This design incorporates a sequence of iron oxide and char
towers for residual sulfur cleanup ahead of the methanation reactors.
It is estimated that total sulfur in gas may be reduced to less than
0.1 grain/100 ft3 in this arrangement. Some provision will have to be
made to permit change-out of the beds in this section. Hence, the high-
pressure gas in the beds will have to be vented, and the beds will have
to be inerted before being opened. It is assumed that the vented high-
pressure gas will be directed to the utility boiler. Steam, which may
be used for inerting, may be directed back to the Benfield regenerator.
Steaming, or other iiierting, will also be required to purge
the bed of oxygen when a new bed is to be put on line. It is assumed
then that the only discharge to atmosphere from this section will be
such inerting medium, and, further, that the quantity of this gas will
be very small.
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A.2.2.10 Methanation
The Bureau of Mines has developed two methanation processes
for application in the Synthane system, and both will be tested in the
prototype pilot plant being constructed at Bruceton.
This design incorporates the Tube Wall Reactor or TWR process,
in which the methanation reactor is constructed in the form of a heat
exchanger. Reaction occurs on a Raney nickel catalyst coating applied
to the exterior of the exchanger tubes, and Dowtherm is vaporized through
the tubes to remove reaction heat. High-pressure steam is generated in a
separate boiler in the process of condensing and cooling the Dowtherm heat
exchange fluid, which is then recycled to the methanator.
A.2.2.11 Final Methanation
The design basis does not include specific equipment for
limiting CO content of product gas issuing from methanation. Depending
on the ultimate use of product, CO content may be required to be held
to less than 0.1 volume percent. The experimental data reported to date
would indicate that a final treat will be required to limit CO content in
methanator effluent to specification. In a commercial plant, some
arrangement, possibly involving standby methanators, would probably be
required in any event to handle sudden loss of activity or other mal-
function in the process train at this point. In our design, we have
assumed that specification CO levels will be achieved in the methanation
plant proper.
A.2.2.12 Final Compression
Pressure drop through the Synthane train is indicated to amount
to about 65 psi. Gas leaving the methanation plant is cooled to 100°F to
remove water, and is then compressed to 1000 psig, the design product
delivery pressure.
A.2.3 Auxiliary Facilities
We have elected in this study to treat the main gasification
stream separately from all other facilities, which are thereby defined
as auxiliary facilities. The functions of these auxiliary facilities
are nonetheless required by the process, and, for economic and/or
ecologic reasons, would be constructed along with the gasification
system in an integrated plant.
A.2.3.1 Oxygen Plant
The oxygen plant provides a total of 3650 tons per day of
oxygen. The only effluents to the air from this facility should be the
components of air, principally nitrogen. About 330 MM scfd of nitrogen
will be separated. Some of this nitrogen may be used to advantage in
the plant to inert vessels or conveyances, to serve as transport medium
for combustible powders or dusts, as an inert stripping agent in
regeneration or distillation, or to dilute other effluent gas streams.
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It will be possible to generate about 900 KW of electricity by recovering
the compression energy of the nitrogen through turbo-expanders.
About 425 MM scfd of air is taken into the oxygen facility.
Placement of the oxygen facility will depend in part on the desire to
maintain the quality of the air drawn into the system and, especially,
to minimize interference from plant effluents,
A.2.3.2 Sulfur Plant
The Stretford process has been assumed for sulfur removal. In
the Stretford process, sour gas is washed with an aqueous solution
containing sodium carbonate, sodium vanadate, anthraquinone disulfonic
acid, and a trace of chelated iron. The solution reaches an equilibrium
with respect to C02, such that only small amounts of CC>2 are removed
from the gas undergoing treatment.
In this system, H2S dissolves in the alkaline solution, and
may be removed to any desired level. The hydrosulfide formed reacts
with the 5-valent state vanadium, and is oxidized to elemental sulfur
The wash liquor is regenerated by air blowing, wherein reduced
vanadium is restored to the 5-valent state via an oxygen transfer
involving the ADA. The sulfur is removed by froth flotation and
filtration or centrifugation.
A.2.3.3 Utilities
A.2.3.3.1 Power and Steam Generation
The choice of fuel for the generation of the auxiliary electric
power and steam required by coal gasification plants markedly affects
the overall process thermal efficiency. It is generally least efficient
to burn the clean product gas for this purpose. On the other hand,
investment in power-plant facilities, including those required to handle
the fuel and to treat the flue gas, is generally least when product gas
is so used.
Synthane gasification is one of the class of coal gasification
processes which generate a carbon-containing char. Research to date
would indicate that it is not desirable to gasify more than about 90%
of the carbon in feed coal, and that it may be preferable to limit
gasification to about 60-70 per cent of carbon for most feeds. A
particular feature of the Synthane process design, therefore, is that
the carbon content of char leaving the gasifier may be adjusted such
that the subsequent combustion of the char will balance the power and
steam requirements for the system.
It may be assumed that combustion of Synthane chars will be
possible in conventional fireboxes if product gas is used as supplemental
fuel. This alternative might be preferred then on the basis of carrying
the least developmental debits, and because it should be possible to
adjust S02 concentration in flue gas from most chars such that subsequent
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flue gas treatment may be avoided. It has the disadvantage of adversely
affecting overall thermal efficiency.
For this design, we have assumed that equipment will be de-
veloped to combust char alone with essentially complete carbon utilization.
This may be possible, for example, in a fluidized bed boiler and,
especially, in a fluidized bed system which incorporates combustion in
the presence of limestone to remove sulfur. Otherwise, such char com-
bustion will in general require that flue gases be treated to remove
sulfur. And, as indicated above, the development of a large-scale char
burning system, as with the development of any new commercial boiler
concept, may involve appreciable effort, a long lead time, and considerable
investment.
A.2.3.3.2 Cooling Water
A total of 260,000 gpm of cooling water is indicated to be
required in this design. If cooling towers were used for this total
plant, a minimum of 6600 gpm of water would be evaporated. Drift loss
would be in excess of 500 gpm, and draw-off might be about 800 gpm. Air
requirement would amount to some 48,000 MM scfd. Reheat of plumes would
be required to avoid fogs in some cases.
A.2.3.3.3 Waste Water Treatment
Facilities required to treat water, including raw water, boiler
feed water, and aqueous effluents, will include separate collection facilities
Effluent or chemical sewer
Oily water sewer
Oily storm sewer
Clean storm sewer
Cooling tower blowdown
Boiler blowdown
Sanitary waste
Retention ponds for run-offs and for flow equalization within
the system will be required. Run-off from the paved process area could
easily exceed 15,000 gpm during rainstorms- Run-off from the unpaved
process and storage areas could exceed 60,000 gpm in a maximum one-hour
period.
Pretreatment facilities will include sour water stripping
for chemical effluents and Imhoff tanks or septic tanks and drainage
fields for sanitary waste.
Gravity settling facilities for oily wastes will include API
separators, skim ponds, or parallel plate separators-
Secondary treatment for oily and chemical wastes will include
dissolved air flotation units, granular-media filtration, or chemical
flocculation units-
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Oxygen demand reduction may be accomplished in activated sludge
units, trickling filters, natural or aerated lagoons, or by activated
carbon treatment.
Boiler feedwater treatment will in general involve use of ion-
exchange resins. Reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and ozonation may
find special application.
A.3 Lurgi Process
A.3.1 General
The Lurgi process has operations similar to other types of
coal gasification processes, except for the gasification step itself. The
gasification step in each case is peculiar to the process- In general,
coal gasification involves getting coal from the mine, storing it,
reducing its size to that necessary for gasification, and, possibly,
pretreating the coal. The gasifier raw gas is generally processed
through a shift reactor which converts carbon monoxide and steam
to carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The hydrogen is necessary for
a later step in methanation. This shift reaction is only applied
to the raw gas if one desires to up-grade it to a synthetic natural
gas (SNG) stream. For a low heating value gas, a water gas shift
section is not required. In this Lurgi study, the assumption is that
the gas will be up-graded to SNG. Following the shift there is a
clean-up step to remove from the effluent gas all the H~S and most of
the C02• The acid gases are then taken for sulphur production through
a Glaus plant or other sulfur recovery process. The last traces of
sulfur are then removed from the gas purification product stream in
order not to poison the methanation catalyst.
The next step is methanation, where three moles of hydrogen react
with each mole of carbon monoxide to produce a mole of methane and a mole
of steam. Considerable quantities of C02 also react to produce methane.
These are highly exothermic reactions which produce a fair amount of the
steam required in the plant. Following methanation there is a drying
step and the gas is compressed to pipeline pressure.
The plant is designed to produce 250 MM scfd of SNG with a
heating value of 972 Btu/scf. A flow diagram for the plant is shown in
Figure A.3.1.
A.3.2 Main Gasification Stream
A.3.2.1 Coal Storage and Pretreatment
The coal storage part of the plant does not involve coal cleaning,
gangue removal or primary screening. All of these operations are assumed to
have taken place at the mine. The coal from the mine is transported to
the gasification plant by a continuous belt conveyor. The higher heating
value (HHV) used in the design is 8872 Btu/lb of coal.
-------
Coal
Air
Oxygen
Plant
c
oj
M
X
o
Coal
Preparation'
Feed
Coal
Oxygen
Blown
Gasifiers
SNG
Air
Gasifiers
and Purifi-
cation
Ash
Disposal
S3
o
Ul
Raw Water
Treatment
and
Storage
Figure A.3.1
LURGI Process
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The sub-bituminous coal delivered to the gasification plant is
crushed to 1-3/4" x 0. Six storage areas are used for stock piling. Each
area is 1,750 ft. long x 124 ft^ wide and contains roughly 120,000 tons
of coal. Coal from the various storage piles is blended prior to feeding
it to the gasifier in order to achieve proper heating value control (Btu
control). An emergency stock pile and re-claiming facility are available
to provide an additional 650,000 tons of coal. This will provide a 25 day
supply of coal in cases of emergency.
A secondary screening facility is present at the gasification
plant. The 1-3/4" x 0 coal is screened to produce two gasifier feed
sizes (1-3/4" x 5/8" and 3/8" x 3/16"). Two sizes of coal are used as
an economic measure to minimize size reduction and screening operations.
All undersized material is conveyed at a rate of about 260 tons per hour
to a briquetting plant. Briquettes are fabricated and sized to 1-3/4" x
5/8". The briquettes are mixed with the feed going to the gasifier. The
briquetting plant contains mixers, coaters and compactors in order to mix
the coal fines with a tar binder.
Wet scrubber dust collectors are installed in the screening
and briquetting plant to eliminate dust and fuel emissions. Sprays are
used at transfer points for dust suppression.
A.3.2.2 Gasification
In the Lurgi Process, gasification takes place in a counter-
current moving bed of coal at 420 psig. A cyclic mode of operating using
a pressurized hopper is used to feed coal. The pressurizing medium is
a slip stream of raw gas which is later recompressed and put back into
the raw gas stream going to purification. The gasifier has a water jacket
to protect the vessel and provide steam for gasification. Approximately
107» of the gasification steam requirement is provided in this manner.
In general there are three process zones in the gasifier. The
first zone devolatilizes the coal. As the coal drops down it is met with
hot synthesis gas coming up from the bottom causing devolatilizati on ,
thus removing hydrocarbons and methane from the coal. As the coal
drops lower to the second zone, gasification occurs by the reaction
of carbon with steam. Finally as the coal approaches the grate, carbon
is burned to produce the heat required for the gasification process.
The top and middle zone temperatures are generally between
1100 and 1400°F, where the devolatilization and gasification take place.
The gas leaves the bed between 700 and 1100°F depending on the rank of
the coal. The effluent stream for the Navajo sub-bituminous coal will
be approximately 850°F. The temperature of the ash is kept below the
ash fusion temperature by introducing sufficient steam to avoid ash
fusion.
The gas stream leaving the Lurgi gasifier contains coal dust,
oil, naphtha, phenol, ammonia, tar oil, ash, char and other constituents.
This mixture goes through a scrubbing and cooling tower to remove the tar.
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The raw gas stream then goes through a waste heat boiler where the raw
gas temperature is cooled to about 370°F. The boiler produces 112 psia
steam for the Rectisol, Phenosolvan, and Stretford plants. The raw gas
stream after cooling is split into roughly two equal parts. Half of it
goes through shift conversion to produce additional hydrogen which will
be needed for methanation. The other half goes directly to the gas
purification system. Any liquid that is condensed in the waste heat
boiler and gas cooling section is sent to the gas liquor separation unit.
The coal lock hopper gas is compressed and mixed with the
stream that goes directly to purification. This lock hopper gas stream
is mixed with other vent streams which contain sufficient quantities
of carbon monoxide and methane to warrant its re-introduction into
the raw gas stream.
A.3.2 3 Tar Separation
The water that was used to initially quench the gas as it comes
out of the gasifier becomes a gas liquor. The gas liquor cools the crude
gas mixture to a temperature at which it is saturated with water. This
gas liquor is then flashed, and the tar is removed out of the bottom.
The top phase is then sent to water purification. The gas liquor flash
tanks will also receive the aqueous effluent from the cooling area prior
to the shift reactor. In the gas liquor purification system,dissolved
phenol and ammonia are removed for subsequent by-product recovery value.
A.3.2.4 Shift Conversion
Slightly less than half of the total crude gas is sent to the
shift conversion section. The crude gas will be cooled in a waste heat
boiler generating steam at about 76 psia. This is the gas that goes to
the shift reactor section. The shift reactors are designed to produce
hydrogen by the "water-gas shift" reaction. The shift gas feed is
quenched and washed in a countercurrent water tower. The washed gas is
heated and passed through a pre-reactor to remove carbon containing
residues. The heated gas will be shifted in a series of reactors
resulting in 77.2% conversion of carbon monoxide. The equilibrium
temperature at which the 77.2% of the CO would be converted in this
system is 800°F. Shift reactors generally operate between 700 and 1000°F.
The shift section is designed to produce a ratio of over three moles of
hydrogen to each mole of carbon monoxide in the total gas stream for
methanation. In this design the ratio of H~:CO going to methanation is
3.7.
The hot gas liquor and tar which are condensed during cooling in
the wast heat boiler are sent to the tar separation units. The product
stream from shift conversion is then mixed with the by-pass gas stream
from the gasification unit and is cooled and sent to gas purification.
Since the shift reaction is fairly exothermic, a fair quantity of heat is
recovered prior to the low temperature gas purification step. Heat is
also recovered from the crude gas stream that does not go through the shift
reactors.
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A.3.2.5 Gas Purification
The effluent stream from the shift reactor section is combined
with the other half of the raw gas and the recompressed lock hopper gas,
and is then sent to the purification system. The mixed gas stream is
cooled to low temperature in order to go into the Rectisol system.
The Rectisol process is a low temperature methanol wash process which
removes acid gases such as H2S, COS and C02 down to a level of about 0.1
vppm. The gas purification system is also used for drying and reducing the
C02 level prior to final pipeline compression. The efficiency of methanol
absorption increases considerably with decreasing temperature. The lowest
temperature used in the process is on the order of -75°F. The first
vessel in the Rectisol unit is a prewash tower which strips out naptha
and cools the raw gas. The absorber then removes I^S and COS down to
about 0.1 vppm. Roughly 88% of the C02 is also absorbed at this time.
The effluent raw gas from the methanol refrigerated absorption column is
used to cool the incoming acid gas stream. This sulfur free gas stream
is then sent to the methanation area.
All the acid gas streams are combined into a single stream
anil delivered to the sulfur recovery plant. The sulfur plant stream
also includes the carbon dioxide that is removed after methanation.
The ncid gases from the cold methanol are recovered in a multi-stage
operation- The acid gas containing stream is regenerated by step-
wise c-xpnnsion. The last step is a vacuum distillation. The stream
to the sulfur plant contains, in addition to the acid gases, a
fciir amount of product hydrocarbons and carhon monoxide which will
ultimately be burned in the incinerator. A mechanical compression
refrigeration cycle is used which provides refrigeration at two tempera-
tures: high level refrigeration at 32°F and -50°F which is used for the
acid gas treatment. The 32°F methanol stream is used mostly for removing
water vapor.
A.3.2.6 Methanation
The feed gas leaving the acid gas purification system is pre-
heated with product gas leaving the methanation reaction section.
Methanation catalysts are known to be extremely sensitive to poisoning
by sulfur. The fresh feed is therefore treated with zinc oxide beds
prior to exposure to the catalyst. A fraction of the methanated product
is recycled and mixed with the feed to dilute the concentration of
reactants in the feed. The heat of reaction that is generated by the
synthesis of methane is removed by converting boiler feed water to process
steam. This steam is used for gasification and in other parts of the plant.
A.3.2.7 Compression and Dehydration
The product gas from the methanation reaction section leaves
at approximately 225 psia and 800°F- The r.tream is cooled and is sent
to a final product condensate separator. The water is recovered and is
sent to the raw water treatment plant. The gas is cooled Lo 90°F and
is then recompressed from 225 to 500 psin. This stream is then sent
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back to acid gas removal systems for C(>2 and water removal. The effluent
from the gas purification system is then sent to the second stage of the
compressor where the pressure is boosted to 915 psia to meet pipeline
requirements. Air cooling is used to cool the compressor effluent gas
prior to delivery to the pipeline.
A.3.3 Auxiliary Facilities
In addition to the basic process facilities described above
a nu-nber of auxiliary fa-ci 1 Lties are required to make the plant run
efficiently and to remove pollutants. These will be described in this
section.
A.3.3.1 Oxygen Plant
Three oxygen plants are required in this process to produce
6,000 tons per day of 98% pure oxygen. Approximately 444,000 scfm of
air are compressed to 90 psia with three parallel centrifugal compressors.
In so doing, the moisture content of the air is condensed and is available
for process use.
A.3.3.2 Sulfur Plant
The IkS effluent stream from the acid gas purification system
and the E^S from the acid gas treatment plant (hot potassium carbonate)
from fuel gas production are sent to a Stretford sulfur recovery plant.
The Stretford process was chosen for sulfur recovery in this plant
because the total percentage of sulfur in the input stream is only 170.
It is not practical to use a Glaus Plant for less than 10% H2S; capital
and operating costs increase drastically as throughput volume increases.
Roughly, 94% of the sulfur that comes into this unit is removed and high
quality elemental sulfur is produced. The effluent stream contains 741
ppm of sulfur as I^S and COS. This stream is combined with fuel gas and
is incinerated in the superheater fire box.
The acid gas entering the Stretford unit is treated with a
water solution containing sodium carbonate, sodium vanadate, anthra-
quinone disulfonic acid (ADA), citric acid, and traces of chelated
iron at 80°F and a pH of 8*5. The H2S is oxidized by the vanadate to
form elemental sulfur. The vanadium, which is reduced by the sulfur
reaction, is then reoxidized by the ADA to the pentavalant state. This
reaction occurs in the absorber using air as the oxidizing medium. The
liquid containing elemental sulfur passes to an oxidizer where ADA is
reoxidized by air. The elemental sulfur/air froth overflows to a
holding tank. The reoxidized solution is recycled back to the absorber.
The sulfur is recovered from the sulfur froth by filtration, centrifugation
or floatation. A typical Stretford solution purge contains sodium
salts of anthraquinone disulfonate, metavanadate, citrate, thiosulfate
and thiocyanate for which acceptable disposal must be arranged.
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A.3.3.3 Incineration
The effluent stream from the Stretford sulfur plant is sent
to incineration. The incinerator superheater fire box consumes about
13.7% of the product gas from the air gasification section. This cor-
responds to 44.9 MM scfd. This stream which consists essentially of
96% carbon dioxide will have a total flow of 367 MM scfd on a dry
basis, and a higher heating value of 29 Btu/scf.. Approximately 321 M
Ib/hr of air will be required to completely burn the Stretford effluent
stream. The combined effluents from incineration and superheating come
out of a common stack. The flue gas composition will be 62.5% CP2,
7.47. H20,295 ppm 502, 76.5 ppm COS, 57.5 ppm NOX, 0.3%, 0?, and 29.87.
N2• The total amount of heat input into the incinerator/superheater
is approximately 872 million Btu/hr.
A.3.3.4 Power and Steam Production
The power requirements for the gasification complex are met
with a boiler-gas turbine combined cycle fired with a low Btu gas produced
in a Lurgi gasifier using air. The Navajo coal is gasified at about
285 psig. The method of operating the 10 gasifiers (9 on stream and 1
on stand-by) is similar to that previously described for the oxygen
gasifiers. The raw gas produced goes through a tar separation unit and
then through an acid gas treatment section. The raw gas is desulfurized
using a hot potassium carbonate system. The H2S and C02 from the hot
potassium carbonate system is sent to the Stretford unit and combined
with the Rectisol effluent in order to produce elemental sulfur.
The same type of coal preparation mentioned previously is used
for this gasification. The lock hopper vent gas is compressed and com-
bined with the raw gas prior to acid gas treatment. In this system, hot
compressed air and steam are mixed and introduced through the bottom
grate. The ash is removed and combined with the ash from the oxygen
gasifier in the ash quench pond. The ash slurry is transported back to
the mine for ultimate disposal. Approximately 327 MM scfd of dry fuel
gas is thus produced with a higher heating value of 230 Btu/scf.
The flue gas is used in a combined cycle operation. Approximately
1/4 of the total gas is sent to gas turbines to operate the oxygen plant
compressors. The rest of the fuel gas stream is heated in a fuel gas fired
heater prior to going through a fuel gas expander. The effluent stream
from the expander is used to fire the fuel gas heater, steam superheater,
incinerator, and the power boiler. The fuel gas distribution is given
in Table 5.
A.3.3.5 Raw Water Treatment
Raw water is supplied to a 21-day hold up storage reservoir
from a major source such as a lake or river. The capacity of the reservoir
is 185 million gallons, and it occupies a site of 28 acres by 30 feet
deep. The reservoir serves various functions which include a place to
settle silt and provide water for fire control. The reservoir is lined
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to avoid seepage. The rate of evaporation from the reservoir is 145 gpm
Raw water strainers are placed on the inlet to the pumps going to the
raw water treatment section.
Approximately 4900 gpm of raw water are pumped out of
the reservoir to the treatment section. An additional 600 gpm are
recycled from the methanation reaction and condensate from the
oxygen plant. After the water is strained to remove silt, it is
pumped to a lime treater where it is treated and clarified. The water
in the clarifier is treated with alum and polymers. The effluents from
the clarifier are drained to a clear-well where they are temporarily
stored. The water from the clear-well is pumped thr-v :gh anthracite
pressure filters. Approximately 4500 gpm are sent to demineralization.
Of this amount 3900 gpm go in to become feed water for steam production.
The demineralization section blowdown consisting of 551 gpm is sent
to the ash quench area. Roughly 1/3 of the latter amount of water
is taken back to the mine as part of the a.sh slurry for ultimate dis-
posal. The process condensate aerator is used to remove hydrocarbons
as well as carbon dioxide which might be dissolved in the water. The
effluent from the eoudensate aerating vessel is mixed with the deminera liiscr
effluent. The total demineralizer effluent flow rate is therefore
approximately 4500 gpm. The pressure filter requires roughly 300 gpm
of back wash which is sent back into the reservoir. The reservoir
capacity is sized so that all the silt can be collected over the life
of the project which is roughly 25 years.
Approximately 2 tons per hour of water treating chemicals
will have to be disposed of from the raw water treatment section. Most
of these chemicals are sent to the evaporation pond and stored there
for the life of the project. Roughly 1000 Ib per hour of water treating
chemical wastes are chemicals associated with che demineralization section.
The demineralization waste stream contains caustic,sulfuric acid and
resins. The internal water cooling system also requires chemical treatment.
The plant is designed to use 130,000 gpm of cooling water.
This system removes 1170 MM Btu/hr. Water is designed to leave the
cooling water system at 75°F and is returned at 93°F« The cooling
water make-up requirement is approximately 2.27» of the circulation or
2810 gpm. Most of this make-up is supplied from the effluent water
treatment area. The cooling water is supplied by three 5-cell cross-
flow cooling towers. The cooling water is treated with chemicals in
order to control corrosion, scale formation, plant growth and pH.
The cooling towers are designed for a wet bulb temperature of 67°F,
allowing an 8°F approach to the designed condition. The cooling tower
blowdown, consisting of only 210 gpm, is sent to the evaporation pcnd.
Drift loss from the cooling towers is 260 gpm. The chemicals that are
added to the cooling tower include an antifoam package, a biological
control package, a scale and corrosion control package, and sulfuric
acid for pH control-
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- 212 -
A.3.3.6 Gas Liquor Treatment and
Effluent Water Treatment
The aqueous streams condensed from the coal gasification and
processing areas by scrubbing and cooling the crude gas stream are
called the gas liquor. Gas liquor is collected in one central area coming
from gasification, shift, gas purification, and fuel gas synthesis. Before
all of these aqueous streams are collected,a 11 of the tar, the tar oil
naphtha, and naphtha will have been collected and stored for by-product
value. Gas liquor streams will contain all of the ammonia and phenols
that are produced in gasification. In addition to these by-products,
the gas liquor will also contain carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, trace
quantities of hydrogen cvanide, and other trace components:
The incoming gas liquor stream is filtered to remove suspended
matter such as coal dust and ash. Disposition of the filtered solid
material may be a problem as it x^ill be contaminated with traces of
materials from the gas liquor. The liquid is then mixed with an organic
solvent (isopropyl ether) in an extractor in order to dissolve the phenol. The
Phenosolvan process is an integral part of the gas liquor treatment
section. The phenol solvent mixture is collected and fed to solvent
distillation columns where crude phenol is recovered as the bottom product,
and the solvent as the overhead product. The solvent is then recycled to
extractors after removing some of the contained water. The raffinate is
stripped with fuel gas to remove traces of solvent which are picked up in
the extraction step. The fuel gas is scrubbed with crude phenol product
to recover the solvent. Finally, the phenol solvent mixture is distilled
in the solvent recovery stripper to produce the crude phenol product, and
the solvent is recycled to the extraction step. The solvent free
raffinate is heated and steam stripped to remove carbon dioxide, hydrogen
sulfide, and ammonia.
The effluent stream from the steam stripper is air cooled
and sent to the deacidifier reboiler. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen
sulfide coming off the reboiler are recompressed and treated in the
Rectisol process. The ammonia is collected as a 24.1 wt % aqueous
solution. Some of the vent gas associated with collecting the ammonia
in solution is sent to incineration. The bottoms from the steam heated
ammonia stripper go to the effluent water treatment section after air
cooling.
The effluent water treatment system, biological treatment
(biox), is used to reduce the phenol and ammonia concentrations in
the effluent from the gas liquor so that the water can be reused as
cooling tower make-up. The biox system is also used to treat sanitary
sewage discharge and discharge from the API separator. Approximately
2900 gpm of effluent come from the gas liquor treatment area,and 110 gpm
come from all the other feed streams. These two streams are treated
in series. The first section treats the gas liquor effluent in an
aeration basin followed by a settling basin. The second section treats
the effluent from tfaa first section,as well as the 110 gpm from all other
streams in the same way. Thus, the second treatment area acts as a
-------
- 213 -
polishing section for the effluent water treatment plant. The purified
liquid from the polishing settling basin is filtered and sent to the
cooling tower sump.
A.3.3.7 Ash Disposal
Dry ash produced from both the oxygen blown gasifier and the
air blown gasifier is quenched with demineralizer blowdown water. The
water is used to reduce the ash temperature and to avoid dust problems
in transporting the ash. Quenched wet ash is sent from the ash hopper through
a drag conveyor to the belt conveyor for ultimate disposal to the mine.
Additional ash slurry that is carried with the steam produced in the quench
goes to a bin lock condenser as well as to a cyclone separator, followed by
a droplet separator, and finally through an ash slurry thickener. The
de-watered ash is then conveyed back to the mine on the belt conveyor
together with the ash from the ash hopper. A total of 466,700 Ib/hr
of wet ash is transferred. Of that amount roughly 73,000 Ib/hr
is water, 20,000 Ib/hr is the equivalent of dry ash free coal, and
374,000 Ib/hr is ash. The sulfur content of this material is
approximately 0.05%. In addition to the ash, some spent chemicals and
sludge from the water effluent treatment plant are also sent to the mine
for burial. The total quantity of additional material will not add more
than 0.5 wt % to the mass going back to the mine.
A.4 COp Acceptor Process
A.4.1 General
This process makes synthetic natural gas (SNG) from lignite
by gasifying it with steam at 1500°F and 150 psig. Heat is supplied
indirectly by circulating dolomite which also takes up C02 and sulfur.
After clean-up to remove dust and sulfur, the gas is methanated, giving
a heating value of 952 Btu/cf HHV. Since the gas fed to methanation
has a high hydrogen content, it requires no shifting or C02 removal
ahead of the methanator. It is compressed and dried to meet pipeline
requirements. Figure A.4.1 shows the general flow diagram of the C02
acceptor process.
A.4.2 Main Gasification Stream
The plant is sized to make 250 x 109 Btu/day of synthetic
natural gas having a higher heating value of 952 Btu per cubic foot
(262.6 MM scfd). Total consumption of lignite is 28,517 tpd of 33.67%
moisture content. The preheated lignite fed to the gasifier contains
.90% sulfur, 11.45% ash, and has a higher heating value of 11,120 Btu per
pound.
A.4.2.1 Coal Preparation
Large storage piles are needed in view of the high lignite
consumption rate. Tamping down of the storage pile as it is being formed
is one customary precaution to prevent dusting and fires, but facilities
and plans are also needed for extinguishing fires if they occur.
-------
Raw
Lignite
Feed
COAL
PREP.
Preheated
Lignite
GASIFIIR
GASIFICATION PROCESS
Steam
Acceptor
Raw
Gas
HEAT
RECOVERY
Cooled
Gas
SCRUBBER
Scrubbed
Gas
ACID GAS
REMOVAL
Low S
Low Btu
Gas
MEIHANATOR
High Btu
Gas
COMPRESS
AND
DRY
Pipeline
Gas Product
•Char
*• Acceptor
REGENERATOR
Flue
Gas
HEAT
RECOVERY,
|CO BURN-UP,
DUST
REMOVAL
Flue
Gas
GAS
TURBINE
AUXILIARY FACILITIES
SULFUR
PLANT
COOLING
TOWER
Ash
Si
.ASH
DESULF.
WASTE
WATER
TREATMENT
MAKE-UP
WATER
TREATMENT
Figure A.4.1
C02 Acceptor Process
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- 215 -
In the coal drying system, hot combustion gas is contacted with
the lignite feed. General requirements are that the hot gas must be
introduced at less than 1000°F so that local over-heating does not occur
and release a large amount of volatile material from the lignite. Also,
oxygen content of the gas is held down to about 11% or less by recycling
flue gas in order to meet safety requirements.
Sulfur emission from the coal preparation section is decreased
primarily by using some desulfurized low Btu gas from the gasification
section as fuel to the furnaces. This gas is not methanated but rather
is drawn off after acid gas removal.
To bring total sulfur emission down to the target 1.2 Ibs S02
per MM Btu requires replacing 25% of the lignite fuel with gas, corresponding
to 1.0 MM scfh or about 2.6% of the total gas made by gasification. For
simplicity, flue gas from the regenerator has not been added to the coal
preparation system. Instead, flue gas from the dryer is recycled through
the furnaces to lower flame temperature and thereby reduce NOx formation.
Cyclones are used to separate ash from the hot gas after
the furnace. The hot gas of course picks up lignite fines in passing
through the drying and grinding operation, therefore, bag filters are
provided on the vent gas streams in order to recover all dust.
Separate bag filters are provided on the preheater. This
operation consumes only 12% of the total fuel for coal preparation,
and only gas fuel is fired to it. Consequently, all of the fines
recovered from the gas leaving the preheater are pure lignite and can
be used as fuel for the furnaces if desired.
To minimize loss of fines in the dryer, it can be operated on
a relatively coarse crushed lignite of say 1/2" size. Then the fine
grinding can be carried out after the dryer and before the preheater.
With this arrangement the very fine lignite is exposed to a smaller
volume of gas so that the problem of dust recovery is minimized.
A. 4. 2. 2 Gasifier
A stream of reject acceptor leaves the gasifier at 1500°F,
cooled by a fluid bed cooler that allows generating steam for use in the
gasifier. Final cooling uses a small amount of water that is evaporated
to dryness so that the material is not wetted.
A. 4. 2. 3 Gas Cleaning
Raw gas leaves the gasifier through cyclones which remove
most of the solids. It is cooled in a waste heat boiler to make steam,
and then scrubbed with water to remove essentially all of the dust
using Venturi type scrubbers operating at the dew point and evaporating
a small amount of water. The gas is further cooled to L50°F in air-
fins so as recover condensate and conserve cooling water.
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- 216 -
A.4.2.4 Acid Gas Removal
The raw gas contains 330 ppm of sulfur, mainly as t^S. Sulfur
removal is required before methanating, but it is undesirable to remove
much COn because it is needed to consume the available hydrogen during
methanation. Various processes have been reported that remove concentra-
ted streams of I^S while allowing most of the C(>2 to pass through the
absorber system. A major problem in most gasification systems is obtaining
a C02 stream free from sulfur that can be vented. In the present case the
sulfur only has to be removed to a level sufficiently low to prevent over-
loading the zinc oxide guard boxes-
Consideration should be given to using an absorption/oxidation
process, such as Stretford, Takahax, IFF etc., on the raw gas directly.
This would remove H2S only and convert it to sulfur product without
removing C02.
As an alternative, it may be possible to take low sulfur
ash from the ash desulfurizing system and add it to the scrubber
water so as to pick up sulfur. Sulfur-containing ash could then be
returned to the ash desulfurizing system for regeneration.
A.4.2.5 Methanation and Compression
Final clean-up of the gas is accomplished in a bed of zinc
oxide before methanation, to remove traces of sulfur and dust which
could foul the catalyst. There may be traces of tar fog, naphthalene,
etc. present in the gas, in which case it would be desirable to include a
guard bed of activated carbon. Methanation itself generates no effluents
to the air- After methanation the gas is compressed to 1000 psig and
dried, for example with glycol, before being sent to the pipeline.
A.4.2.6 Regenerator
The circulating dolomite is calcined at 1850°F to remove C02-
Make up dolomite is also added and calcined. Heat is supplied by burning
the required amount of char with air in a fluid bed regenerator operating
at 150 psig. A small content of carbon monoxide is maintained in the
outlet gas in order to avoid forming oxidation compounds of calcium
which were found to cause deposits. The flue gas is removed through
cyclone separators to take out most of the dust, consisting of ash
residue from all of the lignite fed to the gasifier. This ash is removed
from the system by way of a fluid bed cooler, and sent to the ash desulfuriz-
ing unit.
Gas from the cyclones passes to heat exchangers where steam is
super-heated to 1200°F. Additional steam is then generated in a waste
heat boiler. At an appropriate point in this system additional air
can be added to burn up residual carbon monoxide (e.g. before the waste
heat boiler). This is necessary to avoid releasing carbon monoxide to
the atmosphere, and at the same time it provides a convenient way to
recover high level heat by burning the carbon monoxide. It is known
that this reaction is reasonably fast at temperatures above 1300°F.
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- 217 -
The reaction raises the gas temperature by about 300°F, which still leaves
it lower than the regenerator temperature of 1850°F, consequently, deposits
should not be a problem.
Flue gas then goes to an expansion turbine to recover power.
For a turbine inlet temperature of 1000°F or higher, enough power can
be generated to drive both the air compressor and the product gas
compressor. In fact, there may be excess power available. Noise
control for this area needs careful attention in a final plant design.
The flue gas contains 470 ppm of total sulfur, and can be
discharged to the atmosphere, assuming that the dust content, nitrogen
oxides, and odor are acceptable. Further information is needed on these
critical items. The NOX content may be low, in view of the relatively
low combustion temperature in the regenerator, but specific data should
be obtained on this in the pilot operations- For treating the ash to
remove sulfur, a stream of C02 is needed, which might be provided by
scrubbing part of the flue gas.
A.4.2.7 Ash Desulfurizer
Ash produced from the coal is processed to give 98% sulfur
removal by reacting it in a water slurry with C02 at 190°F. Off-gas
containing a calculated 27% H2S, 7% C02 and 66% H20 is sent to a sulfur
recovery plant such as a Glaus, Stretford, or other type unit. All
of the gas streams in this system are contained and should not cause
environmental problems. The carbonated ash is withdrawn as a 50% slurry
in water and is not expected to create odors, although this should be
checked out. C02 required for this operation is 1530 moles/hr, including
25% excess over theoretical and can be provided from the regenerator
flue gas.
A.4.3 Auxiliary Facilities
In addition to the basic process, auxiliary facilities are
required which will now be discussed.
A.4.3.1 Sulfur Plant
H2S streams from acid gas removal and from the ash desulfurizer
go to a sulfur recovery plant. If a Glaus plant is used, sulfur recovery
of about 97% can be achieved with three stages in "straight-through"
flow. The tail gas still contains about 3 tons per day of sulfur and
might be cleaned up, although this gas volume of 20 MM cfd is small relative
to the other effluents. In fact, in this process as opposed to others, the
sulfur in the Glaus tail gas represents such a small percentage of emitted
sulfur that investments or costs for sulfur removal could best be
spent cleaning the regenerator flue gas or dryer vent gas. Thus, the
Claus tail gas could be incinerated and vented to the dryer stack and
a small additional quantity of clean product gas added as fuel to decrease
total sulfur emissions to acceptable levels. No specific preference
is indicated for sulfur recovery.
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- 218 -
A.4.3.2 Utilities
Net utility requirements are low because considerable power
is recovered by passing the regeneration flue gas through an expander
turbine. Also a large amount of heat is recovered in waste heat boilers
to generate steam, and on the methanator where the heat released by
reaction amounts to about 19% of the heating value in the entering
gas. Most of this can be converted to steam by recirculating gas
from the reactpr through waste heat boilers. Under development are
alternative techniques using a fluid bed or liquid slurry reactor that
should be more efficient.
A utilities balance for the process indicates that the
process is self-sufficient in steam and power, so that no utility
boiler is required for normal operation. It is likely that a more
definitive and optimized utility balance will show that it is possible
to make more steam and power than consumed by the gasification plant,
so that these could be used for shops, mining operations, offices and
general off-sites. For example, 1.65 million pounds per hour of steam
at 150 psig is used in the gasifier. This could be generated at
a higher pressure such as 600 psig and run through bleeder turbines
down to 150 psig, while generating by-product power at the rate of
about 40,000 kW.
In the utilities area, the main cooling tower has by far
the largest volume of discharge. It is, therefore, critical from
the standpoint of pollution. In this particular case it is not expected
to contain significant amounts of undesirable contaminants. The cooling
water circuit is clean and should not contain ash or objectionable
materials such as phenols, oil, or H2S. Normally a certain amount of
leakage can be expected on exchangers using cooling water. Since the
process operates mainly at 150 psig pressure, this should not be a
major item. Also, most of the cooling water is from steam condensers
on drivers rather than on oil, sour water, etc.
Total cooling water requirement is modest considering the
plant size. Effluents to the air from this cooling tower amount to
457,000 Ibs/hr of water evaporated, plus 43,000 Ibs/hr of estimated drift
loss or mist. Flow of air through the tower is 15,000 MM cfd.
The drift loss or mist will contain dissolved solids which
can result in deposits on the ground and on nearby equipment, and in
some cases drift loss has caused icing problems on equipment and public
roads in the winter. With any cooling tower, the problem of fog formation
must be assessed, since under certain conditions the moisture condenses
and the resulting plume can be a problem if it affects public highways.
Reheat of the stack gas is one way to reduce fog formation, but is in-
efficient. In planning the layout of the plant facilities, these aspects
should be given careful consideration, and every effort made to avoid
potential problems by proper placement of the equipment.
-------
- 219 -
There will also be evaporation and the possibility of odor from
ponds and water treating facilities. While most of the ammonia will
be recovered as a by-product, the waste water still will contain traces of
ammonia and probably also some phenols, hydrocarbons, etc. particularly
during start-up or during upsets. These must be controlled and a biolo-
gical oxidation (biox) pond for waste water treating is needed. Depending
upon pilot plant results with regard to tar and hydrocarbons produced, it
may be necessary to provide an oil separator ahead of the biox unit,
and possibly a froth flotation separator.
A. 5 BIGAS Process
A.5.1 General
The plant is sized to make 250 million scfd of pipeline gas by
gasifying coal with steam and oxygen. The design includes shift conversion
and methanation to give a gas with a heating value of 943 Btu per cubic foot,
available at 1,075 psia. Western Kentucky coal is used, and after cleaning
and washing, the amount if 14,535 tons per day (at a nominal 8.4% moisture)
which provides all of the fuel for coal drying and utilities production in
addition to the gasification requirements.
A flow plan of the process is shown in Figure A.5.1. It is
convenient to subdivide the process into the following operations, each
of which will be described in the following subsections: (1) Coal
Preparation, (2) Gasification, (e) Quench and Dust Removal, (4) Shift
Conversion, (5) Acid Gas Removal, (6) Methanation, and (7) Auxiliary
Facilities.
A.5.2 Main Gasification Stream
A.5.2.1 Coal Preparation and Drying
This process section includes crushing, cleaning and drying as
well as a storage pile with 30 days capacity. Run of mine coal feed
amounts to 23,243 tons per day. This is crushed and coarse refuse is re-
jected amounting to 4,804 tons par day. The coal can then be sent to
storage, or to the washing operation which rejects an additional 3,904
tons per day. Drained coal from washing, containing 8.4% moisture, is
used partly as fuel to the utilities plant supplying steam for the pro-
cess, while the remainder goes to the grinding and drying facilities.
Here it is ground to 70% smaller than 200 mesh, dried to 1.3% moisture,
and sent to storage silos. Some of the dried coal is used as fuel in
the dryer, amounting to 11,137 pounds per hour or about 134 tons per
day.
Since the gasifier operates at 80 atmospheres, it is necessary to
pressurize the coal feed. The original design used piston feeders to push
the coal into a high pressure feed hopper and is the system used in the
present environmental evaluation. Subsequent work has indicated that other
methods such as lock hoppers or slurry feeding may be preferable; however.
the change would rnaka only minor modifications in effluents to the
environment, although thermal efficiency would be lower than for the case
using piston feeders.
-------
RUN OF
MINE COAL
CRUSH
SCREEN
AND
WASH
CLEANED
COAL
GRIND
AND
DRY
GROUND
COAL
GASIFIER
RAW GAS __
QUENCH
&
SAND
FILTERS
CLEANED_GAS
CLEANED
GAS
SHIFT
&
COOL
SHIFTED GAS ^__
*-'
ACID GAS
REMOVAL
SCRUBBED GAS
.*•-*
METH.
DRYER
PIPELINE GAS
N3
O
WASTE
WATER
TREAT.
MAKEUP
WATER
TREAT.
COOLING
TOWER
UTILITY
BOILER
Figure A.5.1
BIGAS Process
-------
- 221 -
A.5.2.2 Gasification
The coal is gasified using steam and oxygen in a two zone reactor
at 80 atmospheres. Operation of the reactor is based on entrained flow
rather than using a fluidized bed or fixed bed reactor. Coal is fed
to the top 1700°F zone where it mixes with steam and hot synthesis gas
entering from the lower zone. Conditions in this upper zone favor high
formation of methane, with negligible amounts of tar or oil. Although
the volatile content of the coal feed is completely consumed, there is
considerable unreacted char remaining which is carried out with the gas
and recovered by cyclones following the reactor.
The char is recycled by means of lock hoppers to the lower
gasification zone where it is reacted with steam and oxygen at 3000°F
A special char feeding system is provided, since it is indicated that
a reliable and very uniform feed rate must be maintained, so as to avoid
conditions that could give excessive flame temperatures. Synthesis gas
is formed and passes to the upper reactor as described earlier. Slag is
withdrawn from the bottom, quenched with water, and removed by way of
lock hoppers. Stoce it has little or no combustible content, it can be
discarded (fro* an energy viewpoint).
A.5.2.3 Quench and Dust Removal
Hot raw gas from the gasifier passes to cyclone separators which
remove most of the char and solid particles in the gas. Quench water is
added to the cyclone in order to moderate the temperature, and additional
quench water is added in a quench vessel after the cyclone separator.
The quenched gas still contains some dust that was not removed
by the cyclones, but must be removed so as not to plug the fixed bed of
shift conversion catalyst. Rather than scrub the dust out with water,
which would require considerable cooling, the dust is filtered out
at high temperature using sand beds. These operate in parallel in a
cyclic manner. Pressure drop will build-up during the onstream cycle,
and the bed is cleaned when necessary by back flushing with clean gas
so as to lift and agitate the sand particles. Entrained dust from back
flushing is then returned to the gasifier where it leaves with the slag.
A.5.2.4 Shift Conversion
After dust removal, the gas next goes to a shift converter where
carbon monoxide reacts with steam to form hydrogen and carbon dioxide, incre^
the ratio of H2 to CO to three to one as required in the final methanation.
A sulfur resistant shift catalyst must be used, resulting in relatively
low activity compared to those used on sulfur free gases. A large excess
of steam is maintained to give 50 mol. °L steam in order to facilitate the
desired reaction and to prevent catalyst degradation or carbonaceous
deposits. Steam conversion in this shift reactor is about 27%.
After shift conversion, the gas is cooled to remove most of the
remaining moisture. This, of course, produces sour water containing H2S
-------
- 222 -
and ammonia and possibly traces of cyanides, phenols, etc. It is con-
veniently disposed of by using it as part of the quench water, and thereby
provides steam required for shift conversion. One advantage of this
specific design is that a very large quantity of sour water can be dis-
posed of by injecting it into the hot gas for quenching. A further
advantage is that no facilities are then needed for generating steam used
in shift conversion, and neither are exchangers needed for cooling the hot
raw gas from the gasifier.
A. 5. 2. 5 Acid Gas Removal
Removal of all sulfur compounds is needed to meet pipeline gas
specifications and to protect the methanation catalyst. The bulk of the
sulfur, as well as CO , Is removed using the proprietary Benfield process
based on hot carbonate scrubbing. Two separate absorber towers are used
in series. The first of these produces a gas relatively high in sulfur
content, about 8% H S, to facilitate sulfur recovery in the Claus plant.
T-he second absorber is for final cleanup of sulfur from the gas and for
CO- removal.
Most of the C02 is removed in this second absorber and vented
to the air; however, this C0£ vent stream contains excessive amounts of
EyS, namely 3400 ppm, and further processing is needed to clean it up.
Therefore, adsorption using molecular sieves has been provided to recover
the H2S content and send it to the Claus sulfur plant. Gas leaving the
hot carbonate scrubbing system used in the present design contains
moisture, most of which is removed by cooling the gas ahead of methanation.
This is a clean condensate which can be used for boiler feed water make-up.
Gasification can produce many compounds in addition to
such as cyanides and thiocyanates as well as large amounts of ammonia.
There are also various sulfur compounds, particularly carbonyl sulfide
and some carbon disulfide. It is essential to completely remove all of
these before methanation .in order to protect catalyst activity.
Most of the ammonia and compounds that are highly soluble in water will
be removed in the condensation after shift conversion. Hot carbonate
systems for acid gas removal have the important advantage that they do
remove carbonyl sulfide. Amine systems, in general, do not remove carbonyl
sulfide, and noreover react irreversibly with cyanides thus requiring purge
of the chemical solution.
A. 5. 2. 6 Methanation and Drying
Clean synthesis gas is methanated in this section to increase
the heating value, of the gas up to pipeline quality. The reaction of
CO with 3 volumes of H£ to make methane and water can be carried out in
a fixed bed of nickel catalyst. A guard bed of zinc oxide ahead of the
reactor removes traces of sulfur compounds in order to protect the
methanation catalyst. Mathanation is a highly exothermic reaction,
releasing about 20% of the heating value in the reacting gases. Reactor
temperatures of 500°F at the inlet and 850°F at the outlet are maintained
by recirculating some of the gas leaving the reactor through exchangers
-------
- 223 -
to generate high pressure steam. Methanation is carried out to a high
conversion so that the residual CO content is no more than the 0.1 Vol. 7,
specified for pipeline quality gas. Residual hydrogen content is 5.1 Vol. 7..
Since methanation generates a considerable amount of water, this is
recovered as clean condensate upon cooling. More complete'drying of the
gas is then carried out using a glycol system to meet the requirement
of 7 Ib water maximum per MM scf in. gas.
A.5.3 Auxiliary Facilities
In addition to the gasification system, auxiliary facilities are
needed to make the plant complete and self-sufficient. A Glaus plant is
included to make by-product sulfur from the H2S that is recovered in acid
gas removal. The basic Glaus plant will not give adequate sulfur recovery
or clean-up, since the feed gas will contain no more than 157. H2S, therefore
tail gas clean-up was added.
A conventional air separation plant is included in the base design
to provide oxygen needed for gasification. It does not generate contaminated
waste streams, but it is a large consumer of utilities and therefore has
an important effect on thermal efficiency.
As would be expected, the process uses large amounts of steam
and electricity. All utilities needed to make the plant self-sufficient
are provided in the design, including high pressure and low pressure steam,
electric power generation, water make-up treating, circulating cooling
water, and waste water treating. Fuel requirement for these has been
been included on the basis that coal would be used for fuel. Since the
coal has a high sulfur content, pollution control will be needed on
these fuel consumers. The simplest approach is to add flue gas clean-up
so that coal can still be used as fuel, and a number of processes are
available. An alternative would be to use low sulfur, low Btu gas made
in the process for fuel in utilities generation and in coal drying.
The particular study includes utilities requirements for offices,
shops, laboratories, and cafeteria (e.g. 50,000 Ib/hr of steam for heating
buildings). These are not always included in similar studies of other
processes; therefore, caution is required in making comparisons with other
studies.
A. 6 HYGAS Process
A.6.1 General
The process makes 250 MM scfd of pipeline gas (SNG) froa
Illinois No. 6 coal by gasifying it with medium Btu gas (mainly CO plus
H2 and steam) in a series of countercurrent fluidized zones. Residual
char is then gasified with oxygen and steam in a bottom zone to provide
gas for gasification in the upper zones. Carbon content of the rejected
char may be 10-30 t/t. %.
Raw gas is cleaned-up, shifted, and aethanated. Operating
pressute is sufficiently high so that compression of the product gas is
-------
- 224 -
avoided. The method of pressurizing coal feed involves slurrying it
with light oil by-product, pumping to high pressure, and evaporating the
slurry to dryness by direct contact with hot raw gas in a fluidized bed.
A block flow diagram of the processing steps is shown in
Figure A.6.1. The process can conveniently be sub-divided into a sequence
of operations, each of which will be described in the following sub-
sections: (1) Coal Preparation, (2) Gasification, (3) Quench and Dust
Removal, (4) Shift Conversion and Cooling, (5) Acid Gas Removal, (6)
Methanation and (7) Auxiliary Facilities.
A.6.2 Main Gasification Stream
A.6.2.1 Coal Preparation
These facilities include storage and handling, crushing,, and
drying. It is assumed that cleaned coal is delivered^ the separation
of refuse and washing having been done at the mine or elsewhere with
suitable disposal of waste, and environmental controls* Coal feed,
amounting to 17.517 tons/day (6.48% moisture), is received and 30 days
storage is provided. Since the storage pile is very large, roughly 15
acres at 25 ft high, protection will be needed to control dust nuisance
due to wind, while rain run off should be collected and cleaned up to
supply makeup water for the plant.
Crusning is the next step in coal preparation, to reduce the
coal feed to minus 8 mesh. Crushed coal is then dried to negligible
moisture content in a fluid bed drier fired with part of the low Btu. gas
produced by the U-Gas system. The latter also supplies clean gas fuel
for generating utilities, and consumes 22.5% of-the total coal used by
the plant.
Dried coal going to gasification is pressurized by mixing with
oil to form a slurry which is pumped to about 1200 psia. Theoretical
power for pumping is about 4500 horsepower. Oil is vaporized and re-
covered when the slurry is subsequently dried. Sufficient oil is thereby
recycled to give a slurry containing 35% coal/65% oil, and cooling is
provided so that temperature of the recycle oil is 400°F.
It should be emphasized again that this specific study case
does not include pretreating to destroy caking properties of the coal
feed.
A.6.2.2 Gasification
The HYGAS reactor has four zones, through which the coal passes.
These include an initial drying zone, followed by gasification zones at
increasing temperature and severity. Slurry feed is dried in the first
zone at 600°F using heat in the raw gas. Vaporized oil is condensed and
most of it is recycled to slurry preparation, but part of it is withdrawn
as net product.
-------
Cleaned Coal
Coal
Preparation
t '
Coal _
I
\
Slurry
Preparation
X. t_
Coal
Slurn^
Gasificatic
t t
Raw
^ Has .^
Oil
Quench
Cooled
Gas ^
Shift
Shifted
Gas
Scrub
Clean
Gas ^
Acid
Treat
Sulfur
Free
Gas
Me thane
J. t f . J t 1
Pipeline
,
-------
- 226 -
Dry coal then flows to the next bed at 1250° where partial
gasification occurs, then to a bed at 1750°. Finally the char passes
to the bottom zone where steam and oxygen are added for final gasifica-
tion. Residual char rejected from this lower zone may contain 10-30%
carbon, corresponding to 2-7% of the original carbon contained in the
coal feed. The char is slurried in water, depressured, and discharged
through lock hoppers.
The countercurrent contacting between gas and char provided by
this niultibed arrangement results irx a considerable saving in oxygen. Of
the total methane in the product, 58% is fenced in tha gasifier by the
favorable effects of high pressure, temperature gradient, and the contri-
bution from volatile natter in the coal feed.
A.6.2.3 Quench and Dust Removal
Raw gas leaving the drying bed of the gasifier at 600°F, is
cooled to 400°F by contact with a recirculating oil stream, whereby
most of the oil is condensed out and returned to slurry preparation,.
Temperature is maintained high enough to avoid condensing water which
could cause emulsion, problems; moreover, the steam is needed for the
subsequent shift reaction. Heat removed in this cooling operating can
be used to generate low pressure steam by recirculating the 400°F oil
through waste heat boilers.
When the oil is condensed upon cooling, most of the dust in,
the raw gas leaving the drying bed will also be removed. Since the
condensed oil is recycled"and used for slurryiag coal feed, the fines
will also be recycled and buildup in concentration, unless some provi-
sion is made to purge them from the system.
A.6.2.4 Shift Conversion and Cooling
The next step in gas handling is shift conversion, to react
part of tha CO with steam and thereby increase the H2/CO ratio to 3/1
as needed for methanation. A sulfur resistant shift catalyst such as
cobalt-molybdenum is used, and one-third of the raw gas bypasses the
catalytic reactor. The catalyst is also exposed to oil vapors contained
in the gas, and operates at about 700°F.
After shift conversion, the gas is cooled to condense most of
the moisture. This sour water is cleaned up for reuse by extraction and
stripping, which operations will be described later.
A.6.2.5 Acid Gas Treatment
At this point, the gas still contains various contaminants
that must be retsavedj such as: H2S, COS, C02, and condensable hydro-
carbons. The required cleanup is accomplished by scrubbing with
refrigerated-niathar.ol, using the Rectisol process. Gases containing
the sulfur compounds removed in the Rectisol unit are sent to a Claus
plant for sulfur recovery. Tha Claus plant also provides incineration
of COS and combustibles on this stream.
-------
- 227 -
Most of the C02 is renoved as a separate stream In the Rectisol
regeneration, and indicated to be discharged tc the atmosphere. However%
this vent stream is shown as containing over 2.0 vol. % of combustibles»
most of X7hich is ethane; consequently, it will require further cleanup
or incineration. While sulfur content is indicated to be low, nil IbS
and 30 ppm. COS, other detailed evaluations of similar Rectisol applica-
tions show that additional controls will be needed.
It is not clear that any one simple process for acid gas treatneat
available today can simultaneously meat the targets of a highly concentrated
stream to the sulfur plant, together with a C02 waste stream that is clean
enough to discharge directly to the atmosphere, without further treatnent
such as sulfur cleanup or incineration. Therefore it appears that addi-
tional facilities will be needed, such as adsorption by molecular sieves
or activated carbon.
A guard bed, for example of zinc oxide, is used to remove re-
maining traces of sulfur in the clean gas, so as to protect the methana-
tion catalyst, which is extremely sensitive to sulfur poisoning. Reheat-
ing is needed since the guard bed operates at about 600°F, and can be
provided by heat exchange with gas leaving the methanator. Such preheat
is also needed to initiate the Eethanation reaction when this is carried
out in a fixed bed of catalyst.
A.6.2.6 Methanation and Drying
Fixed bed catalytic reactors with conventional nickel base
catalyst are used to react CO and H£ to form, methane and water. Operat-
ing temperature is 550-900°F. Outlet gas at 900°F is recycled to the
inlet through waste heat boilers which generate steam, thereby recover-
ing the large exothermic heat of reaction. Keat release amounts to
954 KM Btu/hr, which can generate about 1 million Ib/hr of high pressure
steam.
Water formed by the methanation. reaction is condensed and re-
covered when the product gas is cooled, providing 200s000 Ib/hr of clean
condensate suitable for boiler feed water sakaup. Final drying of the
gas is effected by scrubbing with glycol, to meet pipeline specifications
of 7 lb/MM scf. The product specification of 0.10 vol. % CO maximum is
met by providing effective control of methanation and excess hydrogen,
leaving 6.5 vol. % hydrogen in the product gas. High heating value is
then 960 Btu/cf.
-------
_ 228 -
A.6.3 Auxiliary Facilities
To make the plant complete and self-sufficient, various
utilities and auxiliary facilities are needed in addition to the main
gasification process. A Glaus plant is used for sulfur recovery on a
concentrated stream from acid gas removal, with tail gas cleanup by
incineration followed by scrubbing with sulfite to remove S(>2» using
the Wellman-Lord process. The Rectisol design basis provided shows
29.8 vol. % H2S in the feed to the Glaus plant, while at the same
time the CC>2 vent gas contains no H2S and 300 ppm of carbonyl sulfide.
This would represent a very desirable high concentration of feed to the
sulfur plant together with complete removal of E^jS from the C02 vent
gas, although the latter contains an excessive amount of COS plus 2
vol. % combustibles, so it would require further treatment. However,
other data on similar designs do not support the excellent separation
assumed in the HTGAS design; consequently further investigation and
evaluation are called for.
Oxygen for gasification is supplied by a conventional air sep-
aration plant. While it does not generate contaminated waste streams, it
is a large consumer of utilities, with a correspondingly large impact on
thermal efficiency for the overall process.
Large amounts of steam and power are needed in the process.
These are supplied by a utilities system fired with clean gas fuel manu-
factured by the U-Gas process being developed by The Institute of Gas
Technology.
In the U-Gas process, coal feed goes first to a pretreating
reactor to destroy caking properties. Here it is contacted with
air at 750-800°F in a fluid bed to give partial oxidation, accompanied
by a decrease in volatiles. A very large aaount of heat is released,
which is used to generate steaa. Hot char then goas to a second reactor
where it is gasified with steam arid air at 1800°F and 300 psia in a
fluid bed. Off gas from pretreating, with a high heating valua of only
39 Btu/CF, contains tar and sulfur, so it is mixed with hot gases from
the gasifier in order to destroy the tar.
Sulfur removal is provided at high temperature by contacting
the gas with a "molten metal," which is regenerated in a separate zone
by reacting with air to form a concentrated S02 stream that is sent to
the sulfur plant.
After further clean up by cooling to condense water and"by
scrubbing, the gas is used as clean fuel for coal drying, furnaces, and
gas turbines.
-------
- 229 -
A combined cycle system is used to maximize efficiency By first
burning the high pressure fuel gas from the U-Gas unit for use in a gas
turbine, and then discharging the hot exhaust to a boiler furnace which
supplies process steam. Combined cycle systems are a very effective way
to supply by-product povrer for the oxygen plant compressors and for
generating electricity.
Water treatment is an important part of the process. A
Phenosolvan unit is used in water treatment. Treated water from the
Phenosolvan unit then passes to a sour water stripper which removes
ammonia as a by-product, and I^S which is sent to the sulfur plant.
Other auxiliary facilities include treatment of makeup water,
boiler feed water preparation, storage of by-product oil, phenol, ammonia,
and sulfur, as well as ash disposal, and a cooling water circuit x/ith
cooling tower. The waste water is treated in a biox unit before sending
it to cooling tower makeup.
A.7 U-Gas Process
A.7.1 General
In the U-Gas process, pretreated coal is gasified with steam and
air in a fluidized solids system, at 1900°F and 350 psig to make 840 MM
scfd of low Btu clean gas fuel (158 Btu/scf) suitable for use in a
combined cycle power plant. Coal feed amounts to 7346 tons/day
containing 6% moisture.
A.7.2 Main Gasification Stream
As shown in Figure A.7.1, dry coal crushed to 1/4 inch and smal-
ler is fed to the pretreater by means of lock hoppers. Gases from the pre-
treater flow into the gasifier at a point above the fluid bed, for the
purpose of reacting and destroying all tar and oil vapors that are evolved
in pretreating. A residence time of 10-15 seconds is provided on the
vapors.
In the fluid bed gasifier operating at about 2 ft/sec, char is
reacted to give a carbon level of about 20% in the ash. Agglomeration of
ash particles is accomplished in a "spouting" zone or venturi throat at
the bottom of the gasifier maintained at sintering temperature by adding
air and steam. Ash agglomerates of perhaps 1/8 inch diameter pass down
through this throat, to be quenched and removed from the system. Dust
recovered by cyclones from the raw gas product is also passed through the
agglomerating zone.
-------
Pretreate
( ^of
Dry Crushed 1
Coal Coal p«-| ""Gas
TI *— frpnf
r Cyclone
fgas f ~ •* 1550'F
»^ Generation
Prep. > crea:j v/ -» and
i |f Superheat
>»• solids * *— 1
I'LZ3
^!
| Steam St*am
*••""• IT" Qw:"er
to Coal Air ^ J
Dryer '
1 ' Water
Settler!
1
Char
Water
Treating
r
Figure A. 7.1
Hot Gas
Air
Cooler
Cooled Gas^
Cooling
Tower
Waste
Water
Treating
Gas to
s
s°2[_
Sulfur
teat
Glaus
Plant
Tail. Gas
Cleanup
Low Btu Clean
Product Gas
' t
\
O
L 1
U-Gas Process
-------
- 231 -
Raw gas Is cooled in a waste heat boiler to make high pressure
steam, follov7ing by additional heat recovery to preheat boiler feed water.
Air cooling is then used to bring the gas down to scrubbing temperature.
The water scrubber removes dust and ammonia primarily, together with
unreacted steam. Gas liquor from the scrubber is processed in a sour water
stripper to recover ammonia and remove H2S. The treated water is
recycled to the cooling tower or used to slurry the ash being returned
to the mine for disposal.
In this particular design, water is indicated to be recycled to
extinction within the process, in which case there would be no net water
discharge that might cause environmental concern. However, there will be
soluble salts (e.g., sodium chloride and sulfate) introduced with the makeup
water, plus volatile elements from gasification (chlorine, fluorine, boron,
etc.) that will accumulate and must be purged from the system. It is
obvious that some water must be discharged.
Sulfur is removed from the cooled gas using the Selexol process
based on a glycol type solvent, which can remove I^S and COS from the gas.
About 60% of the C02 is left in the gas, but the solvent does dehydrate the
gas.
Clean, low Btu gas from the Selexol unit is available to use
as fuel, or in a combined cycle system. The H£S stream from solvent
regeneration is indicated to contain 16.6% H2S, and is sent to a Glaus
unit for sulfur recovery. Tail gas cleanup by the Wellman-Lord process
is included to give 250 ppm S02 in the final gas released to the atmos-
phere.
High heating value of the total gas produced is 5533 MM Btu/hr,
but part of the gas is needed to'"supply requirements of the process. Net
gas available from the process is 5060 MM Btu/hr, equivalent to a potential
power generation of 593,000 KW at a nominal 40% efficiency. Of the total
gas produced, 6.7% is consumed in the process to supply fuel to the coal
dryer and tail gas incinerator on the sulfur plant, plus a combined cycle
system supplying plant electricty and power for air compression. In addition,
steam is generated from waste heat in the process, but all of this is used
within the plant, partly to drive the air compressor.
A.7.3 Auxiliary Facilities
Auxiliary facilities are required in addition to the basic process,
su.ch as coal handling and storage. Coal preparation will include drying and
crushing, as well as coal cleaning unless this is provided elsewhere. Ash
handling and disposal are also needed, with means to drain the ash slurry,
recover the water for reuse, and transport the drained ash to the mine or to
a landfill area. The Claus plant for sulfur recovery includes tail gas
cleanup by scrubbing with sodium sulfite using the Wellman-Lord process, but
sulfur storage and shipping facilities are also needed.
-------
- 232 -
Waste water treatment employs the Chevron process to recover
by-product ammonia, and makes it feasible to reuse the water. While
not included in the original design, a biological oxidation system (biox)
is needed to give adequate cleanup of the water for return to the cooling
water circuit. In addition, to prevent buildup of sodium salts etc. ,
some water will have to be discharged from the plant.
The plant may be self sufficient in steam.and power during
normal operation, but in order to start it up a furnace or other method
for heating is required, together with startup steam and power. Fuel for
startup probably should be oil rather than gas or coalj so as Co avoid the
storage problem with gas, or the environmental problems with coal due to
sulfur and ash.
Makeup water must be brought in and treated" to make it suitable
for use in the cooling water circuit, while further treatment and cteinineral-
ization are required to supply boiler feedwater makeup. Cooling towers are
used, and.are a major area of environmental concern.
Other facilities required are maintenance s'hops, fire protection,
warehouses, control laboratory, offices, cafeteria, roads, trucks, etc.,
all of which must be taken into account in. assessing total environmental
impact.
A.8 Winkler Process
A.8.1 General
Lignite type coal is gasified at about 1700°F and 2 atmospheres
in a turbulent bed of particles using oxygen and steam, to make medium
Btu gas for fuel or synthesis. Some of the residual char is withdrawn
from the bottom of the gasification reactor, but most of it is blown
overhead as a result of the high gas velocity of 5-10ft/sec. Most of the
entrained char is collected in cyclones for disposal, and the gas is then
cooled and cleaned up to remove residual dust and sulfur.
An overall flowplan of the process is shown in Figure A.8.1
The process can be subdivided into a sequence of steps, each of which
will be described in the following sub-sections: (1) Goal Preparation,
(2) Gasification, (3) Cooling and Scrubbing, (4) Sulfur Removal, and
(5) Auxiliary facilities.
A.8.2 Main Gasification Stream
A.8.2.1 Coal Preparation
This section of the plant includes storage and handling, drying,
and crushing. It is assumed that coal cleaning is not required, or that
it is carried out elsewhere. Storage requirements will depend upon the
specific situation but may provide for example 30 days reserve.
Drying may not always be needed, since it is only necessary to
avoid surface moisture which would cause problems in handling and crushing.
-------
Cyclone
To Plant FMl
Coal Feed
WINKLER
GASIFIER
Raw
G»«
HEAT
RECOVERY
Cooled
Gas
*"
T
Steaa
Oxygen
Char
Char
SCRUBBER
Scrubbed
CBS
ELECTRO-
STATIC
FRKCIP.
Dust-free
Cat
AuurUK
REMOVAL
.
OXYGEN
PLANT
SULFUR
PUNT
_,___•
UTILITIES
FOR
START
UP
COOLING
TOWER
HASTE
HATER
TREAT
MMXDP
HATER
TREAT
hO
CO
CO
1
Air
FIGURE A.8.1
WINKLER PROCESS
-------
- 234 -
Rotating tray dryers are used, and for this study a moisture removal of 5%
on feed has been taken. Cool gas is recycled to control gas inlet temper-
ature so as not to drive off volatiles. Stack temperature is 350-400°F,
resulting in good fuel efficiency. Coal can be used as fuel if flue gas
desulfurization is providedj but instead of this we have used part of the
clean product gas as fuel to the dryer, with bag fibers on the vent gas
to control dust emissions. Coal is crushed to 0-Srtun, all of which is sent
to the gaisifer feed hopper.
A.8.2.2 Gasification
Coal from the feed hopper is fed to the gasifier by means of
screw feeders which give the necessary pressure seal. Steam and oxygen
are added near the bottom of the reactor, maintaining the particles in
a turbulent bed where reaction takes place without reaching temperatures
that would fuse the ash. Typically, the bed may be at about 1700°F so
that tar and heavy hydrocarbons are destroyed by gasification reactions.
Considerable fines are entrained from the bed, consequently
supplemental oxygen and steara are added just above the bed to help consume
them. Heat exchange surface in the dilute phase above the bed removes heat
for temperature control and generates useful steam. Additional cooling of
the raw gas to about 1300°F is accomplished by injecting condensate just
before the gas leaves the reactor, in order to prevent fused deposits in
the downstream waste heat boiler.
With high reactivity coal, conversion of carbon in the coal
feed may be 90%. The remainder is in the char by-product, and represents
a significant loss of heating value unless it is used. Part of the rejected
char is removed from the bottom of the gasifier, but most of it (ca. 70%)
is recovered by a cyclone separator from the exit gases.
Steam fed to the gasifier amounts to about 0.5 pound per pound
of coal feed, while steam conversion including moisture in the coal feed
is 27%. Oxygen consumed is 0.57 pounds per pound of coal feed.
A.8.2.3 Gas Cooling and Dust Removal
Hot raw gas leaving the reactor at about 1300°F passes through
an exchanger to superheat steara, followed by a waste heat boiler and a°cyclone
to remove entrained char. The gas then goes to a scrubbing tower where it
is cooled by direct contact with recirculated water.
Most of the particulates are removed by scrubbing .and are separated
from the water in a settler. They are included with the char for disposal.
Clarified water is cooled by indirect exchange with cooling water before
it is recirculated to the scrubber. Net production of this water or gas
liquor constitutes sour water containing HaS, ammonia, cyanides, etc-,
present in the raw gas. The sour water is processed in waste water treating
so that it can be reused.
Since the scrubbed gas will still contain a snail amount of dust,
it is passed through an electrostatic precipitator for final cleanup. It
-------
- 235 -
can then be compressed, further processed, or used as desired. Traces
of contaminants may remain in the gas after scrubbing, such as ammonia,
sulfur, oil, etc., especially during upsets or start up. Depending on
the intended use, further cleanup may be necessary.
A.8.2.4 Sulfur Removal
The next processing step on the gas is sulfur removal by
scrubbing with a suitable solution, such as amine, hot carbonate, or a glycol
type solvent. These can be regenerated by stripping to give a concentrated
H2S stream that is sent to sulfur recovery. For this study scrubbing with
hot carbonate is assumed, since it will remove perhaps half of the carbonyl
sulfide present in the gas, and ssome 10% of the total sulfur will be in
this form which is not removed by amines.
A.8.3 Auxiliary Facilities
In order to make a realistic and thorough evaluation of environ-
mental impacts, a complete and self-sufficient plant must be considered,
including items such as oxygen plant, sulfur recovery, water treating, and
utilities generation. Oxygen is supplied from a conventional air lique-
faction plant. The amount is large, equal to 11,536 tons/day. For sulfur
recovery, a Glaus plant is included with tail gas cleanup using one of
the many processes offered for this service. Gas sent to the Glaus plant
from acid gas treatment contains about 15 vol. °L sulfur compounds (mainly
H2S) and 85 vol.% C02 on a dry basis. A small amount of clean product
gas is used as fuel to incinerate tail gas on the sulfur plant.
A major item is waste water treating on the gas liquor condensed
in the scrubber. Flow rate is 11,140 tons/day, and cleanup is required
to remove particulates, contaminants such as compounds containing sulfur,
nitrogen, or oxygen, as well as arsenic, cadmium, lead, chlorine, fluorine,
and other trace elements that are known to be volatile at conditions in
the gasifier. This water stream must be thoroughly cleaned up in any
case, and then represents a very desirable makeup water for the plant.
Facilities include sour water stripping, biological oxidation (biox),
and sand filtration prior to using it as cooling tower makeup. Production
of phenols is expected to be relatively low at the conditions used in the
gasifier (1700°F) so that solvent extraction to remove large amounts of
phenols is not included at this time.
Other auxiliary facilities include treatment of makeup water
for the cooling water system and for boiler feed water, plus plant
utilities such as steam and electric power. It appears from the balances
that the plant should be self-sufficient in steam and power during normal
operation, although provision must also be made for startup. As far as
energy balances and thermal efficiency are concerned, no coal or clean
product gas need be consumed to generate plant utilities.
-------
- 236 -
APPENDIX B
Process Descriptions - Liquefaction
-------
- 237 -
APPENDIX B
PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS - LIQUEFACTION
In this appendix, a general description is presented of the
liquefaction processes studied. The reader is referred to the individual
process reports for details.
B.I COED Process
B.I.I General
The COED process being developed by the FMC Corporation is a
continuous, staged fluidized-bed coal pyrolysis operating at low pressure,
and is designed to recover liquid, gaseous, and solid fuel components
from the pyrolysis train. Heat for the pyrolysis is generated by the
reaction of oxygen with a portion of the char in the last pyrolysis stage,
and is carried counter-currently through the train by the circulation of
hot gases and char. Heat is also introduced by the air combustion of the
gas used to dry feed coal and to heat fluidizing gas for the first stage.
The number of stages in the pyrolysis and the operating temperatures in
each may be varied to accommodate feed coals with widely ranging caking
or agglomerating tendencies.
Oil that is condensed from the released volatiles is filtered
on a rotary precoat pressure filter and catalytically hydrotreated
at high pressure to produce a synthetic crude oil. Medium-Btu gas
produced after the removal of acid gases is suitable as clean fuel,
or may be converted to hydrogen or to high-Btu gas in auxiliary
facilities. Residual char (50-60% of feed coal) that is produced
has heating value and sulfur content about the same as feed coal,
so that its ultimate utilization may largely determine process viability.
Fibure B.I.I shows a condensation of the main process train and
Figure B.I.2 shows each unit in the complex.
B.I.2 Main Gasification Stream
B.I.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation
B.I.2.1.1 Coal Storage
On-site coal storage will be required to provide back-up for
continuous conversion operations. For thirty days storage, there might
be eight piles, each about 200 feet wide, 20 feet high, and 1000 feet
long. Containment of air-borne dusts is generally the only air pollution
control required for transport and storage operations, although odor may
be a problem in some instances. Covered or enclosed conveyances with dust
removal equipment may be necessary, but precautions must be taken against
fire or explosion. Circulating gas streams which may be used to inert or
blanket a particular operation or which may issue from drying operations
will generally require treatment to limit particulate content before
-------
COAL
Is}
CO
oo
Figure B.I.I
COED Coal Conversion
(All rates in tph)
-------
CCIkL
PUNT
/
CO
NO
Figure B.I.2
COED Design Revised to Incorporate Environmental
Controls and To Include Auxiliary Facilities
-------
- 240 -
discharge to the atmosphere. Careful management and planning will
minimize dusting and wind loss and the hazard of combustion in storage
facilities.
The as-received feed coal employed in this design is indicated
to have 10-14 weight percent moisture content. The FMC process basis
feeds coal of about 5.9 weight percent moisture to the coal dryer ahead of
the first pyrolyzer. Hence the free or surface moisture is assumed to
be removed in the upstream coal preparation plant, although, obviously,
the coal dryer proper may be arranged to remove a larger fraction of
the original moisture.
Illinois No. 6 coal is currently being supplied with about 17
percent moisture, but this moisture content is a function of the
operation of laundering equipment. In a commercial conversion plant
situated at the mine, closer control of the delivered moisture would be
possible, but with corresponding increase in energy consumption.
The reactivity of coals may be markedly affected by exposure to
air, and water serves to seal available pore volume, retarding
oxidation. Hence the desired moisture content may be related to the
average time-in-storage in a particular facility.
B.I.2.1.2 Coal Grinding
Free moisture will be removed from feed coal by milling in a
stream of hot combustion gases, as is practiced in the FMC pilot plant.
Coal sized 16 Tyler mesh or smaller, but with minimum fines, is required
for the pilot plant, although other studies have indicated that particles
up to 1/8 inch or 6-mesh may be suitable. In either case, the mechanical
size reduction of an Illinois coal is expected to generate a considerable
quantity of -200 mesh fines, especially if appreciable drying accompanies
the milling operation. The quantity of such fines has been estimated to
be 5 to 8 percent of the feed, depending on the type of equipment that
may be used and on the acceptable size range, screening or separation
efficiencies, and the recycle rates employed around the mill. Some small
fraction of these fines will pass through the system with the sized coal.
Additional fines will be produced in the coal dryer proper, and the
ultimate consideration is that the total fines fed to the dryer or to the
first pyrolyzer shall not overload the cyclone systems provided to effect
their separation from the respective effluent streams. There may also
be a relationship between the coal size fed to the system and the observable
filter rates on raw pyrolysis oil. Fines generated in coal preparation,
amounting to 5 percent of feed coal, will not be charged to pyrolysis, but
will issue as a fuel product. Coal fines would probably be charged to the
char gasification system, if this facility is included.
Clean product gas is fired in the mill heater (the basis
indicates that natural gas is used). About 110 tph of water must be
removed if coal is received with 14 percent moisture. This may require
the firing of 15-20 tph of product gas with 180-200 tph of combustion air
in the milling circuit. Assuming a dry particulate separation system
is adequate, bag filters might be used to recover fines from the vented
gas following primary classification in cyclones.
-------
- 241 -
Depending on water-use constraints, it may be desirable to
condense water from the vent gas for reuse. This stream could be combined
with, or treated similarly to, gas issuing from the coal drying and
first-stage pyrolysis section, wherein the gas is scrubbed in venturi
scrubber-coolers. The additional cooling requirement would be about
equal to that provided in the design basis for treating vent gas from
that section. It is presumed, however, that the additional coal fines
separated from scrubber effluent by filtration in this way could not
be recycled to the pyrolyzer, and would issue from the system as sludge.
This sludge, containing 50 percent water, would preferentially be
charged along with char to gasification, if char gasification is included,
or might be combusted with char in a char boiler. However, the dry
separation system employing bag filters would be preferred in the latter
case.
Vent gas which issues from the bag filters from the milling
circuit may contain a significant carbon monoxide concentration, depending
on the combustion parameters employed in the mill. It may be necessary
to direct the stream to a boiler stack or incinerator to complete
the combustion. Another possibility is to employ a noble-metal catalytic
afterburner, which would minimize the additional fuel requirement,
to neutralize the stream.
B.I.2.2 Coal Drying and First Stage Pyrolysis
Clean natural gas is burned sub-stoichiometrically both to
dry feed coal and to heat fluidizing gas for the first stage of pyrolysis.
Both gas and air feeds to the heaters must be raised in pressure to
match the operating pressures of the coal dryer and first stage,
nominally 7-8 psig.
Coal is fed from storage hoppers by mechanical feeders into
a mixing tee from which it is blown into the dryer with heated transport
(recirculated) gas.
A cascade of two internal gas cyclones is provided both the coal
dryer and the first pyrolysis reactor. Gas which issues from the first
pyrolyzer is circulated through the fluidizing-gas heater for the coal
dryer. Gas which issues from the coal dryer passes through an external
cyclone and is then scrubbed in venturi scrubber-coolers, which serve
to complete the removal of coal and char fines, as well as traces of
coal liquids from the gas stream. Fines which are recovered in the
external cyclone are passed through a mechanical feeder to a mixing
tee where they are injected into the first-stage pyrolyzer by recirculated
gas. Water equivalent to that introduced with coal and formed in the
combustion processes is condensed from the gas in the scrubbing process.
Scrubber effluent passes into a gas-liquid separator, and
the liquor stream is decanted and filtered to remove solids. The
solids removed by filtration amount to about one percent of the coal
feed, and the wet filter cake ±s recycled back to coal feed. The decanted
liquor, except for a purge stream which, along with the filtrate from the
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fines filter, balances the removal of water from the section, is pumped
back to the venturi scrubbers through water-cooled heat exchangers.
The gas stream which issues from the separator, except for a
purge stream which removes the nitrogen introduced in the combustion
processes, is compressed and recirculated to the gas heaters. This
purge gas stream is essentially the only gaseous release from this section.
Like the gas stream envisioned for the coal preparation section (see
above), it is indicated to contain about 3.7 percent carbon monoxide,
and will probably require further treatment before it may be released
to the atmosphere. It may be possible to inject it into a boiler stack(s)
along with air or oxygen to reduce CO emission. Alternatively the
stream(s) may have to be incinerated in specific equipment for this
purpose with additional fuel. The gas stream in this case represents a
loss of combustible equivalent to about 230 MM Btu/hr. It is indicated to
be sulfur-free.
B.I.2.3 Stages 2. 3. 4 Pyrolysis
Coal which has undergone first-stage pyrolysis (at temperatures
of about 550-600°F) is passed out of the stage into a mixing tee, from
which it is transported into the second stage by heated recycle gas.
Pyrolysis stages 2,3, and 4 are cascaded such that pyrolyzed solids
pass through the stages in sequence in transport gas streams. Super-
heated steam and oxygen are injected into the last stage, where heat is
released by partial combustion. Substantial recycle, of hot (^^1550°F)
char from this last stage is used to supply heat to stages .2 and 3,
in which it otherwise serves as an inert diluent. Similarly, hot gas
which issues from the last stage is passed counter-currently through the
cascade, serving also as the primary fluidizing medium in these reactors.
Stages 2 and 3 operate at about 850° and 1050°F respectively.
The pyrolyzer vessels are each about 60-70 feet in diameter.
A total of eight pyrolyzers in two trains is required to process the
indicated feed coal. All fluidized vessels are equipped with internal
dual-cascade cyclone systems.
Gas which issues from the second pyrolyzer passes through an
external cyclone before being directed to the product recovery system.
Fines which are separated are directed, along with product char from
the last stage, to a fluidized bed cooler, which is used to generate
265,000 Ib/hr. of 600 psia steam. First-stage recycle gas is used to
fluidize the char cooler, and the gas which issues from the cooler is
directed back to the venturi scrubbers in the first section after it
has passed through an external cyclone. Fines from this cyclone are
added to the char make from the last stage. Product char is available
at this point at 800°F-
Char will be further cooled by cold-water exchange. In the
pilot plant, a two-pass screw conveyor, in which cooling water is supplied
to a hollow screw, as well as to the jackets of both flights, is used to
cool char to about 100°F. About 180,000 Ib/hr of 150 psia steam may be
generated in the commercial operation if suitable equipment can be designed.
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It has been assumed that clean product gas will be used to
superheat the steam and oxygen feeds to the last pyrolysis stage. About
10.5 tons of gas is required, along with about 105 tons of air per hour.
The combustion products should be dischargeable without further treatment.
B.I.2.4 Product Recovery System
Gas from the pyrolysis section is cooled and washed in two
cascade venturi scrubber stages to condense oil and solid components
from the gas stream. The gas which issues from the second scrubber gas-
liquid separator is passed through an electrostatic precipitator to remove
microscopic droplets and is then cooled to 110°F by cold-water exchange to
condense water. About a quarter of the gas stream is compressed
and reheated for use as transport gas in the pyrolysis train. The
remainder issues from the system as raw product gas, which is to be
directed to an acid-gas removal system.
The oil and water condensed from the gas stream in the scrubber-
coolers is decanted and separates into three phases: a light oil phase,
a middle (aqueous phase), and a heavy oil phase. The oil phases are
collected separately for dehydration in steam-jacketed vessels. The
combined dehydrated oil is pumped to the COED oil filtration system.
A recycle liquor pump takes suction from the middle phase in
the decanter. Recycle liquor is cooled in cold-water exchangers before
being injected into the venturi scrubbers. Water condensed from the
incoming gas leaves the section as a purge ahead of the recycle liquor
coolers, and is indicated to be recirculated to the last pyrolysis
stage.
The only major effluents to the atmosphere from this section are
the combustion gases from the recycle transport-gas heater. Since clean
product gas is fired in this heater, the combustion gases are
dischargeable directly-
Vents from the oil decanters and dehydrators are directed to
an incinerator. Under normal operation, and with adequate condensing
capacity in the vapor take-offs from the dehydrators, vent flow should
be minimal.
B.I.2.5 COED Oil Filtration
FMC has designed a filtration plant to handle the COED raw oil
output based on filtration rates demonstrated in its pilot plant. The
system employs ten 700 ft.2-rotary pressure precoat filters to remove
char fines from the raw oil ahead of hydrotreating. Each filter is operated
on a 7-hour precoat cycle, followed by a 41-hour filtration cycle.
Both the precoat and the raw oil to filtration are heated, using
steam, to about 340°F. Inert gas (nitrogen) is compressed, heated, and
recirculated for pressurizing the filters. The gas purge from the system,
equivalent to the nitrogen make-up, is directed to an incinerator. It is
indicated to contain only trace quantities of combustibles and sulfur.
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Hot filter cake (38% oil, 52% char, 10% filter aid at 350°F) is
discharged at the rate of about 15 tph, and is added to the plant's char
output in the process basis. FMC has recently suggested that filter cake
will instead be recycled to coal feed. Filtered oil is directed to the
hydrotreating facility.
B.I.2.6 Hydrotreating
Hydrotreating is employed to upgrade the heavy pyrolysis oil
through the addition of hydrogen, which serves to convert sulfur to
hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen to ammonia, and oxygen to water, as well as to
increase the oil's hydrogen content through saturation reactions. In the
FMC base design, hydrotreating is performed at a total pressure of 1710-
1720 psia. Filtered oil from the filtration plant is pumped, along with
hydrogen from a reforming plant and some recycled oil, through a gas-fired
preheater into initial catalytic guard reactors. The guard reactors are
intended to prevent plugging of the main hydrotreating reactors by pro-
viding for deposition of coke formed in the system on low surface-to-volume
packing.
The hydrotreating reactors are three-section, down-flow devices.
The gas-oil mixture from the guard bed is introduced at the reactor head
along with additional recycle hydrogen. Recycled oil and hydrogen at
low temperature (100-200°F) are introduced between the catalyst sections in
the reactor to absorb some of the exothermic heat of reaction.
The hydrotreated effluent is cooled and flows into a high-
pressure flash drum, where oil-water-gas separation is effected. About
60 percent of the gas which separates is recycled by compression to the
hydrotreaters. The remainder is directed to the hydrogen plant. A
little less than half of the oil which separates is recycled to the
hydrotreaters. The remainder, taken as product, is depressured into a
receiving tank. From the tank it is pumped into a stripping tower, where
clean product gas is used to strip hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Clean product gas is used also to strip ammonia and H2S from
the water which separates from hydrotreater effluent. Stripped water is
recycled to the last pyrolysis stage. The gas effluents from the stripper
are directed to gas clean-up.
The only major effluents to atmosphere from this section are
the combustion gases from the hydrotreater preheater. About 4.5 tph of
product gas is consumed, along with about 84 tph of combustion air. The
products of combustion should be dischargeable directly without further
treatment.
The process basis includes a large cooling requirement for
hydrotreating effluent, even though preheating is supplied to hydro-
treating feed. The developers have indicated that heat integration should
be possible in a commercial installation to some degree. The concern
involves possible degradation of raw oil feed in a heating system which
is not precisely controlled. It has been assumed that 380,000 Ib/hr of
600 psia steam will be generated in this cooler.
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The process design basis does not provide for catalyst replacement
in this section. Nor are facilities included for presulfiding catalyst,
if this be required, or for regenerating catalyst. .A major unresolved
process question relates to the catalyst life that may be expected in
commercial operation. Pilot plant results show that activity drops after
300-500 Ib oil/lb catalyst, but pilot-plant conditions are considered
more rigorous than should be the steady-state condition of the commercial
unit.
Since high-temperatures are required generally for the regeneration
of the cobalt molybdenum or nickel/tungsten sulfide catalysts used;
regeneration, if it is practiced, will occur off-site. Moreover, it is
assumed that the hydrotreaters will be designed to run continuously
between maintenance shut-downs. It is not clear, however, whether two
vessels provided are required to treat the total stream, or whether one
represents stand-by capacity. Presumably some standby capacity will be
required to permit catalyst changeout in the event of sudden activity
loss or development of high pressure drop.
B.I.3 Hydrogen Plant
The COED process gas product is indicated to be the source of
hydrogen for the hydrotreating of raw COED oil. Steam reforming, cryogenic
separation, and partial oxidation have been investigated as means for
recovering the required hydrogen from process gas, but the type of
hydrogen plant that may ultimately be used will be a function of the
location of the plant (or of the coal type being processed) and of the
product sales slate, as well as of the size of the installation. For
the present design, it has been assumed that the steam reforming case,
as outlined by FMC,will be used.
COED process gas at 15 psia is compressed to 410 psia and
passed through a Sulfinol system to remove C02 and H^S. Regenerated acid
gases are directed to the sulfur recovery plant. The cleaned process gas
containing about 1 ppm H2S is divided into a fuel gas stream and a process
feed gas stream. The process feed gas is passed over a zinc oxide sulfur
guard bed to remove sulfur traces, and is then heated by combustion of
the fuel gas and hydrogenated with recycle product hydrogen to remove
unsaturates. Steam is injected and reforming- and shifting occur catalyti-
cally according to:
CH4 + H20 ^ CO + 2E2 (reforming)
CO + H20 > C02 + H2 (CO shift)
C02 formed in the reactions is removed in a second scrubber-absorber
and the process gas is finally methanated catalytically to convert residual
CO to methane according to 3H2 + CO > CH4 + H20. Resulting product
gas is available at 200 psig.
The bleed gas from the hydrotreating plant, containing about
2 percent H2S and about 0.1 percent ammonia, is returned to the hydrogen
plant for reprocessing. It may be preferable to first scrub this stream
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with water separately to remove the ammonia trace. About 3.5 tph of
I^S must also be removed from this stream, and the I^S residual, after
water scrubbing, would be removed in an acid gas scrubber and directed
to the sulfur recovery plant.
About 9.4 tph of hydrogen is consumed in hydrotreating 185 tph
of raw oil (about 3000 ft-Vbbl). it is of course not required that
initial acid gas removal be included in the hydrogen plant if acid gas
removal is otherwise provided for the total product gas stream. Moreover,
gas from the cleaning operation would be available at pressure so that
compression is required only from that pressure level. About a third of
the hydrogen requirement can be generated from excess CO and hydrocarbons
present in the hydrotreating bleed stream. About 25 tph of clean product
gas would be required additionally to be fed to the unit, and about 43 tph
of water would be consumed in the reformer.
If a hydrogen plant design as described is employed, it should
be possible to recover energy from the expansion of the hydrotreating
bleed gas through use of turboexpanders or equivalent facilities to
offset the energy required for recompression to the level required in
the hydrogen plant.
The major gaseous effluents from the hydrogen plant will be the
products of combustion from the fired heaters and the C02 stream removed
from the processed gas after reforming. Since clean product gas is
consumed in the heaters, the products of combustion should be dischargeable
directly. Some 23 tph of gas is fired. About 60 tph of C02 will be
removed from the process gas, and this too may be discharged.
B.I.4 Auxiliary Facilities
B.I.4.1 Oxygen Plant
The oxygen plant provides a total of 3760 tons per day of
oxygen from 440 MM scfd of air to the last pyrolysis stage. About 340 MM
scfd of nitrogen will be separated. Some of this nitrogen may be used
to advantage in the plant to inert vessels or conveyances, to serve as
transport medium for combustible powders or dusts, as an inert stripping
agent in regeneration or distillation, or to dilute other effluent gas
streams. Nitrogen is also used to pressurize the rotary pressure raw-oil
filters.
B.I.4.2 Acid Gas Removal
The "Benfield" hot potassium carbonate system is assumed in
the present study. In the Benfield system, gas absorption takes place in
a concentrated aqueous solution of potassium carbonate which is maintained
at above the atmospheric boiling point of the solution (225-240°F) in a
pressurized absorber. The high solution temperature permits high concen-
trations of carbonate to exist without incurring precipitation of bi-
carbonate.
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Partial regeneration of the rich carbonate solution is effected
by flashing as the solution is depressured into the regenerators. Low-
pressure steam is admitted to the regenerator and/or to the reboiler to
supply the heat requirement. Regenerated solution is recirculated to the
absorbers by solution pumps. Stripped acid gas flows to the sulfur
recovery plant after condensation of excess x^ater. Dapressurization
of the rich solution from Che absorber through hydraulic turbines may
recover some of the power required to circulate solution.
Raw product gas from the product recovery section must be
compressed for effective scrubbing. The actual pressure level that will
be employed will be a trade-off between compression costs and the
utilities consumptions required otherwise. Based on the concentration of
acid gases present in raw gas, a total scrubbing pressure between 100 and
200 psis is indicated, whether an amine or hot carbonate system is employed.
It is estimated that the compressor driver will require the equivalent
of 500,000 Ib/hr. of high-pressure steam to handle the primary raw gas
stream. Some 1,400,000 gph of solution must be circulated, requiring the
equivalent of 5700 KW. Some 450 MM Btu/hr is required for regeneration,
supplied as steam, and about this same cooling duty will be required.
Additionally, some 100,000 Ib/hr of high-pressure steam,1200 KW and 95 MM Btu/hr
as low-pressure steam and as codling water will be required to treat the
stripping gas stream.
Clean gas may be directed to the various fired heaters throughout
the plant, and to the utility boiler (see below). Product gas loss into
the regenerator off-gas stream can be held to less than 0.1 percent in
proprietary configurations of the process. Moreover, it is possible to
selectively remove H2S, if this is required to produce a suitable feed
for a Claus sulfur plant.
B.I.4.3 Sulfur Plant
The type of sulfur plant that will be used has not been specified
by FMC- The combined acid-gas streams resulting from treatment of raw
product gas (pyrolysis gas) and hydrotreating bleed gas would appear to
yield an H2§ concentration of about 7 percent, based on gas analyses
presented in the FMC design. Additional concentraced H2S streams may
result from treatment of sour water and stripping gas. FMC has indicated
that high-sulfur Illinois coals will yield H2S levels in the range of
10-20 percent.
For this study, it has been assumed that acid gas will be
sufficiently high in l^S content to permit use of a Claus recovery system.
Depending on the"acid gas removal process employed, I^S may be preferen-
tially absorbed to increase its concentration in off-gas fed to the sulfur
plant. Claus units are operated commercially with entering H2S concen-
trations as low as 6 percent. But these systems generally employ oxygen,
so that some of the cost advantage relative to a process like Stretford,
which does effectively treat low concentrations, may dissipate.
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Tail gas from the Glaus unit must be desulfurized, however.
Several processes have been developed for this purpose. FMC indicates
that the Beavon or Shell Glaus Off-Gas Treating (SCOT) process may be
employed. It may also be feasible to employ one of the flue-gas
desulfurization variants using limestone to scrub tail gas, or processes
such as the Wellman-Lord S02 Recovery Process or the IFF Secondary
Recovery Process may be applied.
Most proprietary tail-gas treatment processes operate to convert
S02 to H2S, which may then be selectively removed. The Beavon system
catalytically hydrogenates the S02 over cobalt-tnolybdate. The catalyst
is also effective for reacting CO, which may be present, with water to
form hydrogen, and for the reaction of COS and CS2 with water to form
ItaS.
The hydrogenated stream is cooled to condense water, and the H2S
stream is fed into a Stretford unit to recover sulfur in elemental form.
Treated tail gas may contain less than 200 ppm sulfur, with almost all
of this being carbonyl sulfide. Condensate may be stripped of f^S and
directed to boiler feed water treatment.
About 500 tpd of elemental sulfur will be separated at the
sulfur plant, depending on the sulfur content of the feed coal and on
the processing employed. Total sulfur emission to the atmosphere may
be held to less than 200 lbs/hr., and the treated tail gas may be
directed to a boiler stack for disposal. The small air stream used to
regenerate the Stretford solution in the tail gas treatment plant may
also be so directed.
B.I.4.4 Utilities
B.I.4.4.1 Power and Steam Generation
The choice of fuel for the generation of the auxiliary electric
power and steam required by coal gasification plants markedly affects
the overall process thermal efficiency. It is generally least efficient
to burn the clean product gas for this purpose. On the other hand,
investment in power-plant facilities, including those required to handle
the fuel and to treat the flue gas, is generally least when product
gas is so used.
COED conversion generates a carbon-containing char equivalent
to some 50-60 weight percent of the coal fed to pyrolysis. Since this
is considered a fuel product, it would appear that it should be so
used in the plant proper. However, it suffers as an acceptable fuel in
this case to about the same extent as does the feed coal, in that its
sulfur content is observed to be about the same as that of feed coal.
It has been assumed in this study that dirty fuels would not
be combusted in the plant, so that clean product gas would be used also
for the generation of steam and power requirements. However, the
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total utility balances require some additional fuel source. Of the
513 tph of contaminated product gas issuing from the product recovery
system, there is net 171 tph of dry gas available from the acid-gas
removal system. Some 25 tph is required as feed to the hydrogen
plant, so that the net available gas for fuel is 146 tph. The gas is
estimated to have a higher heating value of 505 Btu per scf, so that
the total available fuel gas equivalent is about 4180 MM Btu per hour.
Net steam requirements for the facility total 783 000 Ib/hr
equivalent to a 1130 MM Btu/hr fuel requirement. Net electrical '
power requirements total 93,200 KW, equivalent to 902 MM Btu/hr of
additional fuel. The plant otherwise fires fuel equivalent to 2842 MM Btu/hr
in process heaters. Hence the total requirement,4874 MM Btu per hour,
cannot be supplied by the product gas stream alone. The shortfall,
equivalent to 694 MM Btu/hr, would presumably come from char.
We have considered that the 2032 MM Btu/hr fuel equivalent
required at the power plant could be supplied by the combinative firing
of product char and product gas in suitably designed boilers. The fuel
requirement is such that if all of the char required to supply the fuel
shortfall, about 30 tph, is fired in the power plant along with about
47 tph of product gas, the sulfur emission would be such that flue-gas
treatment would still be required. About 2.1 tph of S(>2 would be
emitted, equivalent to about 2.0 Ib/MM Btu, or above the level permitted
by current standards for solid fuels.
Flue-gas treatment might be avoided if char were combusted
with product gas throughout the plant. This would require additional
investment in char handling and grinding equipment, as well as particulate
control on all fired heaters and ash handling and disposal facilities,
and may be less attractive than installation of flue-gas treating
facilities on the main boiler. A variety of flue gas treatment processes
for particulate and SOX control are under development, and significant
progress in this area may be expected by the time a commercial plant is
constructed.
The coal fines estimated to be produced in the coal grinding
operation could supply the fuel shortfall. This alternative may be
attractive in a commercial facility because there would be no additional
grinding debit and because the fines production might be entirely con-
sumed. However, such coal fines may command a higher premium as a salable
fuel than char, and it may be preferred to charge the coal fines to char
gasification, depending on the system used for that purpose.
It has been assumed for the purpose of thermal efficiency
calculations that char will be combusted in the plant to make-up the fuel
shortfall, and the process for flue-gas treatment has not been debited.
It is recognized that char treatment (gasification) is practically required
in a commercial design.
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B.I.4.4.2 Cooling Water
A total of 200,000 gpm of cooling water is indicated to be
required for operating the FMC design. Because most ot this requirement
is used for thermal exchange against relatively low-pressure streams,
the circuit should be relatively free from process contamination leakage -
A design wet bulb temperature of 77°"F and an approach to the
wet bulb temperature of 8°F was assumed, with a circulating water
temperature rise of 30°F. 9,000 gpm is required as cooling tower make-
up, equivalent to 4.5 percent of circulation. Some 3,000,000 pounds
per hour of water is evaporated at the cooling tower, 600 gpm is lost
as drift, and 2400 gpm is withdrawn as blowdown, and is directed to the
water treatment facility. The cooling requirement to condense water
from the coal grinding effluent gas stream has not been included. If
water availability is constrained, this may be attractive.
It is probable that environmental considerations and the
costs of water reclamation will operate to restrict industrial water
consumption in most domestic locations. Hence a commercial design might
maximize use of air-cooled heat exchangers, reserving the use of cold
water only for "trim-cooling" or low-level heat transfer applications.
The overall economic balance will consider added investments in heat-
exchange and electrical hardware associated with air-fin usage, as
well as investment in incremental electrical generation capacity. Running
costs for the generation of power and for equipment operation would be
balanced against the net reduction in water treatment and pumping costs,
as well as the net reduction in water loss.
On the basis that half of the requirement may be displaced
with forced draft air-cooled heat exchangers, the incremental electrical
power requirement is estimated to amount to 26,000 KW. Added cooling
water requirement associated with the incremental power generation would
bring the net total cooling water requirement to an estimated 100,000 gpm,
so that water loss by evaporation might be reduced to about 3025 gpm at the
cooling towers. Drift loss would amount to 300 gpm on this basis. Blow-
down, or draw-off from the system, might be held to 1200 gpm. There would
be a reduction in the power requirement for pumping cooling water. On
the other hand, direct discharge of heat to the air environment in certain
locations may be less desirable than the humid ification associated with
cooling towers.
The physical environmental situation at a particular site,
including water availability, climatic conditions, and available area,
will set limits on the designer's options for heat rejection. Other
means, such as cooling ponds, ma*y be practicable. In very special situations,
it may prove economic to recover some of the low-level heat, as by circulation
in central heating systems to nearby communities or in trade-off situations
with irrigation water supplies, where hot water may be used to extend growing
seasons. In all situations, the sociological impact of the use of the
environment will be an over-riding factor.
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B.I.4.4.3 Water Treatment
Analyses of the aqueous condensates produced in the pyrolysis
and hydrotreating plants have not been specified. FMC has indicated
that these streams would be preferentially recycled to the last, or hottest
pyrolyzer, or to char gasification if it be included, after minimal pro-
cessing to strip ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
Recycle to a high-temperature char gasification system should
present no difficulty. However, the long-term recycle to pyrolysis
requires additional study, since temperatures are rather low and there
is no basis on which to estimate the degree of "by-pass" through the
fluidized bed system. Demonstration of such long-term recycle, however,
would considerably reduce investment in treatment facilities. The
question may be largely academic, however, because it would appear
that a large-scale installation, unless it were arranged to combust
char onsite or in an adjacent facility, would include some form of
high-temperature char gasification. We have assumed that pyrolysis liquor
may be recycled in the present design.
Facilities required to treat water, including raw water,
boiler feed water, and aqueous effluents, will include separate collection
facilities:
Effluent or chemical sewer
Oily water sewer
Oily storm sewer
Clean storm sewer
Cooling tower blowdown
Boiler blowdown
Sanitary waste
Retention ponds for run-offs and for flow equalization within
the system will be required. Run-off from the paved process area could
easily exceed 15,000 gpm during rainstorms. Run-off from the unpaved
process and storage areas could exceed 80,000 gpm in a maximum one-
hour period.
Pretreatment facilities will include sour water stripping
for chemical effluents and Imhoff tanks or septic tanks and drainage
fields for sanitary waste. Gravity settling facilities for oily wastes
will include API separators, skim ponds, or parallel plate separators.
Secondary treatment for oily and chemical wastes will include dissolved
air flotation units, granular-media filtration, or chemical flocculation
units. Oxygen demand reduction may be accomplished in activated sludge
units, trickling filters, natural or aerated lagoons, or by activated
carbon treatment.
Boiler feedwater treatment will in general involve use of ion-
exchange resins. Reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and ozonation may
find special application.
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The COED plant may be able to take advantage of the properties
of char and of attractive incremental costs for oxygen to assist its
waste water treatment. Hence, the char produced by the process may have
some of the attributes of activated carbon, which has been shown to be
effective in the removal of a wide variety of the water contaminants
expected.
Similarly, oxidation of contaminants in water using oxygen,
and especially ozone, is normally reserved for polishing drinking water
supplies because of high costs. Direct oxidation, however, is very
effective in reducing phenol, cyanide and thiocyanate levels in waste
water, and has particular advantage in that solids concentrations
are not thereby increased.
B.2 SRC Process
B.2.1 General
The SRC design is based on converting 10,000 tons/day of Illinois
type bituminous coal to net liquid products amounting to 25,000 barrels/day
of heavy clean liquid fuel, of which 2/3 has a sulfur content of 0.5%
while the remaining 1/3 contains about 0.270 sulfur. The plant facilities
can be conveniently grouped into several areas including coal preparation
and handling, coal liquefaction and filtration, gas cleaning and acid gas
removal, product handling and treating, char gasification, hydrogen
production, and finally auxiliary facilities such as utilities, oxygen
manufacture, water treating, and a sulfur plant. A black flow diagram of
the process is shown in Figure B.2.1.
B.2.2 Main Liquefaction Stream
B.2.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation
Run of mine coal is delivered in rail cars, unloaded, and
mechanically stacked in a storage pile with 3 days capacity. Coal con-
taining moisture is reclaimed from storage and conveyed to a breaker.
Refuse larger than 3 inches in size from the breaker is returned to the
mine for disposal. Coal smaller than 3 inches goes to a second storage
pile with 8000 tons capacity, which feeds the washing and cleaning opera-
tion. Here it is processed through a series of jigs, screens, centrifuges
and cyclones, followed by a roll crusher to reduce it in size to 1-1/4
inch or smaller. Refuse from this cleaning operation goes to a settling
pond to clean-up the water for reuse.
The next process step is to dry the washed coal, using a flow
dryer to reduce the moisture content to 2.77o. Part of the dried coal
supplies the fuel required for drying. However, the sulfur content of
this coal is very high and flue gas clean-up would be required to remove
sulfur as well as particulates. An alternative is to burn part of the
product gas as fuel in the dryer and use bag filters or a water scrubber
to control particulates. Fuel consumption can be reduced by using a
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Figure B.2.1
SRC Coal Liquefaction Process
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minimum amount of excess air and allowing a higher moisture content in
the flue gas. At the same time, the volume of vent gas to clean-up is
similarly reduced. The dried coal is then pulverized to 1/8" and smaller
and fed to the liquefaction section at a rate of 416 tph.
B.2.2.2 Slurry Formation and Liquefaction
The coal is mixed with 20,000 tpd of recycle oil at 550°F,
to form a slurry at 368°F. Upon mixing, moisture in the coal evaporates,
is recovered in a condenser, and is returned to the slurry, so that this
water does not become an effluent from the plant. The resulting slurry
is recycled through a system supplying the high pressure feed pumps
which deliver slurry to the reactor section at 1,000 psig pressure. The
slurry of coal and recycled oil is mixed with makeup synthesis gas and
recycle gas containing steam formed by injecting and vaporizing sour water
recovered from the products leaving the reactor. This mixture of gas and
slurry goes through a pre-heat furnace, where it is heated to 900°F, and
then to a reactor which operates at about 840°F and 1,000 psig, with about
one hour holding time. Total gas flow to the reactor corresponds to about
45,000 cu. ft. per ton of coal processed. In this particular design,
synthesis-gas is used in the reactor rather than pure hydrogen. Carbon
monoxide in this gas is shifted to hydrogen in the reactor and, the water
needed for this is added in the feed. Conversion of coal is about 91%
on a moisture and ash-free basis.
The stream leaving the liquefaction reactor passes to a separator
at 840°F from which gas is removed overhead and recycled to the reactor
after passing through acid gas removal. Liquid from the bottom of the
separator is cooled and recycled in p*rt to the slurry mixing t»nk where
it is used to suspend the coal feed so that it can be pumped to high
pressure. This recycle portion does not have to be filtered. The
remaining liquid from the separator after the reactor goes to a rotary
pre-coat filter where ash and solid particles are removed. Liquid pro-
duct from the filter contains about 0.5% sulfur and constitutes the main
clean liquid product from the process. About one third of it is further
processed by catalytic hydrotreating with pure hydrogen to reduce its
sulfur content to 0.2%.
B.2.2.3 Hydrotreating
The primary product stream of filtered reactor liquid is
fractionated to give naphtha and a light distillate, both of which are
further'hydrotreated. Heat for distillation is provided by a furnace
which generates a significant amount of flue gas. Since product gas is
used as fuel, it should be practical to meet the emissions requirement
for laree stationary boilers with regard to sulfur, particulates, NOX,
and CO.
The product hydrotreating section also uses furnaces for pre-
heating before the reactor and on stripping the product. The comment
made on the distillation furnace applies here also. Hydrogen compression
is included in this section, and since it involves high pressure, the
possibility of leaks requires special consideration as discussed previously.
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When the high pressure liquid products are depressured a
considerable amount of dissolved gas is released, which should be recovered
or used for fuel. Similarly, when the sour water is depressured, gas will
be released which would cause a serious odor problem if vented to the air.
Facilities are, therefore, needed to recover this gas and send it to
the sulfur plant.
B.2.3 Acid Gas Removal
Separate acid gas removal units are provided on: the gas recycled
to the reactor, product fuel gas, after the gasifier, and in hydrogen manu-
facture. Amine scrubbing is used to remove sulfur from the recycle gas to
aid desulfurization, and on the product gas so as to provide clean fuel for
use in the plant. Scrubbing removes H2S which goes to a sulfur plant. It
is expected that there will be other forms of sulfur present such as carbonyl
sulfide which will not be removed effectively by amine scrubbing. This is
particularly true for the gasification system supplying raw gas for hydrogen
manufacture since the high CO content of the gas results in a high formation
of COS, as much as 10% of the total sulfur content in some similar systems.
This will be removed by caustic scrubbing but creates a very large amount
of spent caustic that needs disposal. Some work has been reported on
hydrolyzing COS etc. to I^S over catalyst, prior to amine scrubbing, which
would improve the situation. Scrubbing the raw gas with hot carbonate
may be preferrable, as it should remove COS without consuming caustic.
Perhaps a better alternative is to use the low Btu gas from gasification
as plant fuel where the clean-up requirements are less stringent, and then
make hydrogen from product gas using well demonstrated technology.
B.2.4 Hydrogen Manufacture
In the section making pure hydrogen for hydrotreating, all CO
in the feed gas is shifted with steam and the C02 scrubbed out using the
proprietary Benfield hot carbonate process. This makes a concentrated
C02 stream which is vented to the atmosphere (809 tpd C02>, and assurance
is needed that it is low enough in sulfur, mist, and chemicals, etc., to be
acceptable, and that it is vented in a way to avoid hazards. One concern
is that various sulfur and other compounds from gasification may be removed
along with C02 and contaminate the C02 vent stream. Additional facilities
may be required to clean up this stream, and we have added a scrubbing
system for this purpose to recover sulfur compounds. These compounds are
then combined with the feed to the Glaus plant for processing.
B.2.5 Gasification and Slag Disposal
In this section, synthesis gas is made by reacting a slurry of
the filter cake with steam and oxygen in a slagging gasifier. The filter
cake contains residual ash from the coal amounting to 713 tons per day,
together with 818 tpd of unreacted char, and is mixed with 1530 tpcl of
oil to form a pumpnble slurry. Oxygen consumption is 1964 tpd whllo the
total steam rate to gasification is 1837 tpd and the steam conversion
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657o. The gasifier operates at 1700°F in the top zone, 3000°F in the
bottom zone, and 200 psig. It is a modification of a system under
development known as BI-GAS. Molten slag is removed at the bottom and
quenched to form steam which is returned to the gasifier, while excess
water forms a slurry with the fragmented slag so that it can be with-
drawn.
Of the oil-filter cake slurry charged to gasification, 30% of
it goes to a top zone where the temperature is 1700°F. Consequently,
small amounts of tar or oil and soot may be present, in which case additional
recovery facilities may be required due to problems with exchanger fouling,
emulsion, etc. The design does provide a cyclone to recover dry char from
the raw gas and recycle it to the 3000°F zone, since the cake is not
completely gasified in one pass. A venturi scrubber is included for final
dust removal.
The main effluents to the air from this section are from two
furnaces preheating the feed streams to gasification. These furnaces
fire clean gas so that there should be no problem in meeting target
emissions, as discussed in the section on Product Handling and Hydrotreating.
One furnace preheats clean steam to 1050°F for feeding to the top of
the gasifier along with 30% of the slurry feed. The other furnace heats
recycle char suspended in gas and steam, for feeding to the 2000°F zone
along with the other 70% of the slurry feed.
Sour water from scrubbing the raw gas contains sulfur compounds,
ammonia, phenols, etc. This stream is treated before discharge to extract
phenols, and goes to a sour water stripper which removes light gases
that are sent to the sulfur plant. It then flows through oil separators
and to a biox pond.
The slag quenching operation is described in general terms,
and the SOOO^F gasifier zone is segregated from the. water slurry,
quenching zone. No specific facilities are shown for particle size
control, such as grinding, and the system depends on the shattering
effect of quenching to form a pumpable slurry.
The design provides a slag storage pile in the coal storage
area, prior to back-hauling it to the mine. Since the slag is removed
as a slurry, it will have to be drained and stacked. Some of the slag
may be very fine, consequently there could be dust problems when it dries
out. The extent of odors and sulfur emissions in this operation needs
to be determined. Also, vater from draining must be recovered and reused,
since it will contain considerable suspended solids. It can be
recirculated through the storm pond, provided this does not cause
secondary pollution problems due to odors or leachable materials.
B.2.6 Auxiliary Facilities
In addition to the main process, various auxiliary facilities
are needed,such as the oxygen plant, sulfur plant, utilities, water
treating, and product storage, which must be considered from the
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standpoint of effluents to the air. The oxygen plant is a large consumer
of power and therefore has an important effect on thermal efficiency and
energy consumption. One approach uses electric drives on the main air
compressor, but where clean fuel is available a flue gas turbine
may be more attractive. Or a high pressure bleeder steam turbine
can be used, for example generating steam at 600 psig or higher and
depressuring it through the turbine to say 125 psig to supply steam
for reboilers on acid gas removal, preheating, etc. When a specific
plant design is made, it will be important to optimize the utilities
system.
The sulfur plant uses a Glaus unit, with tail gas clean-up.
Concentration of H2S in the feed is only 7.7 mole percent, resulting
in a low sulfur recovery on the Glaus unit. Therefore an efficient
tail gas clean-up system is needed and there are a number of available
processes to choose from. The design is based on using the proprietary
Beavon process to reduce residual sulfur compounds to H2S, which
is then removed in a Stretford type scrubbing operation. Other systems
could be used for tail gas clean-up such as the IFF, Takahax, Wellman-Lord
or Scot processes. Vent gas from the tail gas clean-up operation can be
vented to the atmosphere without incineration in some cases.
The Stretford type process uses a scrubbing liquid containing
catalyst to oxidize H2S to free sulfur. The scrubbing liquid is then
reoxidized by blowing with air, and precautions must be taken to avoid
release of odors or entrained liquid etc. to the atmosphere. This air
effluent should pass through an incinerator or furnace unless it is clear
that H2$ and other emissions will be acceptable.
Product sulfur may be handled and stored as a liquid in
completely enclosed equipment to avoid emissions. If it is handled
and stored as a solid, control of dusting will be required.
The largest volume of discharge to the atmosphere from the
utility area is on the cooling tower. Air flow through it is about
31,000 MM cfd, and it is therefore critical from the standpoint
of pollutants. It might be expected that the recirculated cooling
water would be perfectly clean and free of contaminants, however,
experience shows that there will be appreciable leakage in exchangers
and occasionally tube failures, especially with high pressure operations
In the present design cooling water is exchanged with oil, sour water,
raw gas, amines, etc.; therefore, contaminants may get into the
circulating cooling water and then be transferred to the air in the
cooling tower, which necessarily provides effective contacting and
stripping.
Cooling towers also have a potential problem due to drift
loss, that is mist or spray which is carried out with the effluent
air. Since this contains dissolved solids it can result in deposits
when the mist settles and evaporates. In addition there is a
potential plume or fog problem, if the atmospheric conditions are
such that moisture in the air leaving the cooling tower condenses
upon mixing with cooler ambient air. This occurs whenever the mix
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temperature is below that corresponding to saturation. Although
reheating the effluent air will prevent the plume, it is not normally
warranted and consumes energy unless it can be accomplished using
waste heat.
The utilities section includes a boiler to provide steam
and electric power. It has a large gas effluent, so that
emissions of dust, sulfur, NOX and CO must be controlled. The
large fuel consumption of the boiler has a correspondingly large
effect on thermal efficiency of the overall plant.
Thermal efficiency of any coal conversion process must take
into account the fuel consumed in utilities generation, since this can
amount to 15-25% of the main process. In general it is desirable to
burn low grade fuel such as char or coal rather than high value product
gas or liquid. In the case of the SRC process its purpose is to produce
clean boiler fuel so that it is reasonable to use this product to supply
utilities fuel, as required. It is important to achieve high efficiency
in generating utilities and the combined cycle is, therefore, receiving
a lot of attention. In the combined cycle, a gas or liquid fuel is burned
at perhaps 10 atmospheres pressure, giving hot gases which are passed
through a turbine to generate electric power and then to a boiler generating
high pressure steam. Solid fuel, such as coal, can also be used by
gasifying the coal and cleaning up the raw gas to provide low Btu gas
fuel for the turbine. Such alternatives need to be evaluated carefully
in each specific application in order to define the best combination.
i?our water from liquefaction contains compounds with strong
odors, such as phenols, H2S, and ammonia. In the waste water treating
section, phenols, etc. are extracted from the sour water by contacting
it with a light oil, which is then recycled through catalytic hydro-
genation to destroy compounds containing oxygen or nitrogen. The raf-
finate is then stripped to remove. I^S, ammonia, and traces of oil and
solvent which are disposed of to the sulfur plant. Ammonia might be
recovered as a by-product. However, most of the nitrogen in the coal
remains in the oil product and, therefore, the production of ammonia is
small.
Depending upon the efficiency of the extraction and stripping
operations, the level of contaminants in the waste water may be reduced
to a level low enough to be acceptable without over-loading the biox unit.
An oil separator is provided ahead of the biox. Except for this and the
biox unir, these facilities are all enclosed in order to avoid any direct
effluents to the atmosphere. Sour water from the gasification and product
hydrotreating areas is also stripped to remove HoS and ammonia prior to
discharging to the biox unit.
In view of the very strong odor created by phenols and by
components in the sour water, careful consideration should be given
to this in planning and designing all plant facilities. All oil-water
separators should be covered to contain odors, and it is possible that
the biox unit will also need to be covered. Further experimental data
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should be obtained to define the requirements for this. The SRC oil
product contains various oxygenated compounds, including phenols and
cresols, as well as relatively large amounts of nitrogen compounds such as
pyfidine types. These have very strong odors and can create problems in
handling and storage.
If the product is solidified by cooling in a prilling tower
with direct contact with air, obnoxious fumes can be formed (similar
to those generated in asphalt oxidation). These cannot be discharged
to the atmosphere and might be incinerated, or gas recirculation could
be used with indirect cooling. An alternative is to solidify the product
on a metal belt which is cooled by exchange with water. Instead of making
a solid product, it could be kept hot above the melting point and handled
as a liquid, in which case it will be important to exclude air from the
storage and handling facilities. Tests on similar type materials have
shown that oxidation reactions induce polymerization, resulting in a large
increase in viscosity, and potential gum and asphaltic deposits. Storage
tanks are needed with inert gas purge which is vented to the incinerator
to control emissions and odors.
This design has a rather large waste water discharge amounting
to 30% of the make-up. This includes boiler feed-water blow down, cooling
tower blow down, sour water to biox, and the water from sanitary sewers.
The total waste water discharge is 1,064 gpm compared to the make-up of
3,626 gpm. It appears that much of the water blow down could be treated
and reused without reaching excessive levels of dissolved solids in the
cooling tower circuit. Thus, the boiler blow down of 120 gpm can be used
as make up to the cooling tower. Evaporation from the cooling tower
is about 1800 gpm and it would be expected that the water blow down rate
could be appreciably less than the 600 gpm provided, without having too
much build-up in dissolved solids. The best disposition of the
water effluent from the plant will depend upon its location and the
specific situation. It might be used to slurry the ash and solid refuse
from coal cleaning for return to the mine, or it may be acceptable to
discharge it to a river. Composition of the major components in this
discharge water are needed in a specific case in order to determine
whether the method of disposal will be satisfactory.
B.3 H-Coal Process
B.3.1 General
In the H-Coal process, coal is reacted catalytlcally with hydrogen
in a slurry system to make synthetic crude. The process can also be used
to make low sulfur fuel oil by operating at lower severity. For syncrude
operation, reaction conditions are about 850°F and high pressure, such as
2000 psig. Syncrude production is 91,240 barrells/day for the plant
feeding 25,000 tons/day of dry coal to the H-Coal reactor. An overall
flowplan for the process is shown in Figure B.3.1.
An ebullating bed reactor is used wherein the slurry of coal
and catalyst in oil is agitated by bubbling hydrogen gas through it. Size
of the catalyst is large relative to the coal, so thati although the catalyst
-------
Dryer
Vent
Gas
To.Plant Fuel:
Coal to
___ Recycle Hydrogen
Vacuum Bottoms;
Oil
Carbon
Ash
Coal Feed
Illinois No. 6
10% Moisture
C
ms :
•> Gaslfi
f— +
\ A
earn
Oxygen N1(
1
Oxyger
Plant
1
^^ Coal
tion
oal _.
.. - Dust
^ Separatic
1
Ash
rogen Sulfur
\ t
i Sulfur
Plant
Utility Boiler
1 . Coal
^ feeding
dry coal
1
Recycle Oil
Sulfur
Slurry
Lique-
faction
1 t
Hydrogen
Gas
Cleanup
1 t 1
HoS Stream Steam Sour Water
Flue
Gas Ash Moist Air slowdown Water j^
t t f t t t
Utility Cooling
Boiler Tower
Waste
Water
Treating
Gas and Vapors
1 Slurry
Recycle
Oil *«•
Vent Gas:
«^_
•»-
C02
Hater
Sludge
t t
Makeup
Water
Treating
Ligh
~>
Separate
t Oil ,
1 '
A
Gas 1
r- <^ 1 .^
Net Clean
Fuel Gas
^Sour Water \
H2S Stream
Liquid |
tion 1
HeavyT Oil
""•• synthetic crude
Vacuum *~
Hstlllatiot
Bottoms Slurry
to Gasifler
Oil
Storage
1 t t
Air
Stream
Coal Limestone Air Makeup Waste Water
Water
Water
Figure B.3.1
Block Flow Plan of H-Coal Plant for Coal Liquefaction
O
I
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- 261 -
is fluidized, it is retained in the reactor and is not carried out with
the liquid oil sidestream leaving the reactor. In addition, a gas stream
is withdrawn separately from the reactor top.
The following subsections describe the various operations in the
overall plant. These can be conviently grouped into several areas covering
coal preparation and handling, coal liquefaction, gas separation and. cleatxup,
liquid product recovery, hydrogen manufacture, and auxiliary facilities such
as utilities, water treating, oxygen plant, and sulfur plant. This grouping
will be followed through the report.
B.3.2 Main Liquefaction Stream
B.3.2.1 Coal Preparation and Feeding
This study assumes that cleaned coal is delivered to the plant,
consequently the facilities and environmental concerns associated with coal
cleaning will be at a different location, and therefore are not covered.
Coal cleaning generates considerable amounts of solid refuse to dispose of
and wash water to be cleaned up for reuse. A very large coal storage pile
is included, having 30 days supply for example.
Coal feed having a nominal 10% moisture is sent first to a dryer
where essentially all moisture is removed, and the coal is then crushed
through 40 mesh. Crushed coal is mixed with recycle oil to form a slurry
that can be pumped into the high pressure hydrogeaation system. In addition,
part of the dried coal goes to the gasifier so that hydrogen production can
be increased to balance consumption, and dried coal also supplies the fuel
used on the utility boiler.
B.3.2.2 Liquefaction Section
The coal slurry, together with makeup and recycle hydrogen, goes
to a preheat furnace and then to the H-Coal reactor where 'hydrogenation takes
place in the presence of an ebullating bed of coarse catalyst particles.
About 96% of the carbon in the coal is converted to liquid or gas products,
while the remaining carbon is retained in the ash which is withdrawn! as a
sidestreao from the reactor in the form of a slurry with product oil. Part
of this slurry is recirculated to the bottom of the reactor to maintain
desired flow conditions.
Gases are withdrawn as a separate stream from the top of the
reactor - part of the gas being recycled to the reactor inlet after cleanup
to remove sulfur compounds. The remaining gas is withdrawn as a product
from the process, and part of it is used to supply clean fuel to the coal
dryer, reactor preheat furnace, and tail gas incinerator on the Glaus plant.
In the gas cleanup operation, water and oil are condensed from, the gases
leaving the reactor. The resulting sour water is sent to waste water
treating while the oil is combined with the main liquid product.
The naia oil product is withdrawn from the reactor via a liquid
phase settling zone within the reactor so that the large catalyst particles
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are separated from the oil product and retained in the reactor. The with-
drawn liquid contains ash and unreacted coal particles which are segregated
by vacuum distillation into the heaviest bottom fraction of the oil. This
vacuum bottoms is used to make hydrogen for the process by gasification with
oxygen and steam.
Heat is recovered from the hot effluents leaving the reactor, and
used to preheat feed streams or to make steam. Hydrogenation is an exothermic
reaction, giving an estimated heat release for this study case of 700 MM
Btu/hr, corresponding to 7700 Btu/lb hydrogen consumed, which heat; is also
recovered and used.
B.3.2.3 Gas Separation and Cleanup
A gas and vapor stream is withdrawn froa the top of the liquefaction
reactor, above the liquid level. It is substantially free of entraised
liquid, and therefore contains little or no solids. Upon cooling, oil and
water condense out and are separated. The sour water is sent to waste water
treating, while part of the oil is recycled to fora a slurry with the coal
feed and the remainder of the oil is included in the final syncrude product.
The gas after condensation is cleaned up to remove sulfur compounds
which are. sent to sulfur recovery. Part of the clean gas is recycled to the
H-Oil unit to supply hydrogen, and the rest is available as byproduct fuel . .
gas or for plant fuel. The process used for removing sulfur from the gas,
is assumed to be scrubbing with an aqueous solution of amine, although hot
carbonate could be used instead.
B.3.2.4 Liquid Product Recovery
A liquid stream is drawn off separately from the reactor, consisting
of a slurry of ash and unreacted coal in heavy oil. This slurry is distilled
under vacuum to produce a clean light distillate oil, part of which is ".
recycled for slurrying the coal feed while the remainder is withdrawn as
syncrude product along with some of the light oil condensed from the gases
leaving the reactor.
Heavy bottoms from the vacuum tower, containing ash and unreacted
coal, is used to make hydrogen in a partial oxidation gasifier.
B.3.3 Hydrogen Manufacture
A partial oxidation system is used for manufacturing hydrogen,
consuming as raw material the slurry of vacuum bottoms which may otherwise
present a disposal problem. The developer has indicated that a Texaco type
partial oxidation process is used, since this type of gasifier is exoected
to be able to handle such a feedstock whereas some alternative processes
may not be able to.
*
The amount of vacuum bottoms is not sufficient to make all of the
hydrogen needed, so some coal feed is also sent to the gasifier, adding to
the coal consumption -for the plant. Oxygen for gasification is supplied by
an onsite oxygen plant, while the required steam is provided from waste
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heat boilers. The gasification reactor operates at slagging conditions,
over 2000°F, and 500 psig pressure.
Raw gas is quenched and then scrubbed with water to remove
particulatea including ash and soot. Water condensed at this point contains
a wida spectrum of contaminants including ammonia, HCN and other nitrogen
compounds, various sulfur compounds, phenols, etc., this sour water is seat
to waste water cleanup.
Sulfur compounds are removed from the gas in the next processing
step by scrubbing with amine. Some C02 is also removed but this is
incidental. Amine solution from the absorber is regenerated in a stripping
tower with raboiler. The-sulfur containing gas stream from amine regeneration
is sent to a Glaus plant for sulfur recovery. Tail gas cleanup is includad,
as is common practice, so that the sulfur plant will meet emission require-
ments .
The clean desulfurized gas is reheated and mixed with supplemental
steam for processing in the shift- conversion reactor. After shifting, the
gas is cooled, and scrubbed to remove C(>2 using one of the available con-
ventional systems such as hot carbonate. The C02 stream is vented to the
atmosphere as a waste product.
Finally, the product hydrogen is compressed and fed to the
hydroliquefaction reactor which operates at about 2000 psig.
B.3.4 Auxiliary Facilities
The discussion so far has described the basic processing units
used in a plant for hydroliquefaction of coal. In addition, auxiliary
facilities are needed such as an oxygen plant, sulfur plant, and utilities
systems to supply steam, electric power, and water. Waste water treating
is also required. In addition to contributing effluents and emissions, these
auxiliary facilities may also consume additional fuel in the form of coal
or clean products from the process.
Oxygen is made by liquefaction of air, giving a waste stream
of nitrogen that is clean and can be vented directly to the atmosphere.
A sulfur plant is needed to recover by-product sulfur from the various
sulfur compounds removed in the gas cleanup operations on the H-Oil unit
and in hydrogen manufacture. A Claus type sulfur plant is used, with tail
gas cleanup in order to meet environmental requirements. Total, sulfur
production amounts to 1295 tons/day.
In order to make the plant self-sufficient, utility steam and
electric power are generated for use in the process so that purchase of
utilities is avoided.
Utility steam is generated at 1000 psig pressure and used to
drive the turbogenerator and compressors. In some cases, bleeder turbines
are used in order to balance out the generation and consumption of steam at
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600 psig and 70 psig. Coal is used as fuel in the utility boiler, on the
basis that stack gas cleanup will be provided to control emissions of
sulfur and particulates. The amount of coal used in the boiler is 3020
tons/day on a dry basis, giving 299 tons of ash to dispose of.
Water is used for cooling, primarily to condense steam from tur-
bines or on overhead condensers. Cooling water is recirculated at 200,000
gpm through a cooling tower where about three-quarters of the heat is
dissipated by evaporation, and the remainder is taken up as sensible heat
of the air passing through.
Waste water from the hydroliquefaction section contains a wide
range of pollutants including H^S and other sulfur compounds, nitrogen
compounds such as ammonia, HCN, pyridines, etc., phenols and other
oxygenated compounds, plus suspended solids, oil, and tar. It would not
be acceptable to discharge such water directly from the plant; therefore
it is cleaned up and reused. Cleanup of waste water involves the following
operations:
• Settling and filtration to remove solids.
* Extraction of phenols using a suitable solvent.
• Soiir water stripping to remove H2S, NH3, and other
low boiling materials.
• Biological oxidation (biox) to consume residual small
amounts of various contaminants, which are converted to
cellular sludge. . -
• Activated carbon adsorption, if needed, for final polishing.
• Possibly special treatment for trace elements.
Asssonia will be. recovered as a by-product, amount-ing.to 205 tons/day while
other contaminants removed from the waste water, '.such as E^S and phenols
can be sent to the sulfur plant for incineration, or returned to the process
where they can be converted and destroyed.
Treated waste water is used as cooling tower makeup, supplemented
by boiler blowdown and fresh water. Slowdown from the cooling tower con-
stitutes the net water discharge from the plant amounting to 5100 tons/day
(850 gpm). This blowdown, together with drift loss from the cooling tower,
serves to purge dissolved solids from the system so as to prevent excessive
buildup in the cooling water circuit.
Fresh water makeup is supplied to the cooling tower, as well as
to boiler feed water preparation. Combined, these amount to 37,680 tons/day
or 6300 gpm, which is the overall water consumption of the plant. Treating
of makeup water includes lime softening and clarification, plus demineraliza-
tion on the portion going to boiler feed water.
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- 265 -
APPENDIX C
Process Descriptions - Coal Treating
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- 266 -
APPENDIX C
PROCESS DESCRIPTIONS - COAL TREATING
In this appendix on Coal Treating, only the Meyers Process has
been investigated in depth. A summary description is included here.
For a more detailed description, see the process report.
C. 1 Meyers Process
C.I.I General
In the Meyers process, the pyrites in the coal are removed by
reaction with ferric sulfate in a solution containing ferric and ferrous
sulfates and sulfuric acid. The ferric ion is continuously regenerated
by reaction of oxygen arid ferrous ion. The elemental sulfur product is
extracted with an organic solvent. The iron product from the pyrites is
removed as solid ferric and ferrous sulfates.
A block flow diagram of the basic Meyers process is shown in
Figure C.I.
C.I.2 Main Process Streams
C.I.2.1 Coal Storage and Preparation
ROM coal, 8 in. X 0, is received at the plant and stored. Three
days storage (7920 tons, wet) has been suggested. This quantity of coal
would probably be stored in silos with nitrogen blanketing. It would
probably be advisable to store more coal (e.g., 30 days supply) in a
"permanent" pile for emergency use. This pile could be covered with
asphalt and used only in case of mine outage.
The ROM coal is conveyed to pulverizers where the coal is reduced
to 80% less than 200 mesh. The coal from the pulverizers is then fed to
the Reaction Section.
It is not necessary to dry the coal as it is subsequently
slurried in a water solution. It is assumed that covered conveyers will
be used throughout to minimize dust problems. The coal dimunition
equipment can be enclosed, with air vented to bag filters. This will
reduce outside noise as well as provide for dust containment.
C.I.2.2 Reactor Section
Pulverized coal is mixed with recycled leach solution in a flow
through mixing tank. The mixing vessel is maintained at about 210°F. The
slurry is continually pumped from the mixing vessel to one of 10 reactor
vessels.
-------
Feed Coal
Coal Storage and
Preparation Section
Reaction
Section
Sulfur Removal
Section
Iron Sulfate
Recovery Section
Product
Drying
Section
Product
Coal
Sulfur
Recovery
Section
I
10
Oxygen
Plant
Makeup
Water
Treatment
Cooling
Tower
Steam and
Power
Generation
Figure C.I
Flow Diagram of Meyers Process
-------
- 268 -
In the reactor vessels, the slurry is contacted with oxygen at
about 300°F. The pyritic sulfur is 95% converted to elemental sulfur and
sulfate in the reactor vessels. The reactions taking place in the reactors
are shown below:
Leaching Reactions
(1) FeS2 + Fe2(S04)3 •> 3FeS04 + 2S
(2) FeS2 + 7Fe2(S04)3 + 8H20 •*• 15FeS04
Since the net S04:S production from FeS2 is approximately 1.5:1, the over-
all leaching reaction is:
(3) FeS2 + 4.6Fe2(S04)3 + 4.8H20 -> 10.2FeS04 + 4.8H2S04 + 0.8S
Regeneration Reaction
(4) 9.6FeS04 + 4.8H2S04 + 2.402 + 4.8Fe2(S04)3 + 4.8H20
Net Overall Reaction
(5) FeS2 + 2.402 0.2Fe2(S04>3 + 0.6FeS04 + 0.8S
The excess ferric and ferrous sulfates must be removed from the
system. The slurry is cooled by heat exchange with fresh feed and then
by cooling water and is pumped to the Sulfur Removal Section.
C.I. 2. 3 Sulfur Removal Section
In the Sulfur Removal Section, approximately 60% of the leach
solution is removed in hydroclones and recycled to the Reaction Section.
The remaining leach solution is removed by filtration and is passed to
the Iron Sulfate Recovery Section.
The wet filter cake is washed with water and then mixed with
recycle solvent (e.g., light naphtha) at 160°F and most of the elemental
sulfur is dissolved. The resulting slurry is filtered to remove the
cleaned coal which passes to the Product Drying Section. The sulfur-rich
solvent is separated from water by decantation and passes to the Sulfur
Recovery Section.
C.I. 2. 4 Product Drying Section
The treated coal, containing about 25% moisture and 5% solvent
(dry basis), is conducted to the drying section. The coal is partially
dried under vacuum; the sensible heat of the coal is sufficient to remove
all the solvent and about 20% of the water. The vapors are returned to
the Sulfur Removal Section where they are condensed in a water cooled
vessel. The water and solvent are separated by decantation and reused in
the process. The coal product, containing 20% moisture (dry basis) then
leaves the process .
-------
- 269 -
C.I.2.5 Sulfur Recovery Section
The sulfur-laden solvent and miscellaneous solvent and water
streams are passed to the Sulfur Recovery Section. The solvent is removed
from the sulfur by distillation and the sulfur leaves the process. Water
and rich solvent are separated by decantation. The water is recycled
to the Reaction Section and the solvent is returned to the Sulfur Removal
Section. Makeup water and solvent are added to the system through the
Sulfur Recovery Section.
C.I.2.6 Iron Sulfate Recovery Section
The water filtrate from filtration in the Sulfur Removal Section
passes to the Iron Sulfate Recovery Section. Since the process produces
iron from the pyrites, it is necessary to remove iron from the system. The
filtrate is heated to about 265°F, and some of the water is flashed
overhead. Part of the steam thus formed is returned to the Reaction
Section and part passes to the Sulfur Recovery Section. The remaining
slurry of iron sulfates is filtered at 215°F to produce an iron sulfate
filter cake for disposal. The filtrate is returned to the Reaction
Section.
C.I.3 Auxiliary Facilities
The auxiliary facilities in the complex include an oxygen plant,
raw water treatment, cooling towers and steam and power generating
facilities. These auxiliary units must be considered to evaluate effluent
problems and overall thermal efficiency.
The oxygen plant is a major consumer of power and there is a
large gaseous effluent. It has been assumed in the present design that
an extraction turbine, using 600 psig steam, is used to drive the air
compressor in the oxygen plant. The extraction steam, at 115 psig, is
utilized in the rest of the plant.
A raw water treatment system is provided to furnish makeup
water to the steam boiler and cooling tower. Cooling tower blowdown is
sent to an evaporation pond. Product coal is burned in the steam plant.
The use of product in the boiler furnace affects the thermal efficiency
of the overall plant. Control of particulate matter can be effected by
the use of commercial electrostatic precipitators, cyclones and/or
scrubbers.
-------
- 270 -
APPENDIX D
Trace Elements in Petroleum and Shale
-------
- 271 -
APPENDIX D
TRACE ELEMENTS IN PETROLEUM AND SHALE
D.I Domestic Crude Oils
Approximately two-thirds of domestic crude oil production is
obtained from a relatively small number of large oil fields, sometimes
termed "giant" fields.* Generally, U.S. giant fields are defined as
those possessing reserves in excess of 100,000,000 bbl. (Some of the
older fields which have been in continual production may now possess
reserves less than this level. Additionally, certain large new fields
may presently be shut in or in a state of development thereby accounting
for their relatively low production.) These large oil fields are res-
ponsible for a majority of U.S. oil production and they are also
representative of the nation's total oil production. This occurs
because many smaller oil fields in close proximity to the giant fields
possess very similar characteristics including similar trace element
concentrations. In practice, the production of these smaller fields is
generally combined with that from the large fields in the pipe line net-
works that grid oil producing regions. Thus, the oil arriving at
refineries is a mixture, dominated by production of the giant fields.
Consequently, for practical purposes, the characteristics of the larger
fields characterize the great bulk of all domestic petroleum production.
D.I.I Sulfur and Nitrogen Data
Because of the prominence of the giant fields, their crudes
have been subject to much of the trace element data that are available.
Sulfur and nitrogen data for crude oils from these fields are the most
complete and consequently will be considered separately. Of a total of
259 giant U.S. oil fields, sulfur data were obtained for 251 fields
(96.9%) and nitrogen data were acquired for 229 fields (88.4%). On a
production basis, sulfur data covered 94.6% of giant field's production,
and the nitrogen data 88.5%. Most of the sulfur and nitrogen data were
obtained from Bureau of Mines sources through either publications or open
files of crude oil analyses.
In assembling this compilation, data from published, widely
available sources were utilized in preference to data from less avail-
able sources. Consequently, published Bureau of Mines data took pre-
cedence over Bureau of Mines open file analysis data. An average was
obtained when duplicate BuMines data were available for a given field.
Data officially published by the Bureau were used in preference to those
appearing elseswhere, even if the authors of these other works were
Bureau personnel. The giant field sulfur and nitrogen data follow in
Table D.I.
"Giant field" is a relative term. Of the current producers, the two
largest are the Wilmington (California) and East Texas fields. Each
produces approximately 70-75 thousands barrels per day. This may be
contrasted with the Ghawar field in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest,
which has a production level more than ten fold greater than Wilmington.
Reserves of the Ghawar field are estimated to approach 70 billion
barrels.
-------
- 272 -
The data presented in Table D.I were evaluated on both a pro-
duction and a geometric average basis. These evaluations are discussed
below by element.
Sulfur - The sulfur data were plotted as a histogram. The
resulting frequency distribution is shown as Figure D.I. In this figure,
each sulfur percentage increment covers a range centering on the value
shown. For example, the sulfur value of 0.3 covers a range of 0.25
to 0.3499% sulfur. The sulfur data are log normally distributed about
the 0.2% level, although the distribution possesses a long tail. A
distribution of this type is the classic one found for the distribution
of many trace elements in the earth's crust.
The geometric mean of the sulfur data as calculated from
Table D.I was 0.42%. A production average calculated from this same
data was 0.77% S, indicating that certain large production fields
possessed a greater than average sulfur content. Crudes possessing
a sulfur level of <0.1 were treated as if this level were 0.1 for cal-
culation purposes.
The sulfur data ranged from less than 0.1% for a number of
fields in southern Texas near the Gulf Coast (Texas Railroad Commission
Corpus Christi District 4) to 5.07% and 4.99% for the Cat Canyon West
and Santa Maria Valley fields of the coastal area of California.
Nitrogen - A histogram of the nitrogen data is shown in Figure
D.2. As with the sulfur graph, each nitrogen percentage increment is
centered on the value shown so that the value of 0.25 covers a range of
0.24 to 0.2599% N. Once again the data appear to be log normally dis-
tributed with a long tail. The modal value occurs at 0.03% N.
The geometric mean of the nitrogen data of Table D.I was
0.028%. This is in contrast to a production average of 0.159%. As
with sulfur content, substantial production from high nitrogen content
fields has made the production average greater than the geometric mean.
The lowest nitrogen level, 0.002%, was observed for crude
from the recently discovered Jay field in Florida. The highest, 0.913%,
was found for crude from the San Ardo field in the coastal region of
California. It is well known that many California crudes possess very
high nitrogen as well as sulfur levels. Consequently, it was not unexpected
that all crudes possessing nitrogen levels above 0.5% were from California.
D.I.2 Other Trace Element Data
With the exception of sulfur and nitrogen, the Bureau of Mines
has not performed trace element analysis as part of their routine analyses
of crude oils. This factor, coupled with the lack of widespread pub-
lished data in this area from other sources, means that a large gap
exists in reliable information on trace elements. Consequently, no
complete trace element distribution is possible even for the giant fields.
-------
- 273 -
Table D.I
Sulfur and Nitrogen Content
of The Giant U.S. Oil Fields
^State/Region and Field
ALABAMA
Citronelle
Sulfur, Nitrogen,
Weight Weight
Percent Percent
0.38
ALASKA
Granite Point
McArthur River
Middle Ground Shoal
Prudhoe Bay (North Slope)
Swanson River
APPALACHIAN
Allegany
Bradford
ARKANSAS
Magnolia
Schuler and East
Smackover
CALIFORNIA
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
Belridge South
Buena Vista
Coalinga
Coalinga Nose
Coles Levee North
Cuyama South-
Cymric
Edison
Elk Hills
Fruitvale
Greeley
Kern Front
Kern River
Kettleman North Dome
Lost Hills
McKittrick - Main Area
Midway Sunset
Mount Poso
Rio Bravo
COASTAL AREA
Carpenteria Offshore
Cat Canyon West
Dos Cuadras
Elwood
* Oil and Gas Journal, January
0.02
0.16
0.05
1.07
0.16
0.12
0.11
0.90
1.55
2.10
0.02
0.039
0.160
0.119
0.23
0.203
0.028
0.010
0.02
0.112
0.08
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
6,390
5,552
40,683
11,277
1,076
11,709
388
2,470
850
800
2,800
0.23
0.59
0.43
0.25
0.39
0.42
1.16
0-20
0.68
0.93
0.31
0.85
1.19
0.40
0.33
0.96
0.94
0.68
0.35
__
5.07
0.773
—
0.303
0.194
0.309
0.337
0.63
0.446
0.472
0.527
0.266
0.676
0.604
0.212
0.094
0.67
0.42
0.475
0-158
__
0.54
—
__
9,211
5,429
7,866
4,752
1,006
2,034
3,345
1,417
951
1,109
761
3,440
25,542
840
2,328
5,348
33,583
1,378
425
5,295
2,705
27,739
108
31, 1972 pp. 95-100.
-------
- 274 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
Orcutt
Rincon
San Ardo
Sanca Ynez***
Santa Maria Valley
South Mountain
Ventura
LOS ANGELES BASIN
Beverly Hills
Brea Olinda
Coyote East
Coyote West
Dominguez
Huntington Beach
Inglewood
Long Beach
Montebello
Richfield
Santa Fe Springs
Seal Beach
Torrance
Wilmington
COLORADO
Rangely
FLORIDA
Jay
ILLINOIS
Clay City
Dale
Loudon
New Harmony
Salem
KANSAS
Bemis-Shutts
Chase-Silica
Eldorado
Hall-Gurney
Kraft-Prusa
Trapp
LOUISIANA
NORTH
Black Lake
Caddo-Pine Island
Delhi
Haynesville (Ark.-La.)
Homer
Lake St. John
Rodessa (La.-Tex.)
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
2.48
0.40
2.25
4.99
2.79
0.94
2.45
0.75
0.95
0.82
0.40
1.57
2.50
1.29
0.68
1.86
0.33
0.55
1.84
1.44
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
0.525
0-48
0.913
0.56
—
0.413
0.612
0.525
0.336
0.347
0.360
0.648
0.640
0.55
0.316
0.575
0.271
0.394
0.555
0.65
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
2,173
4,580
9,939
1,966
1,962
10,188
8,400
4,228
864
2,436
1,717
16,249
3,992
3,183
740
1,910
953
1,468
1,338
72,859
0.56
0.32
0.19
0.15
0.27
0.23
0.17
0.57
0.44
0.18
0.34
Q.27
0.41
0.37
0.82
0.66
0.83
0.17
0.46
0.073
0.002
0.082
0.080
0.097
0.158
0.102
0.162
0.13
O.Q85
0.108
0.171
0.076
0.026
0.053
0.022
0.081
0.032
10,040
370
4,650
690
4,420
2,740
3,360
2,590
1,600
1,500
2,480
3,200
1,930
3,500
5,870
2,730
330
1,170
900
* Oil and Gas Journal, January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100.
*** Undeveloped field, Santa Barbara Channel. Uncorroborated
estimate of reserves of 1 to 3 billion bbl.
-------
- 275 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
OFFSHORE
Bay Marchand Block 2
(Incl. onshore)
Eugene Island Block 126
Grand Isle Block 16
Grand Isle Block 43
Grand Isle Block 47
Main Pass Block 35
Main Pass Block 41
Main Pass Block 69
Ship Shoal Block 208
South Pass Block 24
(Incl. onshore)
South Pass Block 27
Timbalier S. Block 135
Timbalier Bay
(Incl. onshore)
West Delta Block 30
West Delta Block 73
SOUTH, ONSHORE
Avery Island
Bay De Chene
Bay St. Elaine
Bayou Sale
Black Bay West
Caillou Island
(Incl. offshore)
Cote Blanche Bay West
Cote Blanche Island
Delta Farms
Garden Island Bay
Golden Meadow
Grand Bay
Hackberry East
Hackberry West
Iowa
Jennings
Lafitte
Lake Barre
Lake Pelto
Lake Salvador
Lake Washington
(Incl. offshore)
Leeville
Paradis
Quarantine Bay
Romere Pass
Venice
Vinton
Weeks Island
West Bay
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
0.46
0.15
0.18
—
0.23
0.19
0.16
0.25
0.38
0.26
0.18
0.66
0.33
0.33
—
0.12
0.27
0.39
0.16
0.19
0.23
0.16
0.10
0.26
0.22
0.18
0.31
0.30
0.29
0.20
0-26
0.30
0.14
0.21
0 .14
0.37
0.20
0.23
0.27
0.30
0.24
0.34
0.19
0.27
0.11
0.030
0.04
— —
0.04
0.071
0.025
0.098
0.02
0.068
0.049
0.088
0.081
0.09
—
—
0.060
0.04
—
0.04
0.04
0.033
0.01
0.055
0.06
—
—
0.054
—
0.039
—
—
0.02
0.035
0 .02
0 .146
0 .019
—
0 .061
—
—
0 .044
—
0 .071
30,806
5,621
21,681
22,776
4,271
3,504
18,469
12,775
10,038
20,330
21,425
13,578
30,988
26,390
15,987
3,400
6,643
7,775
5,293
9,892
31,828
15,658
8,797
1,278
16,096
2,738
6,680
2,226
3,760
876
292
10,877
7,592
4,891
4,380
10,913
4,343
1,898
7,117
3,759
5,475
2,299
10,183
9,563
Oil and Gas Journal. January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100.
-------
- 276 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
MISSISSIPPI
Baxterville
Heidelberg
Tinsley
MONTANA
Bell Creek
Cut Bank
NEW MEXICO
Caprock and East
Denton
Empire Abo
Eunice
Hobbs
Maij amar
Monument
Vacuum
NORTH DAKOTA
Beaver Lodge
Tioga
OKLAHOMA
Allen
Avant
Bowlegs
Burbank
Cement
Gushing
Earlsboro
Edmond West
Eola-Robberson
Fitts
Gler.a Pool
Golden Trend
Healdton
Hewitt
Little River
Oklahoma City
Seminole, Greater
Sho-Vel-Tum
Sooner Trend
St. Louis
Tonkawa
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
2.71
3.75
1.02
0.24
0.80
0.17
0.1?
0.27
1.
1.
14
41
0.55
1.14
0.95
0.24
0.31
0.70
0.18
0.24
0.24
0.47
0.22
0.47
0.21
0.35
0.27
0.31
0-15
0.92
0.65
0.28
0.16
0.30
1.18
0.11
0.16
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
0.111
0.112
0.08
0.13
0.055
0.034
0.014
0.014
0.071
0.08
0.062
0.071
0.075
0.019
0.016
0.21
0.140
0.051
0.152
0.08
0.045
0.115
0.096
0.15
0.15
0.148
0.065
0.079
0.016
0.27
0.04
0.033
1971
Product
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
9,300
3,450
2,450
5,950
5,180
905
2,350
9,520
1,330
5,700
6,040
3,720
17,030
3,140
1,790
2,920
365
2,260
5,240
2,370
4,300
765
730
4,850
1,420
2,480
12,330
4,600
5,660
440
1,750
1,640
36,500
15,240
1,350
290
* Oil and Gas Journal, January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100.
-------
- 277 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
TEXAS
DISTRICT 1
Big Wells
Darst Creek
Luling-Branyon
DISTRICT 2
Greta
Refugio
Tom O'Connor
West Ranch
DISTRICT 3
Anahuac
Barbers Hill
Conroe
Dickison-Gillock
Goose Creek and East
Hastings E&W
High Island
Hull-Merchant
Humble
Liberty South
Magnet Withers
Old Ocean
Raccoon Bend
Sour Lake
Spindletop
Thompson
Webster
West Columbia
DISTRICT 4
Agua Duke-Stratton
Alazan North
Borregas
Government Wells N.
Kelsey
La Gloria and South
Plymouth
Seeligson
Tij erina-Canales-Blucher
White Point East
DISTRICT 5
Mexia
Powell
Van and Van Shallow
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
0.78
0.86
0.17
0.11
0.17
0.14
0.23
0.27
0.15
0.82
0.13
0.20
0.26
0.35
0.46
0.14
0.19
0.14
0.19
0.14
0.15
0.25
0.21
0.21
<.l
0.04
<.l
0^22
0.13
<_1
o'.is
<.l
<.l
0-13
0.20
0.31
0.8
0.075
0.110
0.038
0.027
0.038
0.029
0.041
0.06
0.022
0.014
0.028
0.03
0.048
0.081
0.097
0.044
0.033
0.029
0.048
0.016
0.03
0.029
0.046
0.055
0-015
0.014
0.029
0.043
0.008
0.008
0.049
0.015
0.010
0.02
0.048
0.054
0.039
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
5,840
1,971
1,679
3,577
657
23,360
17,009
9,052
766
12,994
2,920
1,095
17,191
2,081
1,643
1,241
949
3,869
1,132
2,409
1,058
328
12,885
16,206
1,351
2,518
3,723
4,818
511
6,059
936
986
6,424
5,986
1,606
109
109
12,337
* Oil and Gas Journal, January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100.
-------
- 278 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
DISTRICT 6
East Texas
Fairway
Hawkins
Neches
New Hope
Quitman
Talco
DISTRICT 7-C
Big Lake
Jameson
McCamey
Pegasus
DISTRICT 8
Andector
Block 31
Cowden North
Cowden South, Foster,
Johnson
Dollarhide
Dora Roberts
Dune
Emma and Triple N
Fuhrnan-Mascho
Fullerton
Goldsmith
Headlee and North
Hendrick
Howard Glasscock
latan East
Jordan
Kermit
Keystone
McElroy
Means
IJidland F'arnis
Penwell
Sand Hills
Shafter Lake
TXL
Waddell
Ward South
Ward Estes North
Yates
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
0.32
0.24
2.19
0.13
0.46
0.92
2.98
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
0.066
0.076
0.083
0.007
0.036
0.26
<.l
2.26
0.73
0.22
0.11
1.89
1.77
0.39
<.l
3.11
<.l
2.06
0.37
1.12
<.l
1.73
1.92
1.47
1.48
0.94
0.57
2.37
1.75
0.13
1.75
2.06
0.25
0. 36
1.69
1.12
1.17
1.54
0-071
0.034
0.139
0.200
0.033
0.032
0.095
0.127
0.074
0.023
0.111
0.025
0.085
0.041
0.079
0.083
0.094
0.096
0.120
0.10
0.092
0.042
0.080
0.205
0.080
0 . 205
0.085
0.041
0 .067
0 .098
0 .08
0 .107
0 .150
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
71,139
14,271
29,054
3,942
292
3,103
4,380
474
1,387
985
4,052
5,694
6,242
9,782
14,198
7,592
3,066
11,425
3,030
1,935
6,607
20,951
1,460
766
6,606
3,687
3,212
2,007
8,322
9,015
7,921
6,059
2,044
6,606
2,956
4,854
4,453
803
10,184
13,359
* Oil and Gas Journal, January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100,
-------
- 279 -
Table D.I (Cont'd)
State/Region and Field
DISTRICT 8-A
Cogdell Area
Diamond M
Kelly-Snyder
Levelland
Prentice
Robertson
Russell
Salt Creek
Seminole
Slaughter
Spraberry Trend
Wasson
DISTRICT 9
KMA
Walnut Bend
DISTRICT 10
Panhandle
UTAH
Greater Aneth
Greater Redwash
WYOMING
Elk Basin (Mont.-Wyo.)
Garland
Grass Creek
Hamilton Dome
Hilight
Lance Creek
Lost Soldier
Oregon Basin
Salt Creek
Sulfur,
Weight
Percent
Nitrogen,
Weight
Percent
0.38
0.20
0.29
2.12
2.64
1.37
0.77
0.57
1.98
2.09
0.18
1.14
0.31
0.17
0 .063
0 .131
0 .066
0 .136
0 .117
0 .100
0 .078
0 .094
0 .106
—
0 .173
0 .065
0.068
0.05
0.55
0.20
0.11
1.78
2.99
2.63
3.04
0.10
1.21
3.44
0.23
0.067
0.059
0.255
0.185
0.290
0.311
0.343
0.055
0.076
0.356
0.109
1971
Production
(Thousands
of Barrels)*
14,235
7,373
52,487
9,746
5,913
2,774
4,234
9,271
9,125
35,515
18,688
51,210
2,920
3,942
14,235
7,660
5,800
14,380
3,500
3,760
4,500
11,300
325
4,820
12,260
11,750
Oil and Gas Journal, January 31, 1972, pp. 95-100.
-------
60 -
50
to
40
to
LL.
O
OL
LU
CQ
30
N3
oo
O
20
10
Ill
.5
m
1.0 1.5
WEIGHT PERCENT SULFUR
Figure D.I
Fequency Distribution of Sulfur Content
in Crude Oils of U.S. Giant Oil Fields
2.0
2.5
T^
>2.7
-------
60
50
40
to
LJ
_1
D_
<
LU
CO
30
20
10
T ' I '
01 .05
n
n
Finn
.15
1 I
.25
1 I
.35
WEIGHT PERCENT NITROGEN
Figure D.2
n
.45 >.50
00
I-1
I
Frequency Distribution of Nitrogen Content
in Crude Oils of U.S. Giant Oil Fields
-------
- 282 -
A number of more or less classical instrumental techniques
has been used to obtain much of the trace element data that are avail-
able. These techniques include flame photometry, atomic absorption,
emission spectroscopy, spectrochemical (colorimetric) analysis and
x-ray fluorescence. Although most available trace element data
especially on vanadium and nickel have been obtained using these
techniques, considerable data are now being accumulated on many ele-
ments using activation analysis, a nuclear techniques As some of these
data are at variance with those obtained using the more classical
methods, activation analysis data are presented in a separate section.
Some trace element data on petroleum were published a number
of years ago. It is possible that as a greater understanding of pre-
parative and analytical techniques has developed, the ability to obtain
reliable data has increased. It is likely, therefore, that the more
recent data are more accurate although this is not necessairly so.
Virtually all of the available trace element data for U.S.
oil fields were used to compile Table D.2. Included are the state,
field, analytical method used if available, year of publication and
the source of the data. Data are presented from all fields even those
that are not significant producers. Conflicting data are also present
for certain fields. Data from numerous published sources were utilized
irrespective of analytical method or year of publication. No data were
averaged. The search was limited to the following elements: V, Ni, Fe,
As, Be, Cd, Hg, Se, Sb, Ba, Cr, Pb, Mn, Mo, Te, Sn. However, for the
most part, data were found only for 10 of these elements. Data are
presented in the order V, Ni, Fe, Ba, Cr, Mn, Mo, Sn plus the available
data for other elements.
The trace element data presented in Table D.2 indicate that,
in general, the lowest metal content domestic crudes are from the coastal
and offshore fields of Louisiana and Texas. The highest metal content
crudes are found in California. This parallels the observations made
for sulfur and nitrogen. It is not surprising that the levels of nit-
rogen, vanadium and nickel should vary together because some nitrogen
and some of these (and other) metals are frequently bound into a prophyrin
ring. This type of chelate coordination complex is known for its high
stability. All of the volatile metal compounds present in crude oil
are metalloporphyrins. The nature of the nonvolatile metal compounds
is not completely understood although they too may be complexes with
more than one porphyrin ring or simple porphyrins with sizeable
asphaltic side chains.
Data obtained from the Cymric field of California's San
Joaquin Valley are worthy of comment. The high mercury levels reported
for this field are in no way representative of domestic production in
general or of California production in particular. Cymric's high mer-
cury content can be attributed to its location on the southeast pro-
longation of the main mercury belt east of the San Andreas fault. It
is, therefore, not surprising that the mercury ore cinnabar found in
this region is saturated with hydrocarbons and that crude oil hydro-
carbons appear to be saturated with mercury.
-------
- 283 -
Table D.2
Trace Element Content of U.S. Crude Oils
Stfte and Field
ALABAMA
Toxey
Toxey
9
10
14
16
Analytical Method
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Year
1971
1971
ALASKA
Kuparuk, Prudhoe Bay
Kuparuk, Prudhoe Bay
McArthur River, Cook Inlet
Prudhoe Bay
Put River, Prudhoe Bay
Redoubt Shoal, Cook Inlet
Trading Bay, Cook Inlet
32
28
nd
31
16
nd
nd
13
12
nd
11
6
4
nd
Emission
Emission
Emission
Emission
Emission
Emission
Emission
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
spectroscopy
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
ARKANSAS
Brister, Columbia
El Dorado, East
Schuler
Smackover
Stephens-Smart
Tubal, Union
West Atlanta
nd nd Emission spectroscopy
12 11 Emission spectroscopy
15.2 10.3 1.2 <1 <1 <1 nd nd Emission spectroscopy
nd 4 Emission spectroscopy
18.5 22.7 6.3 <1 <1 <1 nd <1 Emission spectroscopy
nd nd Emission spectroscopy
<1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 nd nd Emission spectroscopy
1971
1971
1961
1971
1961
1971
1961
CALIFORNIA
Ant Hill
Arwin
Bradley Sands
Cat Canyon
Cat Canyon
Coalinger
Coal- Oil Canyon
Coles Levee
Coles Levee
Cuyama
Cymric
Cymric
Cymric
Cymric
Cymric
Cymric
Edison
Elk Hills
Elwood South
Gibson
Gots Ridge
Helm
Helm
Huntington Beach
Inglewood
(Cattleman
Kettleman Hills
Las Flores
Lompoc
Lompoc
Lost Hills
Midway
Nlcolai
Nocth Belridge
North Belridge
North Belridge
Nortn Belridge
Orcutt
Oxnard
Purisma
Raisin City
14.3 66.5 28.5 <1 <1 nd
9.0 28.0
134.5 —
128 75
209 102
5.1 21.9 5.1 <1 <1 <1
6.0 20.0
11.0 31.0
2.2 21.6 2.2 <1 <1 nd
10.0 32.0
30.0 43.0
0.8 2.3 2.0
0.6 1.1 2.0
1.0 2.0 2.0
6.0 11.0
8.3 38.5 38.5 <1 <1 <1
nd 11
37 125
188 80
14.0 27.0
2.5 10.5 2.5 <1 <1 nd
29 104
125.7 125.7 125.7 <1 1.3 nd
34.0 35.0 24.0
11.0 24.0
106.5 --
37.6
199 90
39.0 8.0
82.6 82.6 82.6 1.8 1.8 <1
246.5 —
— 107
— 80
— 83
23 83
162.5
403.5
218.5
8.0 21.0
nd nd
<1 nd
<1 nd
2.6'
2.4
1.9.
21.CT
14.0
2.9
<1 nd
nd <1
<1 nd
<1 nd
D
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1956
(1) W58
Emission spectroscopy 1971
Emission spectroscopy 1971
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1971
X-ray fluorescence 1969
Emission spectroscopy 1971
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Emission spectroscopy 1971
Emission spectroscopy 1961
Colorimetric 1952
(1) 1958
(1) 1958
(!) 1958
Emission spectroscopy 1971
Emission spectroscopy 1956
Emission spectroscopy 1961
(!) 1958
X-ray fluorescence (inter. std)1959
Colorimetrii; 1959
Emission spectroscopy 1959
X-ray fluoresc. text, std.) 1960
(1) 1958
(1) 1958
(1) 1958
Emission spectroscopy 1956
(1) Not specified.
nd Sought but not detected.
-------
- 284 -
Table D.2 (Cont'd)
State and Field
Rio Bravo
Rio Bravo
Rio Bravo
Russell Ranch
San Joaquin
Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Santa Maria
Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria Valley
Signal Hill
Signal Hill
Tejon Hills
Ventura
Ventura
Ventura Avenue
Wheeler Ridge
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
Wilmington
COLORADO
Badger Creek
Badger Creek
Gramps
Gramp
Hiawatha
Moffat Dome
Rangely
Rangely
Rangely
Seep
White River Area
FLORIDA
Jay
ILLINOIS
Loudon
Loudon
KANSAS
Brews ter
Brewster
Brock
Coffeyville
Cunningham
Cunningham
lola
lola
"Kansas-1"
"Kansas-2"
McLouth
Otis Albert
Otis Albert
Pawnee Rock
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes
Rhodes
Solomon
V
_
—
12.0
44.8
223
202
180
280
207
240
280
174
28
25
64
42
49
25.2
7
43
41
53
—
—
46
36.0
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
2.7
<1
<1
0.24
<1
nd
1.22
0.56
2.1
<1
1
3.8
44.2
24.0
15.6
4.5
—
—
<1
21.3
39.0
12.3
145
165
133
—
—
30
Ni Fe Ba Cr
2.2
2.6
2.5
26.0
—
97 17
—
106
130
97
—
—
174 1.7 <1 1.7
—
57
44
51
33 31
—
1.9
61
46 28
51
53
60
60
84 36 3.6 <1
<1 <1 <1 <1
"^l <1 <1 nd
5
>21
6.3 <1 <1 <1
6.0 <1 <1 <1
9.1 9.1 <1 <1
3.4 <1 <1 <1
—
—
36
38
32
7 <1 <1 <1
Mn Mo Sn As Analytical Method
X-ray fluorescence (int.
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
(1)
Colorimetric
(1)
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
X-ray fluorescence (int.
X-ray fluorescence (int.
<1 4.0 ad Emission spectroscopy
(1)
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Colorimetric
(1)
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Colorimetric
Emission spectroscopy
X-ray fluorescence (int.
X-ray fluorescence (int.
Emission spectroscopy
nd 1 nd Emission spectroscopy
<1 <1 <1 Emission spectroscopy
<1 <1 <1 Emission spectroscopy
<1 <1 <1 . Emission spectroscopy
<1 <1 <1 Emission spectroscopy -
<1 nd <1 Emission spectroscopy
<1
-------
- 285 -
Table D.2 (Cont'd)
State and Field
Analytical Method
IMZ.
LOUIS IAMA
Bay Marchard
Colqultt, Clairborne
Colquitt, Clalrbome
Colquitt, Calirborne
(Smackover B)
Delta (West) Offshore,
Block 117
Delta (West) Block 27
Delta (West) Block 41
Eugene Island, Offshore,
Block 276
Eugene Island, Offshore,
Block 233
Lake Washington
Main Pass. Block 6
Main Pass; Block 41
Olla
Ship Shoal, Offahore,
Block 176
Ship Shoal, Offshore,
Block 176
Ship Shoal, Block 208
Shongaloo, N. Red Rock
South Pass, Offshore,
Block 62
Tiabalier, S., Offshore,
Block 54
»d
nd
nd
»d
»d
nd
nd
2
nd
nd
nd
nd nd
nd 4
nd 3
nd 1
<1 5.56 0.07
nd
nd
ad
nd
od
nd
nd
nd
2
nd
4
nd
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Iniasion spectroscopy
Emission spectroacopy
Emission spactroscopy
Enlssion spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroacopy
Emission spectroscopy
Emission spectroseopy
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1952
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
1971
MICHIGAN
Trent
— 0.23
Emission spectroacopy
1956
MISSISSIPPI
Baxtervllle, lamar and
Marlon
Heidelberg
Mississippi
Tallhalla Creek, Smith
Tallhalla Creek, Smith
lallhalla Creek, Smith
(Smackover)
Tlngley. Yazoo
MONTANA
Bell Creak
Big Hall
Soap Creek
HEU MEXICO
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnake
Table Mesa
OKLAHOMA
Allurve (Soyata)
Allurve (Spwata)
M-'llKVe (Sowata)
Cary
Chelsea (Sowata)
Chelsea (Nomta)
Chelsea (Mowata)
Cheyarha
Cheyarha
Cheyarha
Cheyarha
Croewell
Cruawell
.Croiwall
Croowell
Cromrall
Dill
Dover, Southeast
Dust In
E. Lindsay
E. Seoinole
E. Teager
Fish
Clan Pool
(1) Hot
40
15.35
nd
nd
nd
7
nd
24
132
^.
<1
^i
15
6.02 1.78
.7
nd
nd
nd
5
2
13.2 <1 <1 <1
13.2 <1 <1 <1
<1 <1 <1 <1 <1
'I S6
std.) J*0
-------
- 286 -
Table D.2 (Cont'd)
State and Field
Grief Creek
Hawkins
Hawkins
Horns Corner
Katie
Katie
Katie
Katie
Kendricfc
Konawa
Laffoon
Little River
Middle Gilliland
Naval Reserve
New England
N. Dill
N. E. Castle Ext.
N. E. Elmo re
N. E. Elmore
N. Okemah
N. W. Horns Corner
Olympia
Osage City
S. W. Maysville
S. W. Maysville
Tatums
Tatums
Tatums
Weleetka
W. Holdenvllle
W. Wewoka
Wewoka
Wewoka Lake
Wewoka Lake
Wewoka Lake
Wildhorse
Wynona
Wynona
TEXAS
Anahuac
Brantley-Jackson, Hopkins
Brantley-Jackson, Smackover
Conroe
East Texas
East Texas
East Texas
East Texas
Edgewood, Van Zandt
Finley
Jackson
Lake Trammel, Nolan
Mirando
Panhandle , Carson
Panhandle, Hutchinson
Panhandle, West Texas
Refugio
Refugio, Light
Salt Flat
Scurry County
Sweden
Talco
Talco
Wasson
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas
West Texas (Imogene)
Yates-Pecos
TracA F1 Bar
V 11 Fe Ba
0.10 0.42
2.10 8.50
0.72 3.50
0.70
0.17 0.52
0.48 1.60
0.29 1.00
0.24 1.00
<1 <1 <1
-------
- 287 -
Table D.2 (Cont'd)
State and Field,
UTAH
Ducheene
Duchesne
Duchesne County
Red Wash
Red Wash
Roosevelt
Roosevelt
Virgin
Virgin
West Pleasant Valley
Wildcat
WYOMING
Beaver Creek
Big Horn Mix
Bison Basin
Circle Ridge
Corral Creek
Crooks Gap
Dallas
Dallas
Derby
Elk Bssln
Elk Basin
Garland
Grass Creek
Half Moon
Half Moon
Hamilton Dome
Hamilton Dome
Hamilton Dome
Little Mo
Lost Soldier
Lost Soldier
Lost Soldier
Mitchell Creek
North Oregon Basin
North Oregon Basin
North Oregon Basin
oil Mountain
Pilot Butte
Pilot Butte
Pine Ridge
Fresco tt No. 3
Recluse
Roelis
Salt Creek
Salt Creek
Salt Creek
Salt Creek
Skull Creek
South Casper Creek
South Fork
South Spring Creek
South Spring Creek
Steamboat Butte
Washakle
Wlnktanan Dome
<1
<1
<1
nd
nd
<1
<1
14.
8.
11.
0.
•d
15 ;
1.
48
59
2.
66
66
39
38
8.
36
106.
98.
50.
106.
55.
106.
83
<1
<1
<1.
72.
77.
72.
'60.
1'44.
45.
24.
•
nd
21.
nd
88
84.
j«
nd
nd
3.
5.
14.
8.
57
7.
nd
3.
2.
11.
11
2.
15.
66
39
9.
2
24
28.
27.
<1
26.
8.
24.
16
<1
<1
<1
72.
22.
14.
11.
33.
10.
5.
__ *
nd
7.
nd
15
8.
**
^A
3.
.-°-
3.
21.
102.
27.
6.
25.
li.
3
2
4
4
1
3.9
1.4
12.3
—
—
<1
<1
3.4
1.9
1MO.O
5
6
7
2
2
4
2
9
8
6
6
3
0
4
8
5
6
5
6
1
4
4
9
42
0
9
0
3
79
0
2
0.8
<1
<1
_
1.0
<1
1.5
<1
<1
<1
3.6
1.1
1.7
<1
<1
<1
2.7
<1
<1
<1
7.2
1.0
<1
<1
<1
j«
<1
-1
^1
""""*
—_
*"~
XI
*Vl
1701.
1961
1961
1961
im
1971
1961
1961
1961
1961
1961
1961
1941
19«1
1*61
1961
1971
1959
»n
1971
19*1
1961
1961
1961
1 8K&
JLT30
1961
1961
1961
1961
1961
193*
Wl
(1) Not specified
nd Sought but not detected.
-------
- 288 -
D.2 Shale Oil
The term oil shale covers a wide variety of fine-grained
sedimentary rocks that contain organic material. Upon destructive
distillation much of this organic material is released largely as an
oil which is termed shale oil. The rock is only slightly soluble
in organic solvents and frequently does not appear or feel oily. It
is tough, elastic, resistant to fracture and has essentially no per-
meability or porosity.
The organic component of oil shale can be divided into two
parts, a part that is soluble in organic solvents and a part that is
not. It is the insoluble part, generally termed kerogen, which con-
stitutes the bulk of the shale organic matter responsible for shale
oil. The composition of kerogen varies considerably from shale
deposit to deposit but it is thought to consist of .largely cyclic
polymeric material probably held together by cross linkages involving
hetero atoms such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.
There is no truly typical shale oil but shale oils have some
properties in common. In general, most shale oils are black, waxy
and possess high pour points. Relative to conventional crude oils,
the nitrogen content of crude shale oil is high although the sulfur
level is moderate.
Oil shales are widely distributed geographically. However,
only certain deposits are considered to be sufficiently rich in kerogen
to warrant commercial development. In the U.S. oil shale deposits are
found in Tennessee and Nevada but the most important are in the Green
River Formation of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The Green River forma-
tion has received attention as a possible source of fuels. Within
this formation, shale deposits underlie an area of 17,000 square miles
in four basins: the Piceance Creek basin of Colorado, the Unita basin
of Utah and the Washakie and Green River basins of Wyoming.
The energy potential of the Green River formation has been
estimated to be more than 1 trillion barrels of oil with 600 billion
coming from easily accessible, richer deposits which contain more than
25 gallons of oil per ton of shale. Shale deposits vary in access-
ability from those at the surface to very deeply buried shales in the
Unita basin. The outcrop called the Mahogany Ledge (because of its
color) is the location of an experimental mine and consequently has
been used to study mining and retorting methods. Most U.S. elemental
shale oil analyses come from shale mined here. The oil shales of the
Mahogany zone will probably be the first to be developed commercially.
Table D.3 presents sulfur and nitrogen data of crude shale
oil obtained from shale deposits throughout the world. While many of
the samples were retorted using different techniques, it has been found
that generally the retorting method utilized has relatively little
effect on the characteristics of the oil produced unless extreme
-------
- 289 -
Table D.3
SULFUR AND NITROGEN CONTENT
Country
United States
Australia
Brazil
China
Estonia
France
Israel
Lebanon
New Zealand
Scotland
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Thailand
OF CRUDE SHALE OILS
Formation/Location
Green River , Colorado
Green River
Green River
Green River
Green River
Green River
Green River
Green River
Green River*
Green River
Green River
De Kalb County, Tenn.
Glen Davis, N.S.W.
Paraiba Valley
Sulfur,
weight
per cent
0.74
0.69
0.77
0.51
0.67
0.72
0.71
0.64
1.10
0.66
0.59
3.38
0.56
0.41
Hwatien Mine, Manchuria 0.19
Kukersite
Autun
Severac
Severac
St. Hilaire
Urn Barek
—
0-repuki
—
Boksburg, Transvaal
Breyten, Transvaal
Puertollano
Kvarntorp
Maesod Area
1.10
0.51
3.00
3.40
0.61
6.2
1.5
0.64
0.35
0.64
0.61
0.40
1.65
0.41
Nitrogen,
weight
per cent
1.78
2.13
1.57
2.10
1.97
1.73
1.89
1.95
1.73
1.76
1.96
0.88
0.52
0.98
0.84
0.10
0.90
0.53
0.65
0.54
1.40
0.6
0.60
0.77
0.85
—
0.68
0.68
1.10
* Core drilling sample,
-------
- 290 -
retorting conditions have been employed. Of the deposits listed, only
the Green River can be considered to be a possible commercial source of
fuels for consumption in the U.S. The others are included for the
purposes of comparison.
Crude shale oil derived from the Green River formation possesses
an unusually high nitrogen level. It has been found that generally the
nitrogen content is higher and the sulfur level lower in the higher
boiling shale oil fractions. As of this writing, no metal content data
for shale oil appear to be available in the published literature. An
unpublished analysis by the Bureau of Mines of shale oil obtained from
Green River shale indicates that this oil is high in iron and low in
vanadium and nickel. The results obtained were: vanadium, 0 ppm;
nickel, 4 ppm; and iron 67 ppm. Most of the metals were associated with
the asphaltene fraction.
The nitrogen compounds present in shale oil are particularly
troublesome in processing and must be removed before shale can be con-
verted into useful liquid or gaseous fuels. Nitrogen removal can be
accomplished by severe hydrogen treatment which also reduces the sulfur
content to a low level.
-------
- 291 -
APPENDIX E
Table of Conversion Units
-------
- 292 -
APPENDIX E
TABLE OF CONVERSION UNITS
To Convert From"
Btu
Btu/pound
Cubic feet/day
Feet
Gallons/minute
Inches
Pounds
Pounds/Btu
Pounds/hour
Pounds/square inch
Tons
Tons/day
To
Calories, kg
Calories, kg/kilogram
Cubic meters/day
Meters
Cubic meters/minute
Centimeters
Kilograms
Kilograms/calorie, kg
Kilograms/hour
Kilograms/square centimeter
Metric tons
Metric tons/day
Multiply By
0.25198
0.55552
0.028317
0.30480
0.0037854
2.5400
0.45359
1.8001
0.45359
0.070307
0.90719
0.90719
In line with usage current when this work was begun, in this
report M represents thousand and MM represents million.
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/» TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
{Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
REPORT NO.
EPA-600/2-76-101
2.
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION*NO.
TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Evaluation of Pollution Control in Fossil Fuel
Conversion Processes: Final Report
5. REPORT DATE
April 1976
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
. AUTHOH(S)
E.M. Magee
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
Exxon/GRU.16DJ.76
&. PERFORMING ORdANIZATION NAME AND AOORESS
Exxon Research and Engineering Company
P.O. Box 8
Linden, New Jersey 07036
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1AB013; ROAP 21ADD-023
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-02-0629
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Final; 6/72-1/76
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA-ORD
is. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTEsproject officer for this report is W.J.Rhodes, Mail Drop 61,
Ext 2851. This is the final summary of EPA-R2-73-249 and the EPA-650/2-74-009
series reports. already published.
B. AssTRACTTne revjew' gjves an overview of work, between June 1972 and January 1976,
on various environmental aspects of fossil fuels. Details of this work is presented
in 14 reports published during this same period. The details include potential pol-
lutants in fossil fuels; quantities of solid, liquid, and gaseous effluents from coal
treatment and conversion to gaseous and liquid fuels; and an analytical test plan for
coal conversion systems. The overview report discusses commonality and differ-
ences in the reviewed processes with emphasis on factors which might affect the
environment when the processes are in commercial use. Due to the lack of a
sufficient database, data and research and development needs are also addressed.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. cos AT I Field/Group
Air Pollution
Fossil Fuels
Coal
Coal Preparation
Gasification
Liquefaction
Air Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Fuel Conversion
13B
21D
081
13H,07A
07D
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
19. SECURITY CLASS fThis Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
311
Unlimited
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
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