SB
u
o
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
of
SYNTHETIC FUELS
INDUSTRIAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
RESEARCH
LABORATORY
VOL. 1 NO. 1
JANUARY 1978
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27711
INTRODUCTION
In response to the shift in the U.S. energy supply priorities
from natural gas and oil to coal, the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency has initiated a comprehensive assessment pro-
gram to evaluate the environmental impacts of synthetic fuel
processes having a high potential for eventual commercial
application. This overall assessment program is being
directed by the Fuel Process Branch of EPA's Industrial En-
vironmental Research Laboratory, Research Triangle Park
(IERL-RTP).
The primary objectives of the EPA Synthetic Fuels En-
vironmental Assessment/Control Technology Development
Program are to define the environmental effects of synthetic
fuel technologies with respect to their multimedia discharge
streams and their health and environmental impacts and to
define control technology needs for an environmentally
sound synthetic fuel industry. The synthetic fuel
technologies being studied in this program include
low/medium-Btu gasification, high-Btu gasification, and lique-
faction. To achieve the program's overall objectives, the EPA
has defined six major task areas that are discussed In this
review. The contractors involved in the overall program, their
EPA Project Officers, and the start and completion dates of
each contract are tabulated on page 6.
This publication is the first In a series of periodic reviews
of recent activities in the production of synthetic fuel from
coal. Included are activities of the EPA's contractors, sum-
maries of major symposia, a calendar of upcoming meetings
and a list of major publications. The second in this series is
scheduled for distribution in early 1978. Comments or sug-
gestions which will improve the content or format of these
reviews are welcomed. Such comments should be directed to
.the EPA or Radian Corporation personnel named on page 6
of this review.
CURRENT PROCESS
TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND
General Topics
Support Servtee* for Fu0l Process** — Cameron is pro-
viding the EPA Fuel Process Branch (EPA/FPB) with systems
analysis and program support primarily in the areas of coal
processing, coal liquefaction, and coal gasification.
ft*tf*w of Cotl Conr*r*ten Proems** — As part of their
program to develop control technologies-tor the products
and by-products from coat conversion processes, Catalytic,
Inc. has reviewed coal gasification and liquefaction pro-
cesses. From this review a listing was prepared of processes
and products/by-products to be studied In greater detail.
Low/Medium-Btu Gasification
Date But for Low/Madlum-Btu GtsHlcatlon Technology —
Radian conducted an extensive Information search to iden-
tify significant data relative to low/medium-Btu gasification
technology, with emphasis on gasification, gas cleanup,
pollution control, and environmental regulations. Test
methods, including pertinent sampling and analytical tech-
niques, were investigated. Information on coal reserves,
energy policies, and related fossil fuel technologies was also
collected. The data base, which now contains approximately
10,000 citations and over 3500 full-text documents, is main-
tained as an independent library at Radian.
Analysis of LowlMtdlum-Btu Technology — One of the
most significant activities during the first half of Radian's
low/medium-Btu gasification program involved a detailed
engineering assessment of available process, environmental,
and control technology data for low/medium-Btu gasification
and end-use technology.
Early study activity was centered on gas purification and
pollution control processes. As data for other processes
became available, the scope of this assessment was
broadened to Include coal pretreatment, gasification, and
end-use technologies. The results of the engineering assess-
ment were published In a two-volume document, "Environ-
mental Assessment Data Base for Low/Medium-Btu Gasifica-
tion Technology" (EPA-600/7-77-125a and b, October 1977).
This report contains descriptions of: a) the processes which
can be used to produce low/medium-Btu gas from coal, b)
the constraints imposed upon those processes by the in-
tended end-uses of the product gas, c) the air, water, and
solid waste streams generated by those processes, and d)
the pollution control technique* whWh ispi3»ar>l«pp1letfMe10'
multimedia discharge streams from those processes;
Throughout this report, attention is focused on those pro-
cesses which appear to have the highest likelihood of near-
term commercialization. The results of this report provided
significant input in establishing priorities for subsequent ac-
tivities In the low/medium-Btu gasification program.
In-SItu Study — In May 1977, Radian published "In-Situ
Coal Gasification: Status of Technology and Environmental
Impact" (EPA-800/7-77-045). This report contains discussions
of the chemistry, technical problems, and environmental con-
siderations of In-sltu gasification technology. Activities at
specific U.S. and foreign In-sltu projects are summarized.
Descriptions of the objectives, experimental approach, and
results of each of these projects are presented.
High-Btu Gasification
Hlgh-Btu Overview Report — TRW Is preparing a
technology overview report as a first step In their high-Btu
coal gasification environmental assessment program. Nine
gasification systems have been selected for detailed
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analysis, including HYGAS, SI-GAS, COGAS, Hydrane, Syn-
thane, Texaco, C02-Acceptor, Self-Agglomerating Ash, and
Lurgi. A modular approach is being used in the process
evaluation and in defining information gaps. These modules
are identified as the gasification module, the gas treatment
module, the pollution control module, and the integrated
facilities module. A data sheet format has been adopted for
presentation of the modules in an effort to avoid lengthy
general process descriptions. To date, data sheets for the
gasifIcation module have been prepared on six of the nine
processes being considered.
Liquefaction
Summary of Liquefaction Technology Prepa,ed — A major
effort In Hittman’s environmental assessment program is the
compilation of a data base in which data on 14 liquefaction
processes are summarized. The data base was used to estab-
lish process priorities and to identify information gaps in the
preparation of the report, “Technology and Environmental
Summary for Coal Liquefaction.” This report is expected to
be available in January 1978. A prioritization scheme for
future study was developed using criteria such as stage of
development, potential hazard for residual emissions, and
energy efficiency. The four processes to be investigated
more thoroughly are Solvent Refined Coal (SAC), H-Coal, Ex-
xon Donor Solvent, and Synthoil.
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
ACQUISITION
General Topics
Pollutants From a Laboratory Gasltler — ATI has initiated
a parametric evaluation of pollutants from a laboratory
gasifier. The program will consist of three phases: screening
studies, parametric control evaluations, and reaction kinetics
research. The screening studies will consider qualitatively
and, for selected compounds, quantitatively the variety of
chemical compounds produced during gasification reactions.
All estimates up to 300 different compounds may be
screened in the course of these tests.
In the second phase, parametric studies, the application of
reactor operation to control of pollutants will be examined.
Parameters to be considered for investigation include coal
type, grind size, pretreatment methods, bed depth, tem-
perature, pressure, steam flow rate, residence time,
catalysts, and additives. Other parameters such as bed type
(fixed, entrained, fluidizod) and reactor type (batch, semi-
batch, plug flow, mixed flow) will also be considered.
Statistical methods will be used to minimize the number of
tests required while still allowing all significant parameters
to be Investigated.
Work on Control Assay Development Initiated — Catalytic,
Inc. has Initiated work on Control Assay Development (CAD)
for coal conversion processes. CAD is a program to comple-
ment environmental assessment activities. The objective is
to perform quick screening treatments on streams suspected
of containing pollutants requiring control. Analyses will be
made before and after treatment to evaluate the effective-
ness of pollutant control. This program is expected to
shorten the period of time between problem identification
through Level 1 assessment and final recommendations for
application of control technology.
Low!Medium-Btu Gasification
Test-Plan Manual — Radian has prepared material which
provides guidelines for the development of environmental
test programs. Major emphasis is placed on the strategy in-
volved in developing process descriptions and selection of
sampling and analytical techniques. This material is being in-
corporated into a comprehensive document, “Guidelines for
Preparing Environmental Test Plans for Coal Gasification
Facilities,” which should be available in early 1978.
Test Sites Selected — Radian has arranged for conducting
environmental tests at four tow/medium-Btu gasification
facilities: a) Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Kingsport, Ten-
nessee; b) Kosovo Kombinat, Pristina, Yugoslavia; C) Glen-
Gery Brick Co., York, Pennsylvania; and d) University of Min-
nesota, Duluth, Minnesota. Testing of the Hoiston plant was
completed in early September 1977.
An environmental test plan for the Kosovo plant has been
developed jointly by the Rudarski Institute (Belgrade,
Yugoslavia), EPA, and Radian as part of a cooperative en-
vironmental research program. The Kosovo complex has
been in operation since 1971, using Lurgi gasifiers to convert
lignite from adjacent mines to fuel gas and fertilizer plant
feedstocks. The test plan was completed in September 1977;
sampling and analytical activities at the Kosovo facility
started in November 1977. Radian is providing on-site
technical assistance during the tests.
Preliminary test plans have been developed for the Glen-
Gery (Wellman-Galusha gasifier) and University of Minnesota
(Foster Wheeler/Stoic gasifier) sites. Testing at Glen-Gery is
planned for early 1978; at the University of Minnesota, late
1978. Both programs will be conducted in cooperation with
DOE’s Gasifiers in Industry test program.
Report on Gasification Sample Analyses — During visits
to several potential environmental testing sites, Radian ob-
tained grab samples of selected liquid and solid discharge
streams. EPA Level 1 analytical procedures plus some addi-
tional analyses were run on these samples. The results of
this analytical work are being summarized in a report,
“Analyses of Grab Samples from Fixed-Bed Coal Gasification
Processes” (EPA 600/7-77-141). This report is scheduled for
publication in December 1977.
High-Btu Gasification
Preparation for Testing — TRW, in planning its high-Btu
gasification environmental assessment program, will place
strong emphasis on environmental sampling and analysis at
selected sites. A list of domestic and foreign installations
suitable for testing is being prepared, and candidate
facilities are being contacted to determine the best
possibilities for field testing.
Liquefaction
Standards of Practice Manual (SPM) for Liquefaction —
Hittman reports good progress on their SPM for liquefaction.
The chapters dealing with state regulations and material
balances have been completed. Investigation continues on
definition of control devices applicable to liquefaction. The
focus of future work will be on costs of control.
2
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Material Balances for Liquefaction — As a part of their en-
vironmental assessment of coal liquefaction, Hittman is cur-
rently developing input/output information for the H-Coal,
Synthoil, and Exxon Donor Solvent processes. Their work will
be based primarily on existing information and material
balances. Extensive material balances have already been
done for the Solvent Refined Coal (SRC) process.
Test Plan for SRC Plant — Hittman Associates in coopera-
tion with DOE has prepared a suggested sampling plan for
the SRC plant in Ft. Lewis, Washington. This plan follows
the phased sampling approach outlined by IERL-RTP for
environmental assessment testing.
Results from SRC Burn — Hittman participated in a test
burn of SRC in a commercial utility boiler at Plant Mitchell in
Putney, Georgia, in June 1977. The primary purpose of the
test was to determine if SRC could replace coal as a primary
fuel in a pulverized coal-fired boiler. Flue gas samples were
collected using Source Assessment Sampling System (SASS)
trains. Air emission levels were evaluated using EPA-5 and
ASME trains. Boiler efficiency tests were also conducted.
Prior to the SRC burn, similar tests were performed while the
plant was using its normal coal supply. From a combustion
and power generation view, it was concluded that SRC can
be used as a replacement for coal in conventional pulverized
coal-fired boilers.
Analyses of grab samples from the SRC burn indicated no
detectable levels of Ci-Ce hydrocarbons. SOX levels were
comparable to those from low sulfur coal combustion. NOX
levels were higher; these were attributed to the high combus-
tion temperature or to higher organic nitrogen in the fuel.
Conclusions have not yet been drawn as to the capability of
electrostatic precipitators or the necessity to reduce the par-
ticulate matter to a lower level.
CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL
BACKGROUND
General Topics
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES
DEVELOPMENT
General Topics
MEG'S Development Status — RTI has developed Multi-
media Environmental Goals (MEG'S) for several hundred
pollutants. This identifies many of the pollutants inves-
tigators need to be aware of and defines the concentration
levels at which these pollutants might be of concern.
Two major phases of work have been pursued in the
development of MEG. First, ambient pollution levels have
been related to corresponding concentrations in humans,
animals, and plants, and these concentrations have been
related to toxic or other detrimental effects within the
organism. Second, substances have been characterized by
their chemical, physical, and other behavioral properties to
provide a summary and data baseline that can be used by en-
vironmental assessment contractors.
A 2 volume publication of "Multimedia Environmental
Goals for Environmental Assessment" (EPA-600/7-77-136a
and 136b, November 1977) explains the formats and
nomenclature used in the MEG charts and presents MEG
charts for some 200 pollutants. Future plans include the
development of MEG charts for over 400 additional com-
ponents.
Liquefaction
Process Assessment Methodology for Environmental
Assessment — The first step in Hittman's approach involves
establishing processes to be given future study. Factors in
this selection are their prospects for commercialization (e.g.,
stage of development, availability of components, potential
market size) and their potential environmental impacts (i.e.,
known hazards and character of waste streams). The second
step involves quantifying or weighing the importance of
these criteria. Hittman has selected the Decision Alternative
Rational Evaluation (DARE) system, a computer model
designed to assist in decision analyses of this type.
Environmental Standards — Pullman Kellogg has almost
completed gathering federal, state, regional, and inter-
national environmental standards for coal conversion
systems. The composition of effluents expected from
processes using current or developing control technologies
will be checked against environmental standards.
Hittman has also reviewed existing federal and state en-
vironmental standards to aid in their development of recom-
mendations for future legislation specifically directed toward
coal liquefaction. Current standards are not directly appli-
cable to liquefaction/Among the general topics researched
were effluent limitations, new source performance standards,
and best available control technology standards (BACT). A
survey was made of all existing air, water, and solid waste
criteria affecting the sixteen states most likely to have
liquefaction plants because of their coal reserves.
CONTROL TECHNOLOGY
ASSESSMENT
General Topics
Control Technology for Waste Utilization and Disposal —
The first step taken by Pullman Kellogg in this program was
general definition of all potential environmental problems
associated with fuel conversion processes. Information on
the composition and quantity of typical discharge streams
from coal conversion processes was gathered. Most of this
information was primarily concerned with process operation
and included very little on effluent stream data.
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Control Technology — Catalytic, Inc. is reviewing control
technologies being considered for products and by-products
from coal conversion processes. A technical literature file
has been established and is being maintained and updated
on a regular basis. The file is dedicated to pollutant control
technologies for coal conversion processes. Other tasks
have been initiated to review control technology and identify
needs.
Coal Gasification
Acid Gas Removal Process Prioritization — HAl has
prioritized a selected group of 16 acid gas removal processes
to arrive at appropriate choices for the following typical end-
uses: a) high pressure (7 MPa or 1000 psig) gasification for
the manufacture of SNG, b) intermediate pressure (3 MPa or
400 psig) gasification for the manufacture of turbine fuel, c)
low pressure gasification for the manufacture of low
pressure fuel gas, and d) low pressure gasification and com-
pression for the manufacture of synthesis gas. The prioritiza-
tion narrowed the initial selections down to 6 processes for
which more detailed engineering evaluations will be per-
formed.
Overview of Control Technology — An overview of control
technology for industrial gasifiers is being prepared by HRI.
The overview is divided into four main sections:
• Coal gasification technology
• Gas cleanup systems
• Comparison of conventional industrial gas cleanup
processes to modern technologies
• Control technology overview
Control Engineering Handbook — Cameron Engineers is
compiling a “Multi-Media Environmental Control
Engineering Handbook” (MECEH> which will include a
detailed description of environmental control technologies
applicable to coal conversion. This document will include
information on commercially available pollution control
equipment. The objectives of the handbook are to: a)
categorize all commercially available control technologies
into a systematic format, which can be easily accessed; b)
provide technical data for each process, including process
descriptions, ranges of application, efficiencies, and capital
and operating costs; and c) provide a list of those who
supply the specific equipment and/or license the
technology.
Lurgi Document Result of Group Effort — Cameron
edited and prepared individual sections of a first
generation standards of practice manual for the Lurgi
process titled “Evaluation of Background Data Relating to
New Source Performance Standards for Lurgi Gasification”
(EPA-60017-77-057, June 1977). The report is the result of a
task group effort to review the state-of-the-art for emission
controls in first generation coal gasification plants. The
objective of this effort was to provide to the PA a
compilation of technical background information for use in
assessing the need and level of New Source Performance
Standards for coal gasifidation plants. Organizations in-
volved in this effort included Cameron Engineers, Inc.,
Catalytic, Inc., Hittman Associates, and Radian Corporation.
TECHNOLOGY ANDIOR
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
DOE and Poland Join in Fossil Energy Research — DOE
and the Polish Ministry of Mining have agreed to perform
eight fossil energy research projects. The projects will in-
clude pump testing; catalysts for hydrogenation processes;
coal extraction and ash removal; carbonization of solid
residues from coal liquefaction processes; effects of
hydrogen donor solvent and extraction recycle solvent pro-
portion on the results of the coal extraction process; non-
catalytic coal liquefaction in the presence of hydrogen; coal
combustion; and gasification for magnetohydrodynamics
method of power generation. DOE will provide most of the
funding for the 5-year, $6.5 million research program.
Gasifier Installation — North Carolina State University has
completed site preparation activities for installation of a
gasifier. This gasifier will provide feed gas for NCSIJ’s
research into the environmental aspects of acid gas removal.
In support of this effort, HAl has completed a study
evaluating acid gas removal systems as applied to gases
derived from coal. A recommendation for a coal pretreating
process is also being developed by HRI for NCSU’s test
facility.
Combined Cycle, High Temperature Gas-Turbine Systems
Development — General Electric and Curtiss-Wright have
been selected by DOE and are negotiating contracts on con-
tinued development of combined cycle, high temperature
gas-turbine systems to generate electricity using coal-
derived fuels. The program is expected to cost between $50
and $100 million over a 6-year term. General Electric pro-
poses using low-Btu gas from coal in a water-cooled turbine;
Curtiss-Wright proposes using an air-cooled turbine.
The first phase of the program was started by General
Electric, Curtiss-Wright, United Technologies, and
Westinghouse Electric, who began development of the tur-
bine systems several years ago at a cost of about $9 million.
Phase II will include test support and technology testing
studies. Phase Ill will involve technology readiness and
verification of the test program. When all three phases are
complete, DOE expects to be ready for testing high tem-
perature turbines on a commercial- or full-scale demon-
stration basis. Eventually, it is hoped that turbines can be
used in electric power generation as baseload-rated
machines.
In-Situ Gasification will be Tried in Canada — An in-situ
gasification project is planned in Alberta, Canada. The pro-
cess will involve drilling bore holes to the coal seam and
then using controlled firing of the coal to produce gas.
About 85% of a deposit can currently be removed using this
technique.
Gasification Unit to be Built in Pennsylvania — A gasifica-
tion plant will be built in Humboldt Industrial Park, near
Hazelton, Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Regional Commis-
sion has approved a $12 million grant for the plant. It will
convert 0.5 kg/s (50 tpd) of anthracite coal into 0.33 m 3 Js (10
cf/d) of 160,000 J (150 Btu) gas.
Caterpillar Plans Gasification Plant — Caterpillar Tractor
Co. plans to build a gasification plant in York, Pennsylvania,
as a means of reducing their dependence on natural gas. The
plant will gasify 1.6 kgls (150 tpd) of bituminous coal. Sulfur
removal will be achieved in a Peabody Holmes-Stretford unit,
which will remove 0.041 kg/s (3.9 tpd) of sulfur from the raw
product gas.
4
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Phillips Petroleum, Davy Powergas Suggest Gasitie, Ven
ture — These two firms are discussing the prospect of
building and operating coal gasification plants using the
Winkler fluidized-bed process. They propose a joint venture
using private funding to build a demonstration plant which
could be operated either in conjunction with a commercial-
scale plant or separately. The plant would be sized to pro-
cess about 2 kg/s (8 tph) of coal at up to 1.5 MPa (15 at-
mospheres) operating pressure. With completion of contrac-
tual arrangements this year, plant operation in 1979 would be
a target of the joint venture.
G.E. Study Indicates More Efficient Generation Systems
Possible — NASA sponsored a 2-year study by General Elec-
tric which concludes that advanced generating systems will
make possible cheaper, more efficient coal-fired plants dur-
ing the next 6 years. Seven advanced systems were studied:
two types of advanced steam-turbine cycles, two combined
cycle gas turbines, a closed gas-turbine cycle, a metal vapor
topping cycle, and open-cycle magnetohydrodynamics
(MHD). All of the above were estimated to be more efficient
than conventional coal-fired plants with scrubbers, with MHD
the most efficient (48%). However, MHD processes currently
have scale-up difficulties. The gas-turbine combined cycle
and advanced steam-turbine cycle with an advanced low-Btu
coat gasifier were selected as having the best possibilities.
Battelle to Operate Integrated System — Battelle’s Colum-
bus Laboratory is conducting an experimental project that
gasifies coat to make medium-Btu synthesis gas that could
be used as a feedstock for chemical plants. The Battelle
technique is an outgrowth of a Union Carbide process for
gasifying low-sulfur Western coal (U.S. Patent 3.171,369). Bat-
telle’s agglomerating burner gasification process is designed
to demonstrate the feasibility of making a nitrogen-free gas
that does not have to be treated to remove fine particles of
coal. It could also use all types of coal feedstocks.
So far the Battelle group has run the burner and gasifier
independently for varying times up to 130 hours. The next
step is to operate the burner while continuously circulating
the solids and feeding coal into the gasifier.
BCR Plans Tests for Bl-GAS — The BI-GAS pilot plant
(Bituminous Coal Research, Homer City, Pennsylvania) is
designed to produce high-Btu gas using a two-stage en-
trained-bed slagging gasifier. The gasifier is designed to
work at a maximum pressure of 10 MPa (1500 psig); however,
to date test pressures have been limited to 5.3 MPa (750
psig). Plans for tests include increasing the pressure to the
optimum level, first using Montana Rosebud coal, then using
other coals. Environmental testing is expected to include am-
bient air sampling as well as multimedia effluent sampling.
The life of various metals and refractory materials will also
be tested in future runs both within the gasifier and in the
coal conveying system.
HYGAS Test Encouraging — A 92% carbon conversion of
Illinois No. 6 caking bituminous coal is another milestone
passed by the Institute of Gas Technology’s HYGAS coal
gasification process. A temperature of 1200°K (1700°F) in
the steam-oxygen gasification stage of a multi-stage reactor
was required for the conversion at 7 MPa (1000 psig) without
slagging. The process has already proved successful on non-
caking western lignite and subbituminous coal and on
eastern caking bituminous coal.
SRC Gains Support Due to Test Run — The Solvent Re-
fined Coal (SRC) process may receive private financing due
to a successful test run at Plant Mitchell in Putney, Georgia.
DOE and Southern Co. sponsored the 18-day test run in
which some 2.7 x 106 kg (3,000 tons) of SRC were burned in
a 22.5 megawatt boiler.
A private group may go ahead with a commercial plant in
Western Kentucky with or without federal support. Rust
Engineering, who built the Ft. Lewis plant that supplied the
SRC for the Georgia test burn, is now designing a 21 kg/s
(2,000 tpd) plant for the State ot Kentucky for producing a
solid” SRC. Gulf Mineral Resources Co., who operates the
Ft. Lewis pilot plant in Washington under contract to DOE, is
also interested in the advanced” technology of SRC. The
company will soon try to conduct a test of a “liquid” (at
room temperature) version of the SAC process.
Germany to Build a Liquefaction Plant — A coal liquefac-
tion pilot plant will be built in Voelklingen, South Germany,
by Saarbergwerke at the cost of $13 million. Saarbergwerke,
a 74% federally- and 26% Saarland state-owned conglom-
erate, says the plant will have a coal input of 6 metric tpd,
most of it coming from nearby Saarland mines, and will
produce naphtha and light heating oil. Based on current Ger-
man coal prices, the process is uneconomical according to a
government spokesman; but he adds that the plant comes
from Germany’s desire to end dependence on energy from
costly and politically unstable” foreign sources.
Industry Joins with DOE to Build Liquefaction Plant —
Several companies have joined with DOE in financing a coal
liquefaction demonstration plant. Exxon Research and
Engineering, Electric Power Research Institute, Carter Oil
Co., and Phillips Petroleum will join to provide 50% of the
funds. DOE will supply funds for the remainder of the $240
million program. Other private-sector participants may join
the venture later.
The pilot plant will use the Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) pro-
cess and will be capable of processing 2.6 kg/s (250 tpd) of
coal into liquid fuels. It will be located adjacent to Exxon’s
refinery at Baytown, Texas, with Exxon’s Baytown Research
& Development Division.
DOE Initiates End-Use Application Program — In 1976 the
DOE published a program opportunity notice (PON.FE-4) en-
titled “Integration and Evaluation of Low-Btu Coal Gasifica-
tion Technology in Operational Environments.” The primary
goal of that procurement action was to evaluate technically
and economically commercial-size low-Btu gasification units
supplying gas for various end uses. Currently six projects
are in this program: Pike County, Kentucky (two Wellman-
Galusha gasifiers); University of Minnesota at Duluth (Foster
Wheeler/Stoic gasifier); General Ref ractories in Hitchens,
Kentucky (two Woodall-Duckham gasifiers); Irvin Industries,
Georgetown, Kentucky (two Weilman-Galusha gasitiers); and
Glen-Gery Brick Company, York, Pennsylvania (Wellman-
Galusha gasifier).
Other government agencies, such as the EPA and NIOSH,
will work together with DOE for environmental assessments
and study of the occupational health and safety impacts of
these projects. It is hoped that the results of these efforts
will provide realistic data that can be applied to commercial-
size, low-Btu gas production units.
5
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PROJECT TITLES, CONTRACTORS, AND EPA PROJECT OFFICERS
IN FUEL PROCESS BRANCH ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Project Title Contractor EPA Project Officer
Environmental Assessment
of Low/Medium-Btu
Gasification
(March 1976-March 1979)
Environmental Assessment
of High-Btu Gasification
(April 1977-April 1980)
Environmental Assessment
of Coal Liquefaction
(August 1976-August 1979)
Control Technology For
Products/By-Products
(September 1976-September 1979)
Control Technology For
Converter Output
(January 1977-January 1980)
Waste Stream Disposal
and Utilitzation
(April 1977-April 1980)
General Support
(April 1976-December 1977)
Acid Gas Cleaning
Bench Scale Unit
(October 1976-September 1981)
(Grant)
Water Treating Bench
Scale Unit
(November 1976-October 1981)
(Grant)
Pollutant Identification
From A Bench Scale Unit
(November 1976-October 1981)
(Grant)
Radian Corporation
8500 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78758
(512) 454-4797
(E.C. Cavanaugh/G,C. Page)
TRW, Inc.
1 Space Park
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
(213) 536-1116
(Chuck Murray)
Hittman Associates
9190 Red Branch Road
Columbia, MD 21043
(301) 730-7800
(Dwight Emerson)
Catalytic, Inc.
1500 Market Street
Center Square West
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 864-8104
(A. B. Cherry)
Hydrocarbon Research, Inc.
P. 0. Box 2391
334 Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
(201) 540-0180
(Harold Stotler)
Pullman-Kellogg
Research and Development Center
16200 Park Row
Industrial Park Terrace
Houston, Texas 77054
(713) 493-0291
(Louis Bostwick)
Cameron Engineers, Inc.
1315 South Clarkson Street
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-2525
(Ted Borer)
North Carolina State Univ.
Department of Chemical Engineering
Raleigh, NC 27607
(919) 737-2324
(Dr. James Ferrell)
Univ. of North Carolina
Department of Environmental
Sciences and Engineering
School of Public Health
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 966-1052
(Dr. Philip Singer)
Research Triangle Institute
P. 0. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina 27709
(919) 341-5836
(Dr. Forest Mixon)
William J. Rhodes
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2851
William J. Rhodes
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2851
\Nifliam J. Rhodes
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2851
Chester A. Vogel
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2134
Chester A. Vogel
IERL.RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2134
Chester A. Vogel
lEA L-RT P
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2134
L. David Tamny
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2709
Thomas W. Petrie
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2708
Thomas W. Petrie
IERL.RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2708
Thomas W. Petrie
IERL-RTP
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
(919) 541-2708
6
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MEETING CALENDAR
Technology for Energy Conservation, January 23-27, 1978, Albuquerque, NM. Contact Energy Conservation Conference, do Information
Transfer, Inc., Suite 202, 1160 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.
Fifth Energy Technology Conference and Exposition, February 27-March 1, 1978, Washington, DC. Contact Richard F. Hill, ESCOE-
Suite 405, 444 N. Capital St., Washington, DC 20001.
175th ACS National Meeting, March 12-17, 1978, Anaheim, CA. Contact AT. Winstead, ACS, 1155 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20014.
RECENT MAJOR MEETINGS
Fourth Annual International Conference
of Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and
Conversion to Electricity
The Fourth Annual International Conference of Coal
Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conversion to Electricity was
held August 2-4 at the University of Pittsburgh School of
Engineering.
It was generally agreed that currently the most likely ap-
plication of coal gasification will be in industries that will re-
quire small gasitiers to provide gas for direct heat. Several
companies presented papers stressing the commercial
availability of low- and medium-Btu gasifiers. These included
information on required capital investment, projected-cost of
the product gas, and how these compare to the projected
cost of other fuel alternatives. However, as Russell Bardos
stated in “Gasifiers in Industry,” available economic and en-
vironmental data are limited. DOE, EPA, and NIOSH have in-
itiated several joint ventures to provide these needed data to
the public during a 3 to 4 year period.
The developing technology for gasification and lique-
faction was also discussed. Gasification topics included
energy efficiency, quality of product gas, types of coal used,
and test planning. Technologies for using coal gas as a syn-
thesis gas and for magnetohydrodynamic power generation
are being developed. In the area of liquefaction a PERC/DOE
paper stressed the dependability of the Synthoil process
operation, and Gulf and Rust Engineering gave updates on
their work with SRC.
Installation of four new FBC units in the U.S. was an-
nounced. Babcock and Wilcox, Ltd. is giving commercial
guarantees on these units along with guaranteeing sulfur
removal.
Environmental aspects of coal conversion technologies
were discussed. Several types of flue gas desulfurization
processes were presented. Government directed/operated
work was outlined in detail in “Environmental Assessment
and Regulation for Coal Conversion” presented by John
Cleland of RTI. Work in coal cleaning was mentioned here
and in other presentations.
Environmental Aspects of
Fuel Conversion Technology, Ill
The Third Annual Symposium on Environmental Aspects of
Fuel Conversion Technology was held September 13-16,
1977, at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, under the
sponsorship of USEPA-IERL-RTP. The first and second sym-
posia in this series highlighted coal conversion processes
and environmental assessment methodologies. This sym-
posium placed more emphasis on environmental test
methods and test results.
In the first session of the symposium, the Synthetic Fuels
Program at IERL-RTP was described and methodologies for
performing environmental assessments were presented.
Other topics included multimedia environmental goals, non-
site specific test plans, analytical methods, data acquisition
by DOE, and occupational safety and health programs.
In the second session, environmental assessments of low-
and high-Btu coal gasification and coal liquefaction were
considered. Topics included the Kosovo Test Program, fate
of pollutants in industrial gasifiers, environmental testing of
liquid fuels, parametric evaluations of pollutants, analytical
techniques and analyses of coal tars, relationships between
process variables and effluent production, cross media ef-
fects of gasification, Iow-Btu gas usage in combined cycles,
and the fate of trace elements in Lurgi gasification.
In the third session, control technologies for coal conver-
sion processes were addressed. Topics covered were con-
verter output compositions, acid gas test facilities,
Fischer/Tropsch process, coal residue leachates, phenolic
water treatment, water use, refinery/coke oven water treat-
ment technology, volataility of coal and its by-products,
water treatment facilities, and gasification facilities testing.
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RECENT MAJOR PAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS
Gasification Technology
Banchik, 1.14, T.K. Subramaniam and J.H. Marten, “Pressure
Reaction Cuts Gasification Costs,” Hydrocarbon Process.
56(3), 121-25 (1977).
Bombaugh, Karl J., “A Non-Site Specific Test Plan,”
Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the En-
vironmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Cavanaugh, EC., et at, “Environmental Assessment Data
Base for Low/Medium-Btu Gasification Technology, Volume I
and II.” EPA 600/7-77-125 a and b, EPA Contract No. 68-02-
2147. Austin, TX, Radian Corp., November 1977.
Cleland, John G., “A Program for Parametric Evaluation of
Pollutants from a Laboratory Gasifier,” Presented at the
Third Annual Symposium on the Environmental Aspects of
Fuel Conversion Technology, Hollywood, FL, September 13-
16, 1977.
Corbett, William E., “Low-Btu Gasification-Environmental
Assessment,” Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on
the Environmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Eliman, R.C., “Slagging Fixed-Bed Gasification,” Presented
at the Fourth International Conference on Coal Gasification,
Liquefaction, and Conversion to Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA,
August 2-4, 1977.
Farrell, J.K, et at., “A Coal Gasification-Gas Cleaning Test
Facility,” Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the
Environmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Fillo, J.P., et al., “Decomposition Characteristics of Phenol
under Synthane Gasifier Conditions,” PERC report for ERDA,
Report No. PERC/Rt/77!4. Pittsburgh, PA, PERC, March 1977.
Goodman, M., and E. Bailey, “Synthetic Medium-Btu Gas via
Winkler Process,” Presented at Fourth Annual International
Conference on Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conver-
sion to Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Haynes, W.P., at at., “Synthane Process Update, Mid 1977,”
Presented at the Fourth International Conference on Coal
Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conversion to Electricity,
Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Maddalone, R.F. and S.C. Quinlivan, “Technical Manual for
Inorganic Sampling and Analysis.” Report No. EPA-600!2-77-
024, (NTIS NO. PB 266 842/AS), Redondo Beach, CA, TRW
Systems Group, January 1977.
Murray, Charles F., and Masood Ghassemi, “High-Btu
Gasification Environmental Assessment - Work Status and
Plans,” Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the En-
vironmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Neben, E.W., and G.E. Pack, “Screening of SNG Alter-
natives,” Presented at the Fourth International Conference
on Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conversion to
Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Page, Gordon C., “Fate of Pollutants in Industrial Gasifiers,”
Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the Environ-
mental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology, Hollywood,
FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Patterson, R.C., “Low Btu Gasification of Coal: A C-E Status
Report,” Presented at the Fourth Annual International Con-
ference on Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conversion
to Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Phillips, Nancy P., and Charles A. Muela, “In-situ Coal
Gasification: Status of Technology and Environmental Im-
pact.” ReportNo.EPA-600!7-77-045 (NTIS No. PB 268
576/AS), Austin, TX, Radian Corp., May 1977.
Robin, Allen M., “The Production of Synthesis Gas from
H-Coal Liquefaction Residues,” Presented at the 83rd
National Meeting of AIChE, Houston, TX, March 20-24, 1977.
Sinor, J.E., ed., “Evaluation of Background Data Relating to
New Source Performance Standards for Lurgi Gasification.”
Report No. EPA-600/7-77-057, (NTIS No. PB-269 557/AS),
Denver, CO, Cameron Engineers, inc., June 1977.
Stover, S.E., and F.D. Hoffert, “Selection of Acid Gas
Treating Processes for Coal Converter Outputs,” Presented
at the Third Annual Symposium on the Environmental
Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology, Hollywood, FL,
September 13-16, 1977.
“Ruhrchemie to Build Coal-Based Syngas Plant,” European
Chemica / News, page 30, April 15, 1977.
Liquefaction Technology
Emerson, Dwight B., “Liquefaction Environmental Assess-
ment,” Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the En-
vironmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Koralek, C.S., and Bruce May, “Flue Gas Sampling During
the Combustion of Solvent Refined Coal In a Utility Boiler,”
Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the Environ-
mental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology, Hollywood,
FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Schitler, J.E., and D.R. Mathiason, “Separation Method for
Coal-Derived Solids and Heavy Liquids,” Anal. Chem. 49(8),
1225-1228 (1977).
Schmid, B.K., and D.M. Jackson, “Recycle SRC Processing
for Liquid and Solid Fuels,” Presented at the Fourth Inter-
national Conference on Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and
Conversion to Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Schultz, H., et at., “The Distribution of Some Trace Elements
in the 1 Ton Per Day SyntFioil Process Development Unit,”
Report No. PERC/Rl-77/2. Pittsburgh, PA, PERC, February
1977.
Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc., “Environmental
Review — Solvent Refined Coal Pilot Plant, Fort Lewis,
Washington.” ERDA, 1977.
“Fluidization Theories and Applications,” AIChE Symposium
Series No. 161, Volume 73, 1977.
Other
Bostwick, Louis E., “Control Technology Development for
Fuel Conversion System Wastes,” Presented at the Third An-
nual Symposium on the Environmental Aspects of Fuel Con-
version Technology, Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Cleland, J.G., “Environmental Assessment and Regulation
for Coal Conversion,” Presented at the Fourth International
Conference on Coal Gasification, Liquefaction, and Conver-
sion to Electricity, Pittsburgh, PA, August 2-4, 1977.
Considine, Douglas M., Editor-in-Chief, Energy Technology
Handbook. New York, NY, McGraw-Hill, 1977.
ERDA, “Project Plan 1977-1979 National Coal Utilization
Assessment.” ERDA 77-19. Washington, DC, March 1977.
8
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Fruchter, J.S., et at., “High Precision Trace Element and
Organic Constituent Analysis of Oil Shale and Solvent Re-
fined Coal Materials,” Amer. Chem. Soc., Div. Petrol. Chem.,
Prepr. 22(2), 793-807 (1977).
Hundemann, Audrey S., ‘Pollution and Environmental
Aspects of Fuel Conversion (A Bibliography with Abstracts).”
NTIS1PS-77/0212. Springfield, VA, NTIS, April 1977.
Hylton, J.D., o . ., “1977 Symposium on the Coal Dilemma:
How and Where to Use It.” Symposium sponsored by the
Division of Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, American
Chemical Society. Denver, CO, Cameron Engineers, Inc.,
1977.
Kingsbury, Garrie, L., “Development of Multimedia Environ-
mental Goals (MEG’s) for Pollutants from Fuel Conversion
Processes,” Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on
the Environmental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology,
Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Ralph M. Parsons Co., “Oil/Gas Conceptual
DesignlEconomics Analysis: Oil and SNG Production.”
Report No. ERDA-FE-1775-8, R & D Report No. 114, Interim
Report No. 4. Pasadena, CA, March 1977.
Rhodes, W.J., and I.E. Bostwick, “Environmental Program
for Solid Wastes from Synthetic Fuels from Coal
Technologies,” Presented at the American Institute of
Chemical Engineers 70th Annual Meeting, New York, NY,
November 17, 1977.
Sohrab, M. Hossain, John W. Mitchell, and Alfred B. Cherry,
“Control Technology Development for Products/By-Products
of Coal Conversion Systems,” Presented at the Third Annual
Symposium on the Environmental Aspects of Fuel Conver-
sion Technology, Hollywood, FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Sparacino, C.M., R.A. Zweidinger and S. Willis, “Analytical
Techniques and Analysis of Coal Tars, Waters and Gases,”
Presented at the Third Annual Symposium on the Environ-
mental Aspects of Fuel Conversion Technology, Hollywood,
FL, September 13-16, 1977.
Goldstein, D.J., and D. Yung, “Water Conservation and Pollu-
tion Control in Coal Conversion Processes.” Report No. EPA-
600/7-77-065, (NTIS No. PB 269 568/AS), Water Purification
Associates, Cambridge, MA, June 1977.
Environmental Review of Synthetic Fuels is prepared by Radian Corporation under EPA Contract 68-02-2147. Each contractor listed
in the introduction of this report contributed to this issue. The EPA/IERL-RTP Project Officer is William J. Rhodes, (919) 541-2851. The
Radian Program Manager is Eugene C. Cavanaugh, (512) 454-4797. Comments on this issue, topics for inclusion in future issues, and
requests for subscriptions should be communicated to them.
The views expressed in Environmental Review of Synthetic Fuels do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for
use by EPA.
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