Syngas Cleaning

Syngas Cleaning | Hot-Gas Filtration | Desulfurization, Tar Cracking, Ammonia Cracking
Trace Metal Capture | Preparation and Characterization of Catalysts and Sorbents
PSDF Transport Gasifier | Laboratory-Scale Gasifer

Power Systems Development Facility in Wilsonville, Alabama

Through experience gained by working on site at the Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF) since 1995, Southern Research is able to offer broad capabilities and expertise in gas cleanup technology research, development and demonstration. Gas cleanup is the key enabling technology for wide-spread application of integrated gasification combined-cycle technology for power generation and conversion of syngas to transportation fuel, fuel additives, chemicals, and hydrogen. Southern Research gas cleaning experience spans: hot-gas filtration, desulfurization, tar cracking, ammonia destruction, trace metal capture, and CO₂ removal.

A cluster of sintered metal filter elements is covered with char from a recent coal gasification test campaign. One focus of Southern Research's work at the PSDF is to understand the factors affecting the buildup and flow resistance of char dustcakes.

In support of hot-gas cleanup research and testing, Southern Research Power System and Environment Research (PSER) operates laboratories at the PSDF for thorough characterization of various process-related samples and laboratories in Birmingham for the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of hot-gas cleanup sorbents and catalysts. Southern Research's characterization capabilities include complete laboratory evaluation of the sorbent/catalyst particle-size distribution, flow resistance (drag), porosity, density, compressibility, chemistry, morphology, reactivity, and attrition resistance.

The capability to develop and demonstrate fully integrated gas clean-up systems with syngas generators and syngas to liquid fuels and chemicals resides at Southern Research Advanced Energy and Transportation Technology (AE&TT) Department.

AE&TT has developed a unique configuration of the gas cleanup system that makes it possible to do most of the syngas cleanup upstream of the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), thereby prolonging the life and increasing the reliability of the HRSG and other down stream equipment. When combined with a conventional scrubber and polishing filter downstream from the HRSG, this system meets the stringent syngas contaminant limits required to protect the catalysts used in Fisher-Tropsch and other syngas conversion technologies for liquid fuels, fuel addetives, and chemicals including diesel, jet fuels, alcohols, DME, and hydrogen.

In addition to various laboratory studies, Southern Research performs specialized, in situ particulate sampling, dustcake sampling, and analysis of sorbents and catalysts from all test campaigns. Southern Research also provides ongoing evaluations of real-time particulate monitors to detect dust leakage through the hot-gas filter and conducts various types of specialized sampling for gaseous components and hazardous air pollutants.

Syngas Cleaning | Hot-Gas Filtration | Desulfurization, Tar Cracking, Ammonia Cracking
Trace Metal Capture | Preparation and Characterization of Catalysts and Sorbents
PSDF Transport Gasifier | Laboratory-Scale Gasifer