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

Hot-Gas Filtration

Issues with Hot-Gas Filters

• Lack of reliable methods for filter sizing
• Very sensitive to dustcake drag, which varies widely with type of dust, particle size, morphology, and measurement technique
• Particle penetration through filter
• Particles can erode turbine blades and foul fuel cells
• Can be caused by leaking seals or damaged filters
• Ash/char bridging between filter elements
• Increasing pressure drop and potential for filter element damage
• Tar deposition
• Increasing pressure drop and potential to blind filter elements

In situ particulate sampling

The simplified drawing above depicts the major features of Southern Research's unique in situ particulate sampling system.

Unique capabilities at Southern Research include one-of-a-kind systems for in situ particulate sampling in high-temperature, high-pressure gas streams. These systems, which were designed and built by Southern Research, have been in operation at the Power Systems Development Facility since 1996 and have operated with nearly 100% availability. A simplified drawing of one of the systems is shown on the right. View paper (374 KB, PDF format).

Simulation of dustcake flow resistance

The one-of-a-kind system shown above has proven to be very valuable in understanding the performance of the hot-gas filter as a function of dustcake drag and particle size.

Another unique piece of equipment at Southern Research is a custom-built system for resuspending and collecting dust particles under conditions that simulate their collection in the hot-gas filter. The system includes provisions for various cyclone configurations to adjust the particle-size distribution of the dust being collected. Using this apparatus, the dustcake drag can be evaluated over a range of particle sizes and flow conditions. View paper (56 KB, PDF format).

Performance analysis and filter sizing

Based on laboratory drag measurements and information from particulate sampling, Southern Research is developing and validating new procedures for the analysis of filter performance and the sizing of new hot-gas filters. These procedures clearly show the critical importance of dustcake drag in determining filter performance and the required size of new filters. View paper (148 KB, PDF format).

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