Coal gasification in a large underground gasifier: Process efficiency

Conference · Wed Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:324692

Blinderman, M S

The process of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in a large, commercial scale, underground gasifier is considered both from theoretical and practical points of view. Such a gasifier may comprise a number of gasification channels in the coal seam where the actual coal-to-gas conversion occurs. The UCG gas quality and process efficiency in such a system are investigated as functions of the process parameters. The latter include geological characteristics of coal seam, gasifier layout and controlled technology variables (e.g. flow rate and pressure of the oxidant). In addition to the gasification itself, the author studied how the gas quality and process efficiency are affected by conditions in process wells. The gas formation is not completed in the gasification channel of an underground gasifier. A number of reactions may proceed in production wells. The ways to control the reactions are discussed. Quality of the gas is determined not only by its composition, but also by its enthalpy as well as by concentration of oils and tars and particulates in the gas. The author discusses how these factors are influenced by the process parameters and design. The process efficiency depends on many factors including gas and heat loss. The ways to mitigate and/or recover these losses are suggested. Examples of commercial scale gasifiers are considered.

• OSTI ID: 324692
• Report Number(s): CONF-970931--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL GASIFICATION
EFFICIENCY
FUEL GAS
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
PROCESS CONTROL
QUALITY CONTROL