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Coal/biomass gasifier lab tests are a success

Journal Article · · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)
OSTI ID:5925308
Laboratory scale experiments on the Simplex coal/biomass gasification process have been successfully carried out at Columbia University and plans for a pilot plant testing have been made. An important feature of the process is the briquetting of crushed coal, shredded municipal wastes and sludge which permits the use of high gas rates and large diameter gasifiers. It is claimed that there are no caking problems because of the combination of materials used. In separation the briquettes go through a pyrolysis and coking zone (600 degrees-1600 degrees Farenheit) where the organic wastes are pyrolyzed to char and the coal to coke, releasing volatile gases. Further down in a reaction zone (2000 degrees Farenheit) inorganic components from the waste and ash from the coal form a vitrous slag. Then, in a partial combustion zone (3000 degrees Farenheit), the char and coke react with oxygen and steam. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen, formed in the reaction zone, rise through the gasifier and combine with the volatile gases to form a medium-Btu gas.
OSTI ID:
5925308
Journal Information:
Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States) Vol. 58:8; ISSN CENEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English