Gasification Systems - Gasifier Optimization Main Area
Refractory Improvement
Project No.: ORD-2012.03.03 Task 2
Industry would like gasifier on-line availability of 85-95% for utility applications and 95% for applications such as chemical production. Gasification facilities' are currently unable to meet these requirements, which have created a potential roadblock to widespread acceptance and commercialization of gasification technologies. Refractory liners and syngas coolers are among key components of the gasification process previously identified as negatively impacting gasifier availability. Ash originating from impurities in the gasifier's carbon feedstock is the root cause of many problems impacting gasifier RAM. At the high temperatures of gasification, ash changes to liquid, gas, and solid phases which wear down refractory materials and can cause fouling, either of which can lead to unplanned shutdowns for system repair, replacement, or cleaning.
Current refractory linings last from 3-36 months, a life that depends on gasifier location and the severity of the service environment.
The goals of this NETL in-house research effort are to increase gasifier on-line availability by:
- Evaluating/developing improved performance refractory materials for coal.
- Modeling/controlling high temperature ash chemistry for optimal flow in the gasifier, controlling/minimizing undesired slag/refractory interactions, and controlling/reducing undesired species originating from ash that impact gasifier operation such as heat exchanger fouling.
Related Papers and Publications:
- Overview of National Energy Technology Laboratory R&D Activities and Partnership Opportunities Presentation [PDF-2.8MB] (Oct 2011)
Presented by Chris Guenther, Gasification Technologies Conference, October 9-12, 2011, San Francisco, CA.
- Failure Mechanisms in High Chrome Oxide Gasifier Refractories
J.P. Bennett and K.S. Kwong; Met. and Mat. Trans. A; Vol 42, No. 4; pp 888-914.
- Interactions of refractory materials with molten gasifier slags
J. Nakano, S. Sridhar, J. Bennett, K.S. Kwong, T. Moss, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 36 (2011): 4595-4604.
- Improved Refractory Materials for Slagging Gasification Systems [PDF-1.2MB]
NETL Project Fact Sheet, Oct 2010.
- A New Generation of Refractories to Enable Gasifier Fuel Flexibility
J.P. Bennett, K.S. Kwong, H. Thomas, and R. Krabbe; CIMTEC 2010.
- Improved Lining Material for Gasifiers Could Lead to Wider Commercialization of Clean and Efficient Energy Technology
DOE - Fossil Energy Techline, Nov 2009.
- Chrome Oxide Refractory
NETL Advanced Research: High Performance Materials Website.
- Interactions between Slag and High Chrome Oxide Refractory Liners in Slagging Gasifiers
J. Bennett, K.S. Kwong, A.V. Petty, R. Krabbe, and H. Thomas; publication and presentation at the 25th International Pittsburgh Coal Conference; Sept 30-Oct. 2, 2008; Pittsburgh, PA.
Contacts:
- For further information on this project, contact the NETL Project Manager, James Bennett.
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