Removal of Mercury from Coal Gasifier Effluents

70592 Gasifiers convert coal into synthesis gas feed streams that can be used in advanced power cycles to generate electricity and in the production of a wide variety of chemicals. However, the coal-derived synthesis gas contains a myriad of trace contaminants that cannot be released to the environment if the coal-derived syngas is burned to generate power. The removal of these contaminants is critical for the widespread and environmentally-friendly utilization of coal. Also, in chemical production, the contaminants may poison the catalysts used in the downstream manufacturing processes. This project will develop a sorbent-based system that can reduce the concentration of the trace metal contaminants (i.e., mercury, arsenic, selenium, cadmium) to less than parts per billion levels in the coal-derived synthesis gas. Phase I will prepare and test sorbent formulations that can effectively remove mercury under simulated conditions. An engineering analysis will be performed to identify the feasibility of integrating the sorbent system into state-of-the-art coal gasification processes and assess the economics of the proposed application. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The use of coal-derived synthesis gas in power generation and its conversion into chemical intermediates and transportation fuels is an emerging market with very significant commercial potential.