Real-Time, In-Situ Laser Sensor for Feedstock Monitoring in Gasifiers

70549 The performance and environmental impact of coal-fueled gasifiers is strongly dependent upon the properties of the feedstock coal. Real-time knowledge of feedstock parameters, such as heating value and ash and sulfur content, would enable boiler operators to maximize plant efficiency. Also, real-time data on trace metals, such as mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead, not only would provide environmental compliance data, but also would allow boiler operators to reject highly contaminated feedstock prior to its release to the environment. This project will develop a sensor capable of simultaneously measuring multiple properties of the feedstock entering the coal fueled gasifiers in situ and in real time. The sensor will measure coal composition and correlate it to the coal¿s heating value, sulfur emissions, and other important parameters. Phase I verified feasibility by accurately measuring the coal¿s heating value, sulfur, nitrogen, metals, and ash. In addition, systems for on-line measurement, for use with powdered coal and also for coal-water slurry, were developed. In Phase II, a full-scale demonstration at an operating coal-fired power plant will be undertaken. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The gasification of coal, our most abundant fossil fuel, has the potential to raise operating efficiencies from 35% to 60% while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, heavy metal pollution, and producing valuable cogeneration products such as hydrogen. The feedstock monitoring sensor should have commercial applications not only in coal-fed gasifiers, but also in conventional coal-fired power plants.