Monitoring Particulates in High Pressure/Temperature Gasifiers

70862 The monitoring of high-temperature, high-pressure filters, used in gasification to remove particulates prior to delivering the gas stream to the turbine, is considered to be a critical element for the successful development of advanced gasification systems. This project will develop a robust, continuous, real-time, and low-cost optical monitor that will provide particle size, absolute mass concentration, and velocity measurements at high pressures and temperatures. Phase I showed that quantitative mass measurements along with detailed size distributions can be provided by an optical instrument, the Process Particle Counter (PPC). The particle-laden sample was extracted and transported through a straight probe to provide mass closure. Phase II will design and fabricate two high-pressure PPC instruments, combined with a high-pressure sample extraction and transport system, for validation and testing at the DOE/Southern Companies Power Systems Development Facility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The process particle counter should have application to conventional coal burning power plants, advanced coal power generation methods (including gasifiers), cement manufacturing, and environmental stack monitoring of particulates in all industries. Other industrial applications include process optimization for the manufacture of chemical powders, such as toners, and pharmaceuticals.