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 would not only provide environmental compliance data, but also 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 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. In Phase I, a laboratory scale sensor will be developed for testing on various coal samples. A design for a Phase II sensor, capable of being installed in an operating power plant, will be initiated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the 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.