Oxygen Blown Gasification of Coal Fines

50089-98-I Oxygen Blown Gasification of Coal Fines--Eltron Research, Inc., 5660 Airport Boulevard, Boulder, CO 80301-2340; (303) 440-8008 Dr. David R. Peterson, Principal Investigator Ms. Eileen E. Sammells, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82570 Amount: $74,997 One of the major concerns for the oxygen-blown gasification of coal is the requirement of a cryogenic oxygen plant, which is a major expense. This project is an attempt to replace the conventional coal gasifier with a catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) system which operates by catalytically separating oxygen directly from ambient air, thereby reducing power consumption. A novel process for the oxygen-blown gasification of coal fines will be developed, using advanced CMRs based on mixed oxygen anion and electron-conducting brownmillerite materials. CMRs will be utilized for the efficient, spontaneous conversion of coal fines and steam to a valuable chemical feedstock and fuel source consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Phase I will result in the selection of preferred components (membrane and catalysts) and optimal process operating conditions for promoting the oxygen-blown gasification of coal fines in the presence of steam using a mixed conducting membrane technology. The goal is to most effectively use the oxygen transported through the membrane reactor for the gasification of humidified coal fines to form a high quality CO and H2 product mixture. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: This technology should result in a less costly method for converting coal into value-added chemicals or fuels while also having a low environmental impact compared with currently used technologies. Utilization of catalytic membrane reactors should allow for an economical way to use pure oxygen in the gasification of coal._