Sorbents for High-Temperature Mercury Removal from Coal-Derived Syngas

70592 Gasification technologies convert coal into synthesis gas feed streams that can be used in power cycles for the high-efficiency generation of electricity. However, the coal-derived synthesis gas contains a myriad of trace contaminants, including mercury, which is designated as a hazardous pollutant that cannot be released to the atmosphere. The cost-effective removal of these contaminants is critical for the successful utilization of coal as a feedstock in advanced power cycles. This project will develop a sorbent-based system that can reduce the concentration of a major coal pollutant, mercury, to less than parts-per-billion levels in the coal-derived synthesis gas. Phase I developed a low cost, high capacity sorbent that can remove mercury from elevated temperature, coal-derived synthesis gas. Also, the technical and economic feasibility of a process using this sorbent, which dramatically reduces the cost of mercury removal, was demonstrated. Phase II will design and fabricate a prototype test unit to demonstrate the concept at a larger scale. As a part of these experiments, the effectiveness of the sorbent in the presence of other trace impurities (e.g., H2S, COS, AsH3), which contaminate coal-derived syngas, will be demonstrated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The sorbent-based system should provide cost effective contaminant removal, enabling rapid and widespread implementation of gasification-based advanced power systems.