Removal of Particulate and SOx/NOx Precursors in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Systems

108 Removal of Particulate and SOx/NOx Precursors in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Systems--Industrial Filter and Pump Manufacturing Company, 5900 Ogden Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804-3810; (708) 656-7800 Ms. Parul Patel, Principal Investigator Mr. Jeffrey D. Burgeson, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82408 Amount: $75,000 While both the Department of Energy and private sector recognize the merits of Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle as one of the most efficient advanced technologies to produce electricity from the nation¿s coal reserves, these systems have been heretofore limited in having to remove physical and chemical contaminants on an individual basis. Such a step wise approach to contaminant removal adds to the complexity of the process and often requires a decrease in process temperature for effective contaminant mitigation--both of which increase system cost and complexity while decreasing efficiency and reliability. This project will essentially eliminate the above dilemma through the development of a catalytically activated porous ceramic filter. Used with novel "once-through" disposable sulfur sorbents, such a filter can effectively remove particulate, SOx, NOx precursors, and spent sorbent in one step, and at high process temperatures. Phase I efforts will focus on the design and fabrication of prototypical catalytically activated filter elements, after screening several catalyst materials to determine which are suitable for such use. Phase I evaluations will involve selection and testing of the most promising catalytically activated filter in the presence of particulate and sorbent at elevated temperature, thereby simulating actual process conditions. Phase II studies will involve long term, high temperature filtration testing of the catalytically activated filter candles to improve the performance and durability of this filter. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Commercially, a catalytically activated filter candle used in combination with non-regenerable sorbent technology would allow effective, economical, and efficient removal of contaminants from coal gasification streams to levels that can meet gas turbine and environmental emissions requirements at high temperatures. Consumers would enjoy the benefits of clean, reliable power through utilization of our Nation's vast high sulfur coal reserves.