Testing Coal Quality

Coal pyrolysis is an important first step in any coal utilization scheme: combustion, gasification, or liquefaction. SRI has developed unique facilities for studying the pyrolysis and gasification of coals and other fuels that can provide accurate and reliable data needed for predicting the impact of coal quality on the performance of the utility boiler or gasifier. These data will set the stage for developing a tool for the industry. We envision a software that contains the model for describing the pyrolysis of coals and other fuels (such as refuse-derived fuels) that uses only readily accessible fuel analysis as input parameters and provides engineers and plant designers with the information required to move forward.

Opportunity

Pyrolysis Studies

• Map out the primary pyrolysis yields of coals at 1.0 MPa (10 atm from the onset of devolatilization to their asymptotic limits.

• Determine the fate of nitrogen and sulfur under combustion conditions by introducing varying amounts of oxygen.

• Test the high pressure hydrogasification of coals.

• Test the pyrolysis of alternatives fuels such as petroleum coke, refuse-derived fuels, or biomass.

• Determine the rates and products of gasification of the coals and other fuels, either alone or as mixtures. The impact of mixed fuels on the relative yields of CO and H2 are important for designing flexible power plants that can accept a range of fuels and produce products such as hydrogen and methanol as well as electricity.

• Determine the vapor phase concentration of various metals under gasification conditions to predict their potential on the life of turbine blades.

Visit the Laboratory - Chemical and Engineering Processes

Technical Contact:
Ripudaman Malhotra
(650) 859-2805
ripudaman.malhotra@sri.com