Demonstration of hot gas filtration in advanced coal gasification system

Abstract

The Power Systems Development Facility (PSDF) is an engineering scale demonstration of advanced coal–fired power systems and high–temperature, high pressure gas filtration systems. The PSDF was designed at sufficient scale so that advanced power systems and components can be tested in an integrated fashion to provide data for commercial scale–up. The PSDF is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Southern Company, Kellogg Brown and Root, Inc. (KBR), Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation (SWPC), Peabody Energy, Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad, and the Lignite Energy Council. Coal gasification at the PSDF is achieved with the KBR Transport Gasifier, and a Siemens Westinghouse particulate control device (PCD) is used for filtration of gasification ash from synthesis gas (syngas). As a critical process in the gasification system, hot gas filtration in the PCD removes the particulate so that the syngas can be utilized in a downstream gas turbine or a fuel cell. Testing at the PSDF has provided valuable experience with and enhanced understanding of PCD equipment and operation, filter element and failsafe material properties, and gasification ash characteristics. This testing and demonstration of the PCD system have significantly increased readiness towards commercialization of the hot gas filtration technology. This paper summarizes the testing and demonstration of the hot gas filtration system at the PSDF and addresses issues associated with the commercialization of this technology.