Gasification of highly viscous fluids and suspensions

Description:

The entrained-flow gasifier is an important system for converting energy-containing residues into chemical energy sources and basic materials for the chemical industry, with the aim of closing carbon cycles in the energy system of the future. It serves as a research tool for the further development of entrained-flow gasification technology up to industrial application.

The gasifier works at an operating pressure of 40 or 80 bar and a thermal output of 5 MW, which corresponds to a fuel throughput of around 1 ton per hour.

The fuel is preheated, pressurized and converted at temperatures above 1200°C with the help of steam and oxygen to synthesis gas, which essentially contains the basic building blocks of hydrocarbon chemistry, carbon and hydrogen. A natural gas support flame provides the necessary ignition and stability.

Different cooling shield geometries and burner dimensions are available for the two operating pressure levels. The cooling screen, which is rammed with refractory material, protects the reactor and enables the use of fuels with a high ash content. This design increases the service life of the reactor and allows safe operation with fast start-up and shut-down.

The raw synthesis gas and the slag are cooled down below the reactor via a quenching device. The slag is discharged via a slag lock, the raw synthesis gas passes through a scrubber and a condensation stage before it reaches the bioliq petrol synthesis stage via the hot gas cleaning system. In addition, part of the unpurified synthesis gas can be used to generate electricity using the Energy Lab's micro gas turbine.

Comprehensive measuring equipment allows the detailed analysis of the flow and reaction processes as well as a well-founded evaluation of the process economy. The entire plant can be fully balanced in terms of mass, species and energy balances. Optical access allows the reaction zone to be observed both in the area of the burner and further downstream through the cooling screen wall at operating pressure.

Measurement technology:

• Fully balanceable system (mass, material and energy balances)

• Optical probe with high-speed camera for observing the flame

• Optical access through cooling screen for observing the reaction zone

Research coordination: Gasification Technology