Methanol's a syn for Air Products
15 Jan 2000
With the new government's keenness on clean coal technology, a new process developed by Air Products and Chemicals could generate considerable interest. The technology works by generating methane from synthesis gas, `virtually eliminating' sulphur and nitrogen oxides emissions.
The process is designed as an add-on to a coal gasification facility, which converts coal into synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Burning this in a turbine to generate electricity is far more efficient than burning the coal directly to raise steam. But the added methanol facility makes the system still more efficient, says Air Products.
The process uses a catalyst dispersed in an inert liquid to convert the syngas into methanol. This can be stored on-site and used as an extra fuel in the turbines during peak demand periods, expanding the power station's output.
The process has several other benefits, claims Air Products. It reduces CO2 emissions by 5 per cent, and halves solid waste disposal to landfill. Moreover, it would allow power stations to be built smaller but with the same output, it adds, cutting capital costs by 25 per cent.
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