Commissioning of a 500 KW Pressurized Entrained-Flow Coal Gasifier

The University of Utah recently commissioned a small pilot-scale, slurry-fed, oxygen-blown, pressurized entrained-flow coal gasifier. The system is designed for operation at pressures to 450 psi (31 bar) and is rated for approximately 70 kg/hr of coal at maximum pressure. Generally speaking, startup of the system has gone well. But, there have been challenges along the way. This paper describes the experience with this system to date, including challenges with feeding, operation and control of the system.