Emission free integrated gasification combined cycle

Abstract

Disclosed is a process to start-up, operate, and shut down a gasifier and an integrated gasification combined cycle complex without flaring while additionally reducing the release of contaminants such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitrogen oxides. The process is accomplished by scrubbing ventable sour gases and passing scrubbed sour gases and ventable sweet gases to a vent gas combustor for controlled combustion prior to release of any such gases to the atmosphere. Additionally, the gases are subjected to a CO oxidation treatment and selective catalytic reduction treatment prior to release to the atmosphere.

Description

Background of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for starting, operating, and shutting down a gasification reactor and integrated gasification combined cycle ("IGCC") complex. [0002] Gasification was first used to produce "domestic gas" to obtain light and heat. In addition, coal and other hydrocarbons have been gasified in the past to produce a variety of different chemicals and synthetic fuels. More recently, gasification techniques have been used to generate electricity in IGCC complexes, in which coal or another hydrocarbon is gasified into synthesis gas by partial oxidation using oxygen or air. Typically, the synthesis gas is subsequently cleaned of particulate matter, sulfur-containing compounds and nitrogen-containing compounds such as NO x The compound is then passed to a gas turbine, where it is burned. Additionally, the hot exhaust gas from the gas turbine is typically passed to a heat recovery steam generator where steam i...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Because combustion is uncontrolled, NO x production reaches its maximum value, causing the generation of smoke in the air

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