Executive summary
Emission of sulfur compounds contained in gas flared during the startup of gasification plants using coal, oil, petroleum coke or other sulfurcontaining feedstocks can be problematic from an environmental, regulatory and permitting standpoint. Driving factors include tighter restrictions on total sulfur emissions; increased scrutiny of the frequency, duration, and thus legitimacy of start up/shutdown/malfunction exemptions; the required permitting of startup and shutdown emission; and absolute
limits on instantaneous emission concentrations, regardless of the reason for the emissions. The larger size and number of gasifiers now considered for world scale gasification complexes has also increased in absolute terms the magnitude of startup emissions.
In response, Eastman proactively developed a patented process that essentially eliminates startup activity sulfur emissions. Eastman has utilized the SulfurFree Startup process at its Kingsport gasification facilities for over 10 years, and is now willing to consider licensing its patent rights and associated knowhow for this technology to selected projects.
Technology description
Traditionally, the raw, sulfurcontaining gas produced during the startup of a gasification plant is flared until the downstream cleanup and recovery plants are started. This procedure allows for a safe, controlled startup of the process, but results in excess levels of sulfur emissions.
Drawing on its 25 years of experience operating the nation’s most reliable coal gasification facility, Eastman developed and patented a process that virtually eliminates startup related sulfur emissions. Eastman’s approach involves starting the gasification units and downstream plants on a sulfurfree, carbonaceous liquid feedstock such as propanol, methanol, or a mixture of methanol and water, resulting in a flare without sulfur emissions.
Once the downstream plants are adequately pressurized and brought online, the feed is switched to coal slurry or other sulfurbearing feedstock on the same feed injector. This changeover is accomplished while maintaining pressure and without interruption to the feed.
Intellectual property portfolio
- US Patent No. 6,033,447: StartUp Process for a Gasification Reactor
- Associated design information, including P&ID, PFD, HMB information, key equipment and instrument details, safety narrative, and vendor selection specifics
- Operating narrative recommended by Eastman for startup on alcohol and switching to slurry feed
- Onsite startup procedure training of key licensee personnel at Eastman’s gasification facility in Kingsport, TN
- Limited consultation by Eastman gasification experts during technology transfer and commissioning
Other technology and service offerings
- Eastman offers the benefits of 25 years of industryleading coal gasification operating experience and knowhow. We can help maximize the value creation and performance of your gasification investment and make it your preferred power, chemicals, or fuels production option. Our focus is on partnering with gasification developers and/or owners to create strong opportunities for chemical coproduction or polygeneration. Preferred projects are those having solid financials, competitively advantaged feedstocks, and superior inbound/outbound logistics. If you are involved in such a gasification project and believe it could provide significant mutual benefits, please contact us.
- Eastman’s Technology Licensing and Alliances group focuses on the licensing, sale, donation, and disposition of intellectual capital for the enterprise. The scope of our offerings can begin with the simplistic granting of rights from the Eastman patent portfolio and progress through the transfer of proprietary skills, design specifications, and knowledge captured in our confidential knowhow.
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