Improved Performance and Life of Gasifier Nozzles

Materials used in the manufacture of the injector nozzles are cited most often as important parameters. New materials or coatings for existing materials are needed to provide protection from sulfidation and corrosion at high reactor temperatures. Also, better gaskets are needed for equipment that feeds hot 02 into the nozzle. 

It is also believed that nozzle life is affected by feedstock characteristics. Although the dry-feed system may be more difficult to operate at high pressures, nozzle life may be longer in the absence of large amounts of evaporating water. Deeper understanding is needed to identify the effect of feedstock preparation. 

In addition, there is also an expressed need for fuel-flexible injector nozzles. In the past, some nozzles have experienced vibration problems because of the load and feedstock changes. Nozzles are desired that can operate with more than one feedstock, with no adverse effect on the operation, and no need to shut down to switch nozzles whenever the conditions require a change in feedstocks. 

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