Koppers-Totzek atmospheric entrained-flow process

Besides the upcoming NH3 and methanol market, the fast development in Germany was mainly driven by the need to produce liquid fuels from domestic sources such as lignite, which was induced by both World Wars. And a technology for coal dust gasification - the Koppers-Totzek atmospheric entrained-flow process - was developed in Germany in the 1940s. 

The Koppers-Totzek process was first commercialized in 1952 and, by 1984, was used in 19 plants in 17 different countries [27]. The process uses powdered coal at atmospheric pressures in a parallel flow of 02 and H20 at temperatures of 1400-2000°C. The high process temperatures eliminate the formation of hydrocarbons and produce a gas containing 85—90% syngas (CO and H2). A process schematic is shown in Figure 2.26 [37]. Recent process developments include the Pressurized Entrained Flow Gasification (PRENFLO) with operating pressures being increased to 40 bars. 

The Prenflo Process (Pressurized Entrained Flow Gasification), an advanced 25-30 bar version of the atmospheric Koppers-Totzek process, is currendy on its way to becoming operative. A demonstration plant designed for a coal throughput of 2.0 t/h has been operating since 1986. Apart from the fact that the raw gas provided by this process is obtained at an elevated pressure, its improved coal conversion rate promises a markedly better cold gas efficiency. Initially, the new process variant was launched in cooperation between Koppers and SHELL, but it is now pursued by the former alone while SHELL went its own way. 

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