Effective syngas cleanup systems are essential for widespread application of gasification technology for power generation and conversion of syngas to transportation fuel, fuel additives, chemicals, and hydrogen. Achieving appropriate levels of syngas purity are critical to the life expectancy and performance of equipment downstream from gasifiers, and effective syngas cleanup systems have broad applications ranging from integrated coal gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) facilities to coal, biomass, or waste gasification-to-liquid fuel facilities. Additionally, syngas cleanup is a key factor in controlling the level of air pollution and/or production contamination produced by a gasification platform.

National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC)

Southern Research has extensive experience and skill in syngas cleaning through the on-site work we have performed at the National Carbon Capture Center (formerly the Power Systems Development Facility) in Wilsonville, AL, since 1995. We offer diverse capabilities in syngas cleanup technology research, development, and demonstration, including experience with coal-based, biomass-based, and waste-based syngas.

In support of hot-gas cleanup research and testing, the Power Systems and Environment Research (PSER) department operates laboratories at the National Carbon Capture Center for thorough characterization of various process-related samples; we also maintain laboratories in Birmingham for the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of hot-gas cleanup sorbents and catalysts. Our extensive characterization capabilities include complete laboratory evaluation of the following sorbent/catalyst parameters: particle-size distribution, flow resistance, drag, porosity, density, compressibility, chemistry, morphology, reactivity, and attrition resistance.

In addition to conducting to various laboratory studies, Southern Research performs specialized, in situ particulate sampling, dustcake sampling, and analysis of sorbents and catalysts from all test campaigns. We also provide ongoing evaluations of real-time particulate monitors to detect dust leakage through the hot-gas filter, and we conduct various types of specialized sampling for gaseous components and hazardous air pollutants.

Clean Energy Development Center

The Southern Research Clean Energy Development Center in Durham, NC, is at the forefront of developing cost-effective, advanced syngas cleaning technologies in the following key areas: removal of CO₂ from syngas streams; removal and reuse of tars from biomass syngas; use of molten metal slag as a syngas contaminant trap; and use of scrubber and hot gas-based platforms. We have extensive experience in supporting wide-ranging research and development activities that are integral to the development and deployment of syngas cleaning technologies, and our capabilities include: system design; hazard assessment and design modification; commissioning and operation; performance optimization; decontamination; and characterization and management of syngas cleaning systems.

Southern Research offers diverse capabilities and experience in syngas cleaning that includes:

• Pre-Combustion CO₂ Capture
• Post-Combustion CO₂ Capture
• Desulfurization, Tar Cracking, and Ammonia Cracking
• Trace Metal Capture
• Biomass Syngas Cleaning
• Coal-Based Syngas Cleaning
• Syngas Scrubbing
• Multi-Component Syngas Treatment System