COAL GAS FOR INDUSTRIAL BURNERS AND ENGINES - A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD TECHNOLOGY.

Gasification tests of 18 different U. S. fuels to date have been undertaken with the following objectives: 1) Identify gasifier capacity and conversion efficiencies. 2) Investigate influence of coal type on gasifier operation. 3) Characterize gas quality for various operating conditions. 4) Identify design changes that can reduce downtime and operational requirements. 5) Provide a source of coal gas for processing and utilization studies. 6) Provide an opportunity for 'hands-on' gasifier operation experience for cooperators and 7) Evaluate environmental impacts of coal gasifiers. The costs of supplying burners and engines with coal gas include a significant fixed cost component for the gasification plant and associated equipment. This is balanced by the substantially lower costs for the energy source: coal. In many cases, coal gas can be supplied to burners or engines at a low enough cost to make conversion to coal gas an attractive energy option.