Process and apparatus for purifying raw coal gas

A process for purifying a high pressure raw coal gas having a temperature in the range of 800.degree. C. or greater and containing tarry matter, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which comprises:

• contacting the raw coal gas with solid particles having a lower temperature than the raw coal gas, thereby cooling the raw coal gas to a temperature in the range of 550.degree.-800.degree. C., and thereby simultaneously removing tarry matter from the raw coal gas by condensing and depositing the tarry matter on the solid particles;
• thereafter contacting the raw coal gas having a temperature within the range of 550.degree.-800.degree. C., from which the tarry matter has been removed, with solid particles that will absorb hydrogen sulfide to thereby remove the hydrogen sulfide from the raw coal gas;
• burning the removed tarry matter to produce heat of combustion;
• thereafter heating the raw coal gas, from which the tarry matter and hydrogen sulfide have been removed, to a temperature in the range of 700.degree.-900.degree. C. with the heat of combustion produced by the burning of the removed tarry matter;
• and
• thereafter contacting the raw coal gas at a temperature within the range of 700.degree.-900.degree. C. from which the tarry matter and hydrogen sulfide have been removed, with an ammonia decomposition catalyst to decompose and remove ammonia.