Method and apparatus for treating a raw UCG product stream
AssigneeLinc Energy Ltd
InventorsGrant Bollaert, Ernest Du Toit
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a raw product stream (raw synthesis gas/raw syngas) generated by underground coal gasification (UCG). In one aspect, the invention concerns a method and apparatus for cooling and initial cleaning of raw syngas gas, so that the treated UCG product stream is suitable for downstream applications such as for energy or chemical production. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method and apparatus for isolating, treating and handling a raw UCG product stream that is generated either when igniting or decommissioning an underground coal gasifier and, due to its consistency, is generally unsuitable for energy or chemical production.
Claims13
An apparatus for treating raw syngas generated by underground coal gasification (UCG), comprising:
- a) a separator for separating liquids and solids from the raw syngas generated by UCG, comprising:
- (i) a vessel having a top section and a bottom section;
- (ii) a gas feed inlet;
- (iii) a gas outlet located above the gas feed inlet;
- (iv) an outlet for liquids located below the gas feed inlet;
- and
- (v) a basket strainer housed within the bottom section of the vessel, wherein the bottom section of the vessel receives the separated liquids and solids;
- and
- b) a vent system for routing raw syngas containing high levels of oxygen to atmosphere, the vent system comprising:
- (i) a vertically orientated vessel;
- (ii) a gas outlet at an upper region of the vessel;
- (iii) a liquid sealing arrangement at the bottom of the vessel;
- and
- (iv) a gas inlet for feeding incoming syngas into the liquid sealing arrangement.
A method of separating liquids and solids from raw syngas generated by underground coal gasification, comprising the step of passing the raw syngas through a separator, wherein the separator comprises:
- a) a vessel having a top section and a bottom section;
- b) a gas feed inlet;
- c) a gas outlet located above the gas feed inlet;
- d) an outlet for liquids located below the gas feed inlet;
- and
- e) a basket strainer housed within the bottom section of the vessel, wherein the bottom section of the vessel receives the separated liquids and solids.
A method for treating a raw underground coal gasification (UCG) product stream, comprising the steps of:
- a) connecting an inlet of a pipe assembly to a production well of an underground coal gasifier;
- b) connecting a first outlet of the pipe assembly to a first raw UCG product stream treatment system selected from the group consisting of a flare, a vent scrubber, and a vent scrubber in combination with a flare;
- c) connecting a second outlet of the pipe assembly to a second raw UCG product stream treatment system, comprising:
- (i) a separator for separating liquids and solids from the raw UCG product stream;
- and
- (ii) a vent system for routing raw syngas containing high levels of oxygen to atmosphere;
- and
- d) using a diverter associated with the pipe assembly to divert the raw UCG product stream to either the first outlet or the second outlet, depending on the composition of the raw UCG product stream.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.