|
Syngas: Gas from coal
CNG could become the principal fuel powering vehicles in future, notes Rahul Kamat
Syngas (derived from synthesis gas) is the name given to gasses of varying composition that are generated in coal gasification and some types of waste-to-energy facilities. The name comes from their use in creating synthetic petroleum for use as a fuel or lubricant via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.
Syngas consists primarily of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and has less than half the energy density of natural gas. It also contains some sulphur compounds, a safety feature since this allows for its detection in the case of leakage. These gasses are combustible, and are often stored to be burned as a fuel source. These gasses are combustible, and are often stored to be burned as a fuel source.
|
GAIL to exploit Synthesis Gas |
To meet the gap between demand and supply of natural gas, the Government of India has been evaluating various options for supplementing the availability of natural gas in the country. For instance, the government is examining the issue of exploiting synthesis gas
(Syngas) recoverable from coal, especially in the eastern sector, which has been devoid of any natural gas sources. Syngas can be commercially used for power generation,
fertiliser, hydrogen and methanol production. In China, eight such plants are being implemented for production of fertilisers and chemicals based on coal. A plant, the size of 2,000 tonnes per day, can produce approximately 3.5 mmscmd of
Syngas.
GAIL (India) Ltd has been given the task of exploiting Syngas from coal. The coal gasification process, developed by Shell, has been found suitable as this technology has an inherent property of handling high ash content that is suitable for Indian coal. A preliminary study report from Shell, based on coal sourced from Eastern Coalfields, Mahanadi Coalfields and Central Coalfields have shown positive reports. A detailed feasibility report is being prepared to look at various possible end-uses of synthesis gas, availability, proximity of source and quality of coal. An MoU between GAIL and Coal India Ltd is likely to be entered into soon. |
ONGC and GAIL (India) Ltd have been exploring the possibility of exploiting coal gas from virgin coal deposits by introducing "underground coal gasification" technology. UCG is a method of exploitation of coal deposits by in-situ coal conversion into a combustible gas suitable for power and fertiliser plants - as it leads to development of coal seams by operating wells rather than by mines. Currently, only Russia and Canada have this technology to produce gas.
ONGC has signed a draft of agreement of collaboration with the National Mining Research Centre-Skochinsky Institute of Mining (Russia) and Coal India Ltd for its UCG project. According to ONGC estimates, free gas recoverable reserves in the Ahmedabad-Mehsana block alone are around 230 bcm. It has plans to drill 100 wells and install 4 stage enriched air compressors to generate 1.5 mmscmd of gas. The ultimate aim is to set up a 200-mw power unit.
GAIL too has planned a UCG project in Rajasthan. The company has reportedly decided to tie up with Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc., Canada, for sourcing "in-situ lignite gasification" technology for its project. GAIL is also planning to set up 70-80 mw power plants at the pitheads. It intends to go ahead with the project during the current year.
[2 May 2005]
|
