CeraMem Filter Development Program

In gasification systems, the ash and char that is suspended in the syngas stream must be removed prior to the gas stream`s introduction to other downstream air pollution control systems (e.g., hydrogen sulfide removal). The char, once captured, can be reinjected into the gasification reactors to increase the overall system efficiency. If the ash and char are not captured before the other downstream equipment, these solids can foul process piping or columns and cause downtime for the entire system. This paper describes, in general, a development program between Ceramem Separations and Foster Wheeler for a high temperature ceramic filtration system to be sold by their partnership, CeraFilter L.P. In addition, detailed test results of ceramic filters operating at conditions approaching those of high temperature combustors are discussed. The successful development of this hot gas filtration system based upon the Ceramem ceramic-membrane-coated, monolithic filter will help address the critical challenges of particulate removal under the severe conditions imposed by advanced fossil energy power systems.