Synthetic fuel technology finds increased application in petroleum coke utilization

Because of change in crude density and sulphur content and demand, refiners must add significant capacity for residuum processing, and alter their product slate. The primary conversion process usually employed is coking. Yet a petroleum coke of the quality obtained has little value and can only be used in gasification. This study centers on the design of a 1000 ton/day petroleum coke gasification combined-cycle power plant. The process of the plant is outlined. A test of three types of gasifiers is made, three different power cycles--gasifier steam boiler plant, gasifier combined cycle with supplementary firing, and gasifier combined advanced cycle--are compared. The net production of the advanced cycle is 25% higher than that of the simple. The capital cost of the advanced is greatest.