Evaluation of fluidized-bed gasifier process control systems

Process control for commercial-size coal gasification plants is evaluated based on the fluidized-bed gasification process. A new gasification process control strategy has been developed using a combined process/management-control approach and optimization of numerous operations and maintenance parameters and conditions. It is shown that a large fluidized-bed gasifier is not thermodynamically homogeneous and that its controls should be based on the need to control different gasifier sections separately. The most important scientific and engineering problems that must be studied in the gasification process system development are described. The problems include those in many different areas such as instrumentation, analytical studies, control studies of gasifiers, and process/management control systems. Technical and economic benefits that could be realized by commercialization of the new control strategy are discussed. It is shown that such an investment is very attractive. 1 reference, 8 figures.