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Application of Steam Hydrogasification Reaction Process to the Production of Methane Rich Fuel Gas from Coal and Coal/Biomass Mixtures

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-09ER85610
Agency Tracking Number: 90932
Amount: $99,495.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 27 b
Solicitation Number: DE-PS02-08ER08-34
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2008
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1451 Research Park Drive Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92507
United States
DUNS: 130945632
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Arun Raju
 Dr.
 (909) 910-6577
 arun.raju@virescoenergy.com
Business Contact
 Jim Guthrie
Title: Mr.
Phone: (951) 334-9003
Email: jim.guthrie@virescoenergy.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

The United States is the world¿s second largest producer of natural gas and also the largest importer. The increasing price of natural gas, along with a decreasing domestic supply, presents an opportunity to develop low-cost replacements. Thermo-chemical production of Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) from abundant, low-cost, domestic coal offers one viable solution. However, conventional processes for SNG production have several limitations. This project will continue the development of a new gasification technology, based on Steam Hydrogasification Reaction (SHR), to produce methane-rich gas from abundant carbonaceous resources such as coal or biomass. The SHR gasifier can handle wet feedstocks without drying, does not require expensive oxygen plants, and operates below high ash-slagging temperatures. Phase I will involve the selection of target feedstocks that will maximize economic benefits and minimize life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. During Phase II, an experimental and simulation study of the gasification of the selected feedstocks will be conducted, using a Process Development Unit (PDU) scale reactor and the Aspen Plus simulation tool. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new process would be used to produce SNG from abundant domestic feedstocks such as coal and biomass in a cost effective and environmentally friendly manner. The resulting SNG could serve as a clean burning fuel for transportation and fuel cell applications.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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