Fundamental studies of catalytic gasification: Quarterly report, April 1, 1988--June 15, 1988

During the present quarter, gasification of two new chars in the absence and presence of various catalysts was carried out. A subbituminous and a bituminous char have been steam gasified, both before and after demineralization, using K-Ni, K-Ca, and K-Mg catalysts. Chars derived form the younger coals were easier to gasify. Ash components in the lignite and subbituminous chars provided some catalytic action. K-Ca is a good gasification catalyst, exhibiting slightly less activity than K-Ni but being more resistant to deactivation by ash components. K-Mg appears to be somewhat less active that K-Ca. The calcium content of the ash may play a very important role in the rate of gasification. Work suggests that composition of the ash determines which catalyst is more effective and in what amount to use it. Activation energies for all chars tested thusfar and for all catalysts tested are in the same range, 54-63 Kcal/mole. 14 figs., 2 tabs.