- Coal gasification involves partially oxidizing coal with air, oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide to generate a fuel gas.
- This resulting gas, rich in methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, is then utilized for electricity generation, replacing natural gas and other fuels.
- Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), or in-situ gasification, is the process of converting coal into gas within the seam itself, which is then retrieved through wells.
- Instead of directly burning coal, gasification transforms its carbon content into electricity, hydrogen, and various forms of energy through partial oxidation.
- The produced Syngas, primarily composed of methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, can be further converted into fertilizers, fuels, solvents, and synthetic materials.
COAL GASIFICATION – PROCESS
- In the gasification process, coal undergoes heating (and, in some cases, pressurization) while oxygen and steam (water vapor) are introduced.
- The term “allothermal” pertains to a method where external heat sources heat the coal, while “autothermal” describes a procedure where the coal is heated by exothermic chemical processes within the gasifier itself.
- Ensuring that the delivered oxidizer is insufficient for complete fuel oxidation (combustion) is crucial. Throughout these processes, coal undergoes oxidation by oxygen and water molecules, resulting in a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), water vapor (H2O), and molecular hydrogen (H2).
BY-PRODUCTS OF COAL GASIFICATION
Syngas production yields valuable byproducts such as coke, coal tar, sulfur, and ammonia.
- Coke: It serves as a non-smoking fuel and is employed in the production of water gas and producer gas.
- Coal Tar: Through fractional distillation, various chemicals are extracted from coal tar. It finds applications in road paving.
- Sulfur: Utilized in the manufacturing of sulfuric acid.
- Ammonia: Commonly employed in fertilizer production.
Coal gas, a product of syngas production, is versatile in various industries:
- Production of Colors: Used as a raw material.
- Pharmaceuticals: Particularly significant in the synthesis of sulfa drugs.
- Saccharin Production: An essential component.
- Chemical Compound Synthesis: Coal gas is employed in the production of a diverse range of chemical compounds.
Additionally, specific components extracted through fractional distillation of coal tar find application in various industries:
- Benzole: Used as a type of vehicle gasoline.
- Creosote: Utilized as a phenol-based wood preservative and in polymer production.
- Disinfectants and Cresols: Have various applications in different industries.
SIGNIFICANCE OF COAL GASIFICATION
- Coking coal plays a crucial role in the steel manufacturing process, primarily utilized by steel businesses.
- However, the reliance on imported coking coal often results in elevated costs.
- To address this challenge, facilities have the option to substitute coking coal with syngas obtained from coal gasification facilities, presenting a cost-effective alternative. Syngas, derived from coal gasification, finds widespread applications in generating energy and serving as a feedstock for chemical processes.
- The hydrogen generated through coal gasification holds significant versatility.
- It can be employed in various applications, including the production of ammonia and contributing to the development of a Hydrogen Economy.
- In India, there is a projected increase in hydrogen consumption from the current 6.7 million tonnes per year to an estimated 11.7 million tonnes by the year 2030.
- Traditionally, hydrogen derived from natural gas has been primarily utilized by refineries and fertilizer factories.
- However, with advancements in coal gasification techniques, hydrogen production can diversify, offering an alternative source for these industries.
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL COAL GASIFICATION
- To promote the adoption of clean fuels, the government has introduced a revenue share concession of 20% on coal utilized for gasification.
- Additionally, Coal India Limited (CIL) aims to construct a minimum of three gasification facilities, apart from Dankuni, under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) framework through global tendering.
- A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed with GAIL for the sale of synthetic natural gas, facilitating the optimal utilization of the nation’s reserves and aligning with global sustainability standards.
- The integration of technological advancements ensures enhanced coal recovery, greater operational flexibility, increased productivity, heightened safety measures, and cost-effectiveness.
- Recognizing the significance of these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal has taken the initiative to establish the National Coal Gasification Mission.
- The mission’s objectives include raising awareness among stakeholders and developing a comprehensive roadmap with clearly defined responsibilities, contributing to the nation’s sustainable development.
FAQs: Coal Gasification and Government Initiatives
Q1: What is coal gasification, and how is it different from burning coal directly?
A: Coal gasification is a process that partially oxidizes coal with air, oxygen, steam, or carbon dioxide to produce a fuel gas known as syngas. Unlike burning coal directly, gasification transforms the carbon content of coal into a mixture of gases, including methane, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, which can be used for electricity generation and the production of various energy forms.
Q2: What is Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)?
A: Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), also known as in-situ gasification, is a process where coal is converted into gas within the coal seam itself. The gas is then retrieved through wells. This method offers an alternative to traditional coal extraction and combustion.
Q3: What are the byproducts of coal gasification, and how are they utilized?
A: Syngas production yields valuable byproducts such as coke, coal tar, sulfur, and ammonia. Coke is a non-smoking fuel used in various industrial processes, coal tar finds applications in road paving, sulfur is utilized in sulfuric acid production, and ammonia is commonly employed in fertilizer production.
Q4: How does coal gasification contribute to various industries?
A: Coal gas, a product of syngas production, is versatile in industries such as color production, pharmaceuticals (sulfa drugs synthesis), saccharin production, and the synthesis of various chemical compounds. Byproducts extracted through fractional distillation of coal tar, such as benzole and creosote, find applications in vehicle gasoline, wood preservation, and polymer production.
Q5: What is the significance of coal gasification in the steel manufacturing process?
A: Coking coal, crucial for steel manufacturing, is often imported, leading to increased costs. Coal gasification facilities offer an alternative by providing syngas, a cost-effective substitute for coking coal. Syngas is widely used in generating energy and serves as a feedstock for chemical processes.
Q6: How does the government encourage the use of clean fuels through coal gasification?
A: To promote clean fuel adoption, the government offers a revenue share concession of 20% on coal used for gasification. Coal India Limited (CIL) plans to construct gasification facilities and has signed an MOU with GAIL for synthetic natural gas sales. These initiatives align with global sustainability standards.
Q7: What steps has the government taken to control and promote coal gasification?
A: The government has introduced a revenue share concession, and CIL aims to build gasification facilities. An MOU with GAIL for synthetic natural gas sales facilitates optimal resource utilization. The Ministry of Coal has initiated the National Coal Gasification Mission to raise awareness and develop a roadmap for sustainable development.
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