The advanced SGS technology from Clariant and Siemens significantly decreases total capital cost for coal-to-chemical and IGCC applications through optimization and simplification of total plant concepts.

The entrained-flow Siemens Fuel Gasifier (SFG) is able to produce syngas from a wide range of fuels, even for low ranks of coal. Clariant’s new ShiftMax 821 catalyst enables a simple, once-through process without further adjustment of the exit gas from the gasifier. The simplified layout uses smaller and fewer reactors, and requires no steam adjustment for temperature control. This combination reduces capital expenditure for the shift system by up to 20%, and optimizes operating costs with up to 30% lower catalyst volume.

Schematic of the Siemens fuel gasification process. Click to enlarge.

The new technique can handle different steam-to-gas ratios and high carbon monoxide content in the gas, resulting in improved availability and reliability of the whole process.

With steam-independent control of the exothermal reaction, it is an inherently safe process and there is no risk of temperature run-away reactions.

Clariant’s previous investments in the market include commercialization of the first coal-to-propylene catalysts in China, and local production of coal-to-methanol catalysts. Clariant is also the market leader in catalysts for coal-to-ammonia conversion.