ABSTRACT
Gasification or partial oxidation in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) consists of converting an often “dirty” fuel, such as coal, biomass, or refinery residues that cannot be directly used in gas turbines, to a clean gaseous fuel that meets engine specifications and environmental emissions standards. Gasification itself has been in commercial use for more than fifty years; its first applications involved making “town gas” for heating and cooking purposes before large natural gas reserves were discovered and providing synthesis gas (or syngas) for production of chemicals. Valuable coproducts such as H2 or Fischer Tropsch liquids can enhance IGCC economics.
