Partial oxidation of sulfur-containing solid carbonaceous fuel

Abstract

A process for the simultaneous partial oxidation and desulfurization of an ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuel comprising (basis solid fuel) 0.2 to 8.0 wt. % sulfur and 0.1 to 30 wt. % of silicate compounds for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO and entrained molten slag. In the process, the solid carbonaceous fuel and supplemental iron-containing material are reacted by partial oxidation in the reaction zone of a free-flow unobstructed down-flowing vertical refractory lined gas generator with a controlled amount free-oxygen containing gas and a temperature moderator so that an equilibrium oxygen concentration is provided in the gas phase in the reaction zone having a partial pressure which is less than about 10.sup.-7 atmospheres. The partial oxidation and desulfurization reactions take place simultaneously at a temperature which is above 1900.degree. F. and about 10.degree. to 200.degree. F. above the fluid temperature of the slag at an increased thermal efficiency. The sulfur in the solid carbonaceous fuel in the reaction zone is converted into iron oxysulfide particulate matter which leaves the reaction zone along with the silicates of calcium and iron in the molten ash that is entrained in the hot raw effluent gas stream comprising H.sub.2 and CO. Less than about 0.6 mole % of H.sub.2 S and COS is in the effluent gas stream. Additional desulfurization in a fluidized bed of calcium and carbon containing materials may be optionally used to reduce the mole % of H.sub.2 S and COS.