3305.     STRIMBECK, G. R.  Use of Oxygen in Production of Synthesis Gas.  Chem. and Eng. News, vol. 28, 1950, p. 1922.

        Paper presented at the chemical conference of the American Gas Association.  Operation of a Bureau of Mines pilot plant in Morgantown, W. Va., is described in which fluidized, 200-mesh coal had been gasified at efficiencies of up to 8% of the C converted.  The process was run continuously on strongly coking coal at feed rates of 200-450 lb. of coal per hr. at temperatures of about 240°, 1,800°, and 3,000° F.  The O₂ consumption was lowest in the high-temperature runs, requiring only about 170 cu. ft. per 1,000 cu. ft. of CO and H₂ produced.  It is believed that this is the lowest O₂ consumption ever reported for a continuous synthesis-gas process.  Coal consumption was reported as lowest in the hottest runs also, being only about 34 lb. per 1,000 cu. ft. of product, but steam consumption at 81 lb. per 1,000 cu. ft. was more than 2.5 times that for the lowest temperature and the % of C gasified was down to 83%.  The process is thought to be adaptable to commercial production of synthesis gas, particularly since additional work indicated that the ratio H₂:CO could be adjusted within limits, and the type of coal is not critical tot he performance of the process, thus permitting purchase of fuel on heat content considerations alone.