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The production of high-purity hydrogen via steam gasification of coal has been investigated. The separation of CO from H 2 in the gasification products is achieved by CO oxidation to CO 2 followed by uptake of the CO 2 by a suitable removal agent. This uptake of CO 2 increases the extent of the water gas shift reaction and enhances the yield and purity of H 2 . In addition to the water gas shift reaction, the oxidation is enhanced by the use of a solid oxygen transfer agent (Fe 2 O 3 ) in the hydrogen enrichment pass. Subsequently, the reduced oxygen transfer agent is reoxidized (and thus regenerated) in the presence of air and the heat liberated via the exothermic reaction is utilized to regenerate carbon dioxide removal agent. In this study, the effect of process variables on coal gasification and hydrogen enrichment has been evaluated. Fixed bed gasification studies using coal and coal-Fe 2 O 3 and coal-CaO mixtures were conducted to evaluate the kinetics of gasification and separation effectiveness of the process. Finally, a bench scale fluidized bed reactor was employed to study the efficacy of the simultaneous gasification-hydrogen enrichment process. The reactions were conducted in the temperature range of 670-900 °C at atmospheric pressures. The results from the fundamental studies, the fixed bed reactor studies, and the fluidized bed reactor studies are presented.

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The combustion of high sulfur coals contributes substantially to the problems associated with acid rain. Current and pending clean air legislation is designed to reduce _his problem by cutting the levels of sulfur dioxide that may be released into the atmosphere. These new laws prevent the direct and efficient utilization of many important Illinois coals reserves which, unfortunately are high in sulfur. This may present the already troubled Illinois coal industry with a difficult future if solutions to the sulfur problem are nct found.