Abstract: A system includes a fluidization device including a flow passage configured to convey a flow of solid fuel particles in a downstream direction, and a body disposed within the flow passage. The body is configured to direct the flow of solid fuel particles between the body and an outer wall of the flow passage. The fluidization device also includes a carrier gas injection port positioned radially outward from the body. The carrier gas injection port is configured to provide a flow of carrier gas in the downstream direction to break up agglomerations within the flow of solid fuel particles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a posimetric pump guide configured to mount in a port of a posimetric pump. The posimetric pump guide includes a first flow splitter defining first and second distribution channels into first and second passages in the posimetric pump. The first flow splitter includes a first pair of shroud walls spaced apart about a first disc opening. The posimetric pump guide also includes an abutment extending crosswise to the first flow splitter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a solid feed pump. The solid feed pump includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, a curved passage disposed between the rotor and the housing, an inlet port coupled to the curved passage, an outlet port coupled to the curved passage, a solid feed guide extending across the curved passage, and multiple discrete contacts distributed along an interface between the solid feed guide and the rotor.

Abstract: A method for assembling a seal assembly is provided. The method includes coupling a first ring within a vessel, coupling a second ring within the vessel, and coupling a first seal layer between the first ring and the second ring such that the first seal layer contacts at least the first ring.

Abstract: A system for heating and drying a quantity of coal feedstock being channeled to a gasifier includes a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication with the gasifier for transferring heat from an input stream to an output stream of heat transfer fluid, and a second heat exchanger positioned downstream from the first heat exchanger for receiving the output stream of heat transfer fluid from the first heat exchanger, said second heat exchanger transfers heat from the output stream of heat transfer fluid to a stream of heating gas.

Abstract: A gasifier includes a combustion chamber in which a combustible fuel is burned to produce a syngas and a particulated solid residue. A quench chamber having a liquid coolant is disposed downstream of the combustion chamber. A dip tube is disposed coupling the combustion chamber to the quench chamber. The syngas is directed from the combustion chamber to the quench chamber via the dip tube to contact the liquid coolant and produce a cooled syngas. A draft tube is disposed surrounding the dip tube such that an annular passage is formed between the draft tube and the dip tube. An asymmetric or symmetric baffle is disposed proximate to an exit path of the quench chamber. The cooled syngas is directed through the annular passage and impacted against the asymmetric or symmetric baffle so as to remove entrained liquid content from the cooled syngas before the cooled syngas is directed through the exit path.

Abstract: A method for improving the overall thermal efficiency of a coal power generation plant by transferring heat from a raw synthesis gas stream to solid fuel used as the primary feed to the gasifier, comprising the steps of initially cooling the syngas exhaust by transferring heat to a makeup conveyance gas feed to the dry feed preparation system, feeding a solid fuel component and a portion of the makeup gas stream into a grinding mechanism for the solid feedstock, forming a two-phase solids/gas stream comprising ground feedstock particulates and makeup gas, heating and drying the ground solid feedstock particulates to remove water, separating and removing water vapor formed in the heating and drying step, and feeding the heated and dried solids/gas stream to the gasifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a feed system for a gasifier including a grinding mechanism capable of grinding a feedstock into particles of desired particle sizes. The particle sizes include solids particles larger than a first threshold size and raw fines particles smaller than a second threshold size. At least one solids separation device is capable of separating the solids particles from the fines particles and at least one solids conduit conveys the solids particles to a gasification plant while the fines particles are also conveyed to the gasification plant. Further disclosed is a method for feeding stock into a gasifier including conveying a feedstock into a grinding mechanism and grinding the feedstock into particles of desired sizes. Solids particles larger than a first threshold size are separated from fines particles smaller than a second threshold size and the solids particles and the fines particles are conveyed toward the gasification plant.

Abstract: A method and system for preheating a vessel that includes an area of excess heat and a flow of purge fluid that is channeled to an area to be purged wherein the purge fluid is deficient of heat are provided. The system includes a cooling tube assembly positioned between the area of excess heat and the area to be purged and a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication to the cooling tube assembly, the first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between a flow of cooling fluid through the cooling tube assembly and the flow of purge fluid wherein the flow of cooling fluid through the cooling tube assembly is maintained sub-cooled and the flow of purge fluid is heated to facilitate reducing a thermal stress in the area purged.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a vessel preheating system are provided. The system includes a pressure vessel including an area of excess heat and an area of deficient heat, a plenum defined between the area of excess heat and the area of deficient heat, and a conduit configured to couple a flow of purge fluid from external to the vessel into the plenum wherein heat from the area of excess heat is transferred to the flow of purge fluid in the plenum and the heat is carried by the flow of purge fluid into the area of deficient heat such that the flow of purge fluid purges the area of deficient heat.

Abstract: A method for assembling a seal assembly is provided. The method includes coupling a first ring within a vessel, coupling a second ring within the vessel, and coupling a first seal layer between the first ring and the second ring such that the first seal layer contacts at least the first ring.

Abstract: A method for transporting a solid particulate within a gasifier system is provided. The method includes discharging solid particulate through an inlet into an opening defined within a rotor, wherein the inlet and the solid particulate are at a first pressure. The method further includes rotating the rotor such that at least one end of the opening is aligned in flow communication with a duct at a second pressure that is different from the first pressure. The solid particulate is discharged from the rotor opening through an outlet such that the solid particulate is at the second pressure, and the rotor is rotated such that at least one end of the rotor opening is aligned in flow communication with a pressure source that is at approximately the first pressure, and such that the opening is at the first pressure.