Coal Gasification

Table of Contents☰

About Coal Gasification

It is the process of producing syngas, a mixture consisting primarily of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapour (H2O) – from coal and water, air and/or oxygen.
Gasification occurs in a gasifier, generally a high temperature/pressure vessel where oxygen and steam are directly contacted with the coal or other feed material causing a series of chemical reactions to occur that convert the feed to syngas and ash/slag.
Syngas can be used for electricity production, used in energy-efficient fuel cell technology, or as chemical “building blocks” for industrial purposes. The hydrogen can also be extracted for use in fueling a hydrogen economy.
Benefits of coal Gasification
- Coal gasification can help address local pollution problems.
- It is considered a cleaner option compared to the burning of coal.
- It will help in reducing reliance on imports of natural gas, methanol, ammonia and other essential product.
- This holds the potential to alleviate the environmental burden by reducing carbon emissions and fostering sustainable practices, contributing to India’s global commitments towards a greener future.

Q1) What is Coal ?

It is a sedimentary deposit composed predominantly of carbon that is readily combustible. Coal is black or brownish-black, and has a composition that (including inherent moisture) consists of more than 50 percent by weight and more than 70 percent by volume of carbonaceous material.

Source: Coal Ministry to Host Industry Interaction in Hyderabad tomorrow to Promote Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects in India