The report describes and gives results of economic studies of a process for desulfurizing low-Btu fuel gas. The gas is first desulfurized at high temperature in a fluidized bed of half-calcined dolomite. It is then cooled to 700 C and passed through high-pressure-drop cyclones to remove particulates and alkali. The gas is intended for use as fuel to gas turbines in combined-cycle power generation. The sulfur acceptor is regenerated with steam and CO2. A liquid-phase Claus reactor is used to process H2S in the regenerator offgas into elemental sulfur. Experimental data are presented in several areas: desulfurization and regeneration activity of dolomites as a function of cycles; batch studies to determine variable effects and rate data; particulate and alkali removal at high temperature; chance reaction studies; and process improvement studies. Two economic studies were performed: one showed an incentive accruing to the process versus a conventional wet desulfurization scheme; and the other, an update of the process economics, showed that a plant designed in 1975 for 1980 operation would desulfurize gas from a high-sulfur coal for 38 cents/MM Btu (HHV + sensible heat) delivered to a power station.

Prepared under contract no. 68-02-1333, program element no. EHB529. Issued Apr. 1977. Includes bibliographical references.