The impact of system power outages on the gasifier operation
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How should the gasifier be operated after a power outage—maintain pressure or release it? If the pressure is released and there is no quench water, could the high-temperature syngas cause damage to the downcomer?
Under normal conditions, pressure is maintained; of course, if the power outage lasts for too long, the pressure will gradually decrease, and this will not have any impact on the quenching ring.
After a power outage, the system’s main actions are: to maintain the operation of the burners, to keep the system pressure stable, to close the outlet valves of all operating pumps, and to promptly contact the dispatch team to restore power supply and provide the necessary medium. We once missed two trains due to power fluctuations; after an accident, it is important to stay calm, follow instructions, and be prepared to make successive attempts!
We have also experienced situations where the system had to be shut down due to power outages. We were using Texaco furnaces, and the measures we took were as follows: 1. Close the inlet and outlet valves of all pumps; 2. Use diesel generators as quickly as possible to start the burners and cooling water pumps; 3. Close the manual valves for the coal slurry and oxygen burners; 4. Close the large manual gate valves in the gas processing section. Finally, we prepared to resume operations once power was restored!
The system maintains pressure through steam evaporation during power outages; the drain valve of the vaporization furnace, the water inlet valve, the valve leading the syngas to the converter, the water inlet valve for the high-flash unit, as well as the outlet valves of all pumps are closed. The pump controls are switched to local operation, the seal water supply for the pumps is shut off, and the valve of the coal-oxygen burner is closed. Emergency startup of the burner cooling system.