Hot solids process selectively operable based on the type of application that is involved

Abstract

A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating a predetermined output based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, and wherein such specific application is designed to be pre-selected from a group of specific applications that includes a new steam generator application, a retrofit steam generator application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture ready hot solids gasification application, a CO2 capture hot solids combustion application, a CO2 capture hot solids gasification application, a partial CO2 capture hot solids combustion application, and a partial CO2 capture hot solids gasification application.

1 . A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating a predetermined output, based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, comprising:
 pre-selecting from a group of specific applications, which includes at least two of a new steam generator application, a retrofit steam generator application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Gasification application, a CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application, a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application and a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application a specific application for which the predetermined output is to be produced;   providing a first reactor capable of being operated as a reducing reactor;   providing a second reactor capable of being operated as an oxidizing reactor;   supplying as inputs to the reducing reactor both a sulfur containing solid carbonaceous fuel and a source of calcium;   supplying air as an input to the oxidizing reactor;   effecting in the reducing reactor the capture with the source of calcium of the sulfur in the sulfur containing solid carbonaceous fuel to thereby produce CaS in the reducing reactor;   effecting the discharge of the CaS as an output from the reducing reactor and then supplying such CaS as an input to the oxidizing reactor;   effecting in the oxidizing reactor the production of CaSO4 from the CaS;   effecting the discharge of the CaSO4 as an output from the oxidizing reactor and then supplying such CaSO4 as an input to the reducing reactor;   utilizing the CaSO4 in the reducing reactor both as an oxygen source and as a heat source in order to thereby effect based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, the generation in the reducing reactor of the predetermined output from the sulfur containing sold carbonaceous fuel; and   effecting the discharge of the predetermined output from the reducing reactor.   
     
     
         2 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pre-selected specific application is a retrofit steam generator application. 
     
     
         3 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the oxidizing reactor comprises a cyclone embodied in an existing steam generator that has been modified in order to thereby embody the cyclone. 
     
     
         4 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the oxidizing reactor comprises a curvilinear separator embodied in an existing steam generator that has been modified in order to thereby embody the curvilinear separator. 
     
     
         5 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pre-selected specific application is a CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application. 
     
     
         6 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 5  further comprising the step of providing a capture means operable to effect therewith the capture of the predetermined output that is discharged from the reducing reactor. 
     
     
         7 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pre-selected specific application is a CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application, and further comprising providing a capture means operable to effect therewith the capture of the predetermined output that is discharged from the reducing reactor. 
     
     
         8 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pre-selected specific application is a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application, and further comprising providing a partial capture means operable to effect therewith the partial capture of the predetermined output that is discharged from the reducing reactor. 
     
     
         9 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the pre-selected specific application is a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application, and further comprising providing a partial capture means operable to effect therewith the partial capture of the predetermined output that is discharged from the reducing reactor. 
     
     
         10 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the source of calcium that is supplied as an input to the reducing reactor is preferably CaCO3. 
     
     
         11 . A hot solids process selectively operable for purposes of generating a predetermined output, based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, comprising:
 pre-selecting from a group of specific applications, which includes at least two of a new steam generator application, a retrofit steam generator application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture ready Hot Solids Gasification application, a CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application, a CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application, a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Combustion application and a partial CO2 capture Hot Solids Gasification application a specific application for which the predetermined output is to be produced;   providing a first reactor capable of being operated as a reducing reactor;   providing a second reactor capable of being operated as an oxidizing reactor;   supplying as inputs to the reducing reactor both a sulfur containing solid carbonaceous fuel and an oxide;   supplying air as an input to the oxidizing reactor;   effecting in the reducing reactor the capture with the oxide of the sulfur in the sulfur containing solid carbonaceous fuel;   effecting in the oxidizing reactor the production of oxide;   effecting the discharge of the oxide as an output from the oxidizing reactor and then supplying such oxide as an input to the reducing reactor;   utilizing the oxide in the reducing reactor both as an oxygen source and as a heat source in order to thereby effect based on the nature of the specific application for which the predetermined output is being produced, the generation in the reducing reactor of the predetermined output from the sulfur containing sold carbonaceous fuel; and   effecting the discharge of the predetermined output from the reducing reactor.   
     
     
         12 . The hot solids process as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the oxide is one of a calcium oxide and metal oxide.