Siemens introducing new entrained-flow gasifier

By Ruli Setiawan

German technology giant Siemens Energy is introducing a new entrained-flow gasifier model, the SFG-850, which is able to enhance the profitability of future gasification plants by reducing specific plant costs, along with the associated production costs of synthesis gas.

An SFG-850 gasifier can convert around 3,000 metric tons of coal per day into more than 5 million standard cubic meters (Nm3) of high-quality synthesis gas.

?This product is particularly suitable and useful for Indonesia as the local industry produces a lot of low rank coals usually treated as waste due to the lack of adequate technology at hand,? said Venantius Ivan Sutanto, Country Sales Manager of Energy Sector-Power Generation Division of PT Siemens Indonesia in a statement on Monday.

Introduced to the market at the end of March 2014, the SFG-850 gasifier is among the world's largest and most economic entrained flow gasifiers, according to the firm. With a length of 22 meters, an outer diameter of 4.8 meters and weighing in at 380 metric tons, the new model can be completely fabricated and tested at the factory. Despite its size and weight, the unit can be transported to its installation location in one piece eliminating the time and expense of field fabrication.

The synthesis gas produced using the SFG-850 can be used in large-scale chemicals projects, such as for producing CTL, SNG, methanol or polypropylene, or for the production of clean transportation fuels. In addition, the integration of this technology into power generation sector will make the equally efficient IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) plants more economically appealing, which can further support and improve power generation in Indonesia amidst the ongoing problems of electricity and recent polemics on electricity tariff and gas price hike.

The SFG-850 gasifier is based on the same technical design as Siemens' current gasifier models, the SFG-200 and SFG-500, which are operating at plants around the world. The proven central burner design and dry feed system have now been optimized further in the SFG-850. As with its predecessors, the new model stands out because of its high degree of fuel flexibility. All of the proven advantages of Siemens gasifier technology, including its short startup and shutdown times, and the tried-and-tested serviceability of its water-cooled design contribute to its ability to maintain the high levels of availability of today's Siemens fleet.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon