NETL researchers are seeking technical solutions to pressing problems related to fossil fuel extraction, processing, and utilization. To this end, laboratory-scale facilities are used to prepare, test, and analyze sorbents and catalysts used in fixed-, moving-, and fluid-bed reactors — three types of reactors often used in advanced fossil-fueled power plants. Equipment in these facilities is also available for standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) attrition tests, crush measurements, and particle size analysis to confirm the suitability of the sorbents and catalysts for their intended applications.

NETL researchers use these facilities in conjunction with facilities for sorbent/catalyst bench-scale testing and for in-situ (in-place) reaction studies. In 2000, NETL received an R&D 100 Award for its RSV-1 Regenerable Desulfurization Sorbent. The process for preparation of this sorbent has been patented, licensed, and published.

NETL has the following equipment and diagnostic resources to support these efforts.

Mixer Pelletizer

• Mixing of different solid powders
• Agglomeration of solid materials for the preparation of pellets with 1–6 mm diameter, suitable for fixed-bed reactor tests
• 2 kg batch production

Rotary Vacuum Evaporator

• Wet impregnation of porous substrates
• Batch production up to 1 kg
• Particle size up to 1 cm in diameter

Lab-Scale Spray Dryer

• Semi-continuous production up to 0.5 kg
• Particle sizes range from 40 microns to 100 microns in diameter
• Suitable for transport-/fluid-bed reactor applications

Dome Extruder

• Continuous production up to 7 kg
• Particle sizes range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm in diameter
• Extrudates suitable for fixed-bed reactor applications

Particle Spheronizer/Marumerizer

• Semi-continuous production up to 7 kg
• Particle sizes range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm in diameter
• Transforms pellets into spherical shape

Attrition Tester for Materials Suitable for Fluid-Bed/Transport Reactor Applications

• Standard Test Method for Determination of Attrition and Abrasion of Powdered Catalysts by Air Jets – ASTM D 5757-95
• Suitable for particles with sizes less than 500 microns

Attrition Tester for Materials Suitable for Moving-/Fixed-Bed Reactor Applications

• Standard Test Method for Attrition and Abrasion of Catalysts and Catalyst Carriers – ASTM D 4058-92
• Suitable for particles sizes greater than 1 mm

Crush Strength Measurements

• Measurement of force necessary to break pellets using a push-pull gauge
• Suitable for mechanical strength measurements for materials used in fixed-/moving-bed reactor applications

Particle Size Analysis

• ASTM sieves for particles larger than 300 microns
• Coulter counter for water insoluble particles smaller than 300 microns
• API aerosizer for water soluble particles smaller than 300 microns

Patents, Licenses, and Publications

For more information contact: Ranjani Siriwardane