Onsite Research
Advanced Analytical Instrumentation and Facilities for In-Situ Reaction Studies
NETL researchers are using analytical instruments to study in-situ (in-place)
reactions of solid and gaseous fossil fuels such as coal and coal derivatives.
These studies are important to developing cutting edge technologies including
advanced, energy-efficient fossil power plants and long-term CO2 storage (sequestration).
These NETL facilities have unique capabilities to study reactions at high temperatures
and/or pressures. The systems can be used to determine what causes reactions,
and the extent of reactions, as well as chemical/physical changes that occur
over time (reaction kinetics). Analytical instrumentation resources used in
these studies employ both surface and bulk analysis techniques.
NETL researchers use these facilities in conjunction with facilities that
conduct laboratory-scale sorbent/catalyst preparation and bench-scale sorbent/catalyst
testing. Studies conducted using these facilities have led to advances in sorbent/catalyst
development, gas/solid interactions, and surface characterization. Desulfurization
sorbents have been developed that are applicable to a wide range of temperatures
and are suitable for use with different fuel gas streams. In 2000, NETL received
an R&D 100 Award for its RSV-1 Regenerable Desulfurization Sorbent. This
work has been patented, licensed, and published.
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Systems
- Determines the extent of both gas/solid reactions and chemical kinetics
- High-temperature and high-pressure capabilities
Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) with High-Temperature
Diffuse Reflectance Accessory/ Gas Exposure Cell
- Provides capability to study reaction mechanisms by identifying intermediates
and reaction products formed in-situ during gas/solid reactions
- Chemical characterization and structural changes of materials
Scanning Electron Microscopy/X-Ray Microanalysis
- Determines elemental composition and distribution
- Determines surface morphology of materials at various magnifications through
secondary electron and backscatter electron image acquisition
- Image processing and analysis
- In-situ analysis at high temperature
- Gas exposure capabilities to study gas/solid reactions
- Multisampling analysis capabilities
X-Ray Photoelectron and Auger Electron Spectroscopy
- Determines surface elemental composition and oxidation states of solid materials
- In-situ analysis at high temperatures
- Gas exposure capabilities to study gas/solid reactions
- Multisampling analysis capabilities
Atomic Force Microscopy
- Determines surface morphology and topography
- Provides atomic level resolution with 3-dimensional images
Other Analytical Capabilities for Physical and Chemical Characterization
Physical Characterization
- Particle size analyzer
- BET ( Brunauer Emmett Teller) surface area & pore volume analyzer
- Helium density analyzer
- Viscometers
- Specific gravity meter
- LECO calorimeter
Reaction Studies
- Volumetric absorption apparatus
- Micro reactor
Chemical Analysis
- X-ray fluorescence
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy
- C, H, N analyzer
- LECO sulfur analyzer
- Moisture, ash & volatile matter analyzer
- Gas chromatography
- Mass spectroscopy
Patents, Licenses, and Publications
For more information contact: Ranjani
Siriwardane
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