Impact analysis of the oxidant in the process of underground coal gasification

Technology of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) is still under developing and providing alternative for conventional underground coal mining. Underground coal gasification is a process with may be environmentally and economically attractive for widespread use in the future. The quality of the produced gas from UCG can vary substantially depending on the injected oxidant used, operating pressure, oxidizer flow rate, type of coal, hydrological conditions of the coal seam, coal type and the mass and energy balance of the underground reactor. Paper analyzes the impact of the oxidant on calorific value of the syngas in a laboratory and operating conditions. Also is analyzed the effect of temperature in the oxidation zone of gasifier on gas composition and calorific value. Effect of oxidant on the gasification process has been verified on experimental gasifier equipment. The paper describes an experimental gasifier and devices that were used for measurement and control.