Prototype plant for nuclear process heat (PNP). Work on determination of plant design (HTR, HKV)

Within the scope of the project entitled 'Prototype Plant for Nuclear Process Heat', the Rheinische Braunkohlenwerke AG has developed the hydrogasification of coal (the so-called 'HKV' process). The present report describes the planning of the overall plant, which has been performed in cooperation with the other project partners, and the planning of the hydrogasification of coal. Based on the operating results obtained in a semi-technical test plant as well as in a pilot plant and on previous project studies, process schemes were prepared for commercial lignite hydrogasification plants where the energy required for producing SNG, hydrogen and methanol is supplied by nuclear process heat from high-temperature nuclear reactors. The results have shown that in comparison with autothermal gasification processes hydrogasification using nuclear process heat opens up the possibility of saving considerable amounts of feed coal. Another advantage are the low emissions produced. Since, however, product costs are far above current market prices and exceed also those obtained with autothermal gasification processes, economic efficiency can be expected in the long run only. (orig.) With 9 tabs., 7 figs