Hygas process: coal to SNG

The United States is extremely rich in coal and it is in the national interest to use this resource to the greatest extent possible. The HYGAS Process is an economic, efficient, and environmentally acceptable method of producing highly desirable substitute natural gas (SNG) from our coal. HYGAS Process concepts and the HYGAS Pilot Plant are described in this paper. The details of key tests from campaigns using major U.S. coal types (lignite and bituminous) are presented. In conjunction with the proven versatility of the process, commercial/demonstration design projects have been undertaken by the C.F. Braun Co. and Procon, Inc., and the economic implications of these studies are discussed.