MTCI “PulseEnhanced” Steam Reformer
The MTCI process is based on steam gasification at about 600°C using indirect heat supply to the process via a heat exchanger built into the fluid-bed reactor. This has the advantage of operating at temperatures below the melting point of the smelt, but
against this weighs the problem of tar production. The first 180tDS/d demonstration plant is being built at Big Island, Virginia and is due to start up in 2004. A number of conceptual issues such as sulfur removal still have to be resolved during the detail execution of the project (DeCarrera 2001). Should the demonstration plant show this technology to be successful, it will share a number of the principle advantages of gasification over combustion of black liquor, such as elimination of the smelt-water explosion risk, superior thermal efficiency, and lower emissions to the environment.