This coal-gasification process produces [H.sub.2]- and CO-rich syngas in separate streams.(Chementator)(Brief article)

A coal-gasification reactor that resembles a metals smelter and operates in two cycles (oxidation and reduction), alternately producing hydrogen and syngas, is being developed by Diversified Energy Corp. (Gilbert, Ariz.; edlinks.che.com/6895-536) and Alchemix Corp. (Carefree, Ariz.). In the oxidation cycle (diagram, left), steam is injected into a bath of molten iron-tin alloy to form iron oxide and release [H.sub.2]. In the reduction cycle (diagram, right), coal (or other hydrocarbons) and air are injected and react with the FeO to produce a carbon monoxide-rich syngas and reduce the FeO to Fe.

The HydroMax process has an energy-conversion efficiency of 80% for …