DEVELOPMENT OF CERAMIC COMPOSITE HOT-GAS FILTERS

A novel type of hot-gas filter based on a ceramic fiber-reinforced cer amic matrix was developed and extended to full-size, 60-mm OD by 1.5-m -long, candle filters. A commercially viable process for producing the filters was developed, and the filters are undergoing testing and dem onstration throughout the world for application in pressurized fluidiz ed-bed combustion (PFBC) and integrated gasification combined cycle (I GCC) plants. Development activities at Oat Ridge National Laboratory ( ORNL) and at the 3M Company, and testing at the Westinghouse Science a nd Technology Center (STC) are presented. Demonstration tests at the T idd PFBC are in progress. Issues identified during the testing and dem onstration phases of the development are discussed. Resolution of the issues identified during testing and the status of commercialization o f the filters are described.