After cooldown, various samples are collected for analysis. The purpose of the tests is to evaluate process residence time and to generate large quantities of material for combustion or gasification testing. Area 100 - Size Preparation consists of size reduction and handling equipment. A Nelmor shredder is used to size biomass, plastics, and dry pellet fuels. Area 200 - Slurry Preparation consists of slurry mix tanks, pressurization units, and a water storage system.
Mix tanks provide adequate blending of the solid and water.
The final unit operation involves slurry pressurization, which is accomplished by a hose-diaphragm pump system. For high-sulfur coals, an autoclave system filled with catalyst can be attached to the system for desulfurization of process tar and water. Area 400 - Product Recovery consists of the slurry pressure letdown and concentration systems, followed by final blending and storage of the slurry fuel. Slurry letdown consists of three pressure chambers equipped with release valves and pressure control valves. Centrifuges or filter presses are used for slurry dewatering, while high-speed mixers are used to homogenize the final slurry fuel.