Abstract

This is a continuous process for producing a stream of purified and humidified fuel gas which may be burned in a gas turbine to produce mechanical work and electrical energy without contaminating the environment. In the process, a feed stream of raw fuel gas is preferably produced by the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel with a free-oxygen containing gas, optionally in the presence of a temperature moderate. The raw fuel gas stream is then preferably saturated with water during cooling and cleaning operations. It is then passed in indirect countercurrent heat exchange with a stream of purified fuel gas containing substantially no water. The later stream was produced by cooling and purifying said raw fuel gas stream. At least a portion of the water which is condensed out of the raw fuel gas during said cooling operation is separated and revaporized into said purified fuel gas stream. The resulting stream of purified and humidified fuel gas may be used as fuel in a gas turbine. Maximum low level heat recovery is achieved in the process along with providing the purified fuel gas stream with additional mass for expansion in the turbine.