Offsites, utilities, and general facilities for coal conversion plants

Historically, nonprocess systems make up about 40% of the total installed cost of a coal-based synthetic fuels plant. These systems are required to prepare feedstock; to provide power and water; and to dispose of waste streams. If the costs of the civil and architectural contributions to the project are included, this number may be increased by another 10 to 15 percent. If project costs are to be controlled, close attention must be paid to each additional burden that is imposed on the utilities. This paper discusses each of these nonprocess systems and, for a typical plant, looks at the demands placed upon them and their financial impact on the project as a whole.