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Title: Liquefaction of black thunder coal with counterflow reactor technology

Conference ·
OSTI ID:254861
;  [1]
  1. Alberta Research Council, Devon, Alberta (Canada); and others

There is currently a resurgence of interest in the use of carbon monoxide and water to promote the solubilization of low rank coals in liquefaction processes. The mechanism for the water shift gas reaction (WGSR) is well documented and proceeds via a formate ion intermediate at temperatures up to about 400{degrees}C. Coal solubilization is enhanced by CO/H{sub 2}O and by the solvent effect of the supercritical water. The WGSR is catalyzed by bases (alkali metal carbonates, hydroxides, acetates, aluminates). Many inorganic salts which promote catalytic hydrogenation are rendered inactive in CO/H{sub 2}O, although there is positive evidence for the benefit of using pyrite for both the WGSR and as a hydrogenation catalyst. The temperatures at which coal solubilization occurs are insufficient to promote extensive cracking or upgrading of the solubilized coal. Therefore, a two step process might achieve these two reactions sequentially. Alberta Research Council (ARC) has developed a two-stage process for the coprocessing of low rank coals and petroleum resids/bitumens. This process was further advanced by utilizing the counterflow reactor (CFR) concept pioneered by Canadian Energy Developments (CED) and ARC. The technology is currently being applied to coal liquefaction. The two-stage process employs CO/H{sub 2}O at relatively mid temperature and pressure to solubilize the coal, followed by a more severe hydrocracking step. This paper describes the results of an autoclave study conducted to support a bench unit program on the direct liquefaction of coals.

OSTI ID:
254861
Report Number(s):
CONF-940813-; TRN: 96:003482-0223
Resource Relation:
Conference: 208. American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting, Washington, DC (United States), 21-26 Aug 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of 207th ACS national meeting. Volume 39, Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4; PB: 1304 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English