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U.S. Department of Energy
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Enhanced coal liquefaction by low-severity catalytic reactions

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5662501· OSTI ID:5662501

This program of research has involved the investigation of the liquefaction of coals by reaction in successive stages of increasing temperature in order to understand the chemical processes occurring in the individual stages. Process variables included the influence of coal rank (lignite, subbituminous, hvCb and hvAb) and the role of catalysts (1.0 wt% Mo or Fe or 1.0% Fe + 0.1% Mo) and vehicle solvents. The exact nature of the relatively subtle reactions occurring in the low- and high-temperature stages have not been clearly identified in this research. Our results suggest that the first stage reactions involve mild hydrogenation. An increase in the pool of hydrogen available within the coal structure could precondition the coal and favorably bias the course of the higher temperature reaction toward hydroliquefaction rather than pyrolysis. We have determined that the temperature-stages reaction sequence can accommodate fairly large changes in reaction conditions before an appreciable effect on product yield becomes apparent. 57 refs., 43 figs., 40 tabs.

Research Organization:
Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (USA). Energy and Fuels Research Center
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/FE
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-86PC90910
OSTI ID:
5662501
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/90910-T1; ON: DE90001460
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English