Process for the production of fuel values from coal
Ralph M. Parsons Co.'s process for the production of methane from coal offers high efficiency and sufficient flexibility to provide alternate liquid and gaseous fuel products. A slurry of particulate coal and a liquid hydrocarbon solvent formed from the liquefaction of coal in the presence of hydrogen are combined with hydrogen in a liquefaction zone operated at temperatures of 700 to 1000/sup 0/F and pressures up to about 2500 psi, generating vapor and liquid hydrocarbons and solid residue. The light liquid hydrocarbons may be recovered as a product or ultimately converted to methane. Another portion of the liquid is recycled as the hydrocarbon solvent. The higher boiling liquid hydrocarbons and the solid residue, upon subjection to gasification, yield a synthesis gas that serves as a stripping gas stream used for separating the products of liquefaction into useful constituents. Preferably, all of the synthesis gas formed in the process, hydrocarbon vapor, and the light liquid hydrocarbons are converted to methane by a combination of reforming and methanation operations.
- Assignee:
- Ralph M. Parsons Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4050908
- OSTI ID:
- 6083260
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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