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Title: Role of temperature, solvent, and agitation in coal dissolution and liquefaction: Annual report for September 1981-September 1982

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6223685

Experimental studies were effected in a 1-liter batch reactor to determine the role of the solvent and temperature on the dissolution of a Kentucky No. 9 coal. The goal was to increase the dissolution yield, defined as conversion of coal to pyridine-soluble material, while decreasing the hydrogen consumption. The experiments were carried out in the absence of hydrogen gas. The solvent and coal were heated at a constant rate of temperature rise to 300 to 400/sup 0/C and held at a constant temperature for periods of 0 to 50 minutes before rapidly quenching the reaction mixture. 2-Methylnaphalene, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (tetralin), p-cresol or 2-naphthol, and 4-picoline were used in different ratios as the solvent. These compounds represented, respectively, the polycondensed aromatics, hydroaromatics (hydrogen donor) mono-phenols, and basic nitrogen compounds found in coal liquefaction recycle solvents. Dissolution yield of the coal reached a maximum in a solvent containing equal parts of 2-methylnaphthalene and tetralin. It decreased somewhat when pure tetralin was the solvent. Addition of small amounts of 2-naphthol and 4-picoline to a 1:4 weight ratio of tetralin and 2-methylnaphthalene improved the dissolution yield. Coal was dissolved with no or minor chemical reactions up to the temperature of approx.340/sup 0/C in a solvent containing 46.1 wt % tetralin, 46.1 wt % 2-methylnaphthalene, 4.9 wt % 2-naphthol, and 2.9 wt % 4-picoline. Beyond this temperature dissolution yield increased markedly, typical of thermal cracking reactions. Conversion of the coal to toluene and pyridine-solubles occurred as reactions of 1.5 order with respect to the coal with preasphaltenes apparently being the intermediate products. 40 refs., 55 figs., 15 tabs.

Research Organization:
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-81PC40811
OSTI ID:
6223685
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/40811-4; ON: DE87014548
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English