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The hydrogen transfer cycle for coal liquefaction: Process implications

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6535334

Direct liquefaction of coal involves the conversion of a hydrogen-poor solid to a liquid richer in hydrogen by a complex set of bond ruptures and hydrogen transfer reactions. This study of the hydrogen transfer cycle for coal liquefaction suggests more effective ways to utilize hydrogen. The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate that an excellent coal liquefaction solvent can be produced by reaction of a coal-derived liquid with a H/sub 2//CO/steam mixture at relatively low temperature and pressure. The resulting solvent contains a sufficient concentration of hydroaromatics to be used as the sole source of hydrogen for the liquefaction of coal. Applying these techniques for transfer of hydrogen to coal in a liquefaction process could provide several advantages: First, use of CO/H/sub 2//steam mixtures, instead of purified hydrogen, for the hydrogenation of the solvent would eliminate the need for gas purification units. Second, operation of the solvent production reactor at a lower temperature and pressure would allow reduction of the wall thickness of the reactor vessel, thus reducing vessel cost. Third, the 650 to 770/sup 0/F distillate cut used as a recycle solvent contains significant concentrations of the important three- and four-ring hydroaromatic donor precursors, but does not contain compounds that cause extensive catalyst deactivation. Finally, the requirement for gas-phase hydrogen and high pressure in the thermal liquefaction step would be eliminated. 6 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6535334
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-0374C; CONF-870802-4; ON: DE87008505
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English