Petrochemical developments/ammonia: coal versus gas

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6559223

Hess, M

An analytical study has shown that the direct conversion of coal with oxygen to a synthesis gas by the Koppers-Totzek (K-T) process is much more economical than the indirect conversion of coal to SNG and reforming of the latter (mixed with natural gas) to make synthesis gas. In either case, the synthesis gas can be used to make ammonia or methanol, but the ''direct'' method could save $2.6 billion in capital investment (compared with the ''indirect'' method) and could release 1 billion std cu ft/day of natural gas for other uses by 1985. Ammonia production costs for a 1000 ton/day plant are estimated at $119 to $139 per ton (from coal at $2.00 and $3.00 per million Btu, respectively) for the K-T ''direct'' process, compared with $132 to $163/ton from methane (SNG price-averaged with low-priced natural gas) at $1.00 and $2.00 per million Btu, respectively) for the ''indirect'' process. Economic and supply reasons are given for the current shift away from natural gas to coal as the source for ammonia in the U.S.

• OSTI ID: 6559223
• Journal Information: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Hydrocarbon Process.; (United States) Vol. 55:11; ISSN HYPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
ALCOHOLS
AMMONIA
COAL GASIFICATION
COST
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
ECONOMICS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
GASIFICATION
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
KOPPERS-TOTZEK PROCESS
METHANOL
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
NONMETALS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN
PRODUCTION
SYNTHESIS GAS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES