More basic research needed in coal technology

Journal Article · Mon Aug 14 04:00:00 EDT 1978 · Energy User News; (United States)

OSTI ID:6604316

Thorne, R D

Basic research on coal conversion is essential if the U.S. is to utilize its vast resources of coal and, in particular, if Eastern high-sulfur coal is to be used in environmentally sound ways. A coal conversion industry that will have acceptable products in the marketplace by the mid-1980s will require basic research on the molecular structure of coal, the dynamics of coal liquefaction and gasification, the behavior of catalysts during conversion, and the mechanics of methanation. Gaps in engineering knowledge include how to use coal in reactors, how to reduce carbon loss, and how to remove ash. A larger economic data base is also needed before utilities and industry can determine which systems are reliabile and operable. Mr. Thorne, Assistant Secretary for Energy Technology at DOE, believes we should focus on the ultimate customer in planning and funding research programs that will advance the state of coal conversion by looking farther ahead to a clearly defined ''third generation technology.'' A more businesslike approach and more selectivity in the allocation of research and development funds are needed, perhaps with an emphasis on multi-test facilities in the future.

• OSTI ID: 6604316
• Journal Information: Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 3:33; ISSN EUSND
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010400 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Processing
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290500 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Research
Development
Demonstration
& Commercialization
294001* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Coal
BUDGETS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CATALYSTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COAL
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL LIQUEFACTION
COMMERCIALIZATION
CONVERSION
DATA
DATA COMPILATION
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DESULFURIZATION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENGINEERING
FINANCING
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
INFORMATION
LIQUEFACTION
METHANATION
NUMERICAL DATA
PLANNING
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TEST FACILITIES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES