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Deactivation mechanisms for a cobalt molybdate coal liquefaction catalyst

Conference · · Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6926092

While there are several methods for liquefying coal, those using direct catalytic hydrogenation appear to have some potential advantages. One such process, SYNTHOIL, has been under development by the Pittsburgh Energy Research Center for a number of years. The catalyst in the SYNTHOIL and other processes is multifunctional since it accelerates the rates of heteroatom removal (primarily sulfur) and hydrocracking in the reactor. It consists of cobalt and molybdenum compounds supported on SiO/sub 2/ stabilized/promoted Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/. Such catalysts have a long and successful history as hydrodesulfurization agents in the processing of petroleum-derived feedstocks. For coal liquefaction, their functional activities are very adequate but their lifetimes remain in question. Stanulonis, et.al. have reported on some aspects of the structural and compositional changes accompanying the use of these catalysts in the SYNTHOIL process. In addition, Kang and Johnson have reported on the deactivation mechanisms operative for catalyst in the H-coal process. The object of the present work was to continue the study of catalyst deactivation in the SYNTHOIL process by examining deactivation as a function of time and as a function of position within the reactor. The structural and compositional data indicate that at least four deactivation mechanisms are operative--nitrogen-poisoning, Fe and Ti penetration into the catalyst, surface mineral deposits, and coking within the catalyst. The data indicative of each of these mechanisms is discussed.

Research Organization:
Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM
OSTI ID:
6926092
Journal Information:
Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 22:4; ISSN ACPCA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English