Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Catalytic liquefaction of coal. [4 refs]

Conference · · Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7350253

High-sulfur bituminous coal is liquefied and desulfurized by hydrotreating with syngas at 3,000 psi in the presence of added water, vehicle, and catalyst. Cobalt molybdate catalyst impregnated with alkali metal compounds, such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, and potassium acetate exhibited good activities for liquefaction and desulfurization. High coal conversions and oil yields can be obtained in the temperature range of 400 to 450/sup 0/C, and the asphaltene and the sulfur contents of the oil products are comparable to that obtained in coal liquefaction using pure hydrogen and cobalt molybdate under similar conditions. Further improvements in the oil quality could be attained under more severe conditions at 450/sup 0/C and increased reaction time, but both syngas usage and hydrogen usage would increase substantially. Catalytic coal liquefaction using syngas gives an improved thermal efficiency and reduces the capital and operating costs by eliminating shift converters and purifying systems need for the liquefaction process using hydrogen. In comparison with the coal liquefaction by hydrogen, the rates of asphaltene formation and asphaltene conversion are relatively slower. There is also an indication that asphaltenes formed have molecules of smaller sizes when syngas is used. The asphaltene content of the oil product decreases with the increase in syngas consumption, and the viscosity of the oil product correlates well with its asphaltene content.

Research Organization:
Pittsburgh Energy Research Center
OSTI ID:
7350253
Journal Information:
Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Chem. Soc., Div. Fuel Chem., Prepr.; (United States) Vol. 21:5; ISSN ACFPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English