High conversion of coal to transportation fuels for the future with low HC gas production. Progress report No. 11, April 1--June 30, 1995

The objectives of this research are: (1) produce a synthetic crude from coal at a cost lower than $30.00 per barrel; and (2) produce a fuel which is low in aromatics, yet of sufficiently high octane number for use in the gasoline-burning transportation vehicles of today. To meet this second objective, research was proposed, and funding awarded, for conversion of the highly-aromatic liquid product from coal conversion to a product high in isoparaffins, which compounds in the gasoline range exhibit a high octane number. Experimental coal liquefaction studies conducted in a batch microreactor in our laboratory have demonstrated potential for high conversions of coal to liquids with low yield of hydrocarbon (HC) gases, hence small consumption of hydrogen in the primary liquefaction step. Ratios of liquids/HC gases as high as 30/1, at liquid yields as high as 82% of the coal by weight, have been achieved. The principal objective of this work is to examine how nearly we may approach these results in a continuous-flow system, at a size sufficient to evaluate the process concept for production of transportation fuels from coal. A continuous-flow reactor system is to be designed, constructed and operated. The system is to be computer-operated for process control and data logging, and is to be fully instrumented. The primary liquid products will be characterized by GC, FTIR, and GC/MS, to determine the types and quantities of the principal components produced under conditions of high liquids production with high ratios of liquids/HC gases, hydrogen consumption for the conversion to primary liquids will be calculated. Conversion of the aromatics of this liquid product to isoparrafins will be investigated, to examine the potential for producing a transportation fuel from coal with satisfactory octane rating but low in aromatic content. Progress to date is described