Contribution of vitrinite macerals to the liquefaction of subbituminous coals

Abstract

Four Alberta subbituminous coals were selected to investigate the contribution of vitrinite macerals to liquefaction. There are indications of a rectilinear correlation between conversion yields of different density fractions of coal and their vitrinite content, but it is too early to discern any conversion factor by which any maceral group may be used to predict the liquefaction behaviour of a subbituminous coal. Contrary to common belief, not all the vitrinite fraction of the feed coal is reactive. There seems to be a definite positive correlation between the percent vitrinite reacted and the liquefaction conversion yield. Much more research work is needed to further understand the contribution of vitrinite macerals to liquefaction of a subbituminous coal.