MASS TRANSFER EFFECTS IN LIQUEFACTION OF COAL BY SRC-II PROCESS PART II STUDY OF BUBBLE COLUMN REACTORS

Abstract

The effects of hydrogen mass transfer resistance in large-scale SRC-II bubble column reactors (BCR), over large ranges of process variables, are studied. Due to the interactive effects of mass transfer resistance and gas hold up, the hydrogen consumption or liquid yield in a BCR has a maximum with respect to the specific mixing power. Under normal SRC-II process conditions a superficial gas velocity of about 0.01 m/s represents the optimum with respect to the hydrogen consumption or liquid yield. In general, the product quality requirement rather than the rate of hydrogen consumption determines the minimum specific mixing power requirement. Increase in hydrogen partial pressure can be used to reduce the level of mixing power required to maintain the desired product quality. Interrelations between mass transfer and gas hold effects and the variations in hydrogen concentration in slurry over large ranges of process conditions are also illustrated. This work provides some bases for the selection of reactor dimensions and process conditions for an SRC-II bubble column reactor (BCR).