Research and development of rapid hydrogenation for coal conversion to synthetic motor fuels (riser cracking of coal). First quarter report, April 1--June 30, 1978

Abstract

Runs were made in the bench-scale unit to investigate hydrocarbon yields from North Dakota lignite at operating pressures of 500 and 1000 psig. The base carbon conversions were reduced to approximately 26 and 33%, and hydrocarbon liquids yields were reduced to 6.4 and 9.2 grams per 100 grams of feed carbon, respectively. These values are considerably lower than those obtained from North Dakota lignite in bench-scale unit operations at 2000 psig. At that pressure, base carbon conversions were approximately 50%, and hydrocarbon liquids yields were 18 grams per 100 grams of feed carbon. Runs were also made with Illinois No. 6 bituminous coal (free-swelling index (FSI) = 4-1/2). To avoid plugging the reactor, the coal was mixed with fine silica sand at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% (by weight) coal with sand. The bench-scale unit was operated using an upsweeping temperature profile at coil outlet temperatures of 1450/sup 0/ and 1500/sup 0/F and a system outlet pressure of 2000 psig. Runs with the 10% and 20% (by weight) coal were successful. The hydrocarbon liquids yields from the bituminous coal were 17.2 grams per 100 grams of feed carbon, approximately 30% more than the average hydrocarbon liquids yield of 12.8more » grams per 100 grams of feed carbon obtained from North Dakota lignite under similar processing conditions. The ramifications of increasing the operating pressure of the process development unit (PDU) to 2600 psig have been investigated, and needed changes in equipment and gas supply have been identified. Procurement and construction of the PDU will begin during the forthcoming quarter.« less