Research and development of rapid hydrogenation for coal conversion to synthetic motor fuels (riser cracking of coal). Second quarter report, July 1--September 30, 1976

Abstract

The program objective is to maximize the production of gasoline constituents from coal using short-residence-time hydrocracking techniques. The design of a bench-scale unit has been completed, and needed equipment has been ordered. Much of the major equipment has been received and mounted in position. Construction is being continued, and shake-down tests will be started during the next quarter. A sample of the North Dakota lignite to be used in the initial experimental work was received and screened into 60 x 100, 100 x 200, and 200 x 325 mesh particle-size consists. Satisfactory tests were made using the 60 x 100 and 100 x 200 mesh particle-size consists in the Plexiglas cold-flow feeder model. Some problems with bridging and blocking were encountered in the feeder tests. Moving contact with teflon was found to aggravate problems with charges of static electricity on the particles. Treatment of the lignite with minute amounts of an anti-static agent was found to improve the flow characteristics considerably. An analysis of the feeder data was made to obtain simple relationships between operating parameters, which allows the design of runs at prespecified solids flow rates and coil residence times in the cold flow model.