TWO STAGE DIRECT COAL GASIFICATION TO C2-C4 HYDROCARBONS

Results of a study conducted to convert coal to C₂-C₄ hydrocarbons in a two-stage reactor system are presented. Coal was converted to liquids at 440° C in a stirred batch autoclave using tetralin as the hydrogen donor solvent. The liquids produced were separated from the unreacted coal and ash by filtration. The liquids were then fed into a second stage fixed bed reactor containing sulfided Ni-M0/AI₂O₃ and Si0₂-AbO;5 catalyst. The liquids were hydrocracked on the dual-functional catalyst giving high yields of C₂-C₄ hydrocarbons. The pressure was 1800 psig and the temperatures were in the range of 425 to 500° C. Reaction mechanisms of conversion of coal derived liquids to C₂-C₄ hydrocarbons are presented. The kinetic parameters of the conversion of coal liquids to gases were determined. The activation energy was determined to be 23.9 Kcal/mol Cracking reactions involving C-C bonds appear to be rate-controlling.