CHARACTERIZATION OF LIQUID FUELS BY FLASH PYROLYSIS OF COAL IN VARIOUS ATMOSPHERES

An evaluation of the quality and yields of liquid fuels obtained by flash pyrolysis of coal is the objective of the present research. The flash hydrogenation of a Pittsburgh No. 8 coal in a laboratory reactor has been examined as a part of this research. The yield results are interpreted and compared with those presented previously for flash hydrogenation of another bituminous coal - Illinois No. 6 coal. A simple reaction model is proposed to explain the behavior of both coals under flash hydrogenation.;Liquids obtained by flash hydrogenation during pilot plant runs are compared with steam pyrolysis liquids obtained in the same unit. Each liquid sample was fractionated by a modified SESC (Sequential Elution with Selective Solvents Chromatography) method. Each fraction was then analyzed by simulated GC (gas chromatography) boiling point distribution curve method, steric exclusion chromatrography, and ('1)H NMR. The liquid products from hydropyrolysis are comparable to those from H-coal and Synthoil processes. The steam/helium pyrolysis liquids are rather different from those obtained by hydropyrolysis.