The efficiency of direct coal liquefaction technology can be improved if low temperature coal dissolution can be exploited to reduce the reactor size needed for high temperature and pressure liquefaction. The yield, rate and nature of Poplar lignite dissolution with tetralin was investigated in the range 25-150 �C and 2-16 minutes contact time. It was found that extraction yield is determined mainly by extraction temperature and that solvent to coal ratio had a minor effect. Maximum extraction yield is not governed by solubility in the solvent. In all cases maximum extraction yield is reached in < 16 min. In fact, at 25 �C, 75 % of the total extraction yield is obtained within 2 min. Precipitates formed on cooling the coal extract can be reversibly dissolved/liquefied with an increase in temperature.

Physical coal dissolution at low temperature and short contact time

244th National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.