Catalytic hydrogenation of a Spanish coal: a study of the operation variables

Abstract

A Spanish subbituminous coal was hydrogenated batchwise in a 11 autoclave. A statistical fractional factorial design was used to determine the influence of reaction temperature, reaction time, slurry vehicle agent and catalyst on conversion, hydrogen consumption, liquid product volatility and HC ratio of liquid products. The results indicate that the variables of highest influence are the slurry vehicle agent and reaction temperature. The best results were obtained with hydrogenated anthracene oil, and low temperature and reaction time.