Coal liquefaction catalysis by industrial metallic wastes

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry process design and development 1985-01, Vol.24 (1), p.66-72
• Main Authors: Garg, Diwakar, Givens, Edwin N
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0196-4305; 1541-5716
• DOI: 10.1021/i200028a012

Catalystic activity of industrial metallic wastes in coal liquefaction was examined in a 100 lb/day continuous coal processing development unit. Red mud, a waste material from the Al industry, and an electric furnace flue dust containing Ni, Mo, Co and Fe showed a pronounced effect on the conversion of Eastern Kentucky Elkhorn No. 3 coal. Coal conversion and oil production increased significantly with the addition of red mud and flue dust. At 454 deg C, oil yield increased from 20 to 26% with flue dust and from 20 to 34% with red mud; hydrocarbon gas yield and hydrogen consumption also increased. Significantly higher oil yield and lower gas production and H consumption were noted at a lower reaction temp. with red mud and flue dust, indicating the benefits of using milder reaction conditions. In the absence of coal, the solvent H content increased slightly with red mud and flue dust; however, it increased considerably in the presence of coal, indicating an interaction between coal and catalyst in coal liquefaction. Comparison of the catalytic activity of pyrite, red mud and flue dust, based on selectivity analysis, showed that red mud was the most desirable disposable catalyst. However, if the primary goal of coal liquefaction is high oil production, irrespective of H consumption, pyrite is the most active catalyst among those discussed. 24 ref.--AA(US).