University of Utah's continuous coal hydrogenation process. [Turbulent-flow, coiled-tube]

Experimentation performed by the University of Utah in cooperation with the U.S. Office of Coal Research (OCR) in the field of flash hydrogenation of Western coals has been reviewed. Monthly and quarterly reports to OCR for the period Oct. 2, 1969 through Jan. 1, 1975 and supplementary additions provided by the investigators were the basis for the review. The development of the current turbulent flow, coal hydrogenation reactor from the initial free-fall reactor concept is traced via bench-scale experimentation. The performance of the coiled-tube reactor is examined under optimum operating conditions of pressure, temperature, gas and coal feed rates, space velocity, residence time, and catalyst loading. Experimental evidence for the exothermic coal hydrogenation reaction is presented with an estimated heat of reaction value. The catalytic properties of ZnCl/sub 2/ and other metallic halides are examined in depth.