Analysis of Wilsonville low rank coal liquefaction data

The use of both dispersed and supported catalysts for the liquefaction of low rank coals in the Wilsonville, AL facility has been evaluated using a statistical approach. This analysis was undertaken to identify the most important operating variables and their effects upon coal conversion and product distributions. The preferred two-stage configuration for the liquefaction of low rank coal consists of a slurry first-stage reactor followed by an ebullated-bed second stage reactor. The presence of a dispersed catalyst promotes the initial liquefaction steps. An ebullated-bed second stage reactor is effective for hydrocracking the coal-derived products and hydrogenating a stream to be recycled as liquefaction solvent. The effect of process configuration upon coal conversion and product distributions is significant.