Chemical studies on SYNTHOIL process. First annual report, September 1, 1975--August 31, 1976. [Catalyst improvement; effects of mineral content of coal; kinetics of hydrodesulfurization and liquefaction]

This is the first annual report of a 2-yr program of study in support of the synthoil process for coal liquefaction. The overall program consists of three tasks: Catalyst Improvement, in which the mechanisms of catalyst deactivation will be explored; Ash Effects, in which the effect of the mineral content of coals on liquefaction will be assessed in autoclave experiments; and Kinetic Studies, in which a bench-scale reactor will be set up to study the effects of process parameters on the kinetics of hydrodesulfurization and liquefaction. Progress in each task area is reported. Extensive characterization has been completed on new, presulfided and used catalyst from several synthoil reactor runs of up to 168 h in duration. A variety of microscopy, surface area, diffraction and spectroscopy techniques were utilized. The catalyst, Co-MoO/sub 3/, serves the multiple functions of catalyzing heteroatom removal, cracking, and hydrogenation. A stirred batch autoclave system was assembled to study mineral matter effects on coal liquefaction. Operating parameters of pressure, temperature, and residence time were determined in a series of experiments on a moderately reactive coal and then applied to screening experiments on a variety of coals, most of which were of high volatile bituminous rank. A benchmore » scale synthoil reactor for the kinetic studies of coal liquefaction and hydrodesulfurization was designed and is being constructed. The reactor components have all been received and assembly is at 50 percent of completion. The experimental plan for kinetic studies is presented.« less