Process and analytical studies of enhanced low severity co-processing using selective coal pretreatment

This report describes progress on research during the fifth quarter of this contract dealing with applications of coal pretreatment techniques in coal hydroliquefaction by co-processing. The objectives of the project are to investigate various coal pretreatment techniques and to determine the effect of these pretreatment procedures on the reactivity of the coal. Reactivity enhancement will be evaluated under both direct hydroliquefaction and co-processing conditions. Coal conversion utilizing low rank coals and low severity conditions (reaction temperatures generally less than 350{degree}C) are the primary focus of the liquefaction experiments, as it is expected that the effect of pretreatment conditions and the attendant reactivity enhancement will be greatest for these coals and at these conditions.