Benefits of ultrasound in pitch production from coal tar and its mixtures with styrene distillation residue

Ultrasound treatment of coal tar increases the yield of pitch by a factor of 1.5 in subsequent oxidation by atmospheric oxygen. The yield of pitch may be regulated in terms of its softening temperature by changing the oxidation time. To obtain standard pitch, the following conditions are employed: ultrasound treatment for 3 h; initial oxidation temperature 260–270°C; final oxidation temperature 360–370°C; rate of air supply 63 L/h; oxidation time ~30–70 min, depending on the requirements on the final product. The concentration of aromatic derivatives of benzo[a]pyrene type in the pitch produced and in the liquid fraction (which may be used as a fuel) is considerably less than in the current industrial method. After ultrasound treatment, a 1: 1 mixture of coal tar and rectification residues from styrene yields pitch with satisfactory characteristics on oxidation by atmospheric air. That expands the range of raw materials for pitch production.