Compositions of distillate recycle solvents derived from direct coal liquefaction in the SRC-I process: 1. Hydrocarbons

Abstract The qualitative and quantitative compositions of 260–427 °C distillate recycle solvents derived from direct liquefaction of subbituminous Wyodak coal and bituminous Kentucky 9 14 coal in the SRC-I process are discussed. A liquid chromatography method which involves a column switching technique was used to provide solubility characteristics and compound-class compositions. The hydrocarbon compounds, which accountfor> 60 wt% of the distillate recycle solvents, were further analysed using a unique combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c.) and field ionization mass spectrometry (f.i.m.s.). Thirty homologous series were identified. Carbon number and distribution and concentration of the homologous series were determined. The h.p.l.c./f.i.m.s. method unravelled various hydroaromatic types which otherwise would be very difficult or impossible to determine.