Development of an all-slurry liquefaction test for screening dispersed catalysts

Exceptionally high distillate yields have previously been achieved in the direct liquefaction of subbituminous coal using dispersed catalysts. As part of a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, selected dispersed catalysts are being evaluated in continuous bench-scale runs. In consequence, a laboratory test has been developed to screen candidate dispersed catalysts and determine the optimum range of operating conditions to maximize coal conversion and distillate yield. The objectives of the test are to simulate operation in an all-slurry mode with coal conversion and product selectivity at least as good as that achieved in 2-stage operation at the Wilsonville Advanced Coal Liquefaction Facility. Tests are conducted in microautoclaves using pilot plant derived solvents and a Wyodak coal in the ratio of 1.85/1. An Fe-Mo catalyst contained in a Wilsonville process solvent has been used as a reference. The influence of residence time at 440{degrees}C on 524{degrees}C+ resid conversion has been determined and evaluations of various Mo formulations will be discussed.