CATALYSIS OF COAL LIQUEFACTION.

Abstract

From work on iron-based disposable catalysts, the choice of the most efficacious catalyst depends on whether distillable products are required, (for further upgrading to transport fuels), or SRC is required, (for use as a low sulphur fuel, a coking additive, or as a feedstock for the production of carbon fibres, electrodes, etc). Different criteria must be used in each case to evaluate a catalyst's efficacy. For distillable products, the amount of non-distillable SRC should be minimized within the constraints of avoiding excessive gas production and hydrogen consumption. For the production of SRC, the amount of non-distillable material should be maximized within the constraints of solvent balance and plant operability.