Abstract: The present invention provides a method of liquefying a carbonaceous material in situ to produce liquid hydrocarbon comprising applying an aqueous solution to the carbonaceous material to facilitate a liquefaction reaction in a reaction zone in the carbonaceous material that liquefies the carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the aqueous solution comprises components selected from the group consisting of water, hydrogen peroxide at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 70%, methanol at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 30%, and a catalyst. The aqueous solution may be a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction zone is heated to a desired temperature by applying a first aqueous solution prior to applying a second aqueous solution that is a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material liquefaction apparatus which uses a nozzle assembly to supply a pressurised liquid towards a carbonaceous material as a high velocity liquid. A supply line (46, 39) supplies the high pressure liquid to the nozzle assembly (38). The high velocity liquid reacts with the carbonaceous material (35) in a reaction zone (40) to produce a processed carbonaceous material. A product return line (34, 42) returns the processed carbonaceous material and entrained liquid to a processing plant. The processing plant comprises a heat exchanger (44) to transfer heat from the product return line to the supply line, a high pressure pump (48) to provide the high pressure liquid to the supply line, a separator (52) in the product return line downstream of the heat exchanger to separate gas (54) and oil (56) product from the entrained liquid, at least part of the liquid (58) being recycled (64) to the high pressure pump. The reaction can be carried out in-situ or in an above ground reaction chamber (70).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of liquefying a carbonaceous material in situ to produce liquid hydrocarbon comprising applying an aqueous solution to the carbonaceous material to facilitate a liquefaction reaction in a reaction zone in the carbonaceous material that liquefies the carbonaceous material to liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the aqueous solution comprises components selected from the group consisting of water, hydrogen peroxide at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 70%, methanol at a (w/w) concentration range between 0.1% to 30%, and a catalyst. The aqueous solution may be a superheated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid. In an embodiment, the reaction zone is heated to a desired temperature by applying a first aqueous solution prior to applying a second aqueous solution that is a super-heated fluid, a supercritical fluid, a high-velocity superheated fluid or a high-velocity supercritical fluid.

Abstract: A high efficiency method or process is provided for converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) to a mineralised compound. The method provides for the preparation of an aqueous solution of water and coal ash or coal residue which when contacted by CO2 bind or convert the CO2 into carbonates. The process can be carried out in in situ coal liquefaction mines. This process may be used to convert CO2 in large quantities where the CO2 is in concentrated volumes possibly sourced as a by-product from some process of industry. In another variation of the application of this process CO2 may be directly captured from the atmosphere utilizing airflow over a contact surface or by spraying of one of the aqueous solutions of this process.