Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for gasifying or liquifying coal. In particular, the method comprises reacting a coal with a molten aluminum or aluminum alloy bath. The apparatus includes a reaction vessel for carrying out the reaction, as well as other equipment necessary for capturing and removing the reaction products. Further, the process can be used to cogenerate electricity using the excess heat generated by the process.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for decreasing reactor fouling in a steam cracking process is provided. The method includes steam cracking a hydrocarbon feed to obtain a quench oil composition comprising a concentration of donatable hydrogen of 0.5 wt. % or more based on a total weight percent of the quench oil composition; exposing a steam cracker effluent flowing from a pyrolysis furnace to the quench oil composition to form a mixture; and fractionating the mixture in a separation apparatus to obtain a steam cracker tar. In another embodiment, a hydrocarbon mixture is provided. The hydrocarbon mixture includes a mid-cut composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and materials for fabricating building materials and other components from coal. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to materials and other components, such as char clay plaster, char brick, and foam glass fabricated from coal, and to methods of forming such materials. In an embodiment is provided a building material fabrication method. The method includes mixing an organic solvent with coal, under solvent extraction conditions, to form a coal extraction residue, and heating the coal extraction residue under pyrolysis conditions to form a pyrolysis char, the pyrolysis conditions comprising a temperature greater than about 500° C. The method further includes mixing the pyrolysis char with water and with one or more of clay, cement, or sand to create a mixture, and molding and curing the mixture to form a building material. Pyrolysis char-containing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a reactor for gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock material. The method includes the steps of choke-feeding a carbonaceous feedstock material into a pyrolysis zone of the reactor to form a discharge bed; heating the discharge bed to initiate pyrolysis of the feedstock material to form a pyrolysis product; providing a lower lying upper oxidation zone; gasifying the pyrolysis product to form a bed of char; converting thermal energy into chemical energy in an upper reduction zone; providing a lower lying lower oxidation zone; collecting any metal slag and/or slag melts in the lower oxidation zone; and discharging hot reducing gases having a temperature of at least 1300° C. and a CO/CO2 ratio of ?5, more preferably ?15.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process and system for producing and isolating a fraction of monocyclic aromatic compounds from a gasification gas. The process comprises (a) contacting the gas with a catalyst capable of converting ethylene and possibly other unsaturated hydrocarbons into monocyclic aromatic compounds; and (b) isolating monocyclic aromatic compounds from the gas originating from step (a). The present invention is ideally suited for treatment of gas from coal, biomass or waste gasification, which comprises substantial amounts of ethylene as well as monocyclic aromatic compounds. Treatment according to the invention first converts the ethylene into further monocyclic aromatic compounds, and the entire fraction of monocyclic aromatic compounds is isolated to obtain a valuable product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasification process for efficiently co-producing synthesis gas and high-grade coal from water-containing coal, and to an integrated drying and gasification system for realizing the same.

Abstract: A burner with a central oxidizer supply tube and an outer concentric fuel supply tube has a recycle gas duct arranged between the central oxidizer supply tube and the outer concentric fuel supply tube.

Abstract: A coal or carbonaceous material upgrading process for power station use, the process comprising a number of steps. First comminuting the coal or carbonaceous to a comminuted material. Second pre-treating the comminuted coal with a pulsing single frequency microwave and vacuum to reduce its water and oxygen content; the pre-treating stage being carried out at a temperature of up to 180 C. Third, treating the pre-treated comminuted material with a pulsing single frequency microwave energy under vacuum to optimize the volatile organic materials; the treatment stage being carried out at a temperature of up to 350 C. Next pyrolyzing the treated coal with a pulsing single frequency microwave and vacuum to produce a hot gas and a solid carbon residue; the pyrolyzing stage is carried out at a temperature of up to 720 C.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen-rich coal tar includes introducing a coal feed into a pyrolysis zone, and contacting the coal feed with a hydrogen donor stream and a multifunctional catalyst in the pyrolysis zone. The multifunctional catalyst includes a hydrogenation function for increasing a hydrogen content of said coal tar stream. The process further includes pyrolyzing the coal feed with the hydrogen donor stream and the multifunctional catalyst to produce a coke stream and a coal tar stream comprising hydrocarbon vapor.

Abstract: A method to extract and process bitumen from oil sands involves processing in a pulse enhanced fluidized bed steam reactor, cracking the heavy hydrocarbon fractions, producing hydrogen in situ within the reactor and hydrogenating the cracked fractions using the natural bifunctional catalyst present in the oil sands. This method produces inert oil sands for soil rehabilitation and an upgraded oil stream.

Abstract: A combined Direct Coal Liquefaction (DCL)/Fischer Tropsch (F-T) process and system for producing high Cetane diesel fuel by converting at least 70% of the feed coal by DCL operating at 50 to 70% conversion and gasifying the bottoms and between 0 and 30% of the feed coal to produce H2 for supply to the DCL and to upgrading and syngas for being converted to diesel by F-T. Diesel blendstocks produced by the DCL and the F-T in a ratio of 3 to 1 to 14 to 1 are blended to produce diesel fuel having a Cetane Number of at least 50.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to processes that integrate CO2-producing conversions of hydrocarbonaceous assets with biofuels processes that utilize CO2 photosynthesis. In some embodiments such processes involve the absorption of CO2 in an absorption liquid. In some such embodiments such absorption is carried out in an absorption tower. In some other such embodiments, there is a subsequent desorption of the CO2. Generally, at least some of the CO2 captured by the absorption liquid is used to grow microbes or diatom species.

Abstract: A method to extract and process bitumen from oil sands involves processing in a pulse enhanced fluidised bed steam reactor, cracking the heavy hydrocarbon fractions, producing hydrogen in situ within the reactor and hydrogenating the cracked fractions using the natural bifunctional catalyst present in the oil sands. This method produces inert oil sands for soil rehabilitation and an upgraded oil stream.

Abstract: This invention involves the conversion of coal-algae or resid-algae commingled slurry feedstock into a high methane content product gas using a steam hydrogasification process. This gas is then reformed into synthesis gas (H2 and CO). Excess H2 from the synthesis gas is separated and recycled back to the gasifier. The synthesis gas is converted into a liquid fuel such as Fischer-Tropsch diesel. The CO2 emissions from the steam hydrogasification process can be captured and used to grow the algae, which can subsequently be commingled with coal or reside to form slurry feedstocks for the hydrogasifier. Thus, this process eliminates CO2 emissions from the conversion plant.

Abstract: A method for processing asphaltenes is disclosed. The method can include separating asphaltenes from an asphaltene-containing composition and oxidizing the separated asphaltenes to form oxidation products. Alternatively, the method can include oxidizing asphaltenes within an asphaltene-containing composition without first separating the asphaltenes. Once formed, the oxidation products can be combined with other hydrocarbons. The amount of oxidation can be limited to an amount sufficient to produce a mixture suitable for the desired application. This method can be used to upgrade asphaltenes from a variety of sources, including oil sands. The oxidation step can be performed, for example, by introducing an oxidizing agent and, in some cases, a catalyst into the asphaltenes. A solvent or miscibility agent also can be introduced to improve mixing between the oxidizing agent and the asphaltenes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous recycling of hydrocarbon containing used and waste materials such as plastic and polymeric waste including, for example, polyurethane, rubber wastes and the like, and in particular scrap rubber tires, are disclosed. The process is carried out under moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and a feed of liquid(s) containing oxygen. The method is characterized by the low residence time.

Abstract: The present development is a multistage process for converting solid hydrocarbon resources into synthetic oil. The process comprises a raw hydrocarbon material treatment stage, followed by a pyrolysis stage, and then a synthetic liquid upgrading stage. Throughout the process, heat is transferred to the hydrocarbon resources via recyclable ceramic spheres.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transforming aromatic organic compounds and resource materials. The process includes the steps of contacting an organic material selected from the group consisting of single and/or multi-ring aromatic compounds and alkylaromatic compounds, and their heteroatom-containing analogues, crude oil, petroleum, petrochemical streams, coals, shales, coal liquids, shale oils, heavy oils and bitumens with a microorganism or enzymes in order to hydroxylate the organic material, followed by contacting the hydroxylated organic resource material so as to cause hydrogenation and/or hydrogenolysis on the material.

Abstract: A method for combined cycle electrical power generation comprises utilizing a coal hydrogenator 2 and a reactor 1 for producing from a methane-rich gas a hot crude hydrogen-containing gas which is fed directly (apart from an optional quenching stage) to the coal hydrogenator. The coal hydrogenator produces gaseous and liquid products which are combusted to drive a gas turbine 5 which drives an electrical generator 6. The hydrogenator also produces char which is combusted in a boiler 10 to form steam to drive a steam turbine 11 which, in turn, drives another electrical generator 12. Such direct use of the hot crude gas avoids having to preheat hydrogen-containing feed to the hydrogenator.

Abstract: A method for combined cycle electrical power generation comprises utilizing a coal hydrogenator 1 to produce gaseous, liquid and char products. The gaseous product, an optionally the liquid product, is combusted to drive a gas turbine 4, which in turn drives a first electrical generator 5, whilst the char is fed to a boiler 9 and combusted therein to produce steam to drive a steam turbine 10 which in turn drives a second electrical generator 11. The method enables electrical power to be generated from gaseous, lqiuid and char products produced by the coal hydrogenator.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for pretreating coal preliminary to a primary liquefaction or hydroconversion block. In the process, a coal feed, slurried in a solvent, is reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a chemical promoter at an elevated temperature and pressure. The promoter enhances the depolymerization and hydrogenation of the coal during pretreatment.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkaline hydroxide and a carbonate, and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of transition metals and compounds thereof, by operating at temperatures within the range of from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. for a reaction time within the range of from 30 to 80 minutes.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydroconversion of coal, wherein coal is slurried in an organic solvent and subjected to pretreatment with carbon monoxide, followed by separation of a solvent-soluble phase comprising hydrocarbon material from the coal, and subsequently hydroconverting the extracted material in a hydroconversion reactor. The extracted material consists of a relatively hydrogen-rich material which is readily hydroconverted to valuable liquid products in high yield. The coal residue is relatively hydrogen deficient material which can be gasified to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the hydroconversion and pretreatment stages, respectively.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydroconversion of coal comprising pretreating coal in an aqeuous carbon monoxide-containing environment, followed by extracting a soluble hydrocarbon material from the coal, and subsequently hydroconverting the extracted material in a hydroconversion reactor with a high catalyst loading to obtain a nearly finished product with low heteroatom levels. The extracted material consists of a relatively hydrogen-rich material which is readily converted to valuable liquid products in high yield. The residue from the extraction stage is relatively hydrogen deficient material which can be gasified to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the hydroconversion and pretreatment stages, respectively.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydroconversion of coal comprising pretreating coal in an aqueous carbon monoxide-containing environment, followed by extracting a soluble hydrocarbon material from the coal, and subsequently hydroconverting the extracted material in a hydroconversion reactor. The extracted material consists of a relatively hydrogen-rich material which is readily converted to valuable liquid products in high yield. The residue from the extraction stage is relatively hydrogen deficient material which can be gasified to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the hydroconversion and pretreatment stages, respectively.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from the group consisting of an alkaline hydroxide and a carbonate, and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst selected from the group consisting of transition metals and compounds thereof, by operating at temperatures within the range of from 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. for a reaction time within the range of from 30 to 80 minutes.

Abstract: A process for the single-step coal liquefaction is disclosed, which comprises reacting the coal in an aqueous suspension with carbon monoxide in the presence of a CO-conversion catalyst selected from an alkaline hydroxide or carbonate, wherein the reaction takes place at a temperature maintained for a time of up to about 20 minutes equal to a value selected within the range of from about 300.degree. to 370.degree. C., and then is increased over a time within the range of from about 20 to 40 minutes, until a temperature value is reached, within the range of from about 420.degree. to 450.degree. C. and is kept constant for a time of up to about 20 minutes.

Abstract: A process is provided wherein a carbonaceous material, such as oil shale, is coated with a hydrocarbon liquid, such as shale oil, prior to introduction of the carbonaceous material to a water containing, sealed system, through which the carbonaceous material is transferred to a high pressure vessel, i.e. a retort. The liquid hydrocarbon coating on the carbonaceous material effectively minimizes water absorption by the carbonaceous material in its passage through the water containing system.

Abstract: An energy integrated process for the production of a synthetic crude oil product from heavier oils and coal in which coal is pyrolyzed and a combined feedstock of coal, coal volatiles and a heavy oil product is co-processed to produce a synergistic yield of light crude oil compatible with the refining capabilities of existing conventional refineries.

Abstract: A method for preparing a transportable fuel composition and for simultaneously producing electricity by utilizing a novel co-generation configuration. Coal or coal-derived fuels are used to generate electrical power. The waste heat from the power generation is used as the process heat for pyrolysis to produce a transportable, completely combustible slurry which contains particulate coal char and a liquid organic material.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extraction of oil and hydrocarbons from crushed hydrocarbonaceous solids, such as tar sands, involving the pyrolyzing of the said solids with syn gas rich in hydrogen, and preferably syn gas obtained from the gasification of coal. Crushed hydrocarbonaceous solids are treated with hot syn gas containing hydrogen at an elevated temperature in a rotary kiln where the crushed solids are cascaded into the hot syn gas containing hydrogen for sufficient time to strip the volatile liquids and gases found in the said solids, removing the vaporized liquids, enriched syn gas and spent crushed solids from the kiln, fractionating the vaporized liquids and enriched syn gas into desired fractions, and utilizing the enriched syn gas in the preparation of desired by-products. The apparatus includes an improved rotary kiln which speeds the pyrolysis of the crushed solids.

Abstract: A method for the liquefaction of coal under coal liquefaction conditions in the presence of manganese nodules in combination with an improved coal liquefaction solvent. Liquid yields are increased when the solvent, containing substantially only polycondensed aromatic systems or components that possess polargraphic reduction potentials equal to or greater than about -2.4 volts, is utilized in the reaction. During the reaction the polycondensed aromatic compounds, in the presence of manganese, are selectively and rapidly hydrogenated leading to increased liquefaction of coal.

Abstract: Methods for the physical and operational integration of a carbonaceous gasification plan, a gaseous fuel synthesis plant and a power generation station to economincally produce synfuel and electrical power comprising producing gases comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen from carbonaceous raw materials in a gasification unit wherein the gasification unit utilizes exhaust steam from a power generating unit to provide various energy needs for producing synthesis gas, utilizing the hydrogen derived from the gasification unit in the liquefying and hydrogenation of coal or hydrogenation of natural gas in a fuel synthesis unit wherein the heat generated from the exothermic reactions in the fuel synthesis unit is employed to generate high pressure steam which is fed to a power generation unit to drive electrical power producing turbines wherein the exhaust steam from the turbine is used in the gasification unit as a heat source during gasification and collecting of steam condensate from the exhaust steam and recycl