Abstract: Hydrotropic composition comprising at least one surface active cationic component, which is selected from a group of cholinium, guadinium or tetramethylguadinium, preferably cholinium, and a straight or branched carboxylate anion having at least six carbon atoms; and its uses, for treating of oil sands or the like, for treating tailings from separation of bitumen, asphaltenes or the like.

Abstract: A process for converting inferior feedstock oil includes several steps. In step a) the inferior feedstock oil is subjected to a low severity hydrogenation reaction. The reaction product is separated to produce a gas, a hydrogenated naphtha, a hydrogenated diesel and a hydrogenated residual oil. In step b) the hydrogenated residual oil obtained in step a) is subjected to a first catalytic cracking reaction, the reaction product is separated to produce a first dry gas, a first LPG, a first gasoline, a first diesel and a first FCC-gas oil. In step c) the first FCC-gas oil obtained in step b) is subjected to a hydrogenation reaction of gas oil, the reaction product is separated to produce a hydrogenated gas oil, and in step d) the hydrogenated gas oil obtained in step c) is subjected to the first catalytic cracking reaction of step b) or a second catalytic cracking reaction.

Abstract: Stress compensated systems and methods of compensating for electrical and mechanical stress are discussed. One example system can include a first circuit and a global stress compensation component. The first circuit can be configured to generate a first signal and can comprise at least one local stress compensation component (e.g., employing dynamic element matching, chopping, etc.). The global stress compensation component can comprise one or more stress sensors configured to sense one or more stress components associated with the system. The global stress compensation component can be configured to receive the first signal and to compensate for stress effects on the first signal.

Abstract: A syngas generator provides a pyrolysis chamber and a steam cracking unit within a heater. A conveyor such as an auger directs input through the pyrolysis chamber where a pyrolysis reaction at about 600 C releases a gas/vapor mixture which is directed through a manifold and through an ejector into the cracking unit which operates at about 1200 C. Syngas from the cracking unit can be cooled, used for co-generation power systems, generate steam, and/or be burned (possibly combusted to generate electricity) with the heat used to heat the heater.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for recovering carbon dioxide, for producing commercial quality carbon dioxide (CO2) of 90% to +99% purity using, wet calcium carbonate lime mud produced in a recausticizing process that also produces caustic soda, for instance, Kraft paper pulp mill lime mud (a.k.a., “lime mud”) as a feedstock to a multi-stage lime mud calcination process. High reactivity, high-quality calcined lime mud (a.k.a. re-burned lime, or calcine), required in the Kraft paper pulp mill's recausticizing process is also produced, and superheated high pressure steam and hot boiler feed-water is generated and exported to the mill's steam distribution and generation system as well as hot process water for use in the mill's manufacturing operation. The system for calcining calcium carbonate lime mud produced from a recausticizing manufacturing operation and converting it to calcined lime mud and CO2 comprises a calciner and a combustor linked by a moving media heat transfer (MMHT) system or apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a process for hydrogen production in which at least a part of a hydrocarbonaceous feed gas (a) is passed into a reformer (c), wherein the feed gas is contacted in the reformer with a catalyst and the feed gas is converted to hydrogen and solid carbon, for the direct production of a hydrogenous gas at filling stations for sale to a consumer, and also to a reactor (d) for hydrogen production.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for recovering carbon dioxide, for producing commercial quality carbon dioxide (CO2) of 90% to +99% purity using, wet calcium carbonate lime mud produced in a recausticizing process that also produces caustic soda, for instance, Kraft paper pulp mill lime mud (a.k.a., “lime mud”) as a feedstock to a multi-stage lime mud calcination process. This process may be fueled with low, or negative cost “carbon-neutral” fuels such as waste water treatment plant (WWTP) sludge, biomass, precipitated lignins, coal, or other low cost solid fuels. High reactivity, high-quality calcined lime mud (a.k.a. re-burned lime, or calcine), required in the Kraft paper pulp mill's recausticizing process is also produced, and superheated high pressure steam and hot boiler feed-water is generated and exported to the mill's steam distribution and generation system as well as hot process water for use in the mill's manufacturing operation.

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: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock that utilizes a short residence pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that cracks and chemically upgrades the feedstock. The process of the present invention provides for the preparation of a partially upgraded feedstock exhibiting reduced viscosity and increased API gravity. This process selectively removes metals, salts, water and nitrogen from the feedstock, while at the same time maximizes the yield of the liquid product, and minimizes coke and gas production. Furthermore, this process reduces the viscosity of the feedstock in order to permit pipeline transport, if desired, of the upgraded feedstock with little or no addition of diluents.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for coal liquefaction comprising: supersaturating a hydrocarbonaceous liquid stream in a high shear device with a gas stream comprising hydrogen and optionally one or more C1-C6 hydrocarbons to form a supersaturated dispersion; and contacting the supersaturated dispersion with coal in the high shear device or in a coal liquefaction reactor to generate a product stream. In some embodiments, the method further comprises utilizing a conversion catalyst, wherein the catalyst is provided as a slurry, a fluidized bed, or a fixed bed. In some embodiments, the method further comprises feeding a conversion catalyst into the high shear device. In some embodiments, the method further comprises recycling at least a portion of an off gas from the reactor, recycling at least a portion of the product stream from the reactor, or both. Herein also disclosed is a system for coal liquefaction.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one graphene-supported assembly, which comprises a three-dimensional network of graphene sheets crosslinked by covalent carbon bonds, and at least one metal chalcogenide compound disposed on said graphene sheets, wherein the chalcogen of said metal chalcogenide compound is selected from S, Se and Te. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the graphene-supported assembly, including graphene-supported MoS2. Monoliths with high surface area and conductivity can be achieved. Lower operating temperatures in some applications can be achieved. Pore size and volume can be tuned. Electrochemical methods can be used to make the materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy petroleum oils of high viscosity and low API gravity that are typically not suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents. The method comprises introducing a particulate heat carrier into an up-flow reactor, introducing the feedstock at a location above the entry of the particulate heat carrier, allowing the heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to interact with the heat carrier for a short time, separating the vapors of the product stream from the particulate heat carrier and liquid and byproduct solid matter, collecting a gaseous and liquid product mixture comprising a mixture of a light fraction and a heavy fraction from the product stream, and using a vacuum tower to separate the light fraction as a substantially bottomless product and the heavy fraction from the product mixture.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic process for the direct liquefaction of coal is utilized with a hydrotreater to first liquefy and subsequently treat the product in one integrated process. A fresh hydrogenation catalyst is used to reduce heteroatoms (S, N) from coal liquids in the downstream hydrotreater. This catalyst is then cascaded and re-used in the direct coal liquefaction process, first in the low temperature Stage 1, and then re-used in the high temperature Stage 2. Coal liquid products have very low contaminants and can be readily used to produce gasoline and diesel fuel. Catalyst requirements are substantially lowered utilizing this novel process.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for pretreating a carbonaceous material, comprising heating to a suitable temperature and for a suitable reaction time, a mixture comprising the carbonaceous material, one or more catalysts or catalyst precursors and a hydrocarbonaceous liquid.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for pretreating a carbonaceous material, comprising heating to a suitable temperature and for a suitable reaction time, a mixture comprising the carbonaceous material, one or more catalysts or catalyst precursors, and a hydrocarbonaceous liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy hydrocarbon feedstock that utilizes a short residence pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that cracks and chemically upgrades the feedstock. The process of the present invention provides for the preparation of a partially upgraded feedstock exhibiting reduced viscosity and increased API gravity. This process selectively removes metals, salts, water and nitrogen from the feedstock, while at the same time maximizes the yield of the liquid product, and minimizes coke and gas production. Furthermore, this process reduces the viscosity of the feedstock in order to permit pipeline transport, if desired, of the upgraded feedstock with little or no addition of diluents.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. and 300° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size from about 1 ?m to about 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid to form a suspension, wherein the liquid comprises bio-oil, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a hydropyrolysis reactor; and at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of biomass to a liquid fuel is presented. The process includes the production of diesel and naphtha boiling point range fuels by hydrotreating and hydrocracking of lignin in the biomass in a one step process.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of titanium and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of copper and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of zinc at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: Applicants have developed a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil, hydrogen, and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is separated internally, within one of more of the reactors, to separate only the converted oil and hydrogen into a vapor product while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor as a liquid product. A portion of the unconverted oil is then converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons in the next reactor, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, hydrogen, converted oil, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for extracting and upgrading heavy hydrocarbons from substrates such as oil sands, oil shales, and tar sands in a unitary operation. The substrate bearing the hydrocarbon is brought into contact with a supercritical or near-supercritical fluid, a source of hydrogen such as hydrogen gas, and a catalyst. The materials are mixed and heated under elevated pressure. As a consequence of the elevated temperature and pressure, upgraded hydrocarbon-containing material is provided in a single or unitary operation. In some embodiments, sonication can be used to improve the upgrading process. Fluids suitable for use in the process include carbon dioxide, hexane, and water. It has been observed that upgrading can occur within periods of time of a few hours.

Abstract: A multi-stage catalytic process for the direct liquefaction of coal is utilized with a hydrotreater to first liquefy and subsequently treat the product in one integrated process. A fresh hydrogenation catalyst is used to reduce heteroatoms (S, N) from coal liquids in the downstream hydrotreater. This catalyst is then cascaded and re-used in the direct coal liquefaction process, first in the low temperature Stage 1, and then re-used in the high temperature Stage 2. Coal liquid products have very low contaminants and can be readily used to produce gasoline and diesel fuel. Catalyst requirements are substantially lowered utilizing this novel process.

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: A method for producing a liquid fuel from a hydrocarbon source. In one embodiment, the method comprises disintegrating a hydrocarbon source, treating the disintegrated hydrocarbon source, solubilizing the disintegrated hydrocarbon source, admixing a biochemical liquor, wherein the biochemical liquor comprises at least one conversion enzyme to form liquid hydrocarbons, separating liquid hydrocarbons, and enriching the liquid hydrocarbons to form a liquid hydrocarbon product. Further, the method comprises producing a liquid fuel in-situ. In certain embodiments the method comprises modified enzymes for producing the liquid fuels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy petroleum oils of high viscosity and low API gravity that are typically not suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents. It utilizes a short residence-time pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that result in a rapid pyrolytic distillation with coke formation. Both physical and chemical changes taking place lead to an overall molecular weight reduction in the liquid product and rejection of certain components with the byproduct coke. The liquid product is upgraded primarily because of its substantially reduced viscosity, increased API gravity, and the content of middle and light distillate fractions. While maximizing the overall liquid yield, the improvements in viscosity and API gravity can render the liquid product suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the upgrading of heavy petroleum oils of high viscosity and low API gravity that are typically not suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents. It utilizes a short residence-time pyrolytic reactor operating under conditions that result in a rapid pyrolytic distillation with coke formation. Both physical and chemical changes taking place lead to an overall molecular weight reduction in the liquid product and rejection of certain components with the byproduct coke. The liquid product is upgraded primarily because of its substantially reduced viscosity, increased API gravity, and the content of middle and light distillate fractions. While maximizing the overall liquid yield, the improvements in viscosity and API gravity can render the liquid product suitable for pipelining without the use of diluents.

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: Applicants have developed a new residuum full hydroconversion slurry reactor system that allows the catalyst, unconverted oil and converted oil to circulate in a continuous mixture throughout an entire reactor with no confinement of the mixture. The mixture is partially separated in between the reactors to remove only the products and hydrogen gas, while permitting the unconverted oil and the slurry catalyst to continue on into the next sequential reactor. A portion of the unconverted oil is then converted to lower boiling point hydrocarbons, once again creating a mixture of unconverted oil, products, hydrogen, and slurry catalyst. Further hydroprocessing may occur in additional reactors, fully converting the oil. Additional oil may be added at the interstage feed inlet, possibly in combination with slurry. The oil may alternately be partially converted, leaving a highly concentrated catalyst in unconverted oil which can be recycled directly to the first reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated continuous haulage apparatus and method designed for use in underground environments. Each mobile bridge carrier (10) contains distance measurement (70) and angular position (74) means for determining the mobile bridge carrier's (10) position and the angular position of attached piggyback conveyors (30). Means for determining the ceiling height (76) are utilized to adjust the height of the piggyback conveyors (30). On each mobile bridge carrier (10), input from the various sensors is received by an electronic controller (80) that calculates the position and orientation of the bridge carrier (10) and attached piggyback conveyors (30). The controller then plans an optimal path of movement for the bridge carrier (10) and computes the rate of movement for each independently operated track assembly on the bridge carrier such that the bridge carrier (10) and piggyback conveyors (30) arrive as close as possible to the planned path.

Abstract: A process for the reductive hydrogenation of insufficiently hydrogenated, non-volatile carbonaceous materials to produce vaporizable products wherein the feed materials are brought into initial solution under pressure 300-500.degree. C. with or without the addition of recycle solvent with or without added catalyst. The catalyst may, as an option, be added during agglomeration, if that technique is used, as an oily precursor or as a slurry of a somewhat hydrophobic {namosize} nanosize particulate catalyst or catalyst precursor. Short-contact-time reactors providing plug-type flow and high shear are used. The resultant ashy slurry is passed, highly dispersed, into a fluidized or moving bed of solids that may be inert or catalytic at 350-500.degree. C. and 100-3500 psi where a reducing gas passing up through the bed reductively increases the volatility and decreases the molecular weight of the feed in what is the equivalent of reaction of the feed on each particle in an extremely piston flow manner.

Abstract: A dispersed fine-sized anion-modified iron oxide slurry catalyst having high surface area exceeding about 100 m.sup.2 /gm and high catalytic activity, and which is useful for hydrogenation and hydroconversion reactions for carbonaceous feed materials is disclosed. The catalyst is synthesized by rapid aqueous precipitation from saturated salt solutions such as ferric alum or ferric sulfate, and is promoted with at least one active metal such as cobalt, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten and combinations thereof. The iron-based dispersed catalysts are modified during their preparation with anionic modifiers such as molybdate (MoO.sub.4.sup.2-), phosphate (PO.sub.4.sup.3-), sulfate (SO.sub.4.sup.2-), or tungstate (WO.sub.4.sup.2-). The resulting catalyst usually has primary particle size smaller than about 50 Angstrom units, and may be used in the form of a gel or wet cake which can be easily mixed with a hydrocarbonaceous feed material such as coal, heavy petroleum fractions, mixed waste plastics or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for coal liquefaction in which minute particles of coal in intimate contact with a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen are reacted for a very short time at a temperature in excess of 400.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 250 psi to yield over 50% liquids with a liquid to gaseous hydrocarbon ratio in excess of 8:1.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal, to liquid products using one or more polyoxoanions selected from those represented by:[(C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1).sub.4 N].sub.a M.sub.b O.sub.c H.sub.d, where n=1 to 8, a=2 to 6, b=2 to 12, c=7 and M is a metal selected from Groups VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for converting a solid carbonaceous material, such as coal, to a liquid product in the presence of hydrogen. More particularly, this invention relates to a coal liquefaction process wherein a mixture of coal, bottoms, solvent and a sulfiding agent is subjected to liquefaction conditions in the presence of a catalyst precursor. This catalyst or catalyst precursor is comprised of a thermally decomposable compound of Groups IIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements such as molybdenum.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for coal liquefaction in which minute particles of coal in intimate contact with a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen arc reacted for a very short time at a temperature in excess of 400.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 1500 psi to yield over 50% liquids with a liquid to gaseous hydrocarbon ratio in excess of 8:1.

Abstract: An economic and safe process includes a catalytic cracking of the rubber tires and rubber products in the presence of mica catalyst selected from muscovite, sericite and biotite at a reaction temperature of 230.degree.-400.degree. C. under a pressure of 1-2.5 atmospheres for forming mixed oils, carbon black, gaseous products, and other residual products.

Abstract: An improved, low severity coal liquefaction process is disclosed. In accordance with the process, coal is first decarboxylated and demineralized with hot sulfurous acid. The decarboxylated coal is then liquefied in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali metal hydroxide. In several embodiments, alkali metal-containing materials are reclaimed to produce alkali metal hydroxide for the liquefaction step. In other embodiments, the liquefaction is conducted in the presence of a relatively high-boiling diluent such as a coal-derived liquid.

Abstract: A composition consisting essentially of a carbonaceous solid containing at least one carboxyl group is heated with subcritical liquid water at decarboxylation conditions including a temperature of at least about 300.degree. F. to substantially decarboxylate the solid, thereby producing a stream comprising a decarboxylated solid and water. The water is separated from the decarboxylated solid prior to liquefying the solid.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a staged process for producing liquids from coal or similar carbonaceous feeds combining a pretreatment stage and a liquefaction stage. In the process, the feed is dispersed in an organic solvent and reacted with carbon monoxide at an elevated temperature and pressure. The so pretreated coal is sent to a liquefaction reactor, wherein the coal is reacted in the presence of hydrogen and catalyst to produce valuable liquid fuels or feedstocks.

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 producing a liquefied coal oil by a two step hydrogenation reaction of coal, which comprises subjecting coal to a first hydrogenation and subjecting at least a part of the reaction product of the first hydrogenation to a second hydrogenation, wherein the second hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of an alkali metal compound and/or an alkaline earth metal compound and a catalyst carrying a metal of Group VI-A and a metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table.

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 method for dispersing finely divided catalyst precursors onto the surface of coal or other particulate material includes the steps of forming a wet paste mixture of the particulate material and a liquid solution containing a dissolved transition metal salt, for instance a solution of ferric nitrate. The wet paste mixture is in a state of incipient wetness with all of this solution adsorbed onto the surfaces of the particulate material without the presence of free moisture. On adding a precipitating agent such as ammonia, a catalyst precursor such as hydrated iron oxide is deposited on the surfaces of the coal. The catalyst is activated by converting it to the sulfide form for the hydrogenation or direct liquefaction of the coal.

Abstract: In a process for the co-processing of waste rubber and carbonaceous material to form a useful liquid product, the rubber and the carbonaceous material are combined and heated to the depolymerization temperature of the rubber in the presence of a source of hydrogen. The depolymerized rubber acts as a liquefying solvent for the carbonaceous material while a beneficial catalytic effect is obtained from the carbon black released on depolymerization the reinforced rubber. The reaction is carried out at liquefaction conditions of 380.degree.-600.degree. C. and 70-280 atmospheres hydrogen pressure. The resulting liquid is separated from residual solids and further processed such as by distillation or solvent extraction to provide a carbonaceous liquid useful for fuels and other purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining liquids and gases from carbonaceous material, such as coal. The carbonaceous material is first treated with a gasification catalyst, and optionally a hydrogenation catalyst, and hydropyrolyzed for an effective residence time, below the critical temperature at which methane begins to rapidly form, to make liquid products. The resulting char is gasified in the presence of steam at a temperature from about 500.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C.

Abstract: A catalyst composition prepared by depositing a metal or metal compound onto a preformed carbon support and thereafter converting said metal or metal compounds to an oxide or sulfide having hydrogenation activity. The metal is selected from the group of metals consisting of Groups II-B, IV-B, IV-A, V-A, VI-A, VII-A and VIII-A metals of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The catalyst compositions are useful in hydroconversion and hydrotreating processes.

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.