Production of pipeline gas by hydrogasification of coal

Abstract

Batch reactor and pilot plant studies by the Institute of Gas Technology studied destructive hydrogenation of coal at up to 3800 psi and 2100/sup 0/F to produce high Btu pipeline gas. The two-stage process first converts coal to methane by pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis, and then a slower reaction with steam and hydrogen converts the char residue to methane. In countercurrent downflow tests it was possible to produce an 800 to 900 Btu/cu ft gas from bituminous coal char and hydrogen; however, 900 to 1000 Btu/cu ft gas could not be produced in this manner because the product gas was diluted with hydrogen and carbon oxides. Plant capacity was 82 to 90 billion Btu/day.