Catalytic Hydrogenation of Solvent-Refined Lignite to Liquid Fuels

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Abstract
Solvent-refined lignite (SRL) can be produced by treating lignite (not dried) with CO-H2, donor solvent and high temperature. This reactive black solid softens at about 150°C, is soluble in many organic solvents, is very low in ash and sulfur, and appears to be a good feedstock for further upgrading. Thus a wide-ranging study was undertaken to determine the best reducing conditions for converting SRL to light distillable liquid fuels and/or chemical feedstocks. Batch autoclave studies were carried out in the temperature range of 375-450°C, hydrogen pressure range of 1500-4500 psi, with catalysts Ni-Mo-Al2O3, Co-Mo-Al2O3, Ni-W-Al2O3, Ni-W-SiO2-Al2O3, SiO2-Al2O3, Al2 O3, SnCl2, and presulfided catalysts Ni-Mo-Al2O3, Co-Mo-Al2O3, NiW-Al2O3. Varying amounts of the solvents tetrahydrofuran, tetralin, nap-thalene, and FS-120 petroleum fraction were also studied. Reductions without any solvent were studied too and were quite successful. The results were evaluated in terms of the amount of light liquids produced [Table 3 distillation fractions (1) initial boiling point to 89°C/1 torr, (2) 89-139°C, (3) 139-200°C, (4) 200-260°C, (5) above 260°C], deoxygenation, denitrification, hydrogen-carbon ratios, aromatic-aliphatic hydrogen ratios, and benzene solubility of unconverted material. Best results were obtained with a presulfided Ni-Mo-Al2O3 catalyst at 450°C, operating pressure of about 3500 psi with a 1:1 SRL-tetralin solvent ratio [90% overall conversion, ∼ 20% light liquid (1), 15% light oil (2), 20% heavy oil (3 and 4), 10% unconverted].

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