Relation of coal characteristics to liquefaction behavior. Quarterly technical progress report, July--September 1976. [26 refs]

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Abstract
In this preliminary phase of the work, the existing PSU-ERDA sample base, has been carefully scanned in order to select a sample set for this project having an adequate range of relevant characteristics. Excluding lignites and certain special samples, 67 of the 105 samples required are available. A rapid method of determining mineral matter contents of coals, dependent on low temperature ashing, has been tested and will be used for routine analysis. Various chromatographic procedures have been explored for their usefulness in analyzing coal liquefaction products. Gas chromatography shows many of these to be still very complex mixtures, but a few show only 5 to 8 major peaks. Experiments with a pseudovitrinite and semifusinite concentrates, including petrographic study of the solid residues, show that these macerals are or may be reactive in liquefaction. Adsorption studies at 50/sup 0/C show that the hydrogen donor solvent, tetralin, is able to penetrate to appreciably smaller fractions of the internal surface areas of coals than benzene. Entrances to pores in coals appear to be slit-shaped. Detailed information has been obtained on the distributions of a number of inorganic constituents in two lignite seam profiles. Almost all of the Ca is ion exchangeable and somore » could contribute to reactor solids problems. Much of the Ti appears to be organometallic and so likely to poison hydrodesulfurization catalysts. A large peak in total Ti concentration was found in each core, and in one case is shown to be due to the presence of anatase, a Ti mineral not previously reported in coals. Varying liquefaction conversions of sections of the profiles may be partly due to differing petrography, but differing compositions of the inorganic materials may well play a significant role. « less

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