HYDROGEN MASS-TRANSFER IN HYDROGEN METHANE TETRALIN AND HYDROGEN ETHANE TETRALIN SYSTEMS AT ELEVATED-TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES

The volumetric mass transfer coefficient of hydrogen for the systems of hydrogen—methane—tetralin and hydrogen—ethane—tetralin at temperatures up to 650 K and pressures to 7 Ivifia were studied. Experiments were carried out using an automated hydrogen probe. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient of hydrogen decreased as the methane and ethane partial pressures increased as a consequence of the multicomponent transfer caused by the presence of the hydrocarbon gases. The presence of a second solute has a large effect on the hydrogen mass transfer rates at lower temperatures and lower initial hydrogen partial pressures than at higher values. These results indicate that light hydrocarbon production during coal liquefaction operations could adversely affect the overall liquefaction operation. © 1991, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers S.A.