The major objective of this investigation is to study the hydrogenation of bituminous coal using carbon monoxide and water in the presence of catalysts. Experiments are also conducted on the hydrogenation of bituminous coal using carbon monoxide and water without any catalyst to make a comparative study. It is found that the optimum conditions for the liquefaction of bituminous coal in the presence of CO, water, and anthracene oil are: 390 degree C, 5,900 psig, (40,680 kPa), 3 hr reaction time, and 7. 5% water content. A maximum conversion of 39. 29% was obtained. Addition of 5% Fe-Cr catalyst at operating conditions of 390 degree C, 5,900 psig (40,680 kPa), 3 hr reaction time, and 7. 5% water content increased conversion to 51. 42% from 39. 29%. It is concluded that the Fe-Cr catalyst increases the coal liquefaction by promoting the production of hydrogen from the shift reaction.
