HYDROGEN SOLUBILITY OF HYDROGEN-METHANE-TETRALIN AND HYDROGEN-ETHANE-TETRALIN SYSTEMS AT ELEVATED-TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES

Expanding on previous studies on hydrogen solubility in model coal liquids and coal liquids, this work concentrates on the solubility of hydrogen in the presence of the light hydrocarbons methane and ethane that are often produced in coal liquefaction operations. Pressures and temperatures to 7 MPa and 700 K were explored using a hydrogen meter which relied on the permeation of hydrogen through thin nickel tubing. Operation of the meter was made automatic by sensing elements with electrical outputs coupled to a computer for control. The presence of methane and ethane in the system affected the solubility of hydrogen in tetralin. At a constant temperature and hydrogen partial pressure the solubility of hydrogen in tetralin first increased, as the methane and ethane partial pressures increased, and then decreased. The hydrogen solubility also increased with the system temperature and pressure.