KINETICS OF COAL HYDROGENATION

A kinetic study of coal devolatilization and hydropyrolysis is conducted using 15-20 mg of coal, at 10. 4 MPa pressure. Batch experiments are performed at less than equivalent to 625 degree C/s heating rates by passing electric current through stainless steel screens containing known weights of dry pulverized North Dakota lignite (53-149 mu m). Kinetic data are obtained from the weight loss of coal and from the concentrations of the evolved products, measured by a gas chromatograph.