The influence of coal rank on formation of gaseous hydrocarbons in hydrogasification of coal

The kinetics of the formation of C-1-C-3 hydrocarbons in hydrogasification of six coals covering a range of metamorphism were investigated. All experiments were carried out under non-isothermal heating conditions at the rate of 3 K min(-1) from ambient to 1200 K and under 2.5 MPa of hydrogen. Conversion ratios of carbon to the hydrocarbons as well as yields of the hydrocarbons in hydrogasification of the coals were calculated. Highest conversions to total gaseous products were observed for the medium-rank coals. Highest yields of methane were obtained with the older coals, whilst maximum yields of ethane and propane were obtained with the medium-rank coals. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.