In direct coal liquefaction, research and development on gas-liquid-so
lid three-phase reactors is an important project. A model for tubular
reactors in direct coal liquefaction is proposed. Since the ratio leng
th-to-diameter is very large, both the gas and slurry phases are assum
ed to move as plug flows. Based on this model, the profiles of tempera
ture and hydrogen consumption, along with the lengths of tubular adiab
atic reactors, tubular isothermal reactors and tubular industrial reac
tors, can be calculated, considering the variations of gas flux, slurr
y flux, gas density, hold-up, and rate of the hydrogenation reaction.
The variable parameters are the diameters D, initial reacting temperat
ure T(o), and heat-transfer coefficient K. The method for controlling
reaction temperatures along tubular industrial reactors can then be fo
und and the optimum parameters for designs of tubular reactors obtaine
d. A tubular reactor to process 1000 tons of coal per day has been ana
lyzed.