SOLVENT REFINED COAL - STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF AN IRON CATALYST

In this paper an attempt is made to study the effect of solvent extrac tion on coals from Assam, South Karanpura and Singrauli Coalfields of India. Experiments were carried out in autoclaves under hydrogen press ure in the presence of haematite catalyst. Anthracene oil, having boil ing range of 270-360 degrees C, was used as solvent, whereas sulphur w as used as catalyst promoter. It was observed that the yield and quali ty of solvent refined coal (SRC) was improved substantially by the eff ect of the catalyst. The yield of SRC from Sirka seam coal of South Ka ranpura Coalfield was found to be 94%, while its caking index was 51. Hydrogen requirement was of the order of 1.54% wt/wt of DAF coal. Reco very of recycle solvent was found to be about 90% wt/wt of solvent use d in the process.