Solvent-Refined Coal (SRC) Process Operation of Solvent-Refined Coal Pilot Plant at Wilsonville, Alabama. Annual Report, December 1979

摘要

Operating conditions and test results obtained at the six-ton-per-day solvent refined coal (SRC) pilot plant in Wilsonville, Alabama, are summarized. Two coals were processed. The effects of process variables on SRC yield and solvent quality were investigated. These variables included space rate, coal mineral concentration in the dissolver, hydrogen partial pressure, and temperature. A system for continuously withdrawing a portion of the dissolver contents was operated to investigate the effects of minimizing the concentration of solids in the dissolver. Tests confirming the high rate of coal conversion at short residence time were completed. Several methods of deashing the low pressure reaction product were tested: pressure-leaf filtration, centrifugation with antisolvent addition, and 10 mm hydroclones with antisolvent addition. Both horizontal and vertical pressure-leaf filtration units were tested. Filter aids such as perlite, fly ash, and several grades of diatomite were used. Operating without precoat was also studied. A proprietary method of deashing liquid SRC was also tested. The system (developed by Kerr-McGee Corporation) employs an extraction technique in conjunction with a proprietary solvent which operates near critical conditions. The effect of SRC process conditions and CSD operating conditions on SRC recovery was studied. Several tests were also made to optimize the conditions for recovering process solvent containing light SRC. (ERA citation 05:028313)