Pulverised coal and water are converted to methanol, with co-prodn. of liq. hydrocarbons and powdery coke of low S content, by combinations of: (I) hydropyrolysis of coal in H2-rich gas, with removal of liqs. and coke; (II) steam-reforming of hydrocarbon gases produced in hydropyrolysis, giving CO and H2; and (III) catalytic conversion of CO and H2 to methanol, with removal of methanol made. The stages may be coupled in order (I), (II), (III) or (I), (III), (II), the mixed gas being returned from the last to the first stage in each case. The process is self-contained, no external source of H2 or O2 being necessary. The process can be coupled with a large consumer of the coke produced, e.g. a power station.
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