Hydro-extraction of coal - with a recycled extractant recovered from prod after initial extn with a heavy aromatic oil

摘要

Low-ash carbonaceous matls. are produced by extracting finely divided coal with a hydrocarbon extractant in the presence of H2 at 200-500 degrees C (pref. 375-425 degrees C) and 10-750 (pref. 90-130) bar, separating the extract from the residue, and distilling the extract to obtain a recyclable extractant with a boiling range of 135-550 degrees C (pref. 189-290 degrees C) the latter being obtained by starting up the extraction with a heavy oil having a boiling range of 135-550 degrees C (pref. 210-460 degrees C) and a high aromatics content (pref. 80 wt %). The extracted products can be used as non-polluting fuels, starting matls. for the petrochemical industry, and for the prodn. of electrode coke or carbon block. The extractant used represents a compromise between the need to extract a high proportion of the coal with a low H2 consumption and the need to recover the extractant for recycle. The extractant does not require hydrogenation before recycle, and the extract obtained is readily filtrable.