Improvements in or relating to the conversion of distillates obtained from coal and the like into products of lower boiling point

摘要

The yield of products of low boiling-point obtained by distilling mixtures of oils and solid carbonaceous materials, e.g. coal, lignite, shale, &c., is increased by passing the vapours and gases evolved through a silent electric discharge, the voltage of which may vary between 8000 and 100,000, and the periodicity between 100 and 35000 cycles. The whole of the vapours may be passed through the discharge or part of the vapours may be condensed and the remainder passed through the discharge. Gases such as hydrogen, methane, or the gases produced in the process may be mixed with the vapours. Coal containing 35 per cent volatiles is ground to a fine powder and mixed with its own weight of heavy oil and the mixture is fed to an inclined rotary retort heated to 400 DEG C. The vapours and gases evolved are passed through a silent discharge apparatus operating at 100,000 volts and 35000 cycles and maintained at the temperature and pressure of the retort. Specifications 104,330, 131,105, 290,606, 294,099, [all in Class 1 (i), Chemical processes &c.], 318,270, [Class 32, Distilling &c.], and 363,360 are referred to.