Direct coal liquefaction (DCL) seems to be a suitable way to convert low rank coals into liquid fuels, especially when problematic wastes are used together with this feedstock. It is also a solution to become energy independent for many countries which have significant coal resources and limited access to crude oil. The aim of this research was to investigate DCL process by the co-processing of brown coal with model-, petroleum-and waste-derived solvents. The brown coal with and without W, Fe and Mo metals supported on its surface was tested. Thirteen DCL tests with added hydrogen pressure were carried out in the autoclave. These tests were classified in two groups. First group covered reactions using model and petroleum-derived solvents (tetralin, 1methylnaphthalene, light cycle oil (LCO), hydrotreated LCO, C9+ fraction and decalin) with non-impregnated brown coal. Then, LCO was chosen as solvent for carrying out three tests using the metals supported on coal. Finally, waste tires pyrolysis oil was used as a waste-derived solvent for other three tests with molybdenum supported on coal. For tests using LCO, the total amount of direct liquid and n-heptane soluble products was 20 wt% higher using metal covered brown coal in comparison to unmodified one. The test with the brown coal impregnated by 1% of molybdenum resulted in the best efficiency, thus this type of coal was chosen as a catalytic feedstock for the tests with waste tires pyrolysis oil.
Acid-modified phonolite material, Al 2 O 3 /foam zeolite and foam zeolite were used as supports for NiW catalysts. The zeolite type materials were prepared by a novel procedure from natural clinoptilolite. Phonolite materials were loaded with 5, 7.5 and 10 wt% of Ni containing 10, 7.5 and 5 wt% of W. Al 2 O 3 /foam zeolite contained 4 and 13 wt% of Ni and W and pure foamed zeolite was effectively loaded with 5 and 16 wt% of Ni and W. NiW/Al 2 O 3 catalyst (3 wt% Ni and 11 wt% of W) was used for comparison of catalytic properties of synthesized materials. Catalytic tests were carried out in an autoclave pressurized at 7 MPa (H 2 ) at room temperature and then heated to 365 °C for 1 h. Catalysts were characterized by N 2 physisorption, XRD, XRF, NH 3 -TPD, CO 2 -TPD and H 2 -TPR. Catalyst properties were compared for the HDO of rendering fat into hydrocarbons. The liquid products were analyzed by simulated distillation, C, H, N, S elemental analysis, ATR and density (15 °C). Gaseous products were characterized by RGA-GC. Used catalysts were also analyzed by N 2 -TGA and O 2 -TGA. Novel phonolite modified solids and NiW/foam zeolite type materials were tested for the first time as catalysts being in some cases more active than NiW/Al 2 O 3 material. Ni(5%)W(10%)/Acid phonolite and NiW/Foamed Zeolite resulted to be the most active materials for the HDO and hydrocracking reactions. The lowest amount of carbonaceous species on the surface of tested catalyst was found for the Ni(5%)W(10%)/Acid phonolite solid.
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