PYROLYSIS OF SOME TURKISH LIGNITES BETWEEN 200 - 600°C

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of pyrolysis between 200-600°C on sulphur content, proximate and ultimate analyses of four (Seyitomer, Tuncbilck, Elbistan and Kangal) lignite samples. A decrease in semi-coke yield and an increase in tar and gas yields with increasing temperature were observed for all samples. Percent reduction of volatile matter was the same up to 400°C for the lignites. It has been observed that total sulphur contents were reduced significantly during carbonization. The highest sulphur reduction, 45%, was obtained with Elbistan lignite. By increasing temperature, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen sulphur yields increased notably but ethane and propane yields increased only slightly for all samples. In order to study effect of C, H and O contents of the original lignites on the yield and the distribution of the products, a linear regression analysis has been carried out and the model relations have been obtained. Experimental data and the model values from the relations have been compared. Yield values appear to be in good agreement with the model values for all samples.     

A STUDY OF SULPHUR REMOVAL DURING LIGNITE HYDROLIQUEFACTION

ABSTRACT

Samples of Beypazari, Elbistan and Kangal lignites have been liquefied in hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a solvent (tetralin) in a stainless steel reactor tube at 440^°C. Cobalt/motybdate and iron/sulfide were used as catalysts in all hydroliquefaction experiments. Semi-coke yield and total sulphur content reduction of the lignites were studied. It has been found that the use of a catalyst increased the semi-coke yield considerably. Sulphur content reduction varied depending on the type of catalysts and the lignite used in the experiment. The highest total sulphur content reduction was obtained using 5% iron sulphide catalyst with Elbistan lignite. It has also been observed that the reduction in the total sulphur content exhibits a maximum for increasing percentages of total sulphur in the subject lignites.     

A STUDY OF SULPHUR REMOVAL DURING LIGNITE HYDROLIQUEFACTION

Samples of Beypazari, Elbistan and Kangal lignites have been liquefied in hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a solvent (tetralin) in a stainless steel reactor tube at 440^°C. Cobalt/motybdate and iron/sulfide were used as catalysts in all hydroliquefaction experiments. Semi-coke yield and total sulphur content reduction of the lignites were studied. It has been found that the use of a catalyst increased the semi-coke yield considerably. Sulphur content reduction varied depending on the type of catalysts and the lignite used in the experiment. The highest total sulphur content reduction was obtained using 5% iron sulphide catalyst with Elbistan lignite. It has also been observed that the reduction in the total sulphur content exhibits a maximum for increasing percentages of total sulphur in the subject lignites.     

LIQUEFACTION OF ELB�STAN AND YATAĞAN LIGNITES I N CARBON MONOXIDE/HYDROGEN GAS MIXTURES

Thc effects of experimental parameters on the liquefaction yields of Elbistan and Yatagan lignites vcre investigated by using different solvents, guses and catalysts.

In hydroliquefaction of Elbistan lignite with anthracene and creosote oils, higher oil yields were obtained with anthracene oil. Based on this result, anthracene oil was chosen as solvent for further work done with Elbistan lignite. First the effect of moisture in lignite samples vas observed with synthesis gas as medium gas: then, the effect of carbon monoxide/ hydrogen ratio in liquefaction gas mixture was determined using moist lignite samples. The highest oil yield was obtained with moist lignite sample in 3CO/IH₂gas mixture and it was 57.3 % (daf).

The hydroliquefaction oil yields of Yatagan lignite obtained with creosote oil were higher than those obtained in anthracene ail. On Further work done with Yatagan lignite, creosote oil was chosen as solvent. First, the effects of CoMo and red mud catalysts, then in catalyzed medium, the effects of moisture in lignite samples and at last, using moist lignite samples and red mud catalyst. the effects o f carbon monaxide/hydrogen in synthesis gas medium and also, the increase in the oil yield a s an effect of catalyst presence, increased further: the 3CO/lH, ratio in gas medium was suitable for obtaining higher oil yields; and also for obtaining high oil yields, 440°c could be taken a s the most suitable temperature value and the pressure should be increased a s much as technical and economical conditions permit.     

THERMAL REACTIVITIES OF SOME TURKISH LIGNITES

A DTA study has been made to investigate the thermal reactivities of five Turkish lignites (Elbistan, Ilgin, Karliova, Xangal, Yatagan) in an air atmosphere. The coal samples exhibited thermal reactivity at temperatures starting from 20 °C and continuing up to 671 °C. Endothermic peaks were observed at the lower end of the temperature range, the highest endothermic peak temperature being 146°C for Elbistan lignite. Exothermic peaks appeared at around 260, 360 and 600 °C. These temperatures are considered to signify the release and combustion of single benzene ring structures and combustion of condensed aromatic rings respectively. Corresponding stages are observed in the TGA traces. After correcting for differences in methodology, the overall heat effects measured by DTA are within greater than 90% of the calorific values of the coal samples determined by bomb calorimetry.     

LIQUEFACTION OF ELBI˙STAN AND YATAĞAN LIGNITES I N CARBON MONOXIDE/HYDROGEN GAS MIXTURES

Abstract

Thc effects of experimental parameters on the liquefaction yields of Elbistan and Yatagan lignites vcre investigated by using different solvents, guses and catalysts.

In hydroliquefaction of Elbistan lignite with anthracene and creosote oils, higher oil yields were obtained with anthracene oil. Based on this result, anthracene oil was chosen as solvent for further work done with Elbistan lignite. First the effect of moisture in lignite samples vas observed with synthesis gas as medium gas: then, the effect of carbon monoxide/ hydrogen ratio in liquefaction gas mixture was determined using moist lignite samples. The highest oil yield was obtained with moist lignite sample in 3CO/IH₂gas mixture and it was 57.3 % (daf).

The hydroliquefaction oil yields of Yatagan lignite obtained with creosote oil were higher than those obtained in anthracene ail. On Further work done with Yatagan lignite, creosote oil was chosen as solvent. First, the effects of CoMo and red mud catalysts, then in catalyzed medium, the effects of moisture in lignite samples and at last, using moist lignite samples and red mud catalyst. the effects o f carbon monaxide/hydrogen in synthesis gas medium and also, the increase in the oil yield a s an effect of catalyst presence, increased further: the 3CO/lH, ratio in gas medium was suitable for obtaining higher oil yields; and also for obtaining high oil yields, 440°c could be taken a s the most suitable temperature value and the pressure should be increased a s much as technical and economical conditions permit.     

THERMAL REACTIVITIES OF SOME TURKISH LIGNITES

Abstract

A DTA study has been made to investigate the thermal reactivities of five Turkish lignites (Elbistan, Ilgin, Karliova, Xangal, Yatagan) in an air atmosphere. The coal samples exhibited thermal reactivity at temperatures starting from 20 °C and continuing up to 671 °C. Endothermic peaks were observed at the lower end of the temperature range, the highest endothermic peak temperature being 146°C for Elbistan lignite. Exothermic peaks appeared at around 260, 360 and 600 °C. These temperatures are considered to signify the release and combustion of single benzene ring structures and combustion of condensed aromatic rings respectively. Corresponding stages are observed in the TGA traces. After correcting for differences in methodology, the overall heat effects measured by DTA are within greater than 90% of the calorific values of the coal samples determined by bomb calorimetry.     

LIQUEFACTION OF BEYPAZARI LIGNITE USING NiCl2-KCl-LiCl CATALYSTS. 1. DIFFERENCE IN SOLID AND MOLTEN SALT CATALYSIS

Liquefaction of Beypazan lignite in tetralin using NiCl₂-KCl-LiCl (14:36:50 molar percentages) as catalyst was investigated. Effects of the catalyst/lignite ratio and temperature were determined in experiments done at 275°C, 300°C and 360°C. Liquid products were separated into oils, asphaltenes and asphaltols by a solvent extraction method. Yield of liquefaction increased with temperature in all experiments, the highest yield was observed in experiments performed at the eutectic temperature of the catalyst mixture. The highest yields of oils were 20% and 30% with a catalyst/coal ratio of 0.5 at 275°C and 300°C, respectively. The activity of the catalyst increased in experiments in which the catalyst was molten. The yield of asphaltenes were not affected with increases in the catalyst/coal ratio in the experiments done at 275°C or 300°C in which the catalyst mixtures were in solid state. Asphaltene yields decreased from 25% to less than 5% with increasing values of catalyst/coal ratio and the asphaltol yields remained constant at 10% between catalyst/coal ratios of 0.25 and 1.00 and suddenly increased to 30% and 40% for catalyst/coal ratios of 1.50 and 2.00, respectively, at 360°C. The molecular weights of the oils decreased from 340 to a minimum value of 245 as the catalyst/coal ratio was increased from 0 to 1.00 in experiments done at 360°C where the catalyst was molten. As the catalyst/coal ratio was further increased from 1.00 to 2.00 the molecular weight increased to 310.It seemed that the N1Cl₂-KCl-LiCl catalyst mixture in all catalyst/coal ratios was more efficient in molten phase than it was used as a solid mixture.     

SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION AND DESULPHURIZATION OF BEYPAZARI LIGNITE BY ETHYL ALCOHOL/NaOH TREATMENT 1. EFFECT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL/COAL RATIO AND NaOH

The solubilization and desulphurization of Beypazari lignite with supercritical ethyl alcohol/NaOH was investigated. Supercritical experiments of 60 minutes were done in microreactors of 15 ml at 245°C by changing the ethyl alcohol/coal ratio from 3 to 20 under a nitrogen atmosphere. As the ethyl alcohol/coal ratio was increased the yield of solubilization and desulphurization also increased. Higher yields of extraction in the case of ethyl alcohol/NaOH experiments may be due to the fact that alcohols can transfer hydrogen more easily in the presence of bases. The average molecular weights of liquid products obtained in experiments with ethylalcohol/coal ratios of 3,6 and 20 were 430,450 and 465, respectively. In experiments with ethylalcohol/NaOH system as the ethylalcohol/coal ratio was increased from 3 to 20 the sulphur content of the coal decreased to 0·75%. In experiments with greater ethylalcohol/coal ratios mercaptane type sulphur chemicals have been extracted,disulphides were missing in these extracts.     

SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION AND DESULPHURIZATION OF BEYPAZARI LIGNITE BY ETHYL ALCOHOL/NaOH TREATMENT 2. KINETICS

The reaction of Beypazari lignite with ethyl alcohol/NaOH was carried out using a microreactor of 15 ml capacity. The microreactors were developed to examine the reaction kinetics of coal extraction and desulphurization under supercritical conditions. The experimental temperature in the microreactor was adjusted to 245°C, 275°C and 295°C. The duration of the experiments was changed between 0 to 90 minutes.

The solubilization of Beypazari lignite increased sharply from 15% to 50% within 30 minutes after the temperature reached to 245°C and gradually decreased from 50% to 48% in 90 minutes. The total sulphur (pyritic and organic) content of the acid washed lignite decreased from 3.78% to 2.50% in the first 10 minutes and insignificant changes were observed at longer durations. The percentage of the pyritic sulphur remained constant at about 0.25% throughout the experiments. As the temperature was increased from 245°C to 295°C the time for steady state decreased from 32 minutes to 21 minutes. Solubilities obtained in the steady state for experiments at 245°C, 275°C and 295°C were 50%, 52% and 60%, respectively. The order of the reaction changed between 0.85-0.89 for experiments run at 245°C, 275°C and 295°C. The activation energy of the solubilization reaction for the interaction of Beypazari lignite with ethyl alcohol/NaOH system was calculated as 28.8 kcal/mole. As the reaction time is increased from 18 minutes up to 90 minutes the infrared spectra became more complex and both the number of the peaks due to sulphur groups and the intensity of these peaks increased. When the temperature was increased from 245°C to 295°C the average molecular weight of the liquid products increased from 465 to 550.     

EXAMINATION OF THE HYDROLIQUEFACTION BEHAVIOR OF CHINESE LIGNITE

In order to examine the hydroliquefaction behaviour of Chinese lignites a series of bench scale experiments with four lignites, obtained from Inner Mongolia and province Yunnan, in comparison with three foreign lignites or brown coals were performed under three sets of constant reaction conditions. The results show that Chinese lignites in general are comparable with other lignites and conversion can be precaculatad from analytical data with reasonable accuracy. The H/C-ratio of the organic coal matter is an appropriate characterization parameter for the evaluation of the hydroliquefaction behaviour of lignites. Chinese lignites Shengli and Xun-dian reveal higher hydrogenation reactivity than the other five lignite samples. Under conditions used a maximum conversion of more than 80% with oil yields of 60% are obtained. The influence of temperature, H-transfer potential, catalyst and residence time on the product distribution were also investigated in detail. Each lignite has specific sensivities for these factors. The experimental results provide interesting informations for a perspective on hydroliquefaction of these lignites.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF OXIDIZED BEYPAZARI LIGNITE USING DECONVOLUTED SOLID STATE 13C NMR SPECTRA

The solid state ¹³C NMR method have been used to investigate the structural changes occurred in Beypazari lignite while oxidizing at 150°C in a dynamic air atmosphere. Least squares curve fitting techniques have been used to resolve the overlapping bands in the 0-220 ppm region of the 13_c NMR spectra. Measurements of the relative intensities of the functional groups observed in the oxidized coals were used to follow the progress of air oxidation. Oxidation reactions seemed to decrease the total intensities of both aliphatics and aromatics, though the reduction in aliphatics was more pronounced. The relative intensities of the total aliphatics decreased from 1.0 to 0.9 and 0.6 in the original and lignites oxidized for 12 and 312 hours, respectively. The relative intensities of Ar-C-C in the 130-148 ppm region for the same set of samples were 1.0, 0.9 and 0.8. The least-squares bands resolved in the carbonyl region were at 175 ppm and 190 ppm in the original lignite; at 180 ppm (carboxylic acids), 195 ppm (meta substituted ketones) 210 ppm (di orto substituted ketones) in the lignite oxidized for 12 hours and at 170 ppm (esters), 180 ppm, 200 ppm (aldehydes) and 210 ppm in the lignite oxidized for 312 hr. Carbonyl intensity increased from 1.0 in the original lignite to 2.3 and 3.3 in the oxidized lignites. The intensity of aromatic ethers increased from 1.0 in the original lignite to 1.9 and 1.6 for the oxidized samples. The mechanism of oxidation ether. Aldehydes are easily oxidized to carboxylic acids in the presence of air by the free radical formation of a peroxy acid. The carboxylic acid formed by disproportionation reactions between the peroxy acid and aldehydes might combine with phenols to produce esters as it was observed in the present work. The presence of high free radical concentration in the oxidation atmosphere probably caused to abstract hydrogen atoms from the aromatic structures thus degrading aromatics to produce hydroperoxides which acted later as it was described above. The gradual degradation of aromatic structures observed in the present study indicated that the oxidation reactions of the aromatic rings should less probable when compared to the oxidation of aliphatic structures.     

EXAMINATION OF THE HYDROLIQUEFACTION BEHAVIOR OF CHINESE LIGNITE

ABSTRACT

In order to examine the hydroliquefaction behaviour of Chinese lignites a series of bench scale experiments with four lignites, obtained from Inner Mongolia and province Yunnan, in comparison with three foreign lignites or brown coals were performed under three sets of constant reaction conditions. The results show that Chinese lignites in general are comparable with other lignites and conversion can be precaculatad from analytical data with reasonable accuracy. The H/C-ratio of the organic coal matter is an appropriate characterization parameter for the evaluation of the hydroliquefaction behaviour of lignites. Chinese lignites Shengli and Xun-dian reveal higher hydrogenation reactivity than the other five lignite samples. Under conditions used a maximum conversion of more than 80% with oil yields of 60% are obtained. The influence of temperature, H-transfer potential, catalyst and residence time on the product distribution were also investigated in detail. Each lignite has specific sensivities for these factors. The experimental results provide interesting informations for a perspective on hydroliquefaction of these lignites.     

DESULPHURIZATION OF A TURKISH LIGNITE BY PYROLYSIS COMPARISION OF SLOW AND FLASH PYROLYSIS

To observe the effect of the heating rate on the desulphurization. Bolu- Mengen lignite was desulphurized in the temperature range of 450-750 °C using flash and slow pyrolysis methods. A reduction of 57.6 % and 34.2 % In the total sulphur was obtained for the slow and flash pyrolysis at a pyrolysis temperature of 750 °C. respectively. It was observed that the flash pyrolysis is shifted toward higher temperatures with respect to the slow pyrolysis. The flash pyrolysis having high thermal efficiency has a potential as a desulphurization process.     

PRODUCTS FROM FLASH PYROLYSIS OF A TURKISH LIGNITE IN A FREE-FALL REACTOR UNDER VACUUM

Flash pyrolysis of a Turkish lignite under vacuum in a free-fall reactor was examined at a temperature range of 400 - 800 °C. Gaseous products were analysed with an on-line GC equipped with a manuel injection valve. Solvent fractionation was applied to the liquid product to separate preasphaltenes, asphaltenes and oils fractions. Two particle distributions of the lignite were used: -0.315+0.2 mm and -0.1 mm. The liquid yield increased with temperature up to 650 °C and, thereafter decreased for the larger particles. The maximum liquid yield, excluding pyroltic water, was found to be 8 % wt (dal) at 650 °C. In the case of the smaller particles the liquid yield increased steadily with temperature and the yield of liquid, excluding pyrolytic water, was 5.9 % wt (da) at 850 °C. The gaseous product yield also increased with temperature for both size fractions, and CO and CO₂ in the gaseous products were present in large amounts.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF OXIDIZED BEYPAZARI LIGNITE USING DECONVOLUTED SOLID STATE 13C NMR SPECTRA

ABSTRACT

The solid state ¹³C NMR method have been used to investigate the structural changes occurred in Beypazari lignite while oxidizing at 150°C in a dynamic air atmosphere. Least squares curve fitting techniques have been used to resolve the overlapping bands in the 0-220 ppm region of the 13_c NMR spectra. Measurements of the relative intensities of the functional groups observed in the oxidized coals were used to follow the progress of air oxidation. Oxidation reactions seemed to decrease the total intensities of both aliphatics and aromatics, though the reduction in aliphatics was more pronounced. The relative intensities of the total aliphatics decreased from 1.0 to 0.9 and 0.6 in the original and lignites oxidized for 12 and 312 hours, respectively. The relative intensities of Ar-C-C in the 130-148 ppm region for the same set of samples were 1.0, 0.9 and 0.8. The least-squares bands resolved in the carbonyl region were at 175 ppm and 190 ppm in the original lignite; at 180 ppm (carboxylic acids), 195 ppm (meta substituted ketones) 210 ppm (di orto substituted ketones) in the lignite oxidized for 12 hours and at 170 ppm (esters), 180 ppm, 200 ppm (aldehydes) and 210 ppm in the lignite oxidized for 312 hr. Carbonyl intensity increased from 1.0 in the original lignite to 2.3 and 3.3 in the oxidized lignites. The intensity of aromatic ethers increased from 1.0 in the original lignite to 1.9 and 1.6 for the oxidized samples. The mechanism of oxidation ether. Aldehydes are easily oxidized to carboxylic acids in the presence of air by the free radical formation of a peroxy acid. The carboxylic acid formed by disproportionation reactions between the peroxy acid and aldehydes might combine with phenols to produce esters as it was observed in the present work. The presence of high free radical concentration in the oxidation atmosphere probably caused to abstract hydrogen atoms from the aromatic structures thus degrading aromatics to produce hydroperoxides which acted later as it was described above. The gradual degradation of aromatic structures observed in the present study indicated that the oxidation reactions of the aromatic rings should less probable when compared to the oxidation of aliphatic structures.     

RELATION BETWEEN SWELLING OF LIGNITES AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SWELLING AGENTS

Relation between swelling ratio of lignites and lignite and solvent characteristics was developed using a third level factorial design with three variables; percent carbon content, particle size of the lignite and electron donor number of the solvent. The results indicate that particle size of the lignite does not affect the swelling ratio. While swelling ratio of the lignites decreases slightly with increasing carbon content of the lignites electron donor number of the solvent has a noticeable effect on the swelling ratio.     

RELATION BETWEEN SWELLING OF LIGNITES AND THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SWELLING AGENTS

Abstract

Relation between swelling ratio of lignites and lignite and solvent characteristics was developed using a third level factorial design with three variables; percent carbon content, particle size of the lignite and electron donor number of the solvent. The results indicate that particle size of the lignite does not affect the swelling ratio. While swelling ratio of the lignites decreases slightly with increasing carbon content of the lignites electron donor number of the solvent has a noticeable effect on the swelling ratio.     

LIQUEFACTION OF BEYPAZARI LIGNITE USING NiCl2-KCl-LiCl CATALYSTS. 1. DIFFERENCE IN SOLID AND MOLTEN SALT CATALYSIS

ABSTRACT

Liquefaction of Beypazan lignite in tetralin using NiCl₂-KCl-LiCl (14:36:50 molar percentages) as catalyst was investigated. Effects of the catalyst/lignite ratio and temperature were determined in experiments done at 275°C, 300°C and 360°C. Liquid products were separated into oils, asphaltenes and asphaltols by a solvent extraction method. Yield of liquefaction increased with temperature in all experiments, the highest yield was observed in experiments performed at the eutectic temperature of the catalyst mixture. The highest yields of oils were 20% and 30% with a catalyst/coal ratio of 0.5 at 275°C and 300°C, respectively. The activity of the catalyst increased in experiments in which the catalyst was molten. The yield of asphaltenes were not affected with increases in the catalyst/coal ratio in the experiments done at 275°C or 300°C in which the catalyst mixtures were in solid state. Asphaltene yields decreased from 25% to less than 5% with increasing values of catalyst/coal ratio and the asphaltol yields remained constant at 10% between catalyst/coal ratios of 0.25 and 1.00 and suddenly increased to 30% and 40% for catalyst/coal ratios of 1.50 and 2.00, respectively, at 360°C. The molecular weights of the oils decreased from 340 to a minimum value of 245 as the catalyst/coal ratio was increased from 0 to 1.00 in experiments done at 360°C where the catalyst was molten. As the catalyst/coal ratio was further increased from 1.00 to 2.00 the molecular weight increased to 310.It seemed that the N1Cl₂-KCl-LiCl catalyst mixture in all catalyst/coal ratios was more efficient in molten phase than it was used as a solid mixture.     

SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION AND DESULPHURIZATION OF BEYPAZARI LIGNITE BY ETHYL ALCOHOL/NaOH TREATMENT 1. EFFECT OF ETHYL ALCOHOL/COAL RATIO AND NaOH

ABSTRACT

The solubilization and desulphurization of Beypazari lignite with supercritical ethyl alcohol/NaOH was investigated. Supercritical experiments of 60?minutes were done in microreactors of 15?ml at 245°C by changing the ethyl alcohol/coal ratio from 3 to 20 under a nitrogen atmosphere. As the ethyl alcohol/coal ratio was increased the yield of solubilization and desulphurization also increased. Higher yields of extraction in the case of ethyl alcohol/NaOH experiments may be due to the fact that alcohols can transfer hydrogen more easily in the presence of bases. The average molecular weights of liquid products obtained in experiments with ethylalcohol/coal ratios of 3,6 and 20 were 430,450 and 465, respectively. In experiments with ethylalcohol/NaOH system as the ethylalcohol/coal ratio was increased from 3 to 20 the sulphur content of the coal decreased to 0·75%. In experiments with greater ethylalcohol/coal ratios mercaptane type sulphur chemicals have been extracted,disulphides were missing in these extracts.