Reaction of coals under plasma conditions: direct production of acetylene from coal

When an argon plasma jet is used for direct conversion of coal into acetylene, the feasibility and efficiency of conversion depend on such factors as coal feed rate, size range of coal particles, volatile matter in the coal, and the plasma operating conditions. Percentage efficiency increased with VM. An attempt has been made to optimize these factors and it is shown that with Assam coal having 46.6% VM (dmf), 20% conversion of the carbon in coal into acetylene can be achieved. The high mineral-matter content of Indian coals was found to have no specific adverse effect on the efficiency though it would increase the energy required per unit of acetylene produced. The nature of the soot formed as revealed by X-ray studies is discussed.