Abstract
The laser light, plasma jet and electro discharge-generated excited species bring the new methods of coal gasification. Coal irradiated with laser light can produce gases rich in acetylene. The acetylene to methane ratio is relating to the light flux at the surface temperature of the decomposing coal. The high temperature and rapid quenching by use of plasma jet make also production of gases rich in acetylene. The acetylene content of gas was increased with the presence of hydrogen-argon.
Pyrolysis of coal in microwave discharge yields gaseous products containing hydrogen, carbon oxides, and hydrocarbons, with acetylene as the main hydrocarbon. The rate of gas evolution and the distribution of fragments depend on the initial presence of argon, water vapour and hydrogen. An interaction of glow-discharge generated excited hydrogen species with coal delivers methane and carbon mono-oxide as major products. Minor products of saturated hydrocarbons come through the reaction between excited hydrogen species and non-aromatic precursor structures in coal.
