Upgrading of low rank coal for the production of solid fuel and chemicals is considered to be the most promising topics from the environmental point of view. In this study, liquid-phase cracking of low rank coals (Taiheiyo, Buckskin, Kansk-Achinsk, Yallourn and Fortuna coals), which are rich in oxygen, having low heating value, was investigated at 350〜440℃ using decalin and coal tar as solvent under 2MPa of initial nitrogen atmosphere. Obvious decrease of oxygen atom, increase of heating value and improved high ignition temperature of the upgraded coals were observed. Some of the upgraded coals showed better coking property, evaluated in fluidity measured by gieseler-plastometer.
