Development of Sub-bituminous (Powder Riever Basin) Coal Liquefaction Technology

Abstract

The upward tendency of the crude oil price will continue in future, and commercialization of the direct coal liquefaction, which is effective to obtain clean transportation fuels is expected in various countries in the world. Kobe Steel, LTD. has been proceeding R & D of direct coal liquefaction since 1981 and established the BCL (Brown Coal Liquefaction) process for lignite. In this study, sub-bituminous coal (Powder River Basin (PRB) coal) was liquefied at several conditions in accordance with BCL process, aiming to expand applicable type of coal. High distillate yield was derived from PRB coal and it was demonstrated that sub-bituminous coal could apply to the BCL process.