FEEDSTOCK EFFECTS IN COAL FLASH PYROLYSIS

The impact of lower rank coals on yields and product qualities is examined in a large-scale flash pyrolysis reactor capable of achieving heating rates of 106°C/s and reactor times of 10 ms. A Montana lignite and a Minnesota peat were pyrolyzed and the results compared to those for Illinois No. 6 bituminous coal. The peat was found to be more reactive than the Illinois No. 6 coal and the lignite less reactive. Relatively high liquid yields were also obtained from the peat. This result demonstrates that high oxygen content in a feedstock does not necessarily correlate with low production of liquids. At high reactor severity, the peat is an excellent source of aromatics (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) and medium Btu gas, which could be converted to other chemical feedstocks. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.