Abstract:
The hydroconversion of coal to benzene-soluble hydrocarbon products is accomplished at conversion pressures with a hydrogen partial pressure of less than about 1,000 p.s.i. in the presence of a hydrogen donor oil and a particulate contact material. Under these operating conditions, the particulate contact material is maintained in random motion. Hydrogen partial pressures as low as 350 p.s.i. are practical and economical. From the resulting liquid effluent, a distillate fraction is recovered and it is further hydrogenated to produce an effective hydrogen donor oil.