Coal extraction using light cycle oil: A factorial design study of process parameters

Coal extraction using LCO as a solvent was studied. In the condition where all factors had their lowest levels (----), the extraction and extract yields were 0 and -4 wt % respectively, while in the condition where all factors had their highest levels (++++), the extraction and extract yields were 36 and 23 wt %, respectively, demonstrating that pressure and reaction time do not have important effect in the extraction process. At the lowest level of temperature, the extraction and extract yields were negligible for both levels of LCO/coal ratio. However, at the highest level of temperature, both extraction and extract yields were higher at the higher LCO/coal ratio. The greater the amount of LCO available in the process, the better extraction and extract yields.