Integrating coal-to-liquid processes into refinery processes

Because of the recent rise in petroleum prices, alternative hydrocarbon resources are being sought to produce fuel and value-added materials. Much of the focus has been on coal gasification coupled with Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; however, liquid fuels made from processes such as these may not contain compounds that may be necessary to improve some fuel properties (thermal stability and lubricity) and to produce value-added chemicals. Researchers at Penn State's Energy Institute have been involved in research involving several processes that utilize coal and coal-based materials in existing refining facilities. One of our major projects is the production of thermally stable jet fuel from coal, and the jet fuel aspect has been discussed more thoroughly in a complimentary paper and presentation. This work focuses on three processes and the products beyond jet fuel: 1) coal tar/refinery solvent blending and hydrotreatment, 2) co-coking of coal/refinery solvents, and 3) coal extraction using refinery solvent.