Characteristics of in situ coal gasification liquids from a cretaceous coal
The concept of harnessing energy from fossil fuel by gasification of coal in the ground has been revived with the aim to increase usuable coal reserves and to minimize the environmental impacts of mining and other problems. We report here the characteristics of liquids formed as a by-product of an underground gasification pilot test burn of a Cretaceous coal seam at a central Alberta location. The simplicity of the composition of liquids produced suggests that in situ coal gasification may be an economically viable source of refinery feeds or fuel.
The smaller molecules obtainable from coal and their significance: Part 6. Hydrocarbons from coal heated in thin layers
Abstract Heating the same weakly-caking coal as was used in previous work in thin layers in nitrogen resulted in an evolution of hydrocarbons in two distinct stages. Only small amounts were obtained up to 250 °C, the boiling ranges of which corresponded to those within which the coal was heated for their liberation. Above 250 °C, the boiling ranges were wide; a tendency was discernible, though not as clearly as in solvent extraction, for molecules to emerge in an order of diminishing molecular size. The manner of retention of the hydrocarbons in the coal is thought to explain this.
The smaller molecules derived from coal and their significance
Abstract This paper is the synoptic forerunner of a series in which detailed evidence will be presented to support the hypothesis that from mature coals — contrary to previous experience — a substantial quantity of simpler compounds can be separated by physical methods from a complex residue. If this evidence is accepted current views on the chemical constitution of coal will need to be considerably modified.