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Modeling the Reactions of Coal Liquids

Citation

Allen, David Thomas (1983) Modeling the Reactions of Coal Liquids. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/ph4t-rb90. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08312006-082647

Abstract

This thesis begins the development of a new approach to the kinetic modeling of complex hydrocarbon mixtures. The approach is based on functional group reactions and its implementation involves three steps. The first step is to characterize complex hydrocarbon mixtures, such as coal-derived liquids, heavy oils and shale oils, in terms of their constituent functional groups. A methodology is defined for estimating functional group concentrations from elemental analysis and NMR data. Mass spectra, infared spectra, separation yields and other analytical data may also be incorporated into the concentration estimates. The methodology is demonstrated for a heavy oil and for a wide variety of coal liquids.

The concentrations provide a starting point for kinetic modeling. The second step of the modeling procedure is to determine the rates and pathways of the reactions of the functional groups by investigating the reactions of pure compounds containing the same functionalities. The reactions of a number of these model compound systems were examined. The studies focused on the reactions of atomic hydrogen under conditions appropriate to coal liquefaction.

The final step in the modeling is the development of a mathematical model which can predict changes in functional group concentrations given initial concentrations and reaction rates. This is outside the scope of this thesis, but general guidelines and valid simplifications are discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Chemical Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemical Engineering
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Gavalas, George R.
Thesis Committee:
  • Gavalas, George R. (chair)
  • Seinfeld, John H.
  • Shair, Fredrick H.
  • Flagan, Richard C.
Defense Date:9 May 1983
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Gulf Research and Development CompanyUNSPECIFIED
Department of Energy (DOE)UNSPECIFIED
CaltechUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-08312006-082647
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-08312006-082647
DOI:10.7907/ph4t-rb90
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00260a025DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 3.
https://doi.org/10.1002/kin.550150303DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 8.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-2361(84)90150-9DOIArticle adapted for Chapter 9.
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:3293
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:14 Sep 2006
Last Modified:16 Apr 2021 23:03

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