Rockwell International & Hydropyrolysis of Coal - 1978

 
Another relatively ancient artifact, from another well-known corporation, attesting to our knowledge, and the reality, of technologies for converting our abundant coal into needed liquid fuels.
 
The excerpt:
 
 
"Title:   Coal conversion by flash hydropyrolysis and hydrogasification
Authors:   Oberg, C.L., Combs, L.P.,  Silverman, J.
Affiliation:   AA(Rockwell International Corp., Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, Calif
Publication:  
In: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, 13th, San Diego, Calif., August 20-25, 1978, Proceedings. Volume 1. (A79-10001 01-44) Warrendale, Pa., Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 1978, p. 402-408
 

Abstract

Results are described from two programs directed toward development of high-mass-flux, short-residence-time reactors for conversion of coal into high-value gases and liquids. For either liquefaction or gasification, pulverized coal is rapidly and thoroughly mixed with preheated hydrogen and allowed to react for periods ranging from a few milliseconds to a few seconds. In the liquefaction case, the reaction is subsequently quenched rapidly. Successful reactor tests have been carried out at nominal coal flowrates of 1/4- and 1-ton/hour with caking bituminous coals. Up to 1500 pounds of coal has been processed in single test with test durations up to 1 hour. Favorable quality liquids and gases have been produced with overall conversions consistent with the requirements of a commercial plant. Results from liquefaction tests with western Kentucky bituminous coals and gasification tests with bituminous and sub-bituminous coals will be described." .
 
We will excerpt and highlight one passage: "Favorable quality liquids and gases have been produced with overall conversions consistent with the requirements of a commercial plant."
 
In 1978, we knew that we could produce  "Favorable quality (fuel) liquids"  from coal, in ways that were  "consistent with the requirements of a commercial plant."
 
What, besides the price, and the total cost, of imported petroleum, has changed since 1978? Shouldn't everything about coal-based liquids be even more "favorable" now?