We submit the attached links and following excerpted info in case anyone is interested in further investigating the potentials for combining CO2-recycling, bio-derived Ethanol and/or cellulose-derived Methanol, in "direct" coal conversion processes, such as WVU's, combined with the primary Hydrogen-donor solvents specified in those processes.
We understand that a few of our recent posts could cause some confusion, based on the fact that there are multiple ways, i.e. direct and indirect, in which coal can be converted into liquid fuels; and, in the ways through which botanical products, including, by extension, ethanol and methanol (wood alcohol), can be added to a coal conversion process for beneficial effect.
With that, herein is more info. An additional link, and brief comment, follows below. And, there is an additional, United States, patent application "out there" to which this International Patent Application refers.
"Patent application title: Synthesizing Hydrocarbons of Coal with Ethanol
Publication No.: WO/2007/011700 International Application No.: PCT/US2006/027314
Publication Date: 01/25/07 International Filing Date: 07/14/06
Applicant/Inventor: Mills, Anthony (US)
Title: SYNTHESIZING HYDROCARBONS OF COAL WITH ETHANOL
Abstract: A novel fuel for the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an additive for the diesel combustion engine is provided by producing an Ethanol/Coal synthesization that approaches the BTU content of Gasohol. In one implementation the synthesizing process is performed by extracting hydrocarbons from the coal using a release agent and synthesizing the extracted coal hydrocarbons with an ethyl alcohol product to produce a fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine."
We have seen a number of references elsewhere to "release agents", as in "extracting hydrocarbons from the coal using a release agent", above, with no really definitive explanation of what they might be, or what the term might mean. "Tetralin", correctly or incorrectly, has been named as one, though most references identify Tetralin as an agent of coal dissolution that supplies Hydrogen ions as part of the hydrogenation and liquefaction process.
And, very similar to the tetralin/alcohol synergy info earlier transmitted, we have:
"Coal characterization for liquefaction in tetralin and alcohols
P.N. Kuznetsov, G.I. Sukhova, J. Bimer, P.D. Salbut, E.D. Korniyets, N.A. Belskaya and N.M. Ivanchenko
Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, 42 K. Marx St, Krasnoyarsk 660049, USSR
Institute of Organic Chemistry, 44 Kasprzaka, Warszawa 01–224, Poland
Abstract
Kansk-Achinsk lignite hydrogenation in tetralin, isopropanol, ethanol and methanol was studied. Tetralin was the most active solvent. Synergetical effects were observed when the mixture of tetralin and alcohols was used for liquefaction."
Note again the now almost-trite application of "synergy" to describe the effects of mixing tetralin and alcohols in direct coal liquefaction processes. We've no idea if WVU's direct "WV" coal liquefaction "Process", which does, we believe, involve the use of tetralin, also calls for the synergistic inclusion of CO2-recycling alcohols derived from botanical sources, such as ethanol, as fermented from various plants, or methanol, as can be derived from botanical cellulose.
But, certainly, the heavily-documented usefulness of alcohols derived from botanical sources provides elements of both Carbon recycling and sustainability to a system of liquid fuel manufacturing based on coal.
