We've documented the H-Coal, coal-to-liquid, conversion plant that operated in Catlettsburg, Kentucky for too brief a time some decades ago.
Although Big Oil, as represented by Ashland and Mobil, were, somehow, for some reason, allowed to insinuate themselves into the H-Coal project's management and reportage, a few reports by one of the lead contractors, whose best interests weren't served by keeping quiet about successes, have leaked out.
Herein is one of them. Comment and an additional link follow the excerpt:
"Title: The H-Coal Process
Authors: Kang, C.C.; Kydd, P.H.
Authors Affiliation: Hydrocarbon Research, Inc., Trenton, NJ
Publication: University of Pittsburgh, Annual International Conference on Coal Gasification and Liquefaction, 3rd, Pittsburgh, Pa., Aug. 3-5, 1976, Paper. 14 p. Research supported by the Electric Power Research Institute, Ashland Oil, Inc., Commonwealth of Kentucky, and ERDA
Abstract: The H-Coal Process pilot plant, located at Catlettsburg, Kentucky, is designed for two modes of operation: (1) to process 600 tons of coal per day to produce 1,820 barrels of fuel oil containing no more than 0.7 wt % sulfur from coal containing more than 3 wt % sulfur (fuel oil mode), and (2) to process 200 tons of coal per day to produce 705 barrels per day of synthetic crude (syncrude mode). Recent experimental results are discussed including catalyst attrition, and the syncrude mode with hydroclone recycle. Attention is also given to the solid-liquid separation system required for the fuel oil mode."
Interestingly, there is no longer an "HRI" in Trenton, NJ. However, they still seem to exist, but as "Hydrocarbon Technologies", a subsidiary of the Utah alternative energy company, Headwaters, whom we have mentioned previously in our posts.
Here's a link to their web site, with some, perhaps informative, excerpts:
"With leading positions in each of their markets, Headwaters operating companies discover and capitalize on opportunities for making more efficient use of our world’s natural resources – especially fossil fuels. Many opportunities can be found on the "coal value chain".
 | Headwaters Energy Services adds value to coal while protecting the environment by upgrading waste coal into marketable product, converting coal into liquid fuels, and utilizing waste heat from coal-fired power plants in the production of biofuel. |
| Headwaters Resources is America’s largest manager and marketer of coal combustion products, including fly ash. Utilization of these materials improves performance of building products while creating significant environmental benefits. |
| Headwaters Construction Materials is a market leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing architectural stone veneer under the Eldorado Stone brand and also holds regional market leadership positions in manufacturing and marketing concrete blocks and brick. HCM also developed innovative FlexCrete aerated concrete. |
| Headwaters Technology Innovations Group continues to develop and deploy a range of breakthrough technologies that improve natural resource utilization, including heavy oil upgrading and nanocatalyst applications." |
Note that they promote not just "converting coal into liquid fuels", but some other coal use technologies we've addressed in our posts, as well, such as the utilization of "coal combustion products, including fly ash", which research at Georgia Tech we've alerted you to indicates could be the basis for high-strength, low-weight concrete replacement materials.
In any case, it's possible that the technology developed by the University of Kentucky in the Catlettsburg pilot H-Coal, coal liquefaction, plant wasn't entirely lost in the oily smoke screen generated by the lead contractors, Ashland and Mobil.