We present herein a sequence of two reports from Exxon, who was, as we have earlier documented, inexplicably allowed to coordinate US DOE research, conducted by even more Big Oil-related entities, into the development of coal liquefaction technologies in the 1970's and 1980's.
Following are the links and excerpts, with comment appended:
Title: Performance of low rank coals in the Exxon Donor Solvent Process
Authors: Mitchell, W.N.; Trachte, K.L.; Zaczepinski, S.
Affiliation: Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Baytown, TX
Publication: US Department of Energy and University of North Dakota Biennial Lignite Symposium, Grand Forks, ND, May 1979; Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Product Research and Development; vol. 18, December, 1979; p. 311-314
Abstract: The Exxon Donor Solvent Coal Liquefaction Process (EDS) handles a full range of coals ranging from bituminous through subbituminous to lignites. The overall process performance based on the 50 lb/day Recycle Coal Liquefaction Unit (RCLU) and the 1 ton/day Coal Liquefaction Pilot Plant (CLPP) is summarized as a function of process conditions and coal rank. Special emphasis is placed on the conversion and yield response of the range of coals demonstrated in the EDS process to date. In addition to the liquefaction potential, the operability issues associated with operating on low rank coals are addressed. More specifically, the relationship between the operating severity and the liquefaction bottoms viscosity is explored in detail. Also, the calcium carbonate scale deposition and agglomerates formation in the process reactors is covered. As part of this discussion, process and mechanical solutions to this problem are summarized.
Title: Exxon Donor Solvent Liquefaction Process
Author: Neavel, R.C.
Affiliation: Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Baytown, TX
Publication: Royal Society, Discussion on New Coal Chemistry, London, England, May 21, 22, 1980. Royal Society (London), Philosophical Transactions, Series A, vol. 300, no. 1453, Mar. 20, 1981, p. 141-156; Discussion, p. 156. Research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Power Research Institute, Japan Coal Liquefaction Co., Phillips Petroleum Co., Atlantic Richfield Co., Ruhrkohle AG, and Exxon Corp. Published March, 1981.
Abstract: The Exxon donor solvent (EDS) coal liquefaction system is a direct liquefaction procedure. Coal is chemically reacted and dissolved in a recycle solvent that is hydrogenated between passes to the liquefaction reactor. More than 2.6 barrels of a synthetic crude boiling below 1000 F are produced per ton of dry, high volatile coal feed. Other ranks of coal can be effectively liquefied. The process development has proceeded to a 250 ton/day pilot plant stage that went into operation in June 1980. The presentation addresses the chemical reactions and process conditions that result in ease of operability and flexibility of the EDS process."
Clearly, a major Big Oil player was entrusted with research into a key technology of coal utilization that is now critical to our national security; and which was, even back when the research was being conducted, of critical US domestic economic importance.
And, also clearly: The fact that developments which resulted "in ease of operability and flexibility of" a coal-to-liquid fuel conversion process, which were supported by "the U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Power Research Institute ... Phillips Petroleum Co., Atlantic Richfield Co., ... and Exxon", were presented in the blindingly obscure "Philosophical Transactions" of London, England's "Royal Society", should serve as absolute confirmation that Someone didn't want Anyone - especially anyone in US Coal Country - to know Anything about it.
It's far, far past time Everyone - especially everyone in US Coal Country - knew Everything.