We earlier transmitted documentation of a US Patent, now held by Conoco, though developed by Consol Coal scientists, for the economic recovery of Zinc Halide catalysts used, we asserted, in converting Coal into liquid petroleum raw materials.
The inventor was named as Everett Gorin, and, although his state of residence in that US Patent was listed as California, we wanted to further document that he is, or was, in fact, a Coal scientist who spent at least some of his career at Consol's Library, PA, Coal research and development facility.
Via the enclosed link and following excerpt, we also further document that the Zinc Halide, or Chloride, process for "hydrocracking polynuclear hydrocarbons", as patented by Conoco, is, indeed, a technology that was developed primarily for the conversion of Coal into liquid hydrocarbons.
Comment follows excerpts from:
"Direct Zinc Chloride Hydrocracking of Sub-bituminous Coal and Regeneration of Spent Melt
Authors: Clyde Zielke, William Rosenhoover and Everett Gorin
Organization: Research Division, Conoco Coal Development Co., Library, PA
Shale Oil, Tar Sands and Related Fuel Sources; Chapter 13, pp 153-165; Advances in Chemistry, Vol. 151
September 1976; Copyright 1976 - American Chemical Society
Abstract:
Excellent conversion and yields are obtained in the hydrocracking of sub-bituminous coal with a molten zinc chloride catalyst. A vehicle with hydrogen-donor properties is required at relatively mild operating conditions; i.e., 358C and a hydrogen pressure of 103 atm. No vehicle is necessary at more severe conditions such as 385C and a hydrogen pressure of 205 atm. Data on the regeneration of the spent catalyst in a continuous fluidized-bed combustion unit show that high recoveries of zinc chloride are obtained if hydrogen chloride gas is recycled to the combustor. The only components of coal ash that are not removed in the process are the alkali metals."
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Again, this confirms that the Zinc Halide recovery process, patented by Conoco, was developed, in fact, to improve the economies of Coal liquefaction processes.
And, it is even more evidence that, in the latter decades of the last century, our knowledge of techniques whereby our abundant Coal could be efficiently transformed into the increasingly-scarce liquid hydrocarbons we need was becoming more sophisticated, more practical.
What we lack is any good evidence as to why those sophisticated Coal liquefaction technologies haven't yet been implemented to the benefit of the American people.