Patent US3930984
First, keep in mind that we have previously cited references attesting to the fact that primary Coal tars can be themselves hydrogenated to serve in the liquefaction of additional raw Coal. Anthracene is one major component of Coal tar that used to be produced, as we understand the literature, in commercial quantities by Coke ovens, via distillation from raw, whole tar.
In any case, Phillips Petroleum, more than three decades ago, recognized the ability of Anthracene to serve as an agent for the hydrogenation and liquefaction of Coal; as did our US Government, as embodied in the Patent Office, via their issuance of:
"Coal-Anthracene Oil Liquefied ... with Carbon Monoxide - US Patent 3,930,984
January, 1976
Inventor: Armin Pitchford
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company, Oklahoma
Abstract: A heavy hydrocarbon feedstock is upgraded by at least one of the processes of desulphurization, decreasing carbon residues ... and liquefaction of solid feedstock ... in the presence of carbon monoxide.
The feedstocks which can be upgraded (include) crude oils, heavy hydrocarbon oils, residual hydrocarbon fractions, as well as solid carbonaceous materials such as coal.
The feedstock can also comprise pulverized coal dispersed in a hydrocarbon oil particularly in a hydrocarbon oil capable of participating in hydrogen exchange reactions as a hydrogen donor. ... any coal, including bituminous and anthracite is applicable.
The hydrocarbon conversion ... is carried out in liquid phase ... (meaning) ... a slurry of solid hydrocarbons in a liquid hydrocarbon."
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Not included in our brief excerpts, and recorded with clarity only in the final "Claims" and "Examples" sections of the complete patent, is that this Phillips invention utilizes Steam as one of the reactants, we'll presume for the addition of Hydrogen.
The utility of Carbon Monoxide, in this Phillips Coal liquefaction technology, isn't, we confess, all that clear to us. But, it has also been noted as a reactant in other Coal liquefaction technologies we have documented for you. And, if it is needed, it, too, can be easily produced from Coal.
