We have frequently made reference to the Fischer-Tropsch technology for converting Coal into liquid hydrocarbons. Although it is only one of the technologies which enable such conversion of Coal, it seems to be the one most studied and most developed.
A drawback of the Fischer-Tropsch process lies in the types of liquid hydrocarbons that are catalytically condensed out of the synthesis gas generated from the original Coal.
Raw Fischer-Tropsch condensate can contain a lot of high-molecular-weight oils that are deficient in Hydrogen content, and which are not volatile enough to be used, as is, for fuels.
The oil industry knows all of that, and, as we have earlier documented, has devoted some effort into the development of refining techniques for Coal-derived liquids, in order to more efficiently make typical liquid hydrocarbon fuels out of those Coal liquids - just as they had to devote effort into doing the same thing with crude petroleum oil.
Herein, from Mobil Oil Corporation, is another example of refining technology developed specifically to convert the raw liquids derived from a Coal conversion process into more traditional hydrocarbon liquid fuels.
Comment follows excerpts from:
"United States Patent 4,059,648 - Method for Upgrading Synthetic Oils
Date: November, 1977
Inventors: Walter Derr, et. al., NJ and PA
Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation, NY
Abstract: Upgrading a product of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis ... is accomplished in a combination operation comprising hydrotreating of the ... product and selective cracking portions of the hydrotreated product to provide a product slate comprising gas, gasoline, jet fuel, light and heavy oil fractions.
Description: The invention relates to a method and process combination for upgrading synthetic oils such as coal-derived oils (And more) particularly, the present invention relates to upgrading products of Fisher-Tropsch Synthesis ... .
Processes for the conversion of coal ... to a gaseous mixture consisting essentially of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, or of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, are well known.
It is desirable to effectively and efficiently convert synthesis gas, obtained from coal ... to highly valued hydrocarbons such as motor gasoline of relatively high octane number diesel fuel, petrochemical feedstocks liquefiable petroleum fuel gas, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Processes for the conversion of coal ... to a gaseous mixture consisting essentially of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, or of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, or of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, are well known.
It is desirable to effectively and efficiently convert synthesis gas, obtained from coal ... to highly valued hydrocarbons such as motor gasoline of relatively high octane number diesel fuel, petrochemical feedstocks liquefiable petroleum fuel gas, and aromatic hydrocarbons.
The wide range of catalysts (available) and an equally wide range of conversion conditions ... contribute some flexibility toward obtaining a variety of different boiling-range products.
Summary: The present invention is particularly concerned with the method and means for upgrading carbon monoxide reduction products comprising oxygenates and hydrocarbons higher boiling than 300F to produce high octane gasoline, light and heavy fuel oils of desired pour point."