Japan, NxO Emission Control

ScienceDirect - Fuel : Solvent extraction of nitrogen compounds from coal liquids 

 

We have detailed how carbon emissions from coal plants can be captured and profitably utilized, and we've cited information from Sasol, in South Africa, regarding the control of Nitrogen emissions from CTL facilities.

 

The Japanese have addressed NxO emissions, as well, perhaps relative to their Southeast Asia CTL enterprises, also earlier documented. You will recall that Japan, as well as Germany, in WWII developed coal-to-liquid fuel technology for their military, and at least one CTL factory in Japan, at Kobe, became a strategic target of Allied bombing because of it's importance.

 

Some excerpts from the linked article:

"Yoichi Koderaa, Koji Ukegawaa, Yutaka Mito*, Masashi Komoto†, Etsuro Ishikawa† and Tetsuo Nakayama

  

Abstract

Nitrogen compounds were separated efficiently from coal liquids (emphasis - JtM) by solvent extraction with methanol and water. Middle distillates of Wandoan and Battle River coal liquid and a mixture of model compounds were employed as feed oils. This paper reports the experimental conditions for the effective separation of nitrogen compounds, such as quinoline and indole. In particular, the effects of extraction solvents on extraction yield and selectivities of nitrogen compounds were investigated."

There should, in any case, have been no doubt that Nitrogen can be "separated efficiently from coal liquids". If you will recall, a significant part of the production from China's planned 88 coal-to-liquid conversion plants will intentionally be directed toward the synthesis of nitrogenous fertilizer for their agricultural industries.