Rapid liquefaction of Longkou lignite coal by using a tubular reactor under methane atmosphere

Rapid liquefaction of Longkou lignite coal under methane atmosphere was studied in a novel laboratory scale tubular reactor. Experiments were performed at a temperature ranging from 400 to 800 °C, a residence time ranging from 4.5 to 11.2 s and 10–15 MPa (without catalyst). Reactions were also carried out under a nitrogen gas atmosphere at the same reaction conditions. The results indicate that there are synergistic effects between coal and methane at temperatures higher than 600 °C, and the temperature and residence time are the main factors influencing the coal conversion and products distribution. The oil yields reach a maximum of 21.97 (wt.% daf) at 750 °C during 9.0 s.