Gulf Research & Development Company

Thomas W Leslie

Donald C Cronauer

Sun W Chun

A process is provided for the conversion (including upgrading) of solid carbonaceous materials, and in particular for the hydrogenation of coal slurries. The process comprises passing a slurry composed of solid carbonaceous material and solvent, together with hydrogen, through a reaction vessel that contains a plurality of reaction zones separated by porous partitions. A portion of said zones is adapted to contain a solid particulate hydrogenation catalyst which will not pass through said porous partitions. The remainder of said zones forms substantially unobstructed passageways through said reaction vessel. The volumetric proportion of substantially unobstructed passageways to catalyst zones is preferably from about 20:1 to about 1:10.

Process for the conversion of carbonaceous materials

A process is provided for the conversion of solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oils, and in particular for the hydrogenation of solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oils derived from coal, oil shale and tar sands. The process comprises passing a solid-containing liquid hydrocarbon oil, together with hydrogen, through a reaction vessel that contains a plurality of reaction zones separated by porous partitions. A portion of said zones is adapted to contain a solid particulate hydrogenation catalyst which will not pass through said porous partitions. The remainder of said zones form substantially unobstructed passageways through said reaction vessel. The volumetric ratio of catalyst zones to substantially unobstructed passageways is about 10:1 to about 1:10.

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Blawnox, PA, United States of America

Thomas W Leslie