Production of coal derivation products utilizing nmp-type solvent

Abstract

A graphite of anisotrophy selected between substantially isotropic to highly anisotropic, or calcined coke graphitizable to such a graphite, or a pitch convertible into such a coke or graphite, is derived from bituminous coal. A first coal is extracted in NMP or like solvent to give a first extract that when carbonized alone produces a substantially isotropic coke. A second coal (the same or different as the first coal) is hydrogenated and similarly extracted to give a second extract. The extent of hydrogenation is controlled so that the second extract when carbonized alone produces a highly anisotropic coke. Test samples are prepared by combining the two extracts in differing ratios including one sample in a ratio at each range end of the range. The solids of each sample are recovered, carbonized into coke, and then optionally converted into graphite, and its degree of anisotrophy analyzed. Comparison of the analyzed degrees for the different coke or graphite samples gives an correlation (e. g. a curve), that is characteristic for the coal treated. From this correlation, the two fractions can be solution blended in correct proportion to give a pitch yielding a coke or graphite of a selected anisotrophy or the coke or graphite can be produced therefrom. Alternatives are disclosed for combining the coals as such for extraction or variably hydrogenating a single coal to correspond in either case to a selected degree of anisotrophy.