title: Application of Light Microscopy to Direct Coal Liquefaction Research
abstract: : Light microscopy was used to analyze the effects of added catalyst at different conditions (temperature and reaction times) in liquefaction testing of a low pyritic sulfur bituminous coal. Quantitative changes in vitrinite/vitroplast reflectance of coal and liquefaction residues were shown to be useful markers in analyzing and understanding the role of catalyst during the initial stage of coal particle hydrogenation. Lower reflectance values corresponded to increased conversions up to about the 60 min and 375 degreesC experimental conditions. Microscopical observation of liquefaction residues also revealed the presence of "wall scales" of varying width.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Department of Energy, Federal Energy Technology Center, Mail Stop 94-412, P.O. Box 10940, Pittsburgh, PA 15236-0940
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Irdi
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Warzinski
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Booher