Coal Liquefaction
Coal liquefaction
with durable high-pressure technology
In times of high oil prices, coal liquefaction is economically very rewarding according to the so-called Bergius-Pier process. The process converts a coal-oil suspension, combined with hydrogen at high pressures and temperatures, to liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons such as propane or fuels. URACA has developed a high-pressure plunger pump specifically for coal liquefaction that reliably meets the severe demands of the process with patented sedimentation chambers.
Our services for your benefit
- special design of the liquid end of the pumps
- no problems with high process temperatures
- resistant to highly abrasive suspensions
- Resistant to rapidly sedimenting suspensions
- adapted valve design with low wear
- patented sedimentation chamber
- special design handle thermal expansion
The process of coal liquefaction
Coal liquefaction (Coal To Liquid) is a chemical process that transforms solid particles of coal into gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons. In addition to the Fischer-Tropsch process, the Bergius-Pier process is a means to achieve this - it converts carbon particles with the addition of hydrogen at a process pressure of 150 to 700 bar.
Due to high energy prices, the Bergius-Pier process represents an economic alternative to extracted oil and natural gas. The finely ground coal can be converted using special high-pressure plunger pumps. At high pressure, hydrogen at a temperature of about 500 degrees Celsius reacts with the coal mash. High pressure pumps deliver the mash to the plant's liquefaction reactor. As the mixture is extremely abrasive, special pumps are required to meet the demands of coal liquefaction.
High-pressure solutions in coal liquefaction are exposed to high process temperatures. These temperatures require a special seal design due to thermal expansion. Since the carbon particles can be up to three millimeters in size, a special valve design is required, which minimizes wear. The design requirements of the pumps limit their maximum speed, necessitating particularly large machines.
The solids content in the carrier oil is up to 50 percent. The solids must not come into contact with the packing rings of the pump as they will cause extreme wear. URACA has developed a patented demixing chamber specifically for this purpose.
