Hydrogenation behaviour of coal maceral association

The influence of the intergrowth of macerals on the hydrogenation behaviour of two seam coals from the Ruhr district is investigated. Maceral concentrates of both coals were prepared. The maceral concentrates of each coal were mixed in such a manner, that the composition by macerals corresponded to that of the parent coal. Parent coals, maceral concentrates and the imitated parent coals by mixing maceral concentrates were hydrogenated under the same conditions. Feed materials and residues were characterized petrographically and chemically. Conclusions about the reactivity of the macerals itself, but also of their intergrowths could be drawn from the composition of the hydrogenation residues and of the conversion products. In spite of the same composition by macerals and identic total reflectograms of parent and imitated coals differences in portions and composition of residues were found. While the intergrowth of macerals (microlithotypes) of the low-volatile coal 2 seems to have a positive influence on the conversion of macerals, this seems to be opposite for the higher-volatile coal 1. Probably the lay open of the maceral surfaces has a positive effect on the hydrogenation of coal 2. Vitrinites and exinites proved to be very reactive as could be expected. They yield the highest portions of liquid and gaseous products. Inertinites participate in hydrogenation only with a very restricted reactivity.