[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of coal-to-oil, what to do with coal-to-oil.

Coal oil properties

Coal-to-Liquids (CTL) is a technology that converts coal into liquid fuel. Coal to oil is mainly achieved by two methods: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (Fischer-Tropsch synthesis) and direct liquefaction (Direct Liquefaction). The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis method first gasifies coal to produce syngas (CO and H₂), and then synthesizes liquid fuel under the action of a catalyst; while the direct liquefaction method converts coal directly into liquid form through a solvent. Coal oil products mainly include diesel, gasoline, aviation fuel and so on. These products are similar in nature to traditional petroleum products, but due to different raw materials, their chemical composition is slightly different, they contain less sulfur and heavy metal impurities, and have higher combustion efficiency and lower pollutant emissions.

Coal oil use

Coal-to-liquid products have a wide range of applications in the market. The first is the field of transportation, where diesel and gasoline can be used directly as vehicle fuel, replacing traditional petroleum fuels. The second is the aviation field. The aviation fuel produced by coal-to-oil is suitable as a high-performance fuel due to its high purity and low pollution. Coal-to-liquid products can also be used for power generation, heating and chemical raw materials. For example, Fischer-Tropsch synthetic oil can be used as a high quality lubricant base oil, while some special coal-to-liquid products can be used as solvents or intermediates in chemical production. Overall, the multi-purpose nature of coal-to-liquids gives it an important position in the energy and chemical markets.

Coal-to-Oil Upstream Feedstock

The main upstream raw material for coal-to-oil is coal. Different quality coal (such as lignite, bituminous coal, anthracite, etc.) can be used in coal-to-oil production, but its quality and processing methods will affect the quality and economy of the final product. Water and oxygen are also key raw materials in the coal-to-oil process, especially during gasification and synthesis. Some coal-to-liquid processes also require the addition of hydrogen, which requires additional hydrogen production units or hydrogen from other sources such as natural gas and petroleum. The selection of suitable coal and other raw materials is essential for optimizing the coal-to-liquid process and improving economic efficiency.

Coal-to-liquid downstream products

The downstream products of coal-to-liquid are diverse, covering multiple fields such as fuels, chemicals and materials. Fuel products such as diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel are the main outputs, which are directly used in the transportation and aviation sectors. In the chemical industry, coal-to-oil products such as synthetic waxes, lubricant base oils, and chemical solvents are used as raw materials for the production of plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Certain coal-to-liquid products can also be used in the manufacture of specialty materials, such as high-performance carbon fibers and carbon materials. The extension of the coal-to-liquid industry chain not only enhances the added value of its products, but also broadens the scope of market application.

Coal oil production process

The coal-to-oil production process mainly includes pre-treatment, gasification, synthesis and post-treatment stages. In the pre-treatment stage, the coal is crushed, dried and impurities are removed to improve the gasification efficiency. The gasification stage converts coal into synthesis gas under high temperature and pressure conditions. In the synthesis stage, the synthesis gas generates liquid fuel under the action of a catalyst. The post-processing stage includes product separation, purification and refining to ensure the quality and specifications of the finished product. The technical details of the different process routes vary, but the overall process is generally similar. Advanced coal-to-liquid processes are constantly evolving to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and reduce environmental impact.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

Coal-to-liquid technology also poses some environmental challenges in reducing dependence on oil. Carbon dioxide emissions from the coal-to-liquid process are a major concern, and although advanced capture and storage technologies (CCS) can reduce some of the emissions, there is still a high carbon footprint overall. Coal mining and transportation also have environmental impacts, such as land destruction, water pollution and ecosystem damage. In order to realize the sustainable development of coal to liquid, it is necessary to further improve the technology, adopt clean energy and environmental protection measures, and reduce the adverse impact on the environment in the production process.

Coal oil storage method

Storage of coal-to-liquid products is similar to traditional petroleum products and requires appropriate storage tanks and facilities. Liquid fuels such as diesel and gasoline are usually stored in explosion-proof, leak-proof metal storage tanks. The storage tanks need to be equipped with temperature control and fire protection facilities to ensure safety. In order to prevent volatilization and oxidation, the storage tank needs to maintain the appropriate pressure and temperature, and add antioxidants and other stabilizers. Solid products such as synthetic waxes can be stored in special warehouses after cooling and solidification. Proper storage management not only ensures product quality, but also reduces security risks and environmental impact.

COAL-TO-LIQUID ECONOMIC BENEFIT

The economic benefits of the coal-to-liquid industry are affected by many factors, including the cost of obtaining coal resources, the energy efficiency of the production process, the market price of the product, and policy support. Compared with traditional petroleum, the cost of coal-to-oil is usually higher, which is mainly due to the complex production process and high energy consumption. With technological progress and large-scale production, the cost is expected to gradually reduce. Especially when oil prices are high or supply is unstable, the economic advantages of coal-to-liquid as an alternative energy source will be more obvious. Policy support such as tax breaks, subsidies and R & D investment also play an important role in improving the economic benefits of the coal-to-liquid industry.

Coal to Oil Development Prospects

Coal oil as an important alternative energy technology, has broad prospects for development. With the adjustment of global energy structure and the development of low-carbon economy, coal-to-liquid technology continues to innovate and develop in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction. Especially in coal-rich countries, such as China, the United States and India, coal-to-liquid technology is expected to become an important energy supplement. Combined with carbon dioxide capture and utilization (CCUS) technology, coal-to-oil can achieve carbon neutrality, which is in line with the future trend of green energy development. In general, coal-to-oil is of great significance in energy diversification, security and sustainable development.

Conclusion

As an advanced technology to convert coal into liquid fuel, coal-to-liquid technology plays an important role in the energy field. Despite environmental and economic challenges, its versatility, potential cost reduction space and policy support make it a place in the global energy restructuring. Through continuous technological innovation and environmental management, coal-to-liquid is expected to play a greater role in the future and contribute to energy security and sustainable development.