Bergius process

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The Bergius Process is a method of getting liquid hydrocarbons for use as synthetic fuel from lignite by hydrogenation. It was first discovered by Friedrich Bergius in 1921.

The Process

1. Get hydrogen from coal with watergas reaction or partial oxidation of natural gas (Syngas).
2. Grind lignite coal to the fineness of dust. Mix dust in heavy oil (from process) - 50/50 mixture is ok.
3. Add a little iron oxide or nickel catalyst. The coal dust/oil mixture is pumpable to reactor when hot.
4. First reaction occurs when the mixture is at 400°C and 300-700 bar pressure hydrogen feed in reactor. This reaction produces mainly heavy oils.
5. Light oils are produced in the gas phase with vanadium(?) catalyst hydrogenation in a second reactor at same pressure and temperature as the first reactor. This produces mainly gasoline level hydrocarbons of high octane rating.

See also

• Fischer-Tropsch process
• Synthetic Liquid Fuels Program
• Karrick process

External links

• [DOE webpage]
• [The Karrick LTC Process]

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