The Newao coal gasification hydrogenation pyrolysis technology for co-producing aromatics and methane is about to be put into practice

Thread Content

On May 9, reporters learned from ENN Natural Gas Co., Ltd. that the technology for hydropyrolysis of pulverized coal to co-produce aromatics and methane developed by the company (hereinafter referred to as the hydropyrolysis technology for pulverized coal) is set to be implemented in Xinjiang. A large-scale project aimed at the quality-based and grade-specific conversion and utilization of coal will be launched, with the goal of achieving clean, efficient, and comprehensive utilization of Xinjiang’s abundant coal resources. 　　According to the person in charge of this technology development on Wednesday, coal powder hydrogenation pyrolysis is a new technique for the graded and differentiated utilization of coal powder, combining the advantages of coal-to-gas and coal-to-oil processes; it enables the production of high-value light aromatic hydrocarbons while also generating natural gas as a by-product. This technology requires coal powder and hydrogen to undergo rapid hydrothermal pyrolysis reactions, secondary cracking reactions of volatiles, and hydrogenation reactions of active semi-coke under medium temperatures (800°C–1000°C) and high pressures (5–10 MPa), ultimately producing high-value light aromatic hydrocarbons, methane, and clean semi-coke. 　　This technology is suitable for coal with high volatility; the raw materials are inexpensive and readily available. The aromatic hydrocarbons and semi-coke produced have excellent quality, with benzene and naphthalene accounting for up to 80% of the aromatic products, and their boiling points are below 270°C. The methane yield is high, with a direct yield of 300–500 standard cubic meters per ton of dry coal. 　　It is reported that, based on the completion of pilot-scale tests and the accumulation of extensive experimental data, this technology has enabled the development and scale-up of key technologies such as high-pressure hydrogen pneumatic transport of coal powder, high-temperature and high-pressure hydrogen-oxygen combustion collision nozzles, hydrogenation pyrolysis furnaces, dry separation of oil and dust from raw gas, and recovery of waste heat from boilers ； An industrial demonstration unit for hydrogenation pyrolysis with a capacity of 400 tons per day was built in Dalaat Banner, Inner Mongolia. In 2024, this unit was optimized, with upgrades made to key systems such as the second-generation pyrolyzer and the coke discharge system. 　　By utilizing this technology, SNNG Co., Ltd. has planned and constructed several coal conversion projects with a capacity of millions of tons each in Xinjiang, aiming to create an industrial loop that combines clean coal conversion with the production of high-end materials. This approach enables the hierarchical utilization of carbon elements and improves energy efficiency. The goal is to make use of Xinjiang’s abundant coal resources to convert them into methane-rich pyrolysis gas, light aromatics, and high-calorific-value clean semi-coke. The methane-rich pyrolysis gas will be converted into natural gas and delivered to the municipal pipeline network for use by consumers ； Light aromatic hydrocarbons are processed into fine chemicals such as refined benzene, refined naphthalene, and refined pyrene, thereby extending the industrial chain for high-end materials ； The by-product semi-coke serves as a raw material for coal-based hydrogen production projects, enabling further utilization of resources. At present, the relevant project has passed the feasibility study review and park registration, and approval processes such as the environmental impact assessment report are underway. 　　Industry experts say that the coal hydrotermal pyrolysis technology makes full use of the inherent structure of coal; through a single reaction followed by secondary separation, it produces gaseous, liquid, and solid products. This process is simple, yields high amounts of aromatics, and has low water consumption, making it suitable for areas rich in low-grade coal resources – where coal and water resources are scarce, as is the case in China. Through deep integration with industries such as green electricity, green hydrogen, and steel metallurgy, as well as through technological collaboration across various fields, this technology is expected to contribute to the transformation and upgrading of coal resources and to the sustainable development of traditional energy sources; it holds great significance for advancing the **\"dual carbon\" strategic goals**.