[bwilson4web]

Hi,

This article is an interesting technology:

. . .
Supercritical water is water above its critical point—the temperature and pressure under which phase boundaries (between solids, liquids and gases) cease to exist. Supercritical water dissociates into OH- (base) and H+ (acid) molecules, creating a substance that is simultaneously a strong acid and a strong base. Although normally acids and bases neutralize each other, they can’t at supercritical temperatures and pressures, IER says. The strong acids and bases attack weak links in organic polymers, which are broken directly into valuable oils and solid products.
. . .

Now this technology does nothing about CO{2} but it does offer an interesting approach to coal use that generates a side stream of oil. Co-located with a coal fired power plant, it would make a nice topper system.

Bob Wilson

[FastMover]

Interesting read. I had two questions. First, does this technology offer a means for extended processing of coal deposits that were previously mined, but where low yeilds left large amounts of material unmined and/or unprocessed. Second, I am not sure about the meaning of the reference "dry coal". It implies some sort of ore improvement process that "upgrades" the raw material to a higher fuel quality. Presumably, this is done by using the technology to remove moisture (water) bearing hydrocarbon content or oils from the ore and them reclaiming them in liquid form. The statement about cleaner fuel implies that this same process has some sort of purification effect on the oils obtained in this manner.

One other observation regarding your comment after the quote. True, the CO(2) is still present, but the process appears to remove coal impurities in a localized manner that would make filtering and capture of impurities somewhat more practical and affordable.

Thanks,
RFB

[bwilson4web]

Like you, I have more questions than answers. One thing for sure, dealing with super-heated steam is not for the 'faint of heart.' It would be pretty close to the definition of "universal solvent."

Bob Wilson

[FastMover]

Agreed, especially with the presence of hydrocarbons in that atmosphere.