Rapid coal devolatilization as an equilibrium flash distillation

A model for the rapid devolatilization of individual coal particles is developed by analogy with a single-stage equilibrium flash distillation. In the theory, thermal depolymerization of the coal generates aromatic fragments that are widely distributed in size. Conditions for phase equilibrium determine the partitioning of these fragments into intermediates in the condensed phase, which ultimately form char and light gas, and into tar vapor, which escapes in a stream of light gases. Comparison with data shows that the model accurately correlates the yields of noncondensible gas and tar from bituminous coals over wide ranges of temperature and pressure. The predicted molecular weight distributions of tar are also in agreement with measured distributions, and the model yields a mechanistic basis for their observed insensitivity to temperature. The tendency to form lighter tar at higher pressures is also explained.