Question

Which of the following is used to prepare hydrocarbons synthetically (Bergius process)?

• A. Semi water gas
• B. Water gas + H₂
• C. Heavy water gas
• D. Finely ground coal + H₂

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Finely ground coal + H₂

Finely ground and dried coal is mixed with heavy oils. A byproduct of the Bergius process, these oils are fed back to improve the efficiency of the process and reduce waste. Catalysts are added to the mixture and fed into the reactor. The reaction could be represented as:
$nC+(n-x+1)H_2⟶C_n{H}_{2n-2x+2}$ + other gases
The product obtained is a mixture of heavy oils, middle oils, petroleum and other gases.

This is the Bergius Process, a method for producing liquid hydrocarbons for use as synthetic fuel. This is carried out at high temperature 400-500 ${}^{\circ }C$ and 20-70 MPa Hydrogen pressure.