Process to produce a high methane content gas mixture from coal

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process is disclosed for producing a high methane content gas mixture from coal. In this process the coal is first ground to a particle size not greater than 5 mm, and preferably not larger than 2 mm. Then one or more, alkali and/or alkali-earth compounds are added to the ground coal, wherein the alkali or alkali-earth ions are in an amount within a range of from 4% to 20% by weight relatively to dry, ash-free coal. The additive-containing coal is possibly dried and possibly pelletized so as to obtain, pellets whose maximum dimension lies within the range of from 3 mm. to 5 cm. or preferably of from 3 mm to 2 cm. Then the additive-containing coal is gasified to produce gas from the coal …