Production of value-added products from solid waste heavy hydrocarbons

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This project will develop technology for potentially monetizing millions of tons of carbon rich solid waste like low rank-coal lignite and petroleum coke (Petcoke) that are abundantly available in Canada. These hydrocarbons are most commonly used for generating heat and power, both of which are combustion applications generating significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Additionally, because of the high carbon and impurities (nitrogen, sulphur etc.) content in these feedstocks, their end-use GHG impact is more severe compared with using other fossil fuels such as natural gas. In this project, we are introducing a technology called oxy-cracking, a combination of two reactions taking place simultaneously in a water-based medium, for converting these feedstocks into useful chemicals for non-combustion application. Additionally, the CO2 emissions in the proposed process are negligible compared with the incumbent technology for producing these chemicals from lignite and other waste carbonaceous feedstocks. This technology is a cost-effective technique as it takes place at low pressures and temperatures and favors the production of humic acid analogs that find application as bulk fertilizers. The proposed research will optimize and scale up this technology at a lab scale. The long term goal is to develop a process capable of reliably producing high yields for humic acids from low rank-coals, while recycling back the water used in the process. This generates a product from a solid waste and reduces the pollutants in the air emissions. Efficient oxy-cracking process has the potential to i) provide humic acids for subsequent sale; ii) position Canada well to lead the global marketplace for humic acids production from low rank-coals. HQPs will gain experience in process design and advanced chemical reaction techniques that are also applicable to residual feedstocks of oil and gas industry.