HTI has developed a direct coal liquefaction (“DCL”) process for the conversion of coal into ultra-clean transportation fuels, such as gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel fuel. We license this technology internationally. The first commercial DCL plant started up in 2008 in China. In addition, project discussions, feasibility studies, and engineering studies are underway for clients in China, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States. Both companies provided technology packages and basic engineering contributing to the successful start-up of the first commercial DCL plant in China, pictured above.

In 2009, HTI and Axens formed a strategic alliance (“Alliance DCL”) to provide a single-source solution for producing ultra-clean fuels by direct coal liquefaction alone or in combination with refinery residues or biomass. The two companies have combined their technologies and licensing activities for Coal-to-Liquids (“CTL”) projects worldwide.

HTI brings its slurry catalyst technology and its exclusive CTL research facilities whereas Axens contributes its ebullated-bed H-Coal® Process and proprietary catalyst. Both evolved from a common background and DCL technologies developed by Hydrocarbon Research Inc. (“HRI”), which were commercialized with support from the U.S. Department of Energy and industrial clients. Building on decades of experiences in DCL and a database on a wide range of coals, both companies have continued to increase liquid yields, improve energy efficiency, lower production costs, and reduce the environmental footprint (CO2 emissions and water consumption). By providing technology packages and basic engineering, both companies contributed to the successful start-up of the first commercial DCL plant in China.

Project-Specific Services:

Alliance DCL offers a wide range of project-specific services to support licensing of our DCL technologies, including:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Feedstock characterization
  • Pilot plant testing
  • Basic engineering design
  • Operator training
  • Start up assistance
  • Catalyst supply
  • Plant audits and troubleshooting
  • Ongoing technology support