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America's future economic prosperity relies on the availability of affordable, domestic energy. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could soon impose a massive new global warming scheme on America's economy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But you can stop them.
If you haven't already done so, please write your Senators today.
If EPA gets its way, American energy supplies could be severely constrained, leaving American families with massive new energy bills and American businesses buried under a mountain of bureaucratic red tape.
EPA could be stopped in its tracks by a bipartisan resolution (S.J. Res. 26) recently introduced by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.).
By your urging your Senators to co-sponsor the bipartisan resolution you can help stop stop unelected EPA bureaucrats from ignoring the will of the American people.
ACT now and urge your Senators to co-sponsor S.J. Res. 26,please click here.
Thank you for your support.
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In a recent dispatch, we documented that Methane, as can be synthesized via Sabatier-type Carbon Dioxide recycling, or the Hydro, or Steam, Gasification of Coal, can, according to Exxon and collaborating researchers in Australia, be used to improve the conversion of Coal into liquid hydrocarbons.
Herein, we document that, not only does our United States Government know that Methane can improve the process of Coal Liquefaction, they own the rights to use it for that purpose.
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In an earlier dispatch detailing the US Gas Research Institute's US Patent 4609440, wherein Carbon Dioxide is converted into Methane, we indicated that, among other valuable potentials, Methane can be employed in indirect coal conversion processes, by addition to the synthesis gas generated from Coal, to enhance the quality of the syngas prior to catalysis, and thereby improve the quality and quantity of the liquid fuels produced.
It can, in fact, supply the additional Hydrogen needed to effect the conversion of highly-carbonaceous raw materials, such as Coal, into hydrocarbon liquids.
Herein, we document that Exxon, at work with Australian collaborators, knows it.
Following are excerpts from:
"Reaction of Methane with Coal
Kezhan Yang, Barry D. Batts; Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW 2109, Australia
Martin L. Gorbaty, Peter S. Maa; Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, NJ, USA
Mervyn A. Long; University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; et.al.
Abstract: The reactivities of Australian coals and one American coal with methane or methane-hydrogen mixtures, in the range 350–400°C and a range of pressures (6.0–8.3 MPa, cold) have been examined. The effects of aluminophosphates (AlPO) or zeolite catalysts, with and without exchanged metals, on reactivity have also been examined. Yields of dichloromethane extractable material are increased by using a methane rather than a nitrogen atmosphere and different catalysts assist dissolution to various extents. It appears that surface exchanged catalysts are effective, but incorporating metals during AlPO lattice formation is detrimental. Aluminium phosphate catalysts are unstable to water produced during coal conversion, but are still able to increase extraction yields. For the American coal, under methane-hydrogen and a copper exchanged zeolite, 51.5% conversion was obtained, with a product selectivity close to that obtained under hydrogen alone, and with only 2% hydrogen consumption. The conversion under methane-hydrogen was close to that obtained under hydrogen alone, while a linear dependence of conversion on proportion of methane would predict a 43% conversion under methane-hydrogen. This illustrates a synergistic effect of the methane-hydrogen atmosphere for coal liquefaction using this catalyst system."
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In their experiments, it does appear that they still used some, more expensive, elemental Hydrogen, as can be obtained, for instance, via water electrolysis. But, Methane can replace some, or most, if we understand "with only 2% hydrogen consumption" correctly, of the elemental Hydrogen which might otherwise be required to maximize liquid hydrocarbon productivity from coal-derived synthesis gas.
And, yet again, as we have thoroughly documented: Methane can be synthesized via the Sabatier recycling of Carbon Dioxide; and, the steam, or hydro, gasification of Coal.
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Letters to the Editor: February 8, 2010
By Submission
| Published: Sunday, February 7, 2010
Updated: Sunday, February 7, 2010
Attack the coal industry but not its people
On my way to class Feb. 3, I picked up The Daily Athenaeum.
Normally, I enjoy reading everything it has to offer even if I do not agree with all of the opinions voiced.
Not even halfway through Shields’ article, “The State of West Virginia tied to the coal industry for too long,” I knew I could not let him get away with all of his slander.
I am all for voicing your opinion, but when your opinions stoop as low as Shields’, calling those who run the coal industry “a miserable racket of thugs,” this becomes unacceptable.
I highly doubt that Shields’ has met every leader in the coal industry to reinforce his opinion.
As the daughter of a coal “thug,” I hope that the DA will refrain from publishing these insults. Talk about the downside of coal all you want, that argument will never be resolved.
Attacking the people of the coal industry is completely uncalled for and beyond offensive.
Opinions should be voiced in order to better our society and provoke thought, not to hurt, offend and defame others, especially if the author has no legitimate facts to support this opinion.
Michelle Raney
Exercise physiology major
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