| abstract |
This invention is directed to a process for the conversion of solid cellulosic biomass materials or lignite to oil. A solids-oil slurry is contacted in a reactor with carbon monoxide and water vapor in the presence of an alkali metal and alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate or formate catalyst at a temperature of from about 250° C. and to about 450° C. at a pressure of from about 2000 psig to about 5000 psig. The gases from the reactor and oil hydrocarbon fuel, preferably a recycled heavy fraction of product oil containing spent catalyst, are burned at a pressure above the reactor pressure with oxygen to provide a carbon monoxide-water vapor gas having a temperature of from about 1100°C. to about 1600° C. Said gas is introduced under the surface of the oil slurry in the reactor to provide heat, carbon monoxide, water vapor, and, desirably, regenerated catalyst to said reactor. |