Effect of experimental variables on coal catalytic hydrogasification in a pressurized fluidized bed

•High yields of CH4 and liquid hydrocarbons were achieved in a catalytic fluidized bed.•Calcium (Ca) as an additive promoted cobalt (Co) dispersion and Co-coal interaction.•CaO triggered cobalt-catalyzed depolymerization of coal and hydrogenation of inert carbon.•Role of temperature and pressure in catalytic hydrogasification of coal were revealed.•Analyzing catalysis process and reaction kinetics to optimize coal hydrogasification.