Abstract: The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The apparatus further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids of the apparatus can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquefaction process using comminuted fuel solids from a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally coated with a catalyst. The method allows fuel solids to be liquefied efficiently during comminution or when they are supplied in the form of a slurry or as free-standing solids.

Abstract: The invention provides a combustion process using comminuted fuel solids from a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally coated with a combustion catalyst. The method allows fuel solids to burn for energy production at low temperatures. The lower temperatures avoid emissions of nitrogen oxides, and the process also yields a clean, friable ash that has economic value.