Abstract: Coal is processed in an inclined fluidized bed dryer operated in a plug-flow manner with zonal temperature and composition control, and an inert fluidizing gas, such as carbon dioxide or combustion gas. Recycled carbon dioxide, which is used for drying, pyrolysis, quenching, and cooling, is produced by partial decarboxylation of the coal. The coal is heated sufficiently to mobilize coal tar by further pyrolysis, which seals micropores upon quenching. Further cooling with carbon dioxide enhances stabilization.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting asbestoform material into an environmentally safe material by heating the asbestoform material with an alkaline flux so as to change the crystalline structure of the asbestoform material to a form that is environmentally safe.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing heavy metal compounds from heavy crude oil by mixing the heavy crude oil with tar sand; preheating the mixture to a temperature of about 650.degree. F.; heating said mixture to up to 800.degree. F.; and separating tar sand from the light oils formed during said heating. The heavy metals removed from the heavy oils can be recovered from the spent sand for other uses.

Abstract: Lead or other heavy metals are rendered immobile for sanitary disposal by vitrifying the silica-based soil or other medium in which the lead or heavy metal is contained. The silica sand or other soil contaminated with lead is heated to the melting point of the silica. A melt accelerator or fluxing agent is added to lower the melting point of the silica. A reducing agent is added to cause a separation of the metallic phases from the glass. The glass formed retains a portion of the lead, with excess metals, e.g., gold, silver, and platinum, separating. These metals may be recovered at any time after this point in the process.In the case of a silica-poor medium, such as a soil that does not contain sufficient quartz to perform the process successfully, additional quartz sand or scrap glass is added to the process in quantity sufficient to ensure the formation of the glass slag.

Abstract: A two step retorting process for pyrolyzing a solid feed selected from the group consisting of oil shale, tar sand, waste motor oil, and scrap tires to recover valuable products therefrom comprising retorting a mixture of the solid feed in heavy oil at a relatively low temperature, recycling the oil formed back to the first step, and completing the pyrolysis of the residue formed at a higher temperature in the absence of product oil recycling. Apparatus is provided including a means for feeding and soaking the solid feed, a HSPR, an IFBC, and means for handling product liquid and gas.

Abstract: Selenium can be removed from wastewater by contacting the wastewater with an adsorbent which is fly ash, peat moss, or a mixture thereof. The treated wastewater can then be discharged to the ground, and the spent adsorbent can be used as landfill or to enrich soils which are depleted in selenium.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering oily waste from oily waste accumulations underground comprising sweeping the oily waste accumulation with hot water to recover said oily waste, wherein said area treated is isolated from surrounding groundwater hydraulically. The hot water may be reinjected after the hot-water displacement or may be treated to conform to any discharge requirements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for remote in-situ detection and/or monitoring of selected compounds in liquid or gaseous media using one of several methods of Raman spectroscopy. The resulting Raman signal is conducted through optical fibers for recording a Raman spectrum at a distance from the instrument.