Abstract: A method for increasing the magnetization of pyrite-containing pulverized coal comprises heating the coal in an atmosphere of inert gas, desirably nitrogen, containing 3 to 60 torr, preferably 12 to 16 torr, partial pressure of air to a temperature in the range 390.degree. to 455.degree. C., desirably 400.degree. to 410.degree. C., for a time sufficient, preferably 2 minutes to 2 hours, for converting enough pyrite to magnetite to allow separation of at least 50% by weight of the pyrite from the coal in a low-strength magnetic field. The sulfur content of coal treated in accordance with this method can be reduced by subjecting the treated coal to a low-strength magnetic field for moving at least 50% by weight of the pyrite from the coal although a smaller fraction, about 5 to 25%, of the pyrite is actually converted to magnetite.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the in situ levels of tritium in ground water at depth in the earth. A tritium analyzer is made to fit in a sonde or probe which is placed in a borehole. This analyzer can perform a programmed cycle and has a sample intake to allow ambient water to enter; a reaction chamber; a drying chamber; an ion chamber; a cryogenic gas pump, and a spent capsule collection chamber. After the water sample is brought into the unit, it rises into the reaction chamber where it reacts with a preweighed quantity of calcium carbide in a capsule to yield acetylene. Next the acetylene vapor passes through the drying chamber to remove excess water and then flows into the evacuated ion chamber. Following this, the ion chamber is sealed off and a count of tritium beta decay events is started. Following the completion of the count, a valve is opened to remove the acetylene from the ion chamber with the cryogenic gas pump.

Abstract: A electrolytic method and its associated apparatus for in situ recovery of coal products. With this method, the recoverable coal is in physical contact with a series of two or more positive electrodes while it is isolated from a single negative electrode by an electrolytic solution. The negative electrode and positive electrode are in boreholes which are drilled and are configured in the earth such that the positive electrodes may surround the single negative electrode. An electrolyte is placed in the center borehole with the negative electrode inserted in the liquid but insulated and positioned so as not to touch the coal in the side of the borehole. All of the positive electrodes in the adjacent boreholes are serially electrically connected to each other and to the positive terminal of an electrical potential difference source. The negative electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the same power source to initiate an electrolytic reaction in the coal-bearing earth.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in a process for bioelectric neutralization of a body of water having a bottom of anaerobic mud and an acid supernatant liquid, the apparatus comprising a buoy riding on the surface of the water, and upper electrode preferably of carbon suspended from the buoy in the acid supernatant liquid, a lower electrode preferably of iron embedded in the anaerobic mud and a flexible, insulated electrical conductor preferably an insulated copper cable, conductively attached to the upper and lower electrodes. A plurality of sets of apparatus may be used spaced apart from each other in the body of water.