Abstract: Apparatus and methods for augmenting the Mark 13a process of Van Zelzen et al., by providing for the addition of dispatchable energy storage and/or additional waste stream treatments. Sulfur-containing stack gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for electricity production are cleaned, removing the sulfur by use of the Bunsen reaction. The process produces hydrogen and sulfuric acid as byproducts. The hydrogen output of the process can be used to co-produce electricity in a reversible fuel cell, and optionally can be stored so that electricity can be produced during periods of high demand. Optionally the hydrogen can be reacted with air-nitrogen or nitrogen from the combustion gasses to produce ammonia. The sulfuric acid can optionally be reacted with iron or aluminum to produce iron or aluminum sulphates and additional electricity. In addition, mercury removal from the gas emissions from burning fossil fuels (primarily coal) can be performed.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and approaches are described for destruction of energetic materials. The approaches include hydrolysis of the energetic materials by combining a volatile base and water with the energetic materials. The unreacted base from the hydrolysis reaction mixture is recovered and reused for further hydrolysis of energetic materials. The apparatus include components suitable for recovering and reusing unreacted base.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and approaches are described for destruction of energetic materials. The approaches include hydrolysis of the energetic materials by combining a volatile base and water with the energetic materials. The unreacted base from the hydrolysis reaction mixture is recovered and reused for further hydrolysis of energetic materials. The apparatus include components suitable for recovering and reusing unreacted base.

Abstract: A comprehensive energy system is provided in which a fossil fuel-burning electric utility plant is operated in conjunction with a hydrogen production and utility load leveling unit, a CO.sub.2 recovery and methanol synthesis unit, and a Bunsen reactor which reacts Br.sub.2 and SO.sub.2 to from HBr and H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, while cleaning a utility stack gas.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell, fuel cell and solar reactor or conventional furnace are operated in conjunction with one another for providing hydrogen as a product, from electrolysis of hydrogen bromide.

Abstract: A one step process is provided which denitrifies explosives and propellants and reclaims the evolved nitrogen therefrom while concurrently modifying the remaining carbonaceous materials into humic acid suitable for plant fertilizer applications. Explosives and propellants are hydrolyzed with a solution of ACTOSOL.RTM. humic acid extract. The humic acid extract fixes the free nitrogen evolved, preventing its loss as ammonia or NO.sub.x gases. The ACTOSOL.RTM. fixed nitrogen is then available directly to plants as slow-release nitrogen, and can directly replace nitrogen derived from urea or other sources in plant fertilizers., The carbonaceous material remaining from the denitrification process is non-explosive and is taken up in the humic acid matrix. This material is immediately available to plants as a carbon source.

Abstract: A tamper-proof device for detecting opening and closing events of a secure container is characterized by a fiber optic cable having a first portion connected with a fixed member of the container and a second portion connected with a movable locking member of the container so that the cable is bent or flexed when the container locking member is moved between open and closed positions. Light pulses are transmitted through the cable and variations in the pulses resulting from bending of the cable are detected to indicate opening and closing of the container.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a process for producing a low viscosity, stable coal-water fuel slurry by controlling the concentration of soluble inorganic salts in the coal-water fuel slurry. The process of the present invention comprises determining the soluble ion content of a coal; treating the coal to control the soluble ion content thereof by removing soluble ions from the coal or adding a soluble inorganic salt or electrolyte to the coal; and admixing the coal with a dispersant, a base and water to produce a coal-water fuel slurry comprising 60-75% by weight coal and having a total hardness of 100 ppmc to 1000 ppmc, preferably 200 ppmc to 600 ppmc, expressed as Ca.sup.2+ ion concentration.