Abstract: A process for demineralizing and agglomerating coal in which the coal is subjected to pulverization in order to separate mineral matters therefrom and resulting coal particles are agglomerated through the use of a bridging liquid and a binder. Oversided coal particles are recycled in a grinding circuit until they are reduced to an acceptable size and bridging liquid is removed from the microagglomerates of coal in a low shear reactor and recovered for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing light hydrocarbons, such as heptane, from coal agglomerates includes an enclosed chamber having a substantially horizontal perforate surface therein. The coal agglomerates are introduced into a water bath within the chamber. The agglomerates are advanced over the surface while steam is substantially continuously introduced through the surface into the water bath. Steam heats the water and causes volatilization of the light hydrocarbons, which may be collected from the overhead of the chamber. The resulting agglomerates may be collected at the opposite end from the surface and subjected to final draining processes prior to transportation or use.