Abstract: A process is described whereby wet coal may be dehydrated and inhibited against rehydration by immersing in a bath of molten paraffin hydrocarbon for a sufficient period of time to evaporate and expel inherent water from the coal. The hydrocarbon then inhibits any rehydration period. It is also an embodiment of this invention to describe a process whereby the water expelled may be recovered for useful purposes.

Abstract: A process for an article of encapsulated waste which is acceptable for transportation and storage is prepared by whereby the contaminated solid is contacted in a bath of a molten paraffinic hydrocarbon encapsulating material for time sufficient to expel moisture and to coat the solid rendering the contaminant immobile, isolated and unleachable into the environmental system once the paraffin has solidified. An embodiment of this invention employs a zeolite to absorb liquid wastes expelled from the solid which remains in the article.

Abstract: A process for treating a contaminated solid unacceptable for disposal in the environment is described whereby the contaminated solid is contacted in a bath of a molten paraffinic hydrocarbon for time sufficient to expel moisture and to coat the solid rendering the contaminant immobile, isolated and unleachable into the environmental system once the paraffin has solidified. An embodiment of this invention employs a zeolite to absorb liquid wastes expelled from the solid.

Abstract: The present invention is used in response to petroleum related spills in the environment. The hydrocarbon materials can be removed from any substrate, particularly ice or beach sand, by impinging in two separate fluid streams, a formable surfactant/emulsifying solution with a latent foaming agent and a foam inducing agent through specially designed variable pressure guns. Once treated, the petroleum-related liquids are lifted above the substrate in a foam matrix formed while the solution is in contact with the spilled contaminants, and captured via standard industrial vacuum technology for later disposal.