Abstract: The present invention is directed to articles of manufacture comprising solid compacts, formed at elevated pressures, from homogenous, finely divided powders of spray dried water soluble inorganic compounds. The solid compacts are characterized by their readily water dissolvable, substantially nondusting and dense nature.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a process for reducing the gaseous sulfur dioxide content of flue gases by either or both preheating coal prior to burning the preheated coal and controlling the combustion temperature level to control the amount of sulfur being converted to sulfates and remaining in the ash residue.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur oxide content of flue gases produced by combustion of sulfur-containing coal containing cations of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or both, in ion exchangeable form. Flue gases containing sulfur oxides are recycled to contact coal awaiting combustion. Sulfur oxides are absorbed on the coal during the contact step, which is conducted in the presence of water. Sulfur oxides react with alkali and alkaline earth metal cations, and are oxidized to form sulfate reaction products. When the treated coal is burned, these sulfate reaction products are retained in the coal ash.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur oxide content of flue gases produced by combustion of sulfur-containing coal containing cations of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or both, in ion exchangeable form. Flue gases containing sulfur oxides are recycled to contact coal awaiting combustion. Sulfur oxides are adsorbed on the coal during the contact step, react with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations, and are oxidized to form sulfate reaction products. When the treated coal is burned, these reaction products are retained in the coal ash.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of manganese sulfate solutions having reduced levels of potassium impurity comprising blending a reduced manganese ore, an added source of water soluble aluminum ions and an aqueous acid solution to form a digestion mixture, digesting said mixture, preferably in the presence of crystals of a complex potassium-aluminum salt to form a mixed reaction product containing a liquid phase of manganese sulfate solution and recovering the liquid phase of manganese sulfate solution from said mixed reaction product.

Abstract: A process for producing an iron oxide weighting material from an iron chloride solution. The iron chloride solution is introduced into an elevated temperature reactor as an atomized mist. The moisture is evaporated from the mist to form iron chloride solids which then react with the steam produced during the evaporation to form particulate iron oxides and hydrogen chloride gas. The iron oxides then are compacted and introduced into a calcination zone maintained at a temperature in the range of from about 400.degree. C. to about 1300.degree. C. The compacted iron oxide is calcined to reduce the surface area of the particles. The calcined iron oxide then is ground to a predetermined particle size.