Abstract: A process of treating high sulfur coal to reduce sulfur dioxide emission when the high sulfur coal is burned comprising placing coal in pressure tank (16) of reduced pressure pressure sufficient to fracture a portion of the coal by withdrawing ambient fluids trapped within the coal. The fractured coal is contacted with an aqueous silica colloid composition supersaturated with calcium carbonate via conduit (21), and the majority of the aqueous composition is then removed from contact with the coal. The aqueous composition-treated coal is pressurized in pressure tank (16) under a carbon dioxide atmosphere for a period of time sufficient for the calcium carbonate to enter fractures in the coal produced in the first step.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.

Abstract: The novel features of this invention include a bio-based binding-agent and a manufacturing process which—together with conventional production equipment—comprise a very low-cost system for making strong and water-insoluble products from a variety of particulate feedstocks, including finely-divided lignocellulosic fiber and particles, or fines, of chemically-inert materials. This binding-agent—process combination is uniquely suited to the manufacture of water-impermeable agglomerates from granular and powdery materials—including minerals, metal particles and carboniferous fines no courser than about one cm—and to creation of composite materials from particulated forestry residues, crop wastes and paper byproducts. Of particular commercial interest is the production of synthetic fuel from moist fine coal without the input of the thermal energy normally required for dewatering and drying the feedstock, and for curing prior art bonding agents.

Abstract: According to the present invention, carbon foams are produced largely in accordance with the methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/902,828, but with starting materials that comprise from about 10 to about 90% by weight of ground petroleum pitch and from about 90 to about 10% by weight of bituminous coal particulate exhibiting a free swell index of from about 3.5 to about 5.0.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of coal-based carbon foams from a coal particulate starting material that comprises blending from 1 to about 10% by weight of pitch with the coal particulate before foaming. Blends of coal-based particulate with 1 to about 10% by weight of pitch as well as coal-based carbon foams manufactured from such blends are also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a synthetic fuel from coal comprising reacting the coal with a polymer composition comprising an aqueous solution or an aqueous emulsion of one or more reactive polymers, the reactive polymers selected from the group consisting of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers, poly(vinyl acetate), vinyl acetate/acrylic acid copolymers, poly(vinyl acetate/acrylic acid/ethylene), acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers and poly(acrylamide).

Abstract: Coal beneficiation is achieved by suspending coal fines in a colloidal suspension of microscopic gas bubbles in water under atmospheric conditions to form small agglomerates of the fines adhered by the gas bubbles. The agglomerates are separated, recovered and resuspended in water. Thereafter, the pressure on the suspension is increased above atmospheric to deagglomerate, since the gas bubbles are then re-dissolved in the water. During the deagglomeration step, the mineral matter is dispersed, and when the pressure is released, the coal portion of the deagglomerated gas-saturated water mixture reagglomerates, with the small bubbles now coming out of the solution. The reagglomerate can then be separated to provide purified coal fines without the mineral matter.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of smokeless (low CO2—CO emitting) boiler fuels which have been obtained by careful temperature control and the addition of waste, trash or other carbonaceous material during carbonization of various coal materials such as tar sands, bituminous coal, peat lignite, and oil shale.

Abstract: A process of making coal fines into a commercially viable fuel product using tall oil and tall oil pitch emulsions. The tall oil based emulsions are sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.

Abstract: A process of upgrading low rank coal, including subjecting the low rank coal to pyrolysis in a liquid phase such as in an organic solvent at a temperature of 400-450° C.

Abstract: An ablation resistant, monolithic, activated, carbon foam produced by the activation of a coal-based carbon foam through the action of carbon dioxide, ozone or some similar oxidative agent that pits and/or partially oxidizes the carbon foam skeleton, thereby significantly increasing its overall surface area and concurrently increasing its filtering ability. Such activated carbon foams are suitable for application in virtually all areas where particulate or gel form activated carbon materials have been used. Such an activated carbon foam can be fabricated, i.e. sawed, machined and otherwise shaped to fit virtually any required filtering location by simple insertion and without the need for handling the “dirty” and friable particulate activated carbon foam materials of the prior art.

Abstract: A process and an installation for treating solid carbonaceous material comprises heating the material to a temperature of about 1800° C. or higher, by means of a non-transfer arc generated plasma flame. This causes components of, or present in, the carbonaceous material to be gasified and thus to be separated or removed from any residual solid material as a hot gas phase, with residual solid material being obtained as a product. The installation comprises a vertical shaft non-transfer arc plasma reactor comprising an upper preheating zone (14) an intermediate reaction zone (16) in which at least one non-transfer arc plasma generator or reactor (40) is located and a lower cooling zone (18).

Abstract: Fuel such as coal is combusted in a staged combustion device in a method comprising feeding into a first combustion stage of said furnace said fuel and gaseous oxidant containing more than 21 vol. % oxygen, and preferably 21.8 to 29 vol. % oxygen, at a stoichiometric ratio below that which, if the stage were operated with air as the only oxidant, would produce the same amount of NOx, and combusting said fuel with said gaseous oxidant in said combustion stage to produce combustion products and unburned fuel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for heating a solid material in a process vessel are disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) supplying a charge of the solid material to the vessel to form a packed bed; (b) supplying a fluid to the packed bed to pressurise the contents of the vessel; (c) supplying steam to the vessel to heat the solid material in the packed bed by indirect heat exchange while maintaining the contents of the vessel under pressure; and (d) controlling the operating conditions in step (c). The operating conditions in step (c) are controlled to transfer heat to the solid material and allow water in the solid material to be removed as a liquid phase in a first “wet” stage of the method and to transfer heat to the solid material to boil at least a part of the remaining water from the solid material as a vapor phase in a second “dry” stage of the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-density coal-water mixed fuel and a producing method thereof and aims to reduce an amount of dispersant to be used in the coal-water mixed fuel having the good fluidity with the increased density and obtain the a coal-water mixed fuel from pulverized coals produced by dry milling at low cost. According to this invention, in case of obtaining the high-density coal-water mixed fuel such as a CWM by mixing the pulverized coals ground to provide a predetermined particle size distribution, water and the dispersant, the hydrophilic colloid which causes the protective effect with respect to the pulverized coals is added and mixed preferably before adding the dispersant so that the high-density coal-water mixed fuel which includes the hydrophilic colloid and a reduced amount of a surface active agent used can be provided.

Abstract: A system and process for agglomerating and processing carbonaceous fines is provided. The process includes powdering the carbonaceous fines, mixing the powdered carbonaceous fines with an organic liquid creating a slurry, adding a predetermined amount of an aqueous electrolyte to the slurry creating agglomerated particles, settling the large agglomerated particles resulting in a settled mixture of agglomerated coal fines and reagent liquor, and separating the agglomerated coal fines from the reagent liquor.

Abstract: As one of the coal reforming treatment steps constituting a coal reforming process, an oxidation treatment step is carried out on a circular grate. For this purpose, there is used a coal reforming apparatus comprising a circular grate, the circular grate being separated into a plurality of zones which include fixed bed zones and mixing zones for fluidizing the coal properly between adjacent fixed bed zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic fuels, additives for use in preparing synthetic fuels and methods for producing synthetic fuel. The synthetic fuels include low levels of a chemical change additive selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth oxides and hydroxides and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the synthetic fuel further includes low levels of a second chemical change additive, which is a petroleum hydrocarbon material.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treating using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Pyrolysis products may be produced from the formation. After pyrolysis, the temperature of the portion may be raised to a synthesis gas production temperature. A synthesis gas producing fluid may be introduced into the formation to generate synthesis gas. After synthesis gas production, the portion may be cooled and used to store carbon dioxide or other fluids.

Abstract: The invention described is a process for improving the performance of a commercial coal or lignite fired boiler system by supplementing its normal coal supply with a controlled quantity of thermally beneficiated low rank coal, (TBLRC). This supplemental TBLRC can be delivered either to the solid fuel mill (pulverizer) or directly to the coal burner feed pipe. Specific benefits are supplied based on knowledge of equipment types that may be employed on a commercial scale to complete the process. The thermally beneficiated low rank coal can be delivered along with regular coal or intermittently with regular coal as the needs require.

Abstract: Non-fossil gaseous fuel, evolved in underwater carbon arcing, and characterized by significant heat content and substantial freedom of its combustion effluents from noxious gases and/or particulates, is similarly useful in whole or part as an additive to predominantly hydrocarbon fuels—whether in bulk storage or transport, flowing in a pipeline, fueling a cutting/welding torch, or fueling an internal-combustion engine. Dosing a predominantly hydrocarbon fuel with all or a selected part of such gaseous fuel mixture inhibits leakage and substantially diminishes noxious effluent gases and particulates as characteristic of the combustion of predominantly hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: An apparatus and process combines a mixture of hazardous waste generated by petroleum refining and/or production with a catalytic media and then process the mixture by subjecting the mixture to a heating process and a vacuum system to provide a dry solid fuel.

Abstract: A method and composition are disclosed to reduce the oxidative deterioration of bulk materials. Preferred embodiments of bulk materials include solid fuel materials, such as coal, and bulk food products. The method includes sizing a bulk material so that it has a porosity of 40% or less. This relatively low porosity reduces the surface area of the bulk material available to the ambient environment for oxidation. The method of sizing the bulk material may be combined with the step of contacting the bulk material with an inert gas or a heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A process for making a fuel product including blending a sewage sludge with an acid, mixing an oxide-containing chemical with the blended sludge so as to cause a reaction which elevates a temperature of the sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a. for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, mixing the pressurized mixed sludge with coal fines, and solidifying the mixture of pressurized mixed sludge and coal fines. The oxide-containing chemical is either calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The acid is sulfamic acid. The step of solidifying includes pelletizing the mixture. The solidified mixture has a BTU content of greater than 5000 BTU per pound.

Abstract: A method of combusting pulverized coal by mixing the pulverized coal and an oxidant gas to provide a pulverized coal-oxidant gas mixture and contacting the pulverized coal-oxidant gas mixture with a flame sufficiently hot to combust the mixture. An oxygen-containing gas is passed in contact with a dense ceramic membrane of metal oxide material having electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity that is gas-impervious until the oxygen concentration on one side of the membrane is not less than about 30% by volume. An oxidant gas with an oxygen concentration of not less than about 30% by volume and a CO2 concentration of not less than about 30% by volume and pulverized coal is contacted with a flame sufficiently hot to combust the mixture to produce heat and a flue gas. One dense ceramic membrane disclosed is selected from the group consisting of materials having formulae SrCo0.8Fe0.2Ox, SrCo0.5FeOx and La0.2Sr0.8Co0.4Fe0.6Ox.

Abstract: A process for preparing an irreversibly dried coal. In the first step of the process, a first fluidized bed reactor with a bed whose density is from about 30 to about 50 pounds per cubic foot and whose temperature is from about 480 to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit is contacted with a coal with a moisture content of from about 15 to about 30 percent, liquid phase water, inert gas, and air. The comminuted and dewatered coal produced in the first fluidized bed reactor is then passed to a second fluidized bed with a density of from about 30 to about 50 pounds per cubic foot and a temperature of from about 215 to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, to which water, inert gas, and from about 0.5 to about 3.0 weight percent of mineral oil with an initial boiling point of at least about 900 degrees Fahrenheit is also fed; the temperature of the comminuted and dewatered coal is reduced to the temperature of from about 215 to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit in less than about 120 seconds.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the passivation or deactivation with resp to oxygen of a carbonaceous material by the exposure of the carbonaceous material to an oxygenated gas in which the oxygenated gas pressure is increased from a first pressure to a second pressure and then the pressure is changed to a third pressure. Preferably a cyclic process which comprises exposing the carbonaceous material to the gas at low pressure and increasing the pressure to a second higher pressure and then returning the pressure to a lower pressure is used. The cycle is repeated at least twice wherein the higher pressure may be increased after a selected number of cycles.

Abstract: A method of magnetic activation of solid, liquid and gas media, especially oal dust and other hydrocarbon fuels, consists in that media are treated by asymmetrical magnetic field produced by permanent magnets of diversified and asymmetrical capacity densities of magnetic field energy between the poles `N` and `S` of the magnets. The value of energy at the side of one of the poles equals up to 190% of the value of magnetic field energy density of the opposite sign pole. A device working according to the invention method is characterized in that the above described `asymmetrical` magnets are mounted to a casing made of para-, dia-, and ferromagnetic materials, the magnets forming piles and at least a half of them being `asymmetrical` magnets.

Abstract: In a coal-water slurry producing system, low grade coal is wet-ground to not greater than 3 mm in particle size to produce a ground coal slurry. An upgrading treatment is applied to the ground coal slurry under a pressurized hydrothermal atmosphere not less than 300.degree. C. to produce an upgraded coal slurry. The upgraded coal slurry is subjected to a dehydration treatment to produce an upgraded coal cake and a filtrate. A final coal-water slurry is produced from the upgraded coal cake. The filtrate is recycled for producing the ground coal slurry. A slurry transfer mechanism is provided in the coal-water slurry producing system for ensuring a stable transfer of the upgraded coal slurry from a high-pressure slurry vessel to a low-pressure slurry vessel.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of coal particles from coal tailings is described. The process comprises the steps of initially treating the coal tailings to separate therefrom a proportion of the coal particles having sizes in a specified range, and then subjecting the coal particles to a heat treatment process. In one embodiment, the separated coal particles can undergo an agglomeration in oil prior to the heat treatment. The process provides a further means of recovering coal particles of certain sizes from slurries.

Abstract: A composition and method for applying to a coal product for dust suppression, water repellency, and spontaneous combustion potential reduction. The composition includes molasses and a hydrocarbon-based solution, such as an oil-containing solution. The oil-containing solution is substantially free of water and may comprise about 20% asphalt. Both the molasses and the oil-containing solution may comprise at least about 40% of the total composition by weight. The method of applying the composition includes reducing a moisture content of a plurality of pieces of coal, cooling the plurality of pieces of coal after said reducing step and treating the plurality of pieces of coal after the reducing step, with a composition comprising an oil and molasses.

Abstract: The use of pulverized coal as the fuel to be injected into metallurgical or combustion furnace becomes possible enabled by improving the transportability thereof. Further, a pulverized coal is provided, which is inhibiting from bridging or channeling in a hopper, or piping choking. A water-soluble inorganic salt having a polar group is made to adhere to pulverized coal which is prepared from raw coal having an average HGI of 30 or above and which is in a dry state at the injection port of a metallurgical or combustion furnace, The inorganic salt is selected from among BaCl.sub.2, CaCl.sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.2).sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ca(ClO).sub.2, K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, KCl, MgCl.sub.2, MgSO.sub.4, NH.sub.4 BF.sub.4, NH.sub.4 Cl, (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, NaCl, NaClO.sub.3, NaNO.sub.2, NaNO.sub.3, NaOH, Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3, Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.5, HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, H.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and HCl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-density coal-water mixed fuel and a producing method thereof and aims to reduce an amount of dispersant to be used in the coal-water mixed fuel having the good fluidity with the increased density and obtain the a coal-water mixed fuel from pulverized coals produced by dry milling at low cost. According to this invention, in case of obtaining the high-density coal-water mixed fuel such as a CWM by mixing the pulverized coals ground to provide a predetermined particle size distribution, water and the dispersant, the hydrophilic colloid which causes the protective effect with respect to the pulverized coals is added and mixed preferably before adding the dispersant so that the high-density coal-water mixed fuel which includes the hydrophilic colloid and a reduced amount of a surface active agent used can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to reduce oxidative deterioration of bulk materials. Preferred embodiments of bulk materials include solid fuel materials, such as coal, and bulk food products. The method includes contacting a bulk material with a heat transfer medium to reduce the temperature of the bulk material below ambient temperature, and preferably below about 10.degree. C. In this manner, the rate of oxidation is sufficiently low so that significant losses, such as the loss of thermal values in of fuel material, are avoided. The heat transfer medium can be solid or fluid and in a preferred embodiment is liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A process for preparing an irreversibly dried coal. In the first step of the process, a first fluidized bed reactor with a bed whose density is from about 30 to about 50 pounds per cubic foot and whose temperature is from about 480 to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit is contacted with a coal with a moisture content of from about 15 to about 30 percent, liquid phase water, inert gas, and air. The comminuted and dewatered coal produced in the first fluidized bed reactor is then passed to a second fluidized bed with a density of from about 30 to about 50 pounds per cubic foot and a temperature of from about 215 to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, to which water, inert gas, and from about 0.5 to about 3.0 weight percent of mineral oil with an initial boiling point of at least about 900 degrees Fahrenheit is also fed; the temperature of the comminuted and dewatered coal is reduced to the temperature of from about 215 to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit in less than about 120 seconds.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coal agglomerates for use in a direct smelting reducing furnace is disclosed, in which a fine coal is agglomerated at a high temperature in a simple manner, or anthracite or low free swelling coal having a low free swelling index is mixed with the fine coal, and the mixture is agglomerated at a high temperature, thereby turning the low quality coal to useful purpose. The present invention is characterized in that a fine coal having a free swelling index of 3.0 or more and a particle size of 8 mm or less, or the fine coal mixed with 70 weight % of anthracite or a low free swelling coal, is maintained at 600.degree. C. or over for 5 minutes or more, thereby manufacturing coal agglomerates for use in a direct smelting reducing furnace.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent-metal complex. The process includes oxidizing a sorbent precursor and contacting the sorbent precursor with a metallic species. The process further includes chemically reacting the sorbent precursor and the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. In one particular aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the sorbent precursor is transformed into sorbent particles during the oxidation step. These sorbent particles then are contacted with the metallic species and chemically reacted with the metallic species, thereby forming a sorbent-metal complex. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a process for forming a sorbent-metal complex in a combustion system. The process includes introducing a sorbent precursor into a combustion system and subjecting the sorbent precursor to an elevated temperature sufficient to oxidize the sorbent precursor and transform the sorbent precursor into sorbent particles.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for discriminating a coal species, discriminating values of coal species/properties are prepared corresponding to coal ranks, a coal to be discriminated is irradiated with near-infrared rays having different wavelengths, and light of near-infrared rays reflected from the coal is received; Aborbances of the coal are acquired, and the coal species/property discriminating value of the coal is discriminated on the basis of the absorbances and a prescribed calibration curve.

Abstract: A process for reducing the spontaneous combustion tendencies of thermally beneficiated low rank coals employing heat, air or an oxygen containing gas followed by an optional moisture addition. Specific reaction conditions are supplied along with knowledge of equipment types that may be employed on a commercial scale to complete the process.

Abstract: An aqueous dust suspression and dewatering fluid comprising one or more surfactants and at least one high terpene-containing natural oil. The fluid can be used in a formulation of water dosed with the aqueous dust suspression and dewatering fluid for the abatement of dust and dewatering of particulate material. Methods are described for the abatement of dust and dewatering of particulate material using the formulation.

Abstract: A process for preparing an irreversibly dried coal. In the first step of this process, there is provided a fluidized bed reactor with a fluidized bed density of from about 20 to about 40 pounds cubic feet, which is at a temperature of from about 480 to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit. To this reactor is fed coal with a moisture content of from about 25 to about 30 percent, an oxygen content of from about 10 to about 20 percent, and a volatile matter content of from about 35 to about 45 percent; also fed to this reactor is from about 0.5 to about 3.0 weight percent (by weight of dried coal) of mineral oil with an initial boiling point of at least about 900 degrees Fahrenheit. A coated coal is produced in the reactor, and it is subjected to a temperature of from about 480 to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit for from about 1 to about 5 minutes while simultaneously being comminuted and dewatered.

Abstract: Aa process for preparing an irreversibly dried coal which utilizes a fluidized bed reactor with a fluidized bed density of from about 20 to about 40 pounds cubic feet which is at a temperature of from about 150 to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. To this reactor is fed coal with a moisture content of from about 25 to about 30 percent, an oxygen content of from about 10 to about 20 percent, and a volatile matter content of from about 35 to about 45 percent; and it is subjected to a temperature of from about 150 to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit for from about 1 to about 5 minutes while simultaneously being comminuted and dewatered. The comminuted and dewatered coal is passed to a second fluidized bed reactor with a fluidized bed density of from about 20 to about 40 pounds per cubic foot and a reactor temperature of from about 480 to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Also fed to this second fluidized bed reactor is from about 0.5 to about 3.0 weight percent of mineral oil.

Abstract: A process for preparing an irreversibly dried coal in which coal with a moisture content of from about 5 to about 30 percent and a combined oxygen content of from about 10 to about 20 percent, and mineral oil with an initial boiling point of at least about 900 degrees Fahrenheit, are fed to a fluidized bed reactor with a fluidized bed density of from about 10 to about 40 pounds per cubic foot. The coal becomes coated with the mineral oil, and the coated coal is maintained within the fluidized bed at a temperature of from about 225 to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit for from about 1 to about 5 minutes while simultaneously comminuting and dewatering the coated coal.

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 method is provided for reducing the nitrogen oxide content of a flue gas produced by the combustion of fuel by introducing a nitrogen oxide removal agent into either the nitrogen oxide contaminated flue gas or the fuel to be combusted. The nitrogen oxide removal agent is the reaction product of a carbon compound in a pyrolysis liquor and a nitrogen compound such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or urea. The carbon compound is selected from carboxylic acids, phenols, esters, aldehydes and ketones. The pyrolysis liquor is derived from a feed stock containing cellulose, lignin or starch.

Abstract: In a material handling system in which a chemical treatment and water are added to a bulk solid, a method and apparatus for minimizing the amount of moisture added to the bulk solid while effectively controlling dust in the system. A moisture analyzing means monitors the surface moisture level of the bulk solid, and a calibration/measuring means determines the proper amount of chemical and water to be fed to the system for dust control. There are associated means for feeding the chemical treatment and water to the bulk solid, and a dust analyzing means, which monitors dust levels in the system and sends an electrical signal to the calibration/measuring means in order to adjust chemical feed and water flow in the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to reduce oxidative deterioration of bulk materials. Preferred embodiments of bulk materials include solid fuel materials, such as coal, and bulk food products. The method includes contacting a bulk material with a heat transfer medium to reduce the temperature of the bulk material below ambient temperature, and preferably below about 10.degree. C. In this manner, the rate of oxidation is sufficiently low so that significant losses, such as the loss of thermal values in of fuel material, are avoided. The heat transfer medium can be solid or fluid and in a preferred embodiment is liquid carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: A continuous process for treating coal to form stable coal char by passivating the coal and then rehydrating and cooling the product thereof to prevent spontaneous ignition. The process includes the steps of pyrolyzing the coal to vaporize and remove low end volatile materials and to mobilize high end volatile materials and cooling to demobilize the high end volatile materials within the at least partially collapsed micropores of the coal char to pyrolytically passivate the coal char and form a char having about 14-22 wt % high end volatiles. The pyrolytically passivated coal char is then conveyed to a reaction vessel wherein a process gas having about 3%-21% by volume oxygen flows through the reaction vessel to at least partially fluidize the coal char and oxidatively passivate the coal by chemisorption of oxygen. The passivated coal char is then substantially simultaneously rehydrated and cooled to form a stable coal char having about 5-10 wt % moisture.

Abstract: A coal preparation plant separates a low specific gravity clean coal fraction from a high specific gravity refuse fraction, and separately processes those fractions. Run of mine coal having particle sizes up to about 4 inches is mixed with a slurry of water and magnetizable particles, and is introduced into a heavy media cyclone to separate the high and low specific gravity fractions. The high specific gravity refuse fraction is delivered to a first magnetic separator to extract the magnetizable particles, while the low specific gravity clean coal fraction is delivered to a second magnetic separator to remove the magnetizable particles. The system is highly efficient and has a high processing capacity.