Abstract: A dewatering system for separating water from solids in dredged slurries in real-time, parallel to the dredging of harbors, stream, and lakes. Water removed from the solids can be returned to the body of water from which it came. After the system removes debris and sand from the slurry, the system removes capillary water the remaining fines and filters out most toxic particles.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Sulfur solvent compositions are provided that have relatively low toxicity, low and not unpleasant odor, and a substantial capacity for rapidly dissolving elemental sulfur from deposits even at low temperatures and in the presence of water. The compositions comprise a reaction menstruum prepared using an amine component and a ketone component in the presence of alkanol.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a thermal installation comprising a combustion chamber fed with a fuel contaminated with vanadium, with sulphur and possibly with sodium. In particular, the combustion chamber is also fed with boron and with magnesium, in quantities such that the sodium molar ratio s=Na2SO4/V2O5, the magnesium molar ratio m=MgO/V2O5 and the boron molar ratio b=B2O3/V2O5 satisfy the equation m?3+2b?s, so that the combustion products comprise magnesium orthovanadate, mixed magnesium boron oxide and possibly sodium borate. The invention also provides for the use of such a method to inhibit corrosion of the thermal installation by vanadium oxide, possibly in the presence of sodium.

Abstract: A process for treating input coal includes treating input coal in a pyrolysis step to form coal char. The pyrolysis step includes heating the coal substantially in the absence of oxygen to remove volatile material from the coal. The volatile material evolved from the coal in the pyrolysis step is treated to separate the volatile material into gases and liquids, wherein the liquids contain condensed volatile material. A portion of the liquids is directed to the coal char, and the returned portion of the liquids is mixed with the coal char, thereby returning some of the volatile material to the coal char.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: Methods for pretreating and improving coking coal quality for producing blast-furnace coke by: (a) rapid-heating the coal charge in a fluidized-bed to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 30 to 103 ° C./min., (b) classifying the rapid-heated coal charge to fine- and coarse-size coal, and then (c-1) briquetting the fine-size coal or (c-2) rapid-heating the fine- and coarse-size coal individually in a pneumatic preheater to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 103 to 105 ° C./min., and (d) forming the fine-size coal.

Abstract: Processes and compositions are provided for decreasing emissions of mercury upon combustion of fuels such as coal. Various sorbent compositions are provided that contain components that reduce the level of mercury and/or sulfur emitted into the atmosphere upon burning of coal. In various embodiments, the sorbent compositions are added directly to the fuel before combustion; are added partially to the fuel before combustion and partially into the flue gas post combustion zone; or are added completely into the flue gas post combustion zone. In preferred embodiments, the sorbent compositions comprise a source of halogen and preferably a source of calcium. Among the halogens, iodine and bromine are preferred. In various embodiments, inorganic bromides make up a part of the sorbent compositions.

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 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: A microbiological method of desulfurization (MDS) of hydrocarbon fuels such as coal, coal tar and petroleum uses an aqueous microbial biocatalytic agent which is not significantly reproducing but is still capable of oxidizing inorganic sulfur compounds and/or of selectively cleaving sulfur-carbon bonds in organic compounds, thereby removing sulfur with insignificant losses in fuel value. Microorganisms are selected according to the type of fuel sulfur present and the environment in which the desulfurizing process is to take place. One embodiment allows droplets of highly concentrated cell-water suspensions to pass from the top surface of the fuel through to the bottom, desulfurizing along the way and removing the sulfur products of the process as well. This MDS method can be used during hydrocarbon fuel production, storage, transport, and/or processing conditions, thereby also providing an added benefit in corrosion protection of the vessels used for these functions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coal product having reduced sulfur emissions including the steps of grinding coal into a powder form having a desired particle size; blending the ground coal with hydrated lime; adding water to the blend so as to have a moisture content of between 10 and 30 weight percent and drying the water-added blend so as to have a desired reduced moisture content. The desired reduced moisture content is less than 1% of the total weight of the coal powder and the hydrated lime. The step of drying includes heating the water-added blend to a temperature of between 300 and 400° F. in an externally heated oven. Waste heat form a power plant can be used so as to head the blend.

Abstract: A device for reduction of organic sulphur from high sulphur coal which employs a reactor having three heating zones such as steam heating zone capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 450-500 degrees Celsius, a promoter zone capable of maintaining a temperature of the order of 950-1100 degrees Celsius and a reaction zone capable of maintaining a temperature in the range of 900-950 degrees Celsius. The reactor is placed inside a tubular furnace capable of providing the above temperature zones in the reactor. The furnace with the reactor inside is enclosed in a movable cabinet, the reactor and furnace being provided with energy regulators and indicators.

Abstract: Fossil fuels are combined with a hydroperoxide, a surface active agent, and an aqueous liquid to form an aqueous-organic reaction medium which is passed through an ultrasound chamber on a continuous flow-through basis. The emerging mixture separates spontaneously into aqueous and organic phases, from which the organic phase is readily isolated as the desulfurized fossil fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing thiophenic and organosulfide compounds from a fossil fuel comprising the steps of contacting the fossil fuel with hemoproteins, which oxidize the sulfur containing compounds to sulfoxides and sulfones in a reaction system containing organic solvent or not, and followed by a distillation step in which sulfoxides and sulfones are removed from the fuel. Preferred biocatalysts include hemoproteins such as chloroperoxidase from Caldariomyces fumago, and peroxidases and cytochromes from animal, plant or microbial cells. The hemoprotein biocatalyst can be contacted with the fossil fuel in free or immobilized forms. The reaction can be carried out in the presence of the fuel alone or with addition of any organic solvent. The biocatalytically oxidized fuel is then distilled in order to eliminate the heavy fraction which contains most of oxidized organosulfur compounds.

Abstract: The process of demetalization and desulphuration of a mixture of carbonaceous material in an acid medium subjecting the mixture to the influence of wave energy in the microwave range, recovering, afterwards, the sulphur and separating the treated material from the rich in metal liquors.

Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a low-sulfur fuel oil or gas from used oil and finely divided coal. After mixing, the coal/oil slurry is heated within a pressure vessel to a temperature of approximately 850.degree. F. and the pressure increased to approximately 1500 psi for a time period of more than one hour. A gaseous low-sulfur diesel fuel can be recovered from near the top of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrostatic separation of coal from toxic and pyritic elements and ash compounds. More particularly this invention relates to separation of coal from refuse material by imparting opposite electrostatic charges to coal and refuse particles, passing them between oppositely charged electrodes and mechanically separating the electrostatically attracted diverging coal and refuse particles. The electrostatic attraction and divergent separation process is maximized by performing the charging and separation functions within a continuously vacuum reduced atmosphere. The use of a vacuum exhaust to continuously remove water and water vapor can prevent charge dissipation of the coal particles through charge transfer to water and water vapor. Additionally, the vacuum reduced atmosphere can prevent impairment of electrostatic influence due to gas turbulence.

Abstract: A method for producing fuels based on solid carbonaceous natural fuels which are particularly suited for non-polluting thermal power generation with gas and steam turbines in a combined cycle which is characterized in that the flow of finely-divided natural fuel is pyrolyzed at superatmospheric pressure, suitably 5 to 20 bar, and >700.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a fuel coal processing system having a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and an electrostatic type coal purifier and an optional fuel coal size classifier all combined into one integral, cooperatively acting fuel coal preparation device in one embodiment, and a centrifugal type coal pulverizer and fuel coal size classifier combined in a second embodiment. The centrifugal type coal pulverizer may be a counter rotating cup and ring assembly for breaking apart the coal particles and impurities. The coal particles and impurities leave the pulverizer in flat, radiating, sheet pattern which passes through the electrostatic purifier or separator. The electrostatic separator has a pair of plates which are oppositely charged and arranged next to the pulverizer. The top plate is negatively charged to attract the positively charged pure coal particles and repel the negatively charged pyritic particles.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal, to liquid products using one or more polyoxoanions selected from those represented by:[(C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1).sub.4 N].sub.a M.sub.b O.sub.c H.sub.d, where n=1 to 8, a=2 to 6, b=2 to 12, c=7 and M is a metal selected from Groups VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: The method of the subject invention comprises a method and apparatus for removing sulfur in coal prior to combustion. In a fluid bed reactor, coal particles pass through a gaseous medium of air and superheated steam in a fluidized state under pressure. A continuous spray of atomizing water forms an aqueous thin film on the coal particles moving in the fluid bed. The thin aqueous film oxides the sulfur compounds contained within the coal. Usable coal is discharged from the fluid bed reactor as a portion of the discharge gas is vented and a portion of discharge gas recycled.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfur from sulfur-bearing materials such as coal and petroleum products using organophosphine and organophosphite compounds is provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating coal to reduce the emissions of sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride gases upon combustion. In the subject method, coal is washed with a calcium anion wash solution, such as calcium hydroxide solution, and then separated from the wash solution. The treated coal exhibits reduced emissions of both sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride gas on combustion as compared with untreated coal.

Abstract: A vibrating bed pyrolysis system has a vibrating bed which is supplied with hot solid particles. Dry coal particles are rapidly heated by the hot solid particles to drive off hydrocarbon vapors. The vapors are condensed in a jet condenser, and products are flowed to a header tank. A portion of the liquid product is stored at room temperature for later use. A small portion of the liquid product is pumped from the header tank and cooled to ambient temperature and is sprayed in the jet condenser, which is positioned above the vibrating pyrolysis bed. A dryer bed vibrated by the same vibrating machine which vibrates the pyrolysis bed is supplied with hot solid particles and the crushed coal. Moisture in the coal particles is evaporated, and water vapors entrain coal fines before the coal particles are passed to the pyrolysis bed. The hot solid particles are taken from a fluidized bed combustor and are returned to the combustor with the coal char particles by entrainment into the gas lift system.

Abstract: First, nitrogen oxides are reduced by firing coal in substoichiometric air conditions in a first stage oxidation unit of a combustor to reduce NO.sub.x from fuel bound nitrogen. Hydrated lime, Ca(OH).sub.2, is introduced into the first stage oxidation unit to produce calcium sulfide. The calcium sulfide becomes tied up in a slag eutectic which is removed prior to entry of the fuel gas to a second stage oxidation unit at the entrance of a furnace where additional preheated air is added to the fuel gas.

Abstract: A method for the removal of sulfur from sulfur-bearing materials such as coal and petroleum products using organophosphine and organophosphite compounds is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desulfurizing coal is provided. The method involves combining non-pulverized sulfur containing coal with an adsorbent material, such as aluminum oxide, in a vessel, irradiating the coal/adsorbent combination with microwave energy sufficient to subject the coal/adsorbent combination to a temperature of between about 250.degree. F. and about 650.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to cause the release of sulfur from the coal as a gas. A magnetic field may be provided around the vessel to concentrate the microwave energy being introduced into the vessel within the vicinity of the magnetic field to enhance the release of the sulfur from the coal. The adsorbent is admixed with the coal during and after the heating step to adsorb some of the gaseous sulfur liberated from the coal. The apparatus capable of performing this method includes a heating section, a mixing section, a screening section and a gas treatment section.

Abstract: A method of deeply desulfurizing a fossil fuel which contains a variety of organic sulfur compounds, some of which are labile to hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and some of which are refractory to HDS, comprising the steps of (a) subjecting the fossil fuel to HDS or a similar method of desulfurizing labile organic sulfur compounds, and b) subjecting the fossil fuel to biocatalytic desulfurization (BDS) using a biocatalyst which is capable of selectively liberating sulfur from HDS-refractory organic sulfur compounds. In this manner, a fossil fuel is produced which does not generate sufficient levels of hazardous, sulfur-containing combustion products that it requires post-combustion desulfurization when it is burned. Moreover, the deeply desulfurized fossil fuel can be produced using only a mild HDS treatment, rather than requiring conditions which may be severe enough to be detrimental to the fuel value of the desired product.

Abstract: An improved process for reducing sulfur oxide emissions from the combustion of coal is disclosed wherein a fuel mixture comprising calcium-containing sorbent and coal is fed to the burners and sulfur oxides react with calcium from the sorbent in a high temperature sulfur capture region, followed by additional sulfur capture in a lower temperature, high humidity sulfur capture region prior to separation of particulates from the flue gas. Sulfur capture using calcium-containing sorbents can be combined with aggressive coal beneficiation techniques to further enhance reduction of sulfur oxide emissions. The process of the invention provides a process for reducing sulfur oxides that efficiently uses calcium-containing sorbents to enhance sulfur capture while reducing the need for expensive equipment or process modifications.

Abstract: A microbial process for selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds which may be used for reducing the sulfur content of sulfur-containing organic carbonaceous materials, Microorganisms of Rhodococcus rhodochrous and Bacillus sphaericus have been found which have the ability of selective cleavage of organic C--S bonds. Particularly preferred microorganisms are Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain ATCC 53968 and Bacillus sphaericus strain ATCC 53969 and their derivatives.

Abstract: A process for chemical desulfurization of coal, in which coal is brought into contact with a desulfurizing agent after or while the coal is irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby to give remarkably high desulfurization ratios and remarkably high yields of low sulfur coal.

Abstract: A method for site remediation for mitigating contamination from metals or metal compounds, particularly resulting from the situation of mine tailing waste on or near water sources, including the reprocessing and redeposit of separated sands and slimes in-site in a manner to encourage rather than inhibit leaching of residuals by chelating agents or biological agents with recovery of leachate and removal of metals or metal compounds.

Abstract: Fine particle coal is beneficiated in specially designed dense medium cyclones to improve particle acceleration and enhance separation efficiency. Raw coal feed is first sized to remove fine coal particles. The coarse fraction is then separated into clean coal, middlings, and refuse. Middlings are comminuted for beneficiation with the fine fraction. The fine fraction is deslimed in a countercurrent cyclone circuit and then separated as multiple fractions of different size specifications in dense medium cyclones. The dense medium contains ultra-fine magnetite particles of a narrow size distribution which aid separation and improves magnetite recovery. Magnetite is recovered from each separated fraction independently, with non-magnetic effluent water from one fraction diluting feed to a smaller-size fraction, and improving both overall coal and magnetite recovery.

Abstract: A process for producing enhanced quality adsorbent carbons and environmentally acceptable materials for energy production from coal includes an initial step of physically cleaning the coal to remove organic sulfur and mineral tailings. Next, a coal slurry of feedstock and water is prepared. Phosphoric acid is then mixed into the water of the coal slurry to provide by volume 15-85% and more preferably 50-85% phosphoric acid. The slurry is then heated and held in a temperature range between 85.degree. and 230.degree. C. for a period of at least five minutes to allow the phosphoric acid to penetrate deeply into the coal. Then the coal slurry is carbonized at a temperature of between 200.degree.-700.degree. C. for at least five to sixty minutes. The processing produces unique products including a low ash content, low sulfur content carbon solid, a tar with a sulfur content of less than 0.05% of the original feedstock and a gas product having a hydrogen to methane ratio of at least 4:1.

Abstract: The sulfur in bituminous coal can be converted to calcium sulfate instead of sulfur dioxide during combustion when it is mixed with petroleum pitch and calcium oxide, calcium carbonate or dolomite.

Abstract: An additional step directed to the Starbuck process of desulfurizing coal and ores, as described and claimed in reissue patent No. RE. 32,454 dated Jul. 7, 1987, including the treatment of non-weathered coal ore to simulate weathered coal ore. Several approaches are presented which result in increased sulfur removal and increased pyrite removal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically beneficiating a raw sample, such as coal or lunar soil is disclosed. The beneficiation is achieved using a novel of fractionating the sample into components of different magnetic susceptibilities. The results of the fractionation may be used to determine the type of magnet to be employed for large scale operations, as well as the appropriate fraction or fractions to be recovered for further processing.

Abstract: A method for the beneficiation of coal by selective agglomeration and the beneficiated coal product thereof is disclosed wherein coal, comprising impurities, is comminuted to a particle size sufficient to allow impurities contained therein to disperse in water, an aqueous slurry is formed with the comminuted coal particles, treated with a compound, such as a polysaccharide and/or disaccharide, to increase the relative hydrophilicity of hydrophilic components, and thereafter the slurry is treated with sufficient liquid agglomerant to form a coagulum comprising reduced impurity coal.

Abstract: Coal is desulfurized by oxidation to convert organic sulfur moieties in the coal matrix to sulfates, and by treatment with a sulfatase to cleave the sulfates and thereby remove organic sulfur.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating sulphur bearing coal comprising pulverizing the coal, mixing it with water, a reagent and free air and pumping the resulting mixture to a classifier to separate the coal from sulphur and clay, all at the mine site. The resulting pure coal slurry is then pumped to a plant site where it is mixed with acid and bacteria. The resulting slurry is pumped to a bacteria digester wherein it is recirculated to provide maximum contact of bacteria and coal, completing the removal of sulphur. The resulting slurry is introduced into a mixer wherein the bacteria is neutralized by a reagent, raising the pH above 7 to destroy the bacteria and simultaneously aerating the mixture to treat the effuent. The desulphurized coal is treated by drying apparatus to provide a final purified coal product.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, wash water, and acid. Contacting the coal with the caustic produces water-soluble compounds. Sufficient wash water is used to reduce the temperature of the caustic treated coal and dissolve the bulk of the water-soluble compounds before the water-soluble compounds convert to water-insoluble compounds that precipitate on the caustic-treated coal. Caustic removed from the coal by the water is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, water, carbonic acid, and a strong acid. Caustic removed from the coal by the water and the carbonic acid is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for reducing sulphur dioxide emission from burning coal containing sulphur. In the disclosed process, pulverized combustible materials, such as coal, wood flour, combustible plant, charcoal, etc., and a sulphur trapping agent composition are mixed homogeneously to form an admixture which is ground to powder with dimension from about 30 mesh to about 60 mesh. With an improved roll briquetter of the present invention, briquettes with a microporous surface layer of said admixture powder can be prepared. In such briquettes, the atomic ratio of calcium in the sulphur trapping agent composition to sulphur in the pulverized coal is within the range of from about 1.0 to about 2.0. Microporous pellets of said admixture having opening-porosity are also prepared with conventional roll briquetter. The diameter of the prepared pellets is within the range from about 8 mm to about 20 mm. A layer of said pellets covers the surface of pulverized coal in a burner for combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for desulfurizing and denitrifying coal by pyrolysis and subsequently treating the gaseous pyrolysis by-products with a solid sorbent to substantially reduce the release of SO.sub.x gases to acceptable levels. In one aspect of the invention, coal is pyrolyzed in the inner chamber of the desulfurization and denitrification apparatus to drive off the sulfur and nitrogen compounds contained therein. In another aspect of the invention, the gaseous by-products of pyrolysis are treated with a solid sorbent in the outer chamber of the desulfurization and denitrification apparatus to substantially desulfurize those gases. In a further aspect of the invention, the desulfurized gases, which contain nitrogen compounds, are combusted under controlled conditions to minimize the production of NO.sub.x gases.

Abstract: The separation of cationic materials from an ore body is assisted by the application of an electric potential, and resulting current, to the ore body, in association with iron or sulphur oxidizing bacteria. The combined process induces migration of cationic metals to a cathode suspended within the ore body so that the cationic metal can be preferentially separated from the ore body.