Abstract: A process and apparatus for dewatering water-containing mineral particles, e.g., pulverized coal and in particular, high moisture content, low rank coal, is described. In one embodiment, the process and apparatus make use of a hydrophobic dewatering aid to displace water chemically and/or interstitially bound to coal particles followed by stripping of the coal particles with a water-miscible solvent to facilitate drainage of such water from the coal particles.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for the removal of water from carbonaceous solids utilizing methyl formate.

Abstract: An integrated, continuous (or batch) process for the beneficiation and/or liquefaction of coal, especially low rank coals, is provided, the process generally involving admixing coal with an organic liquid medium under high shear agitation, further beneficiating the coal by admixing the same in an aqueous medium optionally containing a monomer and a polymerization catalyst therefor and subjecting the resultant coal product to further high shear agitation in the presence of certain organic liquid media to provide a liquefied coal extract product and a further solid coal product. Beneficiated solid and liquefied coal products are also provided.