Abstract: A pollution arrestor removes various pollutants, such as soot, NO.sub.x, CO and hydrocarbons, from a gas stream. The pollution arrestor is composed in layers starting with a particulate filter to remove soot followed by various catalytic sections enhanced by radiofrequency microwave energy. The leaving gas is substantially reduced in pollution.

Abstract: A thermal process co-recycles tires with oils to produce gases, liquids and solids. The latter consisting of glass and steel fibers and a carbonous residue which are separately segregated and collected. By using selected additives gas formation and hydrogen sulfide contents are reduced, light product oil yields and quality are maximized and the level of chlorinated substances in the oils are reduced to trace amounts. The carbonous residue makes an excellent modifier for improving performance properties of bituminous binders and bituminous mixtures and for providing added benefits to properties of Portland concrete.

Abstract: The invention utilizes microwave catalysis to catalyze desirable liquid chemical reactions between constituents flowing as a thin film within a microwave energy waveguide. Chemical reactions enhanced by this process include the concentration of phosphoric acid by removal of bound water and the release of carbon dioxide from pregnant solutions of monoethanolamine.

Abstract: A probe for real-time in-situ monitoring for hot gas contaminants, such as alkali, uses the detection principles of condensation/vaporization temperatures or corrosion rates with electrical/optical measurements.

Abstract: A process for producing low mercury coal during precombustion procedures by releasing mercury through discriminating mild heating that minimizes other burdensome constituents. Said mercury is recovered from the overhead gases by selective removal.

Abstract: A thermal process co-recycles tires with oils to produce gases, liquids and solids. The letter consisting of glass and steel fibers and a carbonous residue which are separately segregated and collected. By using selected additives gas formation and hydrogen sulfide contents are reduced, light product oil yields and quality are maximized and the level of chlorinated substances in the oils are reduced to trace amounts. The carbonous residue makes an excellent modifier for improving performance properties of bituminous binders and bituminous mixtures and for providing added benefits to properties of Portland concrete.

Abstract: This process and reactor for char-gas oxide reactions utilizes radiofrequency catalysis to enhance desirable chemical reactions between carbon and such gas oxides. Removal of selected oxide constituents from a gas stream is a typical application.

Abstract: A process for indicator coating of SERS fiber-optic probes comprising selecting a potentially roughened probe which is enhanced with a deposited silver film and then treated by chemisorption on said probe to form a molecular-specific coating, such as by employing Eriochrome Black T for metal ions, octadecyl mercaptan for organics, or Cresol Red for pH.

Abstract: A process for upgrading and stabilizing low-rank coal involving the sequential processing of the coal through three fluidized beds; first a dryer, then a pyrolyzer, and finally a cooler. The fluidizing gas for the cooler is the exit gas from the pyrolyzer with the addition of water for cooling. Overhead gas from pyrolyzing is likely burned to furnish the energy for the process. The product coal exits with a tar-like pitch sealant to enhance its safety during storage.

Abstract: This process and reactor for char-gas oxide reactions utilizes radiofrequency catalysis to enhance desirable chemical reactions between carbon and such gas oxides. Removal of selected oxide constituents from a gas stream is a typical application.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of tank bottom wastes employing a flash tank fed with hot, pressurized tank bottom wastes and separating a vapor component and heavier bottoms then fed to a stripping reactor along with hot gas producing an overhead vapor with a solid remainder. Such remainder is alternatively fed to a pyrolyzing reactor at elevated temperatures producing vapors with a solid residue. The vapor streams are used with a regenerative heat exchanger to heat said tank bottom wastes to a temperature appropriate for entering the flash tank. Certain recycled material is employed as fuel.

Abstract: This process for oxide reactions by radiofrequency--char catalysis utilizes the unique chemical reactivity of an RF-energized char surface to enhance desirable chemical reactions involving oxides. Decomposition of selected oxide constituents from a gas stream is a typical application.

Abstract: This process to remove gas oxides from flue gas utilizes adsorption on a char bed subsequently followed by radiofrequency catalysis enhancing such removal through selected reactions. Common gas oxides include SO.sub.2 and NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing hydrogen and carbon black from hydrocarbon gases comprising mixing the hydrocarbon gases with a source of carbon and applying radiofrequency energy to the mixture. The hydrocarbon gases and the carbon can both be the products of gasification of coal, particularly the mild gasification of coal. A method is also provided for producing hydrogen an carbon monoxide by treating a mixture of hydrocarbon gases and steam with radio-frequency energy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the pyrolysis of coal which comprises the effective utilization of two zonal inclined fluidized beds, where said zones can be selectively controlled as to temperature and heating rate. The first zonal inclined fluidized bed serves as a dryer for crushed coal and additionally is controlled to selectively pyrolyze said coal producing substantially carbon dioxide for recycle use. The second zonal inclined fluidized bed further pyrolyzes the coal to gaseous, liquid and char products under controlled temperature and heating rate zones designed to economically integrate the product mix. The gas and liquid products are recovered from the gaseous effluent stream while the char which remains can be further treated or utilized in a subsequent process step.

Abstract: Coal is processed in an inclined fluidized bed dryer operated in a plug-flow manner with zonal temperature and composition control, and an inert fluidizing gas, such as carbon dioxide or combustion gas. Recycled carbon dioxide, which is used for drying, pyrolysis, quenching, and cooling, is produced by partial decarboxylation of the coal. The coal is heated sufficiently to mobilize coal tar by further pyrolysis, which seals micropores upon quenching. Further cooling with carbon dioxide enhances stabilization.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting asbestoform material into an environmentally safe material by heating the asbestoform material with an alkaline flux so as to change the crystalline structure of the asbestoform material to a form that is environmentally safe.

Abstract: A control system for accessories used with small animals and pets comprises an accessory module, such as a pet flush toilet, small animals feeder, or small animals trainer, coupled with a detector systems that senses the presence of said small animal or pet at the needed location and transmits appropriate signals to a logic control segment designed for the particular accessory module employed. Such detectors do not physically restrict small animals or pets and can be passive infrared or proximity in their principles of operation. The preferred embodiment is demonstrated by controlling an accessory module comprising a pet flush toilet system with a delay-reset logic control.