Abstract: A method for the utilization of ash from coal-fired plants, in which openss ash is drawn off when it is dry for further use. According to one embodiment of the invention, the open-pass ash is used as a raw material and fuel in cement production. According to another embodiment, the open-pass ash is used as bed sand with combustible constituents in fluidized-bed firing. According to still another embodiment, the ash is used for the purpose of influencing sinterability in the production of sintered lightweight aggregates. The mineral constituents can be separated from carbon-containing constituents, which are capable of being used as fuel or activated coke, and used as fine sand in any of these embodiments.

Abstract: In a process for preparing calcium sulphate alpha hemihydrate essentially the form of primary crystals, the hemihydrate is milled to specific surface area of 1200 to 4000 cm.sup.2 /g, the fines are removed by screening, and a retarder and liquefier in the form of at least one fruit acid and/or its or their salt(s) are admixed. The product obtained is characterized by delayed onset of rigidity, rapid development of resistance and high resistance, and is used in particular as an injection mortar.

Abstract: The process makes calcium sulfate alpha-hemihydrate or essentially plaster of paris from finely divided gypsum made by desulfurizing flue gas obtain from a power plant fired by brown coal by transforming the calcium sulfate dihydrate in the presence of saturated steam. A molded body is formed from the calcium sulfate dihydrate which has a plurality of pores. The pore volume amounts to 15 to 60% by volume of the total volume of the entire molded body. More than 5% by volume of the pore volume contains air. The molded body is fed to an autoclave. In the presence of a sufficient water quantity in the pores, the crystal habit and the crystal growth of the calcium sulfate alpha-hemihydrate crystals which grow in an aqueous solution phase are controlled by a process temperature in the range between 110.degree. to 180.degree. C. by the pressure of the treatment atmosphere in the autoclave. The molded body is removed from the autoclave after recrystallization transformation and delivered for use.

Abstract: The process makes calcium sulfate alpha-hemihydrate from finely divided calcium sulfate dihydrate by transforming the calcium sulfate dihydrate in the presence of saturated steam. A molded body is formed from the calcium sulfate dihydrate which has a plurality of pores having a pore volume amounting to 15 to 60% by volume of the total volume of the entire molded body. More than 5% by volume of the pore volume contains air. The molded body is fed to the autoclave. In the presence of a sufficient water quantity in the pores the crystal habit and the crystal growth of the calcium sulfate alpha-hemihydrate crystals which grow in an aqueous solution phase are controlled by a process temperature in the range between 110.degree. to 180.degree. C. by the pressure of the process atmosphere in the autoclave. The molded body is removed from the autoclave after recrystallization transformation and delivered for use. Key products of this process and their derivatives are also described.