Abstract: A novel carbonaceous material derived from solid carbonaceous fossil fuel, in particular low rank coal, such as brown coal, having a low ash and sulphur content, is prepared by deoxygenation and dewatering in the presence of hydrogen and a solvent having hydrogen carrier properties (e.g. anthracene oil under conditions known per se for the solvent extraction of coal. The entire liqueform reaction product is distilled down without prior filtration and recovered as the product which, besides the soluble components also includes the ash and carbonaceous insolubles. The material which has a ring and ball softening point above 30.degree. C, preferably above 100.degree. C, is particularly useful for blending with coal having inferior coking properties in order to produce a coking blend useful for the production of metallurgical coke, applying conventional coking conditions.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of solvent refined coal, which comprises heating the coal while slurried in a solvent under hydrogenation conditions to substantially liquefy the coal followed by a step of separating the non-dissolved solids from the solution, e.g. by filtration, improved by the feature that a small percentage of the liquefiable matter of the coal is combined or recombined chemically with itself and/or existing insoluble matter so as to form larger particles which, e.g. acting as a filtering aid, assist in the separation of the solids from the liquid.

Abstract: A method of separating tar from solid contaminant including the steps of dissolving the tar in a compatible solvent; and separating dissolved tar from solid material. Preferably, contaminated tar is caused to flow in a stream; solvent is introduced into the stream of contaminated tar; the contaminated tar and the solvent are caused to flow together a predetermined distance to permit dissolution of tar; and a diluted tar fraction is separated from a solid contaminant fraction.

Abstract: A particulate material supply detector including a sensor element arranged to be located in particulate material in a compartment and to be displaceable by movement of the particulate material past the sensor element, the position of the sensor element being dependent on the supply of particulate material in the compartment; and actuating means operatively connected to the sensor element and arranged to perform a required operation when a predetermined minimum supply is reached.

Abstract: A method of handling hot particulate material including the steps of producing a flow of liquid coolant in which there is substantially no increase in the width of flow with increasing depth; introducing hot particulate material into the path of flow of coolant to create a temporary barrier arresting the flow of coolant; and allowing accumulated coolant to breach the barrier and carry away with it particulate material of the temporary barrier.