Abstract: A selectively-sized, raw, low-rank coal is processed to produce a low ash and relative water-free agglomerate with an enhanced heating value and a hardness sufficient to produce a non-decrepitating, shippable fuel. The low-rank coal is treated, under high shear conditions, in the first stage to cause ash reduction and subsequent surface modification which is necessary to facilitate agglomerate formation. In the second stage the treated low-rank coal is contacted with bridging and binding oils under low shear conditions to produce agglomerates of selected size. The bridging and binding oils may be coal or petroleum derived. The process incorporates a thermal deoiling step whereby the bridging oil may be completely or partially recovered from the agglomerate; whereas, partial recovery of the bridging oil functions to leave as an agglomerate binder, the heavy constituents of the bridging oil. The recovered oil is suitable for recycling to the agglomeration step or can serve as a value-added product.

Abstract: A method of improving control of atmospheric emission of particulate matter from the emission stack of coal combustion facilities which employ baghouse particle controllers is disclosed. The method involves injecting upstream of the baghouse a small but conditioning effective amount of ammonia gas and sulfur trioxide in sequence. When this is done, the pressure drop across the baghouse is less and the amount of particulate matter in the smoke stack emissions is reduced by significant amounts.

Abstract: A low-rank coal oil agglomeration process. High mineral content, a high ash content subbituminous coals are effectively agglomerated with a bridging oil which is partially water soluble and capable of entering the pore structure, and usually coal derived.

Abstract: A method of preparing C-5 substituted nucleotides by reacting a C-5 posit mercurated nucleoside with an alkyl or aryl disulfide in the presence of palladium(II) ion. The resulting new method for attaching linker arms to nucleic acids (DNA,RNA) provides a wide ranging reaction far more useful than those heretofore developed, and allows preparation of modified components with linking reactive functionality that allows usefulness as probes, therapeutics, and for DNA sequencing.

Abstract: A method of improving control of atmospheric emission of particulate matter from the emission stack of coal combustion facilities which employ baghouse particle controllers is disclosed. The method involves injecting upstream of the baghouse a small but effective amount of ammonia gas and sulfur trioxide. When this is done, the pressure drop across the baghouse is less and the amount of particulate matter in the smoke stack emissions is reduced by significant amounts.