Patents Assigned to Western Syncoal Company
  • Stabilized thermally beneficiated low rank coal and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 6090171
    Abstract: A process for reducing the spontaneous combustion tendencies of thermally beneficiated low rank coals employing heat, air or an oxygen containing gas followed by an optional moisture addition. Specific reaction conditions are supplied along with knowledge of equipment types that may be employed on a commercial scale to complete the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Western Syncoal Company
    Inventors: Arthur J. Viall, Jeff M. Richards
  • Stabilized thermally beneficiated low rank coal and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 5863304
    Abstract: A process for reducing the spontaneous combustion tendencies of thermally beneficiated low rank coals employing heat, air or an oxygen containing gas followed by an optional moisture addition. Specific reaction conditions are supplied along with knowledge of equipment types that may be employed on a commercial scale to complete the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Western Syncoal Company
    Inventors: Arthur J. Viall, Jeff M. Richards
  • Apparatus and method for controlling the rotary airlocks in a coal processing system by reversing the motor current rotating the air lock
    Patent number: 5575085
    Abstract: An improvement to a coal processing system where hard materials found in the coal may cause jamming of either inflow or outflow rotary airlocks, each driven by a reversible motor. The instantaneous current used by the motor is continually monitored and compared to a predetermined value. If an overcurrent condition occurs, indicating a jamming of the airlock, a controller means starts a "soft" reverse rotation of the motor thereby clearing the jamming. Three patterns of the motor reversal are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Western Syncoal Company
    Inventor: Clifton E. Groombridge