Abstract: A method for feeding an extrudable fuel into a pressurized combustion chamber includes extruding the fuel through a screw extruder and introducing the extruding fuel into the chamber through a passage at the end of the extruder. The passage has reduced cross-sectional area compared to that of the extruder, so that extruded fuel is compacted and provides a pressure seal for the chamber. The compacted fuel is atomized as it is introduced into the combustion chamber, so that the fuel is broken up into particles and dispersed into the chamber. Apparatus for carrying out the invention includes a screw extruder having a helically shaped screw of constant radius affixed to the outer surface of a rotatable shaft. A frusto-conically shaped member is attached to the end of the shaft and disposed through the end of the extruder so that an annular opening is defined between the outer surface of the member and the inner surface of the extruder body.

Abstract: Particulates are both filtered from a product stream and recycled to an associated reactor by a filtration means disposable in a product stream outlet port of the reactor.

Abstract: An improved extrusion apparatus and process are described for the preparation of a rod-like body from a coal-containing particulate mixture. Improvements are disclosed for depositing lubricant directly onto the outer surface of the forming body as it is passed into a die received over a discharge portion of the extruder barrel. Reductions in requisite power input to the extruder are thereby effectuated.

Abstract: Improved extrusion apparatus is shown for the preparation of a rod-like body from a coal-containing particulate mixture. Control mechanisms are disclosed for automatically controlling the throughput resistance experienced by the rod-like (or a developing version thereof) body through a die. Portions of the die wall near the outlet end thereof are adapted for inward displacement in response to these control mechanisms. This embodiment may also be coupled with a longitudinally movable die and control means for adjusting the length of the consolidating coal-containing mixture in contact with the surface of the movable die.

Abstract: Improved extrusion apparatus is shown for the preparation of a rod-like body from a coal-containing particulate mixture. Control means are disclosed for manually or automatically infinitely adjusting the length, within a preselected range, of the consolidating coal-containing mixture in contact with the surface of the die in response to selected parameters. In the preferred embodiment the operative length of the die may be varied by the control means.

Abstract: Improved extrusion apparatus is shown for the preparation of a rod-like body from a coal-containing particulate mixture. Control means are disclosed for manually or automatically infinitely adjusting the length, within a preselected range, of the consolidating coal-containing mixture in contact with the surface of the die in response to selected parameters. In the preferred embodiment the operative length of the die may be varied by the control means.

Abstract: Improved extrusion apparatus is shown for the preparation of a rod-like body from a coal-containing particulate mixture. Control mechanisms are disclosed for automatically controlling the throughput resistance experienced by the rod-like (or a developing version thereof) body through a die. Portions of the die wall near the outlet end thereof are adapted for inward displacement in response to these control mechanisms. This embodiment may also be coupled with a longitudinally movable die and control means for adjusting the length of the consolidating coal-containing mixture in contact with the surface of the movable die.