Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The apparatus further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids of the apparatus can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: The invention provides a combustion process using comminuted fuel solids from a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally coated with a combustion catalyst. The method allows fuel solids to burn for energy production at low temperatures. The lower temperatures avoid emissions of nitrogen oxides, and the process also yields a clean, friable ash that has economic value.

Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and optionally a catalyst, with gasification of the free-standing or slurry particulate outputs. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.

Abstract: The invention provides a micronized form of coal particles with improved characteristics for porosity, hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces. The coal of the invention can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also has improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions of matter comprising coal body surfaces having improved characteristics for hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces, and which are compatible with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquid media. The coal body surfaces of the invention facilitate burning at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: The invention provides a process that comminutes fuel solids in a steam-driven shear field, with controlled water content and catalyst, with gasification of the particles entrained in the vented steam. Unlike conventional gasification methods the invention requires no dioxygen to be present, and produces dry friable ash that has significant marketable value as a material in its own right.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.