Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying preheated coal particles to a coking chamber through an enclosed pipeline by means of a pressurized inert carrier gas, wherein the coal particles are charged into the top of the coking chamber through a portion of the pipeline wherein at least the end of which is disposed vertically or not more than 30.degree. from vertical. The advantages of the top charging technique include one or more of the following: reduced carryover of fine coal during charging, increased density of the charge of coal to be coked, reduced weight of carrier gas per unit weight of coal, improved uniformity of coal bed level throughout the coking chamber, and reduced carbon deposits on surfaces of the chamber above the coal charge and in the gas off-takes.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for separating solid particles from a liquid, including both light particles which tend to flow on or close to the surface of the liquid and heavy particles which tend to sink to the bottom of the liquid. The apparatus includes: a separation tank, an inlet means, a weir, a heavy particle outlet means, and a substantially clear liquid outlet means.

Abstract: The gas jet plug assembly is adapted for introducing gas into a pipe and includes: a gas jet plug; a sleeve; and a holding cap. The sleeve is mounted on an outside surface of a wall of the pipe around the periphery of a hole in which the plug is disposed. The plug is supported by the sleeve and held in place within the sleeve by the holding cap. The plug has an interior bore which is substantially straight and disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug. The plug has one or more gas jet nozzles which communicate between the bore and the interior of the pipe. The plug has an exterior member, such as a shoulder, disposed around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the plug. The sleeve has an interior bore through which at least a portion of the plug extends. The interior bore of the sleeve has an interior member, such as a shoulder.