Abstract: An ultra-fine coal particle fraction forms a coal product with particles that are dilatant due to the mechanical stripping of the clay contaminates from the coal surface and the subdividing of the clay to clay platelets which are peptized to maintain discreetness in an aqueous slurry. The coal particles are unflocculated and can produce an aqueously permeable barrier on a sieve. The ultrafine coal product has an increase of 100-150 BTU per pound and when combusted reduced Nox production of 20-40% is realized. In a 15.times.0 micron coal fraction, the sulphur content is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dewatering an aqueous coal slurry includes imparting high shear forces to the aqueous coal slurry in the presence of a peptizing agent to render coal particles hydrophobic by stripping clay from the coal particles and peptizing the clay in the aqueous medium of the slurry. The slurry is separating to recover coal particles and the aqueous medium is draining medium from the hydrophobic surface of the coal particles.

Abstract: A process for producing a coal-water mixture includes forming dilatant coal particles in an aqueous coal feedstock mixture by treatment with ozone and classifying the coal feedstock mixture by treatment with ozone and classifying the coal feedstock to form first and second coal feed streams each comprised of differently-classified coal particles. Separate surge vessels receive the coal particles in a liquid medium forming each coal feed stream is determined and an electrical signal is delivered to a microprocessor for controlling the portions of each stream which are mixed together in the presence of a dispersing agent to form a coal-water mixture. The coal-water mixture is comprised of at least 65% by weight coal particles, preferably 70%.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing sulfur and ash, particularly clay and pyrite from coal particles having a mesh size of 30 or less. A slurry of coal particles is agitated in an ultrasonic mixer to separate the contaminants from the coal and weaken chemically-bonded contaminants on the coal surface. The clay and pyrite particles are dispersed as a colloid in the aqueous medium of the slurry. Treatment of the slurry with sonic energy also subdivides the particles along ash or clay seams. The slurry is then separated in a centrifuge and in froth-flotation cells so that coal particles greater than 2 microns are recovered and a slurry is again formed. The repulped slurry is then treated with sonic energy and ozone to release further quantities of surface components from the coal particles. The slurry is again treated in a centrifuge and coal particles 2 microns and greater are recovered.

Abstract: A process for producing a coal-water mixture includes classifying a coal feedstock to form first and second coal feed streams each comprised of differently-classified coal particles. Separate surge vessels receive the coal particles to form separate feed streams. The distribution of coal particles in a liquid medium forming each coal feed stream is determined and an electrical signal is delivered to the microprocessor for controlling the portions of each stream which are mixed together in the presence of a dispersing agent and a stabilizing agent to form a coal-water mixture. The coal-water mixture is comprised of at least 65% by weight coal particles and this may be increased to about 82% by controlling the distribution of coal particles in the liquid medium forming each of the coal feed streams.

Abstract: The burden from a tow of breast-tied strings of barges is unloaded by first mooring the tow to an access platform. The hard ties are removed from a first and then remaining string of barges after they are pulled against the platform. The barges of each string are provided with forward and aft soft ties and soft ties are provided between the forward and aft ends of successive strings. The softly-tied barges are advanced along a floating slip by a barge haul below two serially-arranged excavators. The burden is unloaded in two layers from each barge with each excavator removing one layer while the barges normally pass in only one direction continuously through the slip. After unloading, the empty barges are moored at a fleeting area where a tow is again formed by hard tieing the barges together.

Abstract: A method of developing, mining and restoring a mining property having one or more mineral bearing rock seams is provided. Three-dimensional topographic control data, mineral bearing rock seam location data, water flow data, and overburden stratification and constituency data are collected and a topographic map of the mine property is prepared. An access road is located on the map to the mineral bearing rock seams and various environmental control facilities, topsoil storage areas and overburden disposal sites are identified and located on the map. Next, the mining operations are broken into sequential phases and placed on the topographic map. Mining of the seam material is then accomplished by sequential phases. After completing the first phase, each succeeding sequential phase is completed. During each succeeding sequential phase, a portion of the mine property in the preceeding phase is preferably restored.