Abstract: In this invention, a process is disclosed characterized by heating a slurry of coal in the presence of a process-derived recycle solvent and passing same to a dissolver zone, separating the resultant gases and liquid/solid products therefrom, vacuum distilling the liquid/solids products, separating the portions of the liquid/solids vacuum distillation effluent into a solid ash, unconverted coal particles and SRC material having a boiling point above 850.degree. F. and subjecting same to a critical solvent deashing step to provide an ash-free SRC product. The lighter liquid products from the vacuum distillation possess a boiling point below 850.degree. F. and are passed through a distillation tower, from which recycled solvent is recovered in addition to light distillate boiling below 400.degree. F. (overhead).

Abstract: There is described an improved liquefaction process by which coal is converted to a low ash and low sulfur carbonaceous material that can be used as a fuel in an environmentally acceptable manner without costly gas scrubbing equipment. In the process, coal is slurried with a pasting oil, passed through a preheater and at least two dissolvers in series in the presence of hydrogen-rich gases at elevated temperatures and pressures. Solids, including mineral ash and unconverted coal macerals, are separated from the condensed reactor effluent. In accordance with the improved process, the first dissolver is operated at a higher temperature than the second dissolver. This temperature sequence produces improved product selectivity and permits the incorporation of sufficient hydrogen in the solvent for adequate recycle operations.

Abstract: A catalyst system capable of operating at very high temperatures is disclosed. The catalyst is divided into upstream and downstream portions, the upstream portion being protected against both thermal conductivity and radiant heat transfer from the downstream portion. Advantageously, the upstream portion may use a more active catalyst composition then the downstream portion.

Abstract: A process for exchanging isotopes of hydrogen, particularly tritium, between gaseous hydrogen and water is provided whereby gaseous hydrogen depeleted in tritium and liquid or gaseous water containing tritium are reacted in the presence of a metallic catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst system capable of operating at very high temperatures is disclosed. The catalyst is divided into upstream and downstream portions, the upstream portion being protected against both thermal conduction and radiant heat transfer from the downstream portion. Advantageously, the upstream portion may use a more active catalyst composition than the downstream portion.

Abstract: A method for combusting nitrogen-containing fuel by: combusting a first fuel-air mixture in the presence of a catalyst in a first stage, operated fuel-rich so that the amount of air in the first stage is substantially less than the amount needed for complete combustion; adding additional air to the effluent gas from the first stage to form a second mixture with an amount of air at least sufficient to combust fully the effluent from the first stage; and then combusting the second mixture in a second stage. The first mixture is sufficiently fuel-rich, and the second mixture contains sufficient additional air, so that the combustion temperature in the first stage is below a temperature that would result in any substantial formation of oxides of nitrogen or other fixed nitrogen compounds from atmospheric nitrogen present in the mixture being combusted, and the second stage temperature also is below that for substantial nitrogen oxide formation therefrom.