Abstract: A substantially water free, high solids content, stably dispersed combustible fuel slurry is provided, with a method of preparing the slurry. The slurry contains a minor amount of a solid particulate carbonaceous material such as powdered coal, with substantially the entire balance of the slurry being comprised of a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, particularly a heavy fuel oil. In extremely minor amounts are anionic surfactants, particularly soaps, and a stabilizing amount of a starch modified with an anionic polymer.

Abstract: A substantially water-free, high solid content, stable and combustible fuel slurry and the method for producing the same are disclosed. The slurry includes about 5 to about 50 weight percent of solid particulate carbonaceous material, such as powdered coal, with substantially the entire balance of the slurry being comprised of liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as Bunker C (No. 6) fuel oil, a slurry suspension stabilizing agent and a slurry viscosity reducing agent. The slurry viscosity reducing agent is preferably an anionic surfactant, which is added in an amount to reduce the viscosity of the slurry to a pumpable and flowable level without the addition of substantial quantities of water. In the process, the addition of surfactant as the slurry viscosity reducing agent prevents formation of a gel during storage of the slurry.