Abstract: The selective conversion by skeletal isomerization over steam pretreated ferrierite zeolite-based catalysts having pore sizes of at least about 4.2 Angstroms and a pore structure characterized by intersecting 10-MR and 8-MR channels. The steam pretreated ferrierite zeolite-based catalysts have sufficient acidity to catalyze the skeletal isomerization of normal olefins. The catalysts can be used to produce isoolefins for reaction with alcohols in integrated processes to produce tertiary amyl methyl ethers such as TAME.

Abstract: Normal olefins such as n-butene can be converted to branched species by skeletal isomerization over catalysts containing solid acids prepared by sulfating catalyst precursors containing hydrous metal oxides--e.g., aluminas, silica-aluminas or clays treated with sulfuric acid, metal sulfates, sulfur trioxide or organic sulfates. The catalyst precursors are sulfated sufficiently to produce the desired skeletal isomerization without substantial cracking under suitable isomerization conditions.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-solids concentration low rank coal slurry by dehydrating the coal, treating the dehydrated coal with a rehydrating inhibitor such as a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.12) straight chain hydrocarbon, and adding a surfactant to the treated coal, whereby the concentration of the solids is increased from about 5 to about 20 wt. %.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-solids concentration low rank coal slurry by dehydrating the coal, treating the dehydrated coal with a rehydrating inhibitor such as a (C.sub.3 -C.sub.12) alcohol and adding a surfactant to the treated coal, whereby the concentration of the solids is increased from about 5 to about 20 wt. %.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of unreacted particulate petroleum coke substantially comprising carbon and containing a small amount of ash substantially comprising vanadium constituents and other materials from a process for the partial oxidation of petroleum coke to produce synthesis gas is mixed with a K.sup.+ amyl xanthate vanadium collection agent and a frothing agent. After pH adjustment, if necessary, the mixture is subjected to aeration with or without mechanical agitation in a froth flotation zone. About 70 to 95 wt. % of the unconverted particulate petroleum coke particles (basis carbon) float in the froth layer that is formed. The remainder of the unconverted petroleum coke comprising coarser particles is suspended in a bottom aqueous dispersion on which the froth layer floats. In addition, selective separation of the vanadium constituents in the unconverted petroleum coke ash takes place.