Abstract: A process for the dewatering of fine granular material is disclosed. During compression of the material, fluid is expressed and a small percentage of the material is intentionally permitted to escape through a self-cleaning opening in the apparatus. By maintaining the smallest dimension of the opening in the range of one to five times the diameter of the largest particle in the material, the opening remain essentially clear of any material which could cause plugging.

Abstract: A method for scrubbing sulfur dioxide from gaseous streams using a calcium salt-containing aqueous liquor having 250-5000 parts per million of magnesium ion to enable fast and efficient return to operation following a period of interruption of the gaseous flow by adjusting the pH of the liquor to a value between 9.8 and 12.0 during said interruption to convert sulfite ion species in the liquor to solid magnesium hydroxide and prevent oxidation thereof, and adding magnesium-containing lime to the liquor after resumption of the scrubbing process when the pH of the inlet liquor has dropped below 9.8 to the previous operational mode.

Abstract: The solids content of aqueous coal sludge slurries such as coal washings are stabilized in a hardened state by concentrating the solids content thereof, adding to the concentrated coal sludge 2-50% by weight of the solids of granulated blast furnace slag, with intimate mixing, and maintaining the mixture in a quiescent state and in the presence of excess water to produce a sedentary mass having load supportive properties suitable as landfill.