Abstract: Gas-solids transport and heat exchange techniques are disclosed wherein solid particulate material is circulated in a "figure 8" or a circular flow path for selective contact and/or direct heat exchange with gaseous media. The particulate material is introduced into streams of gaseous media at spaced locations in the flow path and subsequently separated from the gaseous streams following contact and/or heat exchange therewith. The gaseous streams are maintained separate from one another by loose packed bed columns of particulate material formed in the flow path and used to introduce the particulate material into the gaseous streams. The flow rate of the particulate material is regulated by the controlled biasing of particulate material from each of the columns thereof directly into the gaseous streams, and the particulate material is circulated solely through the use of the gaseous media and the force of gravity.

Abstract: A method for heating agglomerating slurries in association with a method and apparatus for heating such slurries to supercritical conditions by electrical resistance. A feed slurry and a dilution stream are passed in admixture to a heating zone, and heated. A portion of the heated admixture is separated to provide the dilution stream, which is substantially free of agglomerating solids, to lower agglomeration in the heating zone. Preferably, the solid particles of the dilution stream are comminuted between separation of the dilution stream and before admixture with the feed slurry.

Abstract: An adiabatic expansion orifice assembly for substantially instantaneously passing a coal slurry from a high pressure region to a low pressure region and a corresponding process are disclosed. The orifice assembly includes a housing having an exit end wall and a passageway through the housing. The passageway terminates in a substantially cylindrical portion or opening adjacent the exit end wall. The effective dimensions of the opening provide a flow rate whereby the slurry passes from the high pressure region through the opening to the low pressure region in less than a predetermined period of time, most preferably less than approximately 0.3 microseconds.The corresponding process involves passing a coal slurry through an orifice in less than the predetermined period of time. This process provides substantially instantaneous transition from a high pressure region to a low pressure region.

Abstract: A shattered hydrocarbonaceous product comprising a mixture of discrete comminuted hydrocarbonaceous particles having a volumetric mean particle size equivalent to less than about 5 microns in diameter separate from or in admixture with discrete inorganic and mineral particles having a mean particle size substantially the same as in the unshattered original solid is disclosed. The shattered product is produced by the explosive comminution of a slurry of fluid permeable hydrocarbonaceous solid which was heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions and then permitted to suddenly expand. The product hydrocarbonaceous fraction is substantially scissioned from the mineral fraction and has a lower density, greater solvent solubility and different reactivity to oxygen than does the feed solid. This hydrocarbonaceous fraction also includes a subfraction of particles having a particle size, by volume distribution, of less than about 2 microns in diameter which contain substantially no sulfur compounds.

Abstract: Gas-solids transport and heat exchange techniques are disclosed wherein solid particulate material is circulated in a "figure 8" or a circular flow path for selective contact and/or direct heat exchange with gaseous media. The particulate material is introduced into streams of gaseous media at spaced locations in the flow path and subsequently separated from the gaseous streams following contact and/or heat exchange therewith. The gaseous streams are maintained separate from one another by loose packed bed columns of particulate material formed in the flow path and used to introduce the particulate material into the gaseous streams. The flow rate of the particulate material is regulated by the controlled biasing of particulate material from each of the columns thereof directly into the gaseous streams, and the particulate material is circulated solely through the use of the gaseous media and the force of gravity.

Abstract: A constant pressure system for pumping a coal slurry includes a slurry pump mechanically driven by a hydraulic motor which, in turn, is driven by a hydraulic pump. The output of the hydraulic pump is controlled by a pressure sensitive flow control valve that maintains the hydraulic fluid pressure drop as a constant across the hydraulic motor. The system assures a constant hydraulic motor output torque, driving the slurry pump at a constant delivery pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating fluids, such as an agglomerating slurry of coal and water, to supercritical conditions, wherein an electrical current is passed directly through the fluid. The fluid is directed through a container and heated by passing an electric current between a conductor positioned within the container and the interior surface of the container. The current passes through the fluid, and the electrical resistance of the fluid dissipates the electrical current into heat energy, resulting in the direct heating of the fluid. The rate of heating is preferably controlled by adding an electrolyte to the fluid.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating a fluid-permeable hydrocarbonaceous solid, such as coal, containing an admixture of hydrocarbonaceous components and mineral and sulfur components, to separate the solid into a hydrocarbonaceous enriched fraction and a mineral and sulfur enriched fraction. The process involves comminuting the solid in the presence of a low molecular weight alcohol under conditions sufficient to substantially scission the hydrocarbonaceous components from the mineral and sulfur components and to selectively comminute the hydrocarbonaceous components. The resultant product is thereafter separated into the enriched hydrocarbonaceous fraction and the enriched mineral and sulfur fraction.In a preferred embodiment of the process, the hydrocarbonaceous solid is mixed with a low molecular weight alcohol, such as methanol, to form a slurry. The slurry is then heated and pressurized to a temperature and pressure above the critical temperature and pressure of the alcohol.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for a high pressure slurry processing system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressure container, an escape member in the container inlet and a flow restrictor in the container outlet.

Abstract: A process for the fractionation of a porous or fluid-permeable hydrocarbonaceous solid, such as coal, containing an admixture of mineral matter and hydrocarbonaceous matter, into a separate mineral enriched fraction and a separate hydrocarbonaceous enriched fraction is disclosed. In this process, the hydrocarbonaceous solid is comminuted to convert the hydrocarbonaceous matter in the coal into discrete particles having a mean volumetric diameter of less than about 5 microns without substantially altering the size of the mineral matter originally present in the coal. As a result of this comminution, the hydrocarbonaceous particles can be fractionated from the mineral particles to provide a hydrocarbon fraction having a lesser concentration of minerals than in the original uncomminuted material and a mineral fraction having a higher concentration of minerals than in the original uncomminuted material.A preferred method for comminuting the porous or fluid-permeable hydrocarbonaceous solid, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a power supply to an electrode within a high pressure, high temperature vessel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conductor extending through the vessel such that the net force exerted upon the conductor by the vessel pressure is negligible. An elastomeric material seals the vessel conductor interface and the apparatus cools the sealing material to avoid softening thereof.