Abstract: A light-weight capsule having internal components comprised of sample containers with living organisms in solid and liquid form, inner carrier, multiple seals is disclosed to protect the samples contained within and to withstand an impact of up to 4000 G in outer space or Earth applications being subject to extreme conditions of varying radiation, temperature, pressure, and shock. The present capsule provides a compact and durable design with features for reducing size, mass and weight while increasing strength, structural integrity, and sealing strength to protect the samples contained interiorly and to withstand extreme conditions for travel in deep space or inhospitable places on Earth.

Abstract: A light-weight capsule having internal components comprised of sample containers with living organisms in solid and liquid form, inner carrier, multiple seals is disclosed to protect the samples contained within and to withstand an impact of up to 4000 G in outer space or Earth applications being subject to extreme conditions of varying radiation, temperature, pressure, and shock. The present capsule provides a compact and durable design with features for reducing size, mass and weight while increasing strength, structural integrity, and sealing strength to protect the samples contained interiorly and to withstand extreme conditions for travel in deep space or inhospitable places on Earth.

Abstract: In a fluidized coal gasification process in which heat for the gasifier is provided by recycle combustor residue from a slagging combustor, SO.sub.2 in the combustor's flue gas is removed by contacting the flue gas with the incoming coal feed whereby the SO.sub.2 is adsorbed on the coal and converted to H.sub.2 S in the gasifier. Sulfur is recovered from the H.sub.2 S in a Claus Plant.

Abstract: In the multi-stage fluidized carbonization of coal to produce, oil, gas and char, oil containing vapors from the first stage are used as the fluidizing gas to dry the incoming coal feed. The oil vapor pressure of the fluidizing gas is maintained at a value under 10 mm. to prevent oil condensation in the fluidized drying vessel. The technique makes possible the recovery of sensible heat from the first stage overheads.

Abstract: Densified fly ash pellets are produced by the steps comprising:A. Sizing the fly ash to produce a fraction substantially finer than -200 mesh (U.S. Standard);B. Moistening the sized fraction with sufficient water to form green pellets;C. Sizing the green pellets;D. Tumbling the sized green pellets to effect particle packing until excess water has been squeezed out, said pellets being kept dusted during tumbling with sized fly ash from step (a) to absorb the squeezed out water and thereby prevent agglomeration;E. Drying the packed green pellets to remove the free water therefrom;F. Heating the dried pellets from about 1000.degree. F to within about 70 - 90% of the absolute softening temperature of the ash and;G. Sintering the pellets from (f) at a temperature of 70 to 90% of the absolute softening temperature of the ash.The densified fly ash pellets constitute a low cost particulate heat exchange material for supplying heat to a fluidized bed carbon gasification zone.

Abstract: Waste water formed in the gasification of coal and containing ammonia, H.sub.2 S, and phenolic compounds is treated to remove H.sub.2 S and a substantial proportion of its ammonia, while leaving sufficient ammonia in the water to maintain a pH of at least 8 (such as up to about 10.5, preferably about 8.5 to 9), the ammoniacal water is then flashed into a stream of superheated steam being fed to gasification zone. At the high temperatures in the gasification zone the organic impurities are decomposed.