Abstract: Methods for suppressing dust from the surface of dust-producing bulk materials such as coal are disclosed including preparing an aqueous suspension of cellulosic fibers dispersed in water and applying the aqueous suspension to the surface of the dust-producing bulk materials in order to suppress dust formation from that surface. The method can comprise use of the cellulosic fiber suspensions as a residual dust suppressant, as a dust suppressant coating for stockpiles of these bulk materials, or as an additive with other encrusting formulations such as latex.

Abstract: The wet flow characteristic of water-insoluble solid particles such as coal is enhanced by forming on the surface of the solid particles a coating of a fluid having the property of lowering surface tension in aqueous solution, preferably a water solution of a substance from the group consisting of methyl and dimethyl naphthalene sulfonates and ethoxylated linear secondary alcohols, the substances being highly water soluble and the water solution having a low viscosity, a high flash point and low toxicity.

Abstract: Low temperature discharge of particulate material from a hopper or the like is facilitated by coating the hopper walls with a water solution of an inorganic freeze point depressant, the solution having a freezing point below about -20.degree. C. and being thickened by the addition thereto of a compatible thickening agent, whereby the substance can be readily applied to the wall and will remain in position on the wall. When the substance is to be used to coat steel or aluminum walls the pH of the substance is modified if necessary to prevent corrosion of the wall without adversely affecting the viscosity of the substance.

Abstract: The bulk density and throughput characteristics of coking coal are improved by treating the coal with a surfactant and a combination of fuel oil and alcohol or of solid lubricant and water, the surfactant being soluble in, and increasing the spreading coefficient of, fuel oil or water, as the case may be.

Abstract: The resistance of particulate material to clumping or solidification at below-freezing temperatures is improved by applying to the particles a coating of a polymer emulsion in water which drys to a water-insoluble film. A freeze-point-depressing substance is preferably combined with the emulsion in order to prevent the emulsion itself from freezing at the temperatures to which the particulate material is subjected. It is believed that said coating minimizes the strength of adhesion between the particles and any ice which may form between them and also minimizes the strength of such ice.

Abstract: The direct reaction of elemental phosphorus acid catalyzed by hydroiodic acid produces orthophosphorus acid free of orthophosphoric acid and phosphine free of diphosphine.

Abstract: A device is used to connect one rod to at least one other object, such as another rod. This device can be used in accordance with a claimed method to form a lattice, such as an equipment lattice, made of a plurality of rods and at least one connecting device. The device employs a channel to permit press-fitting a rod into the channel. In a preferred embodiment, the device has a tetrahedral body with two orthogonal channels.

Abstract: Heat transfer surface of cooling water systems and boilers are made resistant to the deposition of adherent scale by coating with plasma-polymerized fluoroethylene monomer.