Abstract: In the method of the present invention preferably an apparatus is connected directly on-line with an extruder to inject fluid into or to remove fluid from a fresh extrusion on a continuous basis as the latter is extruded. In one case the fluid injected is a catalyst that causes curing of a mixture of particulate matter and resin binder. In the method one part of a two part binder mechanism is mixed with a particulate material, and the mixture is extruded on a continuous basis. The second part of the binder then is injected into the fresh extrusion on a continuous basis downstream of the extruder output to cure the extrusion. The extruder die also may include fluid injecting paths, on the one hand, for injecting lubricant or, on the other hand, for injecting of the second binder part, e.g. catalyst, into the relatively less dense material near the upstream end of the die.

Abstract: Coal is restructured by extrusion into a tube like article that has a hollow core, which may contain igniter material to facilitate ignition of the coal. The hollow core and possibly other deformities, such as ribs, flutes or the like in the inner or outer walls of the tube-like article and/or slotted, circular or like openings through the tube wall artifically create an environment that enhances the burning characteristics in a relatively open or uncontrolled environment that is ordinarily hostile to the burning of coal. The article may be burned according to a novel process that creates coke.

Abstract: An improved seal is provided at the entrance of a de-airing chamber, which removes air from abrasive particulate matter as it is fed to an auger that forces the same though an extruder die to form an extrusion. The seal includes a sealing die whose wall is coaxial to the travel direction of the particulate matter entering the chamber and a sealing core that has flights for directly forcing the particulate matter through the die into the chamber while the particulate matter cooperates with the sealing die and sealing core to block the escape of vacuum from such chamber. Steam or other lubricant may be injected into the particulate matter at or upstream of the seal to facilitate the flow of particulate matter through the seal. Fluid, such as steam, also may be injected directly into the particulate matter at the pug mill as an additional lubricant and/or as an activator to enhance the binding characteristics of a binder material combined with the particulate matter.

Abstract: An apparatus is connected directly on-line with an extruder to inject fluid into or to remove fluid from a fresh extrusion on a continuous basis as the latter is extruded. In one case the fluid injected is a catalyst that causes curing of a mixing of particulate matter and resin binder. In the method one part of a two part binder mechanism is mixed with a particulate material, and the mixture is extruded on a continuous basis. The second part of the binder then is injected into the fresh extrusion on a continuous basis downstream of the extruder output to cure the extrusion. The extruder die also may include fluid injecting paths, on the one hand, for injecting lubricant or, on the other hand, for injecting of the second binder part, e.g. catalyst, into the relatively less dense material near the upstream end of the die.