Abstract: A composition of matter is used to treat particles entrained in flue gas. The composition comprises a caustic liquid to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. An inert particulate matter supports the caustic liquid to inhibit the chemical action of the caustic liquid until used to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. The entrained particles are removed from the flue gas by choosing a caustic liquid to adjust the resistivity of the entrained particles. The caustic liquid is supported on inert particulate matter to inhibit the chemical action of the caustic liquid. The supported caustic liquid is supplied to untreated flue gas at a temperature sufficient to separate the caustic liquid from the inert particulate matter. The separated caustic liquid is mixed with the entrained particles so as to coat the entrained particles. The coated particles are then passed through an electrostatic precipitator to remove them from the flue gas.

Abstract: An aqueous solution is applied to water insoluble solid particles when flowing from one location to another location to improve the flow characteristics of the particles while inhibiting caking characteristics of the particles. The aqueous solution comprises a water soluble polymer derived from cellulose.

Abstract: The collection characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for collection by an electrostatic precipitator are improved by injecting finely divided sodium bisulfate into a particle-laden gas stream formed by the burning of coal while the gas has a temperature of 200.degree.-900.degree. C. Sufficient sodium bisulfate is injected to provide 75-1250 grams per metric ton of coal burned to form the gas. After injection, the stream is directed through a heat exchange means and finally into the precipitator to collect the particles therein.

Abstract: The fusion point of coal ash in a boiler is reduced by introducing a boron-containing compound into a boiler containing coal ash and mixing the compound and the coal ash. Preferably the compound is introduced into the furnace box of the boiler as an intimate mixture of pulverized or crushed coal and the compound, the coal being intimately mixed with the compound prior to introduction of the mixture into the furnace box.

Abstract: The collection characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for collection by an electrostatic precipitator are improved by injecting finely divided ammonium sulfate into a particle-laden gas stream formed by the burning of coal while the gas has a temperature of 590.degree.-900.degree. C. Sufficient ammonium sulfate is injected to provide 75-1,250 grams per metric ton of coal burned to form the gas. After injection, the stream is directed through a heat exchange means and finally into the precipitator to collect the particles therein.

Abstract: The collection characteristics of particles entrained in a particle-laden gas for collection by an electrostatic precipitator are improved by injecting finely divided ammonium bisulfate into a particle-laden gas stream formed by the burning of coal while the gas has a temperature of 590-900.degree. C. Sufficient ammonium bisulfate is injected to provide 75-1250 grams per metric ton of coal burned to form the gas. After injection, the stream is directed through a heat exchange means and finally into the precipitator to collect the particles therein.