Abstract: A process for removal of sulfur from fossil fuels, such as coal, lignite, peat and fuel oil. The process includes the oxidative treatment of the fuel at or about ambient temperature, followed by a wash with a dilute basic aqueous solution of a basic compound of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal at or about ambient temperature. Upon burning of the fuel, a large amount of the sulfur is trapped as a sulfate in the resulting ash rather than as a gas in the effluent.

Abstract: The yield of organic extract from the supercritical extraction of coal with larger diameter organic solvents such as toluene is increased by use of a minor amount of from 0.1 to 10% by weight of a second solvent such as methanol having a molecular diameter significantly smaller than the average pore diameter of the coal.

Abstract: A method for determining the operability status of heart valves IN VIVO. Accoustical data emanating from a heart valve to be analyzed is gathered. The data are divided into time slices, and the power, energy, and frequency relations for each time slice are calculated. The energy ratio of known peak frequencies is compared between the analysis data as gathered and known energy levels for a properly operating valve. The energy ratio of known frequency bands is also compared between the analysis data as gathered and known energy levels for a properly operating valve. Valve malfunctioning is indicated by the presence of a high change in the power and/or energy ratio at the selected key frequencies and bands.

Abstract: A method for enhancing solubilizing mass transport of reactive agents into and out of carbonaceous materials, such as coal. Solubility parameters of mass transfer and solvent media are matched to individual peaks in the solubility parameter spectrum of coals to enhance swelling and/or dissolution.Methanol containing reactive agent carriers are found particularly effective for removing organic sulfur from coals by chlorinolysis.

Abstract: A method of desulfurizing coal is described in which chlorine gas is bubbled through an aqueous slurry of coal at low temperature below 130 degrees C., and at ambient pressure. Chlorinolysis converts both inorganic and organic sulfur components of coal into water soluble compounds which enter the aqueous suspending media. The media is separated after chlorinolysis and the coal dechlorinated at a temperature of from 300 degrees C. to 500 degrees C. to form a non-caking, low-sulfur coal product.