Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting coal particles with an aqueous solution of compositions selected from the group comprising alkali metal and alkaline earth metal sulfites and bisulfites to reduce the sulfur content of the coal; and(2) recovering coal particles of reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: Pyritic and organic sulfur is removed from pulverized coal by contacting the coal with an alkali metal or alkaline earth compound and thereafter using low amounts of electromagnetic energy to preferentially heat sulfur rich regions of the coal-alkali compound mixture. The alkali compound reacts with the sulfur within the coal to form water soluble, or separated compounds of sulfur which can easily be removed by washing the treated coal with water and/or to form compounds which do not convert into sulfur oxides during combustion of the coal.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the sulfur content of coal is provided, which includes forming a slurry of coal particles in an inert solvent, and subjecting the slurry in admixture with hydrogen to the influence of wave energy in the microwave range.

Abstract: Organic sulfur is removed from coal by treatment with an organic solution of iron pentacarbonyl. Organic sulfur compounds can be removed by reaction of the iron pentacarbonyl with coal to generate CO and COS off-gases. The CO gas separated from COS can be passed over hot iron filings to generate iron pentacarbonyl.

Abstract: Delayed coke especially manufactured for use in graphite can be effectively desulfurized by calcining in a hydrocarbon fuel-fired calciner in the temperature range of 2700.degree. F. to 2900.degree. F. without adversely affecting the strength of the coke or the coefficient of thermal expansion of the graphitized coke.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source fed over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue.

Abstract: The pyritic sulfur content of coal can be significantly reduced by leaching the coal with an aqueous solution containing hexacyanoferrate (III) ions.

Abstract: A chemical reactor with a first upstream fluid bed which primarily burns coal and a second downstream fluid bed which primarily desulfurizes.

Abstract: High-purity coal useful in the production of high-purity carbon is produced by treating coal to remove the impurities therein. The coal, which may be subject to conventional pretreatment processes such as beneficiation processes or the like, digested in a caustic solution to solubilize certain of the impurities in the coal and to chemically react with other impurities to form acid soluble products. The digested coal is then filtered to separate the partially purified coal from the caustic and soluble impurities dissolved therein. The coal is then treated with a mineral acid to dissolve the acid soluble products contained in the coal. Finally, the coal is subjected to a nitric acid treatment to remove metal sulfides. The resultant high-purity carbon contains less than 0.1% by weight ash or metal sulfides.

Abstract: Finely divided, sulfur bearing carbonaceous materials are carried by hydrogen in counter-current flow at elevated temperatures to the flow of relatively large, metal oxide, hydrogen sulfide accepting pellets. The sulfur contained in the carbonaceous material reacts with the carrier hydrogen to form hydrogen sulfide which, in turn, reacts with the metal oxide to form the corresponding metal sulfide and water. The water and unreacted carrier hydrogen are then separated from the desulfurized carbonaceous material and following separation of water from the residual hydrogen, the hydrogen is recycled with make up hydrogen at elevated pressures to the desulfurization zone. The formed metal sulfide pellets are removed from the base of the desulfurization zone and oxidized back to the oxide state for recycle back to the opposed end of the desulfurization zone.

Abstract: An improved two-stage coal liquefaction process is provided, wherein solvent-boiling range phenolics, produced in the solubilization of the coal feed, are removed wholly or partially from recycle solvent at some point in the process prior to recycle to the first stage to control the level of phenolics in both stages of the process. The two-stage process involves a mild short contact time first stage operation, the removal of inorganic sulfur, ash and coal solids followed by a second stage operation, the severity of which is controlled as a function of the final product desired.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal and the like by treatment with an aqueous sodium chloride solution at moderately elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A process for decreasing the sulfur content of coal is provided, which includes drying coal and subjecting the dried coal in a hydrogen atmosphere to the influence of wave energy in the microwave range.

Abstract: In a process for improving coal wherein the raw coal is treated with a metal containing compound in order to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of certain impurity components contained in the raw coal permitting their removal by magnetic separation, the improvement comprising pretreating the coal by heating it to at least a temperature for at least a period of time sufficient to essentially meet or exceed a time and temperature relationship expressed as:D .gtoreq. K[50/T-90].sup.3wherein D is time in hours and T is temperature in degrees Celsius, and wherein K is preferably at least about 0.5, more preferably at least about 5, and most preferably at least about 25.

Abstract: In a process for improving coal containing elemental sulfur wherein the coal is treated with a metal containing compound in order to enhance the magnetic susceptibility of various impurities contained within the coal thereby permitting their removal by magnetic separation, the improvement comprising removing at least a portion of the elemental sulfur prior to performing the magnetic susceptibility enhancement treatment.

Abstract: A general method for producing low-sulfur gas and solid fuel is disclosed. Such method involves partial gasification of coal, using steam and an oxygen-containing gas, to produce low-B.t.u. fuel which can be used as a feedstock for power plants and industrial boilers. Also disclosed is a method for simultaneously producing low-sulfur gas, liquid, and solid fuels from coal in a single reaction vessel using a multi-stage fluidized gasification and desulfurization system. Synthesis gas produced in a first stage gas generator by reaction of steam, an oxygen-containing gas, and auxiliary carbonaceous fuel, is reacted with high-sulfur coal in a second stage desulfurization unit forming a solid phase consisting of low-sulfur fuel and a fluid phase consisting of sulfur-containing gaseous and liquid fuels. After disengagement of solid and fluid phases present in the second stage reaction zone, a solid fuel of reduced sulfur content is recovered.

Abstract: The desulfurization of both inorganic and organic sulfur constituents of coal by treating the coal in a liquid fused salt bath in the presence of chlorine to react the sulfur containing constituents with chlorine to form chlorides and elemental sulfur. The liquid fused salt bath is comprised of the chlorides of ferric iron, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonia, and zinc.

Abstract: A fixed sulfur fuel is produced by proportioning sulfur-bearing coal and limestone in amounts which will cause the calcium in the limestone to react with a large amount of sulfur in the coal. The proportioned mixture is ground and blended and then balled or compacted to form pellets. By means of either a carbonizing or pyrolyzing technique conducted in a traveling grate machine, where the pellets are heated to at least 800.degree. F., the coal is pyrolyzed or carbonized, the limestone is calcined, and the sulfur is fixed in a calcium compound which remains stable in the ash after the pellets are burned as a fuel.

Abstract: A method for mixing a stream of particulate carbonaceous material with another stream of particulate material in a reaction zone maintained substantially free of free oxygen, which method is especially useful for mixing a stream of particulate agglomerative carbonaceous material with a stream of particulate heat-supplying material to produce valuable gaseous, liquid and solid products. This invention discloses a number of apparatuses useful for mixing streams of particulate material in a reactor maintained substantially free of free oxygen.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:(1) contacting coal particles with an aqueous solution of iron complexing agent, and an oxidant to preferentially oxidize at least a portion of the sulfur in the coal;(2) contacting the oxidized sulfur-containing coal with at least one hydrogen donor material capable of transferring hydrogen to the oxidized sulfur-containing coal under conditions such that hydrogen transfer occurs; and(3) recovering coal products of reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: This invention concerns a carbonization and desulfurization process in which elevated pressures are used so that the product gases contain sufficient hydrogen for use as a recycle stream in the carbonization and desulfurization. The elevated pressures permit product recovery systems for the gas products which utilize the elevated pressures of the carbonization and desulfurization.

Abstract: In a continuous process for recovery of values contained in a solid carbonaceous material, the carbonaceous material is comminuted and then subjected to flash pyrolysis in the presence of a particulate heat source over an overflow weir to form a pyrolysis product stream containing a carbon containing solid residue and volatilized hydrocarbons. After the carbon containing solid residue is separated from the pyrolysis product stream, values are obtained by condensing volatilized hydrocarbons. The particulate source of heat is formed by oxidizing carbon in the solid residue and separating out the fines.

Abstract: High quality coke is prepared by calcining green coke obtained by the delayed coking process at a temperature lower than the customarily adopted calcination temperature, once cooling the coke and then calcining the coke at a temperature within the customarily adopted calcination temperature range.

Abstract: The magnetic susceptibility of various impurities contained within coal is increased by simultaneously cotreating the coal with a metal containing compound and a gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal comprising the steps of:1. contacting coal particles with an aqueous solution of iron complexing agent, and an oxidant to preferentially oxidize at least a portion of the sulfur in the coal;2. thermally treating the oxidized sulfur-containing coal at elevated temperature to reduce the sulfur content of the coal; and3. recovering coal particles of reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: Fine particles of a solid carbonaceous fuel of the coal or coke type are treated to reduce their content of undesired constituents at least including sulfur or ash or both. The treatment comprises forming a mixture of the fuel particles with a liquid aqueous leaching solution, containing one or more cations selected from Groups IA and IIA of the periodic table, which is effective to dissolve the undesired constituents. The mixture is exposed to temperatures in the range of about 150.degree. to 375.degree. C under a pressure of at least the autogeneous steam pressure until the solution has dissolved the undesired constituents of the fuel to such an extent that the undesired constituent content of the fuel particles has been reduced to less than a desired limit.

Abstract: A method of treating fine particles of solid carbonaceous fuel of the coal or coke type that comprises mixing the fuel particles with a liquid aqueous solution comprising essentially (a) sodium, potassium, or lithium hydroxide together with (b) calcium, magnesium, or barium hydroxide or carbonate, or a plurality thereof, with a ratio of (a) to the fuel of about 0.04 to 0.70 (typically 0.10 to 0.35) by weight, a ratio of (b) to the fuel of about 0.02 to 0.30 (typically 0.08 to 0.20) by weight, and a ratio of water to the fuel of about 1 to 10 (typically 2 to 5) by weight; heating the resulting mixture, at an elevated pressure, to a temperature of about 150.degree. to 375.degree. C (typically 175.degree. to 300.degree. C) in such a manner as to improve the usefulness of the fuel particles; and cooling to below about 100.degree. C. The cooled mixture either is dried or filtered to separate the fuel particles from the solution, the particles then being washed and dried.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of char by means of a basic molten bath of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a hydroxyaryl or an alcohol.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, combustible sulfur and nitrogen compounds and alkali metal ash are removed, and the resulting treated fuel may be used in urban areas where strict air pollution regulations must be met.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the pyritic content of coal while a coal-water slurry is transported in a pipeline by injecting a pyrite oxidant into the pipeline upstream of the dewatering plant associated therewith.

Abstract: A method of chlorinolysis of coal in an organic solvent at a moderate temperature and atmospheric pressure has been proven to be effective in removing sulfur, particularly the organic sulfur, from coal. Chlorine gas is bubbled through a slurry of moist coal in chlorinated solvent. The chlorinated coal is separated, hydrolyzed and then dechlorinated. Preliminary results of treating a high sulfutr (4.77%S) bituminous coal show that up to 70% organic sulfur, 90% pyritic sulfur and 76% total sulfur can be removed. The treated coal is dechlorinated by heating at 500.degree. C. The presence of moisture helps to remove organic sulfur.

Abstract: A low sulfur content coke is obtained in an integrated coking and gasification process wherein a portion or all of the steam reactant conventionally introduced into the gasification zone is replaced by a hydrogen-containing gas.

Abstract: A process for coal desulfurization generates extremely low amounts of heat from microwave energy to induce thermochenical, in-situ, reactions to liberate sulfur in the form of stable gaseous species, such as H.sub.2 S, COS and SO.sub.2.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for reducing the pyritic sulfur content of coal, which process involves (1) contacting finely divided coal under sink-float separation conditions with a heavy organic parting medium which contains dissolved therein a dispersant quantity of a novel type of soluble sulfanilate ionic surfactant; and (2) separating a coal float phase from the liquid medium system, and recovering coal which has a lower sulfur and ash content than the untreated raw coal.

Abstract: A process of reducing the total sulfur content of coal is disclosed. The process comprises hydrogenating the coal to remove at least a portion of the recoverable sulfur combined as pyritic sulfur. The hydrogenated coal is subsequently contacted with a sufficient amount of an aqueous inorganic acid solution to remove at least a portion of the remaining sulfur initially combined as pyritic sulfur.

Abstract: An improved process for treating spent Kraft wood pulping liquors by coking the liquors after reducing the pH thereof with SO.sub.2 and recovering the sulfur contained in the resulting coke by contact with hydrogen preheated to temperatures in the range of 750.degree. to 2000.degree. F to produce H.sub.2 S. The H.sub.2 S and lime are added to the coker effluent to form new kraft cooking liquor.

Abstract: In a coal gasification operation or similar process carried out in the presence of an alkali metal-containing catalyst wherein spent solids containing ash and alkali metal catalyst residues are produced, alkali metal constituents are recovered from the spent solids by first removing magnetic constituents from the solids, contacting the solid particles from which magnetic constituents have been separated with an acid solution to extract alkali metal constituents from the solids and produce a spent acid solution enriched in alkali metal salts, raising the pH of the enriched solution sufficiently to precipitate aluminum from the solution as aluminum hydroxide, heating the remaining solution to precipitate silicon compounds, and recovering an enriched alkali metal solution from which aluminum and silicon compounds have been removed.

Abstract: A method of extracting a substantial proportion of the pyritic, organic, and sulfate sulfur compounds and ash present in a solid carbonaceous fuel of the coal or coke type comprising mixing the fuel with an aqueous alkaline solution containing a sodium, calcium, or ammonium carbonate, hydroxide, sulfide, or hydrosulfide, or a plurality thereof, heating the resulting mixture to at least about 125.degree. C at a pressure of at least about 25 psig to leach out the sulfur compounds and ash, separating the easily removable leached out materials from the remainder of the fuel, and washing said remainder of the fuel. The concentration of alkali in the solution typically is about 1 to 35 percent by weight, and the mixture typically is heated for at least about 5 minutes at about 350.degree. C, about 1 hour at 300.degree. C, about 2 hours at 250.degree. C, about 4 hours at 200.degree. C, about 10 hours at about 125.degree.

Abstract: This invention covers a process for reducing the sulfur content of char by washing the char with an acid followed by treatment with hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A dry distillation process for treating bituminous or oil-containing fine-grained material, particularly tar sand, with a heat carrier comprising fine-grained dry distillation residue which is heated in a pneumatic conveyor line by hot combustion gases and then fed to a collecting vessel and mixed in a dry distillation zone with the fine-grained material to be subjected to dry distillation. The dry distillation residue is heated to a temperature of 600.degree.-850.degree. C before being mixed at least in part with the material which is to be subjected to dry distillation, said material containing at least 0.2% by weight magnesium carbonate and/or calcium carbonate.

Abstract: This invention covers a process for reducing the sulfur content of carbonaceous fuels by treatment at elevated temperatures in a system comprised of aqueous caustic and oxygen.

Abstract: This invention covers a process for reducing the sulfide sulfur content of char by treatment with a gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide and H.sub.2 O.

Abstract: A process for removing pyrite particles from coal by pulverizing and fluidizing a coal in the presence of (a) heated air, followed by removing pyrite particles with a high-gradient magnetic separator; or (b) a hot, inert gas from which condensables are separated, followed by countercurrently further heating the coal in a succession of fluidized stages with hot oxygen-containing gas to a temperature at which the pyrite particles are sufficiently converted to pyrrhotite, magnetite, and gamma-hematite to raise the average magnetic susceptibility to at least 2 .times. 10.sup.6, and removing the pyrite minerals by magnetic separation means. The beneficiated coal or semicoke particles are fed with heated air and evolve volatile matter to the combustion zone of a furnace.

Abstract: The heating value of solid fuel is increased and the particle size decreased by passing a slurry of the fuel in liquid water at a temperature between 400.degree. F. and the critical temperature of water through a tubular attrition under conditions of turbulent flow. The product slurry is suitable for pipelining.

Abstract: A process for producing coke from sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feedstocks which involves contacting at least a portion of the feedstock with a peroxy oxidant in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst to preferentially oxidize a portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock, subjecting the feedstock to coking conditions to form coke and recovering a coke product. The present process can provide improved yields of coke having substantially reduced sulfur content.

Abstract: Low rank fuels are beneficiated by treatment with water at elevated temperature under superatmospheric pressure in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an apparatus and process are disclosed wherein coal or peat or lignite is first transmitted to a devolatilizer from which tar and fuel gas are removed for transmission to a separator and recovery system, from which by-products are obtained and sulphur-free fuel gas is transmitted to the steam boiler. Char is recirculated between the devolatilizer and a heat generator. In one form of the invention a fraction of the char discharge from the devolatilizer is transmitted to a gasifier for gasification and complete sulphur extraction, and another fraction in readily combustible form is transmitted to the steam boiler for use. In another form of the invention the complete output of the devolatilizer is transmitted to the gasifier wherein a fraction is gasified and another fraction is transmitted to the steam boiler. The proportion of the fractions may be controlled to thereby control the overall sulphur emission of the system.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which pyritic sulfur in coals is removed by treatment with aqueous solutions containing manganese, vanadium and cerium metal oxidants.

Abstract: Coal and petroleum oils, flue gases produced by their combustion, and natural gases are desulfurized by reacting with sulfides or polysulfides of hydrogen, sodium, potassium, rubidium or cesium to form the higher sulfur content polysulfides of these metals. After these sulfides have acquired sufficient sulfur in combined form to form sulfur saturated polysulfides, they can be reduced to sulfur unsaturated forms with recovery of elemental sulfur. In their sulfur unsaturated form, these metal polysulfides are used to treat additional quantities of the fossil fuels.The metal sulfides or polysulfides can be used in 1 to 12% aqueous solution or in melt condition. Hydrogen polysulfides are used in their liquid form.Sulfur removal from the fossil fuels takes place by dissolving and/or reacting elemental sulfur, many organic sulfur forms, and water-insoluble metal sulfides in aqueous solutions of alkali metal sulfides or in melts of alkali metal sulfides.

Abstract: The sulfur content of solid carbonaceous material, such as coal or lignite, is reduced by feeding said material under recycle gas pressure into a continuous closed pressurized cyclic system operating in the range of about 5 to 30 atmospheres, contacting the coal in a desulfurization zone of the cyclic system with hot hydrogen-containing gases at about 1600.degree. F, removing the desulfurized coal from the resulting gas stream, removing sulfur compounds from the gas stream, and burning a part of the resulting gas stream to supply the hot hydrogen-containing gases for contacting the coal. Hydrogen necessary for the recycle gas stream is generated from the coal in the desulfurization zone. The only input to the system is coal and oxygen. Desulfurized coal, sulfur and excess gases are removed as products.