Abstract: In addition to ash and coke, the gasification residue contains alkaline earth metal sulfide and alkaline earth metal oxide because desulfuring agents have been supplied to the gasifier. At temperatures from 5.degree. to 80.degree. C. the gasification residue is mixed with an acid-containing aqueous solution so that a gas which is rich in H.sub.2 S is produced. Ash, coke, and alkaline earth metal salt are supplied to a flotation zone, in which coke is separated. A solid residue which contains ash and alkaline earth metal salt is withdrawn from the flotation zone. Carbonic acid or dilute sulfuric acid is preferably used as an acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for dewatering coal tailing aqueous slurries in a twin belt press process. The method including the step of adding to the slurry a coagulant composition including a vinylamine copolymer including from about 1 to about 99 mole percent vinylamine and from about 1 to about 99 mole percent of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of vinylformamide, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidinone and the esters, amides and salts of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method for dewatering coal tailings, clean coal products and mineral slurries, as well as for the clarification of water contained in coal refuse slurries, employing a copolymer of diallyldimethlylammonium halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane, which is preferably a copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyltrimethoxysilane as a coagulant is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for dewatering mineral slurries employing a copolymer of diallyldimethlylammonium halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane, which is preferably a copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyltrimethoxysilane as a coagulant is disclosed. The method for dewatering mineral slurries containing water comprising the steps of: feeding said mineral slurry into a thickener, treating said mineral slurry with an effective amount of a coagulant which comprises a copolymer of halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane; allowing the water to separate from the mineral slurry, withdrawing the water from said thickener and discharging said mineral products from said thickener. Mineral slurries which can be effectively treated are copper and taconite. The above-mentioned method may also include treatment with a flocculant in conjunction with the coagulant.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust from coal or coke is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with fluid, preferably water, containing an additive comprised of approximately 90-99% by weight of lignosulfonate and 1-10% by weight of a polyacrylate, a polyvinylalcohol, or a polyacrylamide. Sufficient fluid should be used to coat the coal or coke. The amount of additive necessary to prevent dusting will vary according to the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: A method for producing fuels based on solid carbonaceous natural fuels which are particularly suited for non-polluting thermal power generation with gas and steam turbines in a combined cycle which is characterized in that the flow of finely-divided natural fuel is pyrolyzed at superatmospheric pressure, suitably 5 to 20 bar, and >700.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of solid carbonaceous materials, such as coal, to liquid products using one or more polyoxoanions selected from those represented by:[(C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1).sub.4 N].sub.a M.sub.b O.sub.c H.sub.d, where n=1 to 8, a=2 to 6, b=2 to 12, c=7 and M is a metal selected from Groups VB and VIB of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: A method for reducing the undesirable contaminants in process water produced in pyrolysis of low rank coal. The method uses the process water to quench and rehydrate a char produced by pyrolysis with the contaminants in the waster water being absorbed by the char.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust, erosion, and wetting of coal or coke feeds is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with a solution comprising a fluid, preferably water, containing a sufficient amount of an additive comprising (a) approximately 90-99 wt % of a binder, preferably a lignosulfonate, a polyether, a polyol, or a byproduct produced during the refining of a natural sugar, and (b) 1-10 wt % of a polyacrylate, a polyvinylalcohol, or a polyacrylamide. The additive also preferably contains a surfactant. The amount of solution/additive that is necessary will vary according to the desired result and the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: A process for upgrading a low rank coal and a heavy oil to produce an improved coal product and an improved oil product. First, the low rank coal is dewatered to reduce its moisture content to less than about 4 percent in order to render the low rank coal more oleophilic. Next, the dewatered low rank coal is mixed with a quantity of the heavy oil of between about 15 and 40 percent of the dry weight of the low rank coal so that the heavy oil substantially contacts the low rank coal in order to produce a mixture. The mixture is then heated to a temperature less than the mild thermal cracking limit of the mixture in order to separate hydrocarbons from the mixture and to produce the improved coal product. The hydrocarbons separated from the mixture during the heating step are then collected in order to produce the improved oil product.

Abstract: A coal-water mixture is disclosed which can be produced without using synthetic additives. After an acid such as a mineral acid is added to coal powder which is obtained by grinding coal such as jet coal or gas coal, water anti a plasticizer, composed of a humic acid derivative, are added to produce the coal-water mixture. The humic acid derivative is produced by grinding brown coal into brown coal powder, and adding and mixing caustic soda and sodium sulfite thereto. By the addition of the mineral acid to the powder of jet coal or gas coal, organic ferrum complexes which act as a stabilizer can be produced. With the use of coal powder in which coarse coal particles of a larger particle size are mixed with fine coal particles of a smaller particle size, the suspension can be further improved.

Abstract: A method for concentrating coal tailings and for dewatering coal products employing a copolymer of diallyldimethlylammonium halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane, preferably a copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyltrimethoxysilane as a coagulant. The method for concentrating coal tailings comprises steps of: feeding the coal tailings to a thickener; treating the coal tailings with the coagulant, discharging substantially concentrated tailing; and withdrawing substantially clarified liquid from the thickener. A method for dewatering coal products containing water comprising the steps of: feeding the clean coal containing water to a twin belt filter press; treating said coal with an effective amount of a copolymer coagulant of diallyldimethylammonium halide and vinyl alkoxysilane, preferably diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyl trimethoxysilane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing a coal-water fuel from a low rank coal. The first step of the process provides for an aqueous slurry containing particles of the low rank coal. A quantity of an agglomerating agent in the range of about 10% to 30% weight to dry ash - free low rank coal weight is added to the slurry to produce a mixture. The mixture is then agitated to form agglomerates. Following separation of the agglomerates, the agglomerates are contacted with steam or an inert gas having a temperature in the range of about 250.degree. C. to 420.degree. C. at substantially atmospheric pressure to produce partially deoiled agglomerates containing less than about 7% by weight of residual bridging liquid and having a moisture capacity reduced by a factor of at least about 2.5 at a relative humidity of 96% compared to the moisture capacity of the low rank coal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing packed bulk density of coal, whose surface moisture varies from 2 to 15 weight percent, to desired levels in the range of 45 to 50 lbs./cu.ft., and for controlling and maintaining the improved bulk density. The method involves treating the coal with dilute water solutions (0.01 to 1.0 weight percent of solids) of water soluble, nontoxic polymers, belonging to the classes of polyethylene oxides and polyacrylamides, in amounts between 0.5 gram and 120 grams of polymer solids per metric ton of coal.

Abstract: Coal blends suitable for combustion in a slagging-type combustion apparatus comprise blends of (1) a bituminous coal which forms ash slag having unacceptably high viscosity with (2) a lignitic coal which forms ash slag having marginal viscosity characteristics or T.sub.cv whereupon combustion of the blends results in formation of ash slag having viscosity which is synergistically lowered and acceptable for slagging.

Abstract: A process for removing oil from coal fines that have been agglomerated or blended with heavy oil comprises the steps of heating the coal fines to temperatures over 350.degree. C. up to 450.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere, such as steam or nitrogen, to convert some of the heavy oil to lighter, and distilling and collecting the lighter oils. The pressure at which the process is carried out can be from atmospheric to 100 atmospheres. A hydrogen donor can be added to the oil prior to deposition on the coal surface to increase the yield of distillable oil.

Abstract: A method for concentrating coal tailings which comprises steps of: feeding the coal tailings to a thickener; treating the coal tailings with a hydrophobic polyelectrolyte copolymer coagulant which comprises diallyldimethylammonium chloride and a more hydrophobic monomer, the coagulant is added to the coal tailings in an amount between about 0.05 to about 0.25 lb/ton; treating the coal tailings with a flocculant in an amount between about 0.05 to about 0.25 lb/ton; discharging substantially concentrated tailing; and withdrawing substantially clarified liquid from the thickener.

Abstract: A process for upgrading and stabilizing low-rank coal involving the sequential processing of the coal through three fluidized beds; first a dryer, then a pyrolyzer, and finally a cooler. The fluidizing gas for the cooler is the exit gas from the pyrolyzer with the addition of water for cooling. Overhead gas from pyrolyzing is likely burned to furnish the energy for the process. The product coal exits with a tar-like pitch sealant to enhance its safety during storage.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust from coal or coke is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with fluid, preferably water, containing an additive comprised of approximately 90-99% by weight of lignosulfonate and 1-10% by weight of polyacrylic acid. Sufficient fluid should be used to coat the coal or coke. The amount of additive necessary to prevent dusting will vary according to the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a coal-water mixture using a reaction mixture obtained by subjecting a low-rank coal of high water content to a hydrothermal treatment in the presence of carbon monoxide and water at a temperature not higher than the critical temperature of water. The above hydrothermal treatment makes the walls of pores present in the coal hydrophobic and densifies the coal matrix, whereby the coal after the treatment has a lower equilibrium moisture content. Hence, it becomes possible to produce a coal-water mixture containing a high concentration of coal and having good stability and fluidity, from a low-rank coal of high water content which has been unusable as a material for a coal-water mixture. Further, in the production of a coal-water mixture from the above reaction mixture, the amount of surfactant used can be reduced because the liquid phase of the reaction mixture contains a large amount of humic acid having surface activity.

Abstract: An improved, low severity coal liquefaction process is disclosed. In accordance with the process, coal is first decarboxylated and demineralized with hot sulfurous acid. The decarboxylated coal is then liquefied in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali metal hydroxide. In several embodiments, alkali metal-containing materials are reclaimed to produce alkali metal hydroxide for the liquefaction step. In other embodiments, the liquefaction is conducted in the presence of a relatively high-boiling diluent such as a coal-derived liquid.

Abstract: A process of dewatering and agglomerating fine coal. The process consists of treating an aqueous fine coal slurry with a chemical binding agent prior to filtration or drying. The preferred chemical binding agent is an emulsifiable process oil. The process results in more efficient dewatering and low dustiness of the treated coal.

Abstract: An improved multistep liquefaction process for organic carbonaceous mater which produces a virtually completely solvent-soluble carbonaceous liquid product. The solubilized product may be more amenable to further processing than liquid products produced by current methods. In the initial processing step, the finely divided organic carbonaceous material is treated with a hydrocarbonaceous pasting solvent containing from 10% and 100% by weight process-derived phenolic species at a temperature within the range of 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for typically from 2 minutes to 120 minutes in the presence of a carbon monoxide reductant and an optional hydrogen sulfide reaction promoter in an amount ranging from 0 to 10% by weight of the moisture- and ash-free organic carbonaceous material fed to the system. As a result, hydrogen is generated via the water/gas shift reaction at a rate necessary to prevent condensation reactions. In a second step, the reaction product of the first step is hydrogenated.

Abstract: The sulfur in bituminous coal can be converted to calcium sulfate instead of sulfur dioxide during combustion when it is mixed with petroleum pitch and calcium oxide, calcium carbonate or dolomite.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a free flowing granular product from moisture laden caked coal fines, such as wet cake, by mixing a water immiscible substance, such as oil, with the caked coal, preferably under low shear forces for a period of time sufficient to produce a plurality of free flowing granules. Each granule is preferably comprised of a dry appearing admixture of one or more coal particle, 2-50% by weight water and the water immiscible substance.

Abstract: An additional step directed to the Starbuck process of desulfurizing coal and ores, as described and claimed in reissue patent No. RE. 32,454 dated Jul. 7, 1987, including the treatment of non-weathered coal ore to simulate weathered coal ore. Several approaches are presented which result in increased sulfur removal and increased pyrite removal.

Abstract: Slurries of water-saturated coal and liquid hydrocarbon carriers having the properties of low apparent viscosity, controlled sedimentation and easy separation, which properties render the slurries transportable over long distances in conventional oil pipelines to predetermined destinations where they are easily separated into their constituent parts, are prepared by combining coal with a liquid hydrocarbon carrier, a minor amount of water in excess of the amount in the water-saturated coal and, optionally, a surfactant to form a mixture and then agitating the mixture under high shear conditions to form agglomerated coal particles in which water acts as a coordinator bridging layer around and/or among the agglomerated particles.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, wash water, and acid. Contacting the coal with the caustic produces water-soluble compounds. Sufficient wash water is used to reduce the temperature of the caustic treated coal and dissolve the bulk of the water-soluble compounds before the water-soluble compounds convert to water-insoluble compounds that precipitate on the caustic-treated coal. Caustic removed from the coal by the water is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: A method is provided for isolating a less than 5,000 dalton molecular weight extracellular product from Coriolus versicolor. The extracellular product is useful for biosolubilizing low-rank coals to form water-soluble products.

Abstract: An apparatus and process of steam treating carbonaceous materials under a controlled temperature and pressure. The feed material is introduced into an autoclave or similar vessel and injected with steam at a high pressure and temperature for a controlled period of time to effect thermal restructuring of the carbonaceous material and to effect a conversion of the moisture and a portion of the volatile organic constituents therein to a gaseous phase. Water, wax and tar are recovered during this process and the water may be used as a source of pre-heating feed material in another vessel while the tar may be used as a heating source since it has a high heating value. The upgraded product is allowed to cool and then removed from the reaction vessel. The invention alternatively contemplates use of a separate pre-heating chamber for the carbonaceous feed material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing light hydrocarbons, such as heptane, from coal agglomerates includes an enclosed chamber having a substantially horizontal perforate surface therein. The coal agglomerates are introduced into a water bath within the chamber. The agglomerates are advanced over the surface while steam is substantially continuously introduced through the surface into the water bath. Steam heats the water and causes volatilization of the light hydrocarbons, which may be collected from the overhead of the chamber. The resulting agglomerates may be collected at the opposite end from the surface and subjected to final draining processes prior to transportation or use.

Abstract: In a process for the co-processing of waste rubber and carbonaceous material to form a useful liquid product, the rubber and the carbonaceous material are combined and heated to the depolymerization temperature of the rubber in the presence of a source of hydrogen. The depolymerized rubber acts as a liquefying solvent for the carbonaceous material while a beneficial catalytic effect is obtained from the carbon black released on depolymerization the reinforced rubber. The reaction is carried out at liquefaction conditions of 380.degree.-600.degree. C. and 70-280 atmospheres hydrogen pressure. The resulting liquid is separated from residual solids and further processed such as by distillation or solvent extraction to provide a carbonaceous liquid useful for fuels and other purposes.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the sulfur and ash contents of coal, coal is sequentially contacted with fused alkali metal caustic, water, carbonic acid, and a strong acid. Caustic removed from the coal by the water and the carbonic acid is recovered as anhydrous caustic for again contacting coal.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting coal to low molecular weight organic compounds comprising combining an aqueous solution of an aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrate with a lignin peroxidase, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. The invention is exemplified using the lignin peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Also provided are aqueous-soluble polymeric coal substrates suitable for lignin peroxidase-catalyzed depolymerization and methods of preparing such substrates. Finally, a method is provided for isolating the lignin peroxidase from mycelia-free, unconcentrated media of cultures of P. chrysosporium producing the enzyme.

Abstract: Dispersants for aqueous coal suspensions containing(a) lignin sulfonic acid and/or alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and/or ammonium salts thereof,(b) one or more alkyl ether phosphates corresponding to general formulae (I) and/or (II) below ##STR1## in which R is straight-chain or branched C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or alkenyl radical,M is hydrogen, an alkali metal, ammonium, or an alkaline earth metal, andm and n are numbers of from 1 to 15, and(c) optionally, other auxiliaries of the type typically present in such dispersants.

Abstract: Methods are described for impregnating coal with calcium carbonate by utilizing an aqueous phase ionic reaction between calcium acetate, calcium hydroxide, and water with CO.sub.2 contained within the coal. The coal is enriched in CO.sub.2 by contacting it with CO.sub.2 at high pressure, in either a continuous or pulsed mode. The inclusion of CO.sub.2 in the coal during the process does not involve evacuating the coal and subsequently absorbing CO.sub.2 onto the coal as in prior methods. Rather, the coal is treated with carbon dioxide at high pressure in a practical and viable approach. The impregnation of coal by calcium compounds not only reduces sulfur emissions by effectively tying up the sulfur as calcium sulfide or sulfate, but also increases the gasification or combustion rate. The invention also encompasses the use of other Group IIA elements, as well as the coal products resulting from the methods of treatment described.

Abstract: A continuous fluidized-bed combustion process for particulate carbonaceous feedstock of high ash content. The feedstock fuel is prepared from culm or mine tailings washed in a dense media and crushed to yield a fuel product having an ash content in a range of about 30 percent to about 50 percent, by weight. The feedstock fuel is mixed with fine particles of scavenging material, such as limestone or dolomite, and the resulting feedstock mixture is burned in a circulating fluidized-bed combustion chamber. A portion of the ash remaining after combustion is discharged out the bottom chamber, the remainder being carried with the combustion gases through a hot cyclone and heat exchangers for generating power. The ash within these gases is separated and recirculated through the fluidized bed, and the combustion gases are discharged.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for beneficiation of coal by selective caking, in which process a caking mixture is employed consisting of:one or more solvents selected among light hydrocarbons having boiling points not higher than 70.degree. C.;one or more non-ionic additives selected among oil soluble propoxylated or propoxylated-ethoxylated phenolic or alkylphenolic compounds;possible one or more heavy co-caking agents selected among coal-derived oils having boiling points between 200.degree. C. and 400.degree. C., or the residual products of petroleum refining, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process is described for the flash pyrolysis of a high rank caking coal in a pyrolysis chamber in which the coal passes through a tacky state during flash pyrolysis. According to the novel feature, before entering the pyrolysis chamber, the particles of high rank caking coal are blended with a diluent comprising a finely ground non-caking coal, whereby agglomeration and caking of the high rank coal is prevented during flash pyrolysis.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel from the pyrolysis of coal or oil shale in the presence of iron oxide in an inert gas atmosphere. The method includes the steps of pulverizing feed coal or oil shale, pulverizing iron oxide, mixing the pulverized feed and iron oxide, and heating the mixture in a gas atmosphere which is substantially inert to the mixture so as to form a product fuel, which may be gaseous, liquid and/or solid. The method of the invention reduces the swelling of coals, such as bituminous coal and the like, which are otherwise known to swell during pyrolysis.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating agglomerated subbituminous coal and the heavy bridging liquid used to form the agglomerates. The separation is performed by contacting the agglomerates with inert gas or steam at a temperature in the range of 250.degree. to 350.degree. C. at substantially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the dustiness and increasing the size distribution of a coal product in a coal preparation plant by mixing dewatered coal fines and recycled fine coal from the cyclone separator with a binder to form an agglomerated/size enlarged coated product which can be passed through a thermal dryer.

Abstract: The rheology of a fluidic, substantially combustible non-polluting liquid/solid slurried fuel system derived in substantial part from hydrodisproportionation of coal is varied by addition of fluidic aqueous mixtures and lower chain alcohols to alter the rheology of the mixture and reduce the thermal NO.sub.x upon combustion.

Abstract: A process for producing a coal-water slurry of low viscosity and high coal concentration with a low specific energy and a good efficiency is provided, which process comprises wet-grinding coal by means of a wet vertical ring-roll mill in the presence or absence of a surfactant and recycling a part of the coal ground by the mill, as it is, without classifying it, to the mill through a splitter.

Abstract: Methods of recovering agglomerated particles of a carbonaceous constituent such as coal from a composite of that constituent and mineral matter. An additive is incorporated into a slurry of the composite to control the agglomeration time and/or to insure that the carbonaceous particles will agglomerate. Appropriate additives are:Naturally occurring hydrocarbonaceous substances such as road asphalts, Gilsonite, pentane extracts of coals, tar sands oils, coal tars, and alcohols having six or more carbon atomsCastor oilIsopropyl etherHydrolized linseed oil2-Ethylhexyl acetateIonic dispersants such as ammonium salts of lignosulfonatesNonionic dispersants such as dextrinsA compound having the formula R--O--R, R.sub.2 --CO, R--COOH, or R--COOR where R is an aliphatic moiety having at least six carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rendering coal more suitable for combustion in systems having electrostatic precipitators for removal of particulates from effluent combustion gas streams, which comprises contacting the coal with an aqueous solution of a sodium compound for a time sufficient to permit the sodium in said solution to react with the coal.

Abstract: A process for substantially reducing the amount of insoluble fluoride-forming species in a coal feed material comprising slurrying a coal feed with a fluoride acid in the presence of an amount of fluoride-complexing species at least equal to the amount necessary to form tightly-bound complex ions with substantially all free-fluoride-ions in the slurry to produce a leached coal product and a spent leach liquor, and separating the leached coal product from the spent leach liquor. The process produces a clean purified fuel with ash content of less than about 5%, and preferably less than about 1%. Loss of fluorine values by formation of insoluble fluorides is minimized. Alkali metals and alkaline earths are substantially dissolved.

Abstract: Fluctuating prices and conservation of oil demand substitution of coal therefor, but coal as currently used, produces unacceptable amounts of nitrogen oxides. The problem arises from the inherently poor combustion characteristics of such pulverized solid fuels, the long combustion time intervals required, and the great amounts of excess combustion air required to complete combustion. The methods of the present invention minimize the formation of nitrogen oxides by modifying or adding several steps in the combustion process. Heating the coal to evacuate the pores and capillary openings in the coal structure prepares it for suffusion and storage in an inert atmosphere of carbon dioxide to prevent partial oxidation of coal constituents and adsorption or permeation of nitrogen from the air. Many advantages are gained by replacing carbon dioxide in the pores and capillary openings with methanol.

Abstract: A solid carbonaceous fuel containing up to 10% wt of calcium compounds and 0.1 to 5% wt of added iron added as oxide, carbonate or elemental iron or as substantially halogen and sulphate-free iron-containing substances forming iron oxide or carbonate under furnace conditions. The additives act synergistically to reduce NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A method of chemically comminuting a low-rank coal while at the same time increasing the heating value of the coal. A strong alkali solution is added to a low-rank coal to solubilize the carbonaceous portion of the coal, leaving behind the noncarbonaceous mineral matter portion. The solubilized coal is precipitated from solution by a multivalent cation, preferably calcium.