Testing of the Component Screening Combustor (CSC) during the period was devoted to evaluating alternate designs which were intended to eliminate several shortcomings in the performance of the baseline. These areas were slag escape from the primary which solidified as a chimney in the secondary. Another concern was the escape of raw fuel from the primary zone. The first alternate designated as Mod. 1 features a raised rear primary wall which increases the volume by 50%. The second alternate design designated as Mod. 2 features a single centrally located fuel injector. Both the designs were evaluated using a computer modeling program and a flow visualization rig. Results indicated that the central core jet was more stable than the baseline and that the escape of slag would be reduced. The fabrication of the PRIS housing and both types of inserts were completed. The PRIS test plan was submitted for approval. Work conducted on the coal fuel specification task included: review of the effects of mean particle size, ash fluid temperature and viscosity as regards the combustor testing; determination of high temperature slag properties; high-temperature alkali release additive costs; treatment of waste slurry and grinding circuit optimization. 33 figs., 20 tabs.