The research program addresses the key issues of ash particle contact, conditions and rates of reaction of mineral matter, and agglomeration conditions in fluidized-bed gasification. The 4-inch diameter devolatilizer was constructed and three batches of char were prepared from Kentucky No. 9 coal. This devolatilizer allows the preparation of much larger and more uniform batches of char than in the past in a shorter time. The hot-stage screening studies of coal mineral matter at atmospheric pressure also were completed this quarter. Results were used to determine that the study reactor must operate in the time frame of approximately 10 seconds at temperatures between 2100 and 2400F. The high-pressure hot-stage studies were begun in this period and will be completed early in the next quarter.