(US5354345-A)      A process for thermochemical beneficiation of carbonaceous solids including a fraction of particles of a size of less than 1/4 inch in diameter, the process includes:    (a) feeding carbonaceous solids into a reactor vessel having: an internal sidewall defining a lower reaction region, the lower region including a process liquid inlet port extending through the internal sidewall and an upper region including a process liquid outlet port extending through the internal sidewall, a solids discharge opening in the reactor vessel lower region, and a retaining structure constructed and arranged to operably support a section of carbonaceous solids, within the reactor vessel, that is spaced from the reactor vessel outer sidewall with a freestanding liquids region between;    (b) directing a flow of process liquids into the process liquid inlet port, upwardly through the reactor vessel, into the freestanding liquids region, and outwardly through the process liquid outlet port, the process liquid having an uppermost level;    (c) directing a downward flow of carbonaceous solids, including a fraction of carbonaceous particles having a size less than 1/4 inch in diameter, along a path countercurrent to the flow of process liquid, the step of directing a flow of carbonaceous solids including charging the carbonaceous solids into the retaining structure, with a portion of the carbonaceous solids retained above the uppermost level of the process liquid, and, with a portion of the carbonaceous solids spaced from the reactor vessel sidewall, moving the carbonaceous solids downwardly from the retaining structure, through the reactor vessel and outwardly through the solids discharge opening;    (d) beneficiating the carbonaceous solids as they move downwardly from the retaining structure to the solids discharge opening; and    (e) setting at particulates of less than 1/4 inch in diameter from the process liquid in the freestanding liquids region.    USE -   Processes and systems where carbonaceous solids, such as low rank coals and biomass, are treated to upgrade heating value, reduce moisture content, and improve handling characteristics.