Abstract: A method and an apparatus for destroying biosecurity hazards in quarantined feed materials and producing valuable products that are safe and have economic value is disclosed. The apparatus includes a continuous converter (3) that has a reaction chamber (5) for producing a solid carbon-containing product, a gas product, and optionally an oil product and a separate water-based condensate product in the chamber, via pyrolysis or other reaction mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the carbon content of a carbon-containing material, which includes loading a chamber with a carbon-containing material, evacuating air from the chamber, introducing an inert gas into the chamber, and heating sequentially the chamber at three or more different temperature phases each for a duration of time such that the weight percentage of the carbon in the treated carbon-containing material is increased by 20% or higher, as compared to the untreated carbon-containing material. Further disclosed is a system for performing this method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for generating a solid wood-based material and a hemicellulose-derived material from a wood raw material, said method comprising; i) treating the wood raw material under aqueous conditions at elevated temperature and pressure whereby to generate a hemicellulose-containing fluid component and a solid component; ii) separating said fluid component from said solid component; iii) processing at least a part of said solid component into a solid wood-based material; and iv) processing said liquid component into a hemicellulose-derived material. The invention also provides for a wood-derived fuel with a low ash content.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biorefining systems for co-producing activated carbon along with primary products. A host plant converts a feedstock comprising biomass into primary products and carbon-containing co-products; a modular reactor system pyrolyzes and activates the co-products, to generate activated carbon and pyrolysis off-gas; and an oxidation unit oxidizes the pyrolysis off-gas, generating CO2, H2O, and energy. The energy is recycled and utilized in the host plant, and the CO2 and H2O may be recycled to the reactor system as an activation agent. The host plant may be a saw mill, a pulp and paper plant, a corn wet or dry mill, a sugar production facility, or a food or beverage plant, for example. In some embodiments, the activated carbon is utilized at the host plant to purify one or more primary products, to purify water, to treat a liquid waste stream, and/or to treat a vapor waste stream.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid fuel in the form of a powder, including at least one lignocellulosic component in the form of a powder. The present invention also relates to the method for preparing said lignocellulosic component in the form of a powder, as well as to the use thereof in the production of a solid fuel intended for an internal combustion engine or a burner. The invention further relates to a method for generating energy using the solid fuel according to the invention.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. High carbon biogenic reagents are also provided.

Abstract: Pyrolysis fuels and methods for processing pyrolysis fuel are provided. In one embodiment, a method of processing pyrolysis fuel converts biomass to pyrolysis fuel including pyrolysis oil and char particles. Also, the method includes resizing a portion of the char particles so that substantially all resized char particles have a largest dimension no greater than about 5 microns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of torrefaction of an optionally predried biomass in a torrefaction reactor such that torrefied biomass and torrefaction gases are obtained, and wherein an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the torrefaction reactor at a first position in the reactor such that oxygen reacts with components of the torrefaction gases under the formation of heat and wherein torrefaction gases are withdrawn from the torrefaction reactor at a second position of the torrefaction reactor and wherein the first position is located downstream of the second position in relation to a biomass transport direction in the torrefaction reactor such that the torrefaction gases moves through the torrefaction reactor countercurrent with the biomass transport and wherein the optionally predried biomass has a temperature of between 30° C. and 230° C., preferably between 50° C. and 200° C., most preferably between 60° C. and 180° C. when entering the torrefaction rector.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent. Further in another example, the fuel pellet may include iron oxide catalyst increasing the capture of SO2.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, a non-biomass carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and a gasification catalyst, where the gasification catalyst is loaded onto at least one of the biomass or non-biomass for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: Air-stable coated particles, which include an oxidizable core having a coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, where the coating comprises a first organic ligand and/or a second organic ligand, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the coating of organic ligand(s) acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with a first organic ligand and subsequently with a second organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the “total chlorine content”, the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.

Abstract: A fossil-fuel-fired system, which includes an emissions-control-agent dispenser, a furnace, an emissions monitor and, optionally, a controller, is disclosed. The emissions-control-agent dispenser provides a prescribed amount of organic-emissions-control agent, such as, for example, an opacity-control agent to the fossil-fuel-fired system. The furnace includes an exhaust communicating with the atmosphere. The emissions monitor is capable of measuring at least one property of the flue-gas communicated through the exhaust to the atmosphere. For example, when an organic-emissions-control agent is an opacity-control agent, the emissions monitor has the capability of at least measuring opacity. When included, the controller communicates with at least the emissions-control-agent dispenser and the emissions monitor.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising a carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke and/or coal, treated or otherwise associated with a gasification catalyst, where the catalyst is at least in part derived from a leachate from a biomass char, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. High carbon biogenic reagents are also provided.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the “total chlorine content”, the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous charcoal manufacturing apparatus for turning particulate organic material into charcoal. The apparatus comprises a source of the particulate organic material, a retort and a heating device for heating gas in an external vessel interior space. The source of the particulate organic material comprises an outlet for discharging the particulate organic material from said source! The retort has an external vessel and an inner vessel within the external vessel, whereby the walls of the two vessels are spaced apart from each other so as to define the external vessel interior space between the walls. The external vessel ulterior space is coupled to the source of the particulate organic material so as to allow gases to pass from said space to the source and the inner vessel has an inlet coupled to the source through which the particulate organic material can pass and an outlet for allowing the charcoal to exit the inner vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions of matter comprising coal body surfaces having improved characteristics for hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces, and which are compatible with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic liquid media. The coal body surfaces of the invention facilitate burning at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: Air-stable coated particles which include an oxidizable core having an organic ligand coating substantially encompassing the oxidizable core, are disclosed and described. The coated particles can also be substantially free of an oxide layer, especially oxide layers around the oxidizable core. As such, the organic ligand coating acts as a protective or passivating coating. The air-stable coated particles can be formed via a particle size-reduction process. An oxidizable particulate can be crushed and contacted with an organic ligand. The process conditions are maintained such that an oxide layer is preempted from forming on the oxidizable core. Such materials can be effective as high energy density additives for various fuels, pyrotechnic, ionic liquids, and rocket propellant applications and for biomedical applications.

Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.

Abstract: A method of calcining green petroleum coke which includes separating the green coke having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 50 mm into undersized and oversized fractions, pelletizing the undersized fraction with a binder to form pelletized coke, combining the oversized fraction and the pelletized coke to form a feed mixture, and calcining the feed mixture to form calcined coke. The method includes the addition of a pulverization step wherein all the green coke is pulverized before pelletization and the pellets are then calcined to produce a pelletized calcined coke product.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the “total chlorine content”, the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for making coated burnable fuels from source materials and to the coated burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid compounds which generate hydrogen by combustion, and to a method for generating hydrogen based on the combustion of said compounds. Said compounds have a composition which includes at least one inorganic borohydride, selected from alkali borohydrides, alkaline-earth borohydrides and mixtures thereof, and at least one inorganic oxidant. Characteristically, said composition comprises sulfur. Said method is advantageously implemented for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier.

Abstract: A fuel particle for use in a fusion-fission nuclear engine includes a fuel kernel and a buffer layer surrounding the fuel kernel. The fuel particle also includes a pyrolytic carbon layer surrounding the buffer layer and a silicon carbide layer surrounding the buffer layer. The silicon carbide is characterized by a stress less than 450 MPa at 95% burn-up. The fuel particle further includes a second pyrolytic carbon layer surrounding the silicon carbide layer.

Abstract: A method for the production of animal feedlot biomass for use as fuel in a reactor comprises surfacing a feedlot with a feedlot surfacing material. In addition, the method comprises collecting an animal feedlot biomass from the feedlot. Further, the method comprises preparing the collected biomass for use as fuel.

Abstract: An algae-based powdered fuel is configured to be fluidized in a gas stream. The algae-based powdered fuel is manufactured by drying an algae slurry to produce a powdered composition and then comminuting the powdered composition to produce the fuel. The algae-based powdered fuel can be combusted in a gas turbine to generate electricity and/or to propel an aircraft.

Abstract: A method and installation for production of pellets from processed biomass in a pelletizing press for use as fuel in furnaces, in which the biomass includes cellulose- and/or lignocelluloses-containing fibers, shavings or chips with or without a binder and/or additives and the biomass after processing is fed with a metering device to a pelletizing press. The biomass is separated with a breaker device right before the pelletizing press. Biomass is introduced to a metering device, which includes a spreading device and an endless shaping belt lying beneath it in the direction of fall, in which a mat with an essentially uniform weight per unit area is formed in the metering device on the shaping belt and the metering device feeds the mat to a breaker device in front of the pelletizing press, in which the biomass is separated by the breaker device.

Abstract: A method and an installation for producing pellets from prepared biomass in a pelleting press for use as fuel in fireplaces. The biomass is made of fibers, shavings or chippings containing cellulose and/or lignocellulose, with or without a binding agent and/or additives, and after being prepared is stored in a biomass bunker. The method includes: biomass discharged from the biomass bunker into a scatter device, a mat made of the biomass having a substantially uniform weight per unit area formed by the scatter device on a molding belt, the mat produced on the molding belt examined by an examining device for defective spots and/or foreign substances, and the mat supplied to a pelleting press. At least parts of the mat or a section of the mat include defective regions and/or foreign substances separated from the method upstream of the pelleting press.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel additive composition including at least one of: i) a particle(s) or nanoparticle(s) of oxide(s), hydroxide(s), hydrate(s), and/or carbonate(s) selected from the group consisting of: Al, Sb, Mg, Fe, Mo, Zn, Sn, B, Bi, Ca, Li, Na, K, Ba, Mn, Si, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Ti, Ce, and V; and ii) an alloy(s) or nanoalloy(s) containing two or more metals selected from the group consisting of Al, Sb, Mg, Fe, Mo, Zn, Sn, B, Bi, Ca, Li, Na, K, Ba, Mn, Si, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Ti, Ce, and V; wherein at least one of the i) particles or nanoparticles and ii) alloys or nanoalloys can be capped with at least one iii) flame retardant material. The fuel additive composition can modulate fuel combustion.

Abstract: In producing gas hydrate pellets by compression-molding a gas hydrate powder, heat generated in a compressing part is removed with a simple method so as to reduce the degree of gas hydrate decomposition, and a gas hydrate aggregate blocking the compressing part is promptly and easily removed. A gas-hydrate-pellet production apparatus A is characterized by including: a roll-cooling mechanism which causes cooling water to flow through outer peripheral portions and/or insides of rolls 6a and 6b, thereby cooling the rolls 6a and 6b, and also cools the cooling water 43 discharged after the flow and supplies the cooled cooling water 43 to the outer peripheral portion and/or the inner portion of each of the rolls 6a and 6b; and/or heating means provided in a part of a hopper chamber 5 from which the gas hydrate powder n is fed to the rolls 6a and 6b.

Abstract: Biomass particles are modified by associating the particles with carbon fibers. The carbon fibers may be coated onto the biomass particles, or may be embedded within the biomass particles. As a result of the association with carbon fibers the particles are more susceptible to conversion to bioliquid.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a diamond material, particularly nanocrystalline diamond, diamond-like carbon and bucky diamond are provided. In particular embodiments, a composition including a carbon source, such as coal, is subjected to addition of energy, such as high energy reactive milling, producing a milling product enriched in hydrogenated tetrahedral amorphous diamond-like carbon compared to the coal. A milling product is treated with heat, acid and/or base to produce nanocrystalline diamond and/or crystalline diamond-like carbon. Energy is added to produced crystalline diamond-like carbon in particular embodiments to produce bucky diamonds.

Abstract: The present invention depicts a reciprocating engine actuated by means of anaerobic fuel comprising at least one piston reversibly actuated inside a cylinder in an N-stroke operation, the piston being in communication with a crank; a feeding means adapted to introduce the anaerobic fuel to a cylinder head accommodating at least one piston and cylinder, in at least one event of each of said N-stroke; an ignition means igniting the anaerobic fuel in or adjacent to the cylinder head, whereat the piston is in at least one predetermined location in the cylinder along each of the N-strokes, so that in each stroke, a predetermined deflagration of the anaerobic fuel is actuating the crank. The invention also teaches a vehicle powered by a reciprocating engine with anaerobic fuel.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine utilizing a fuel mixture containing a suspension in air at a concentration of about 200 mg of fuel per liter of air, of a solid fuel including at least one of a cereal flour, a cotton flour, a soybean flour, a potato flour, a cassava flour, a dehydrated chocolate powder and a dehydrated milk powder, the solid fuel being in the form of a powder having an average particle diameter and median particle diameter at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: Pellet damaging is prevented at the time of pellet charging into a storage tank. There is provided a method of storing a gas hydrate in which pellets obtained by compression molding of powdery gas hydrate are conveyed into a storage tank by the use of a slurry liquor, which method includes pouring a liquid for impact absorption in advance into the storage tank so that the impact on the pellets charged in the storage tank is absorbed by the liquid for impact absorption.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the “total chlorine content”, the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling by-products or pollutants from fuel combustion, comprising corn-busting a fuel containing a dispersion, the dispersion comprises: (a) a mixture of at least two metal bases, wherein each metal of the metal bases has an average oxidation state of (+2) or higher, (b) at least one surfactant; and (c) at least one organic medium, wherein the metal bases are uniformly dispersed in the organic medium.

Abstract: A biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The fuel pellet commonly includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Optionally, the fuel pellet may comprise a lignin additive. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: The invention provides a micronized form of coal particles with improved characteristics for porosity, hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces. The coal of the invention can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also has improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: Compositions of multi-layer nanoparticies and methods for making the multi-layer nanoparticles are provided. The multi-layer nanoparticle can include a core-shell structure including a core material covered by a multi-layer shell. The multi-layer shelled nanoparticles can be produced using template particles. In one embodiment, the template particle can be provided including a shell layer formed over a core material. One or more other shell layers can then be formed on the template particle and thereby forming a core-shell structured nanoparticle with a diameter of about 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A granular solid wax particle, comprising a) a highly paraffinic wax having a T10 boiling point less than 427° C. and comprising at least 40 weight percent n-paraffins, and b) an inorganic powder coating on the wax particle. Also, a process for making a fuel or a base oil, comprising transporting the granular solid wax particles in a transport vessel to a distant location where the granular solid wax particles are processed into the fuel or the base oil.