Abstract: The present invention relates to a neutron detector that for the first time permits the construction of large detector areas of approximately 1 m2 to 2 m2, with a spatial resolution of the neutrons of under 2 mm. It is additionally possible in the case of the modular construction in a stack arrangement to attain detection sensitivities that are comparable to 3He counter tubes (ca. 60%) or, with a greater number of detector elements, higher. By using thin substrate plates—such as aluminum sheets—and omission of the external pressure vessels, the neutron detectors are relatively lightweight despite their large dimensions and can be produced inexpensively.

Abstract: The present invention provides integrated bunker storage systems for waste streams based on the composition and characteristics of waste streams. In particular, the present invention provides a process for generating individual waste streams based on a set of material characteristics. According to the system and method of the present invention, individual waste streams from wastes stored in bunkers are mixed in a given feed ratio to generate a feed stock that will produce a desired output from a chemical conversion process, e.g., gasification. Optionally, composition data regarding the feed stock can be certified to a third party.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel composition 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: 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: The present invention relates to methods for reclaiming plastics and cellulose materials for use in a variety of applications, including as alternative fuel sources. According to one embodiment of the invention, waste is received which includes cellulose materials and plastics. Such materials are sorted from other materials and the cellulose and plastic materials are shredded or ground and then blended together. The blended materials can then be fed to an energy converter, such as a combustion unit or a gasifier, where they are burned as fuel source or used to create synthetic gas. In other embodiments, the blended materials are heated or have a binding element added thereto. Such mixture is then compressed to form a desired shape or sized object, and that object can then be packaged, distributed or used. The blended object can be used as a fuel source, or as a building, sound attenuation, or insulation material.

Abstract: Integrated cement production systems and methods implementing the systems are disclosed, where the integrated cement production systems include a burnable fuel supply subsystem, a cement raw material supply subsystem, a kiln subsystem and a cement clinker composition storage subsystem. The burnable fuel supply subsystem is adapted to receive one or a plurality of used and/or unused healthcare materials. The burnable fuel supply subsystem can feed the materials directly into the kiln subsystem, can convert the materials into different form and feed the different form to the kiln subsystem or feed a combination of the materials, different forms and optionally conventional fuels to the kiln subsystem.

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: The invention relates to a method for providing boron nanoparticles, characterised in that it comprises at least the following steps: synthesising a boron/lithium LiB intermetallic compound by reacting a mixture of boron and lithium in a reactor, preferably under a vacuum and temperature of 650° C.; transferring and hydrolysing the boron/lithium intermetallic compound in order to produce boron nanoparticles, by immersion in a bath containing water at ambient temperature, under a neutral gas atmosphere such as argon; and separating the boron nanoparticles, especially by tangential filtration, from the other compounds produced by the hydrolysis reaction. The invention also relates to the use of boron nanoparticles.

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: A method for manufacturing metallurgical formed carbon iron composite, in which the particle size of a raw material iron ore is optimized in the manufacture of carbon iron composite having a relatively small particle size so as to manufacture high-strength carbon iron composite while maintaining a target reduction ratio. The method for manufacturing carbon iron composite includes mixing coal and iron ore having a maximum particle size of 1 to 2 mm to produce a briquetted material, and carbonizing the briquetted material. Preferably, the iron content of the iron ore is 63% by mass or less, the blending ratio of the iron ore is 40% by mass or less relative to the total amount of coal and iron ore, and the iron ore is undersize of a 1- to 2-mm mesh screen.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating energy from a process contained series of explosion cycles is provided. The Explo-Dynamics™ energy generating system includes several embodiments for stimulating the heat and pressure release episodes of the process configurations and translating the released forces into torque, thrust, motive force, and/or super-heat impulses. The methods and systems of the present invention include a comprehensive arrangement of process configurations and components as well as a means of operation.

Abstract: A composition of matter is disclosed comprising an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. The composition is suitable for conversion to a bio-oil in a pyrolysis reaction. The carbonaceous material acts as a reducing agent during the pyrolysis reaction. The composition of matter produces bio-oil in a greater yield than prior art processes. The bio-oil is of improved quality, as evidenced by its low TAN value.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A process for preparation of biomass mixed with a heavy hydrocarbon fraction yields a feedstock for the purpose of supplying a gasification unit. The process comprises a first mixing stage followed by a grinding stage and makes it possible to deliver a suspension of biomass particles less than 500 microns in size that are dispersed in the heavy hydrocarbon fraction.

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

Abstract: A fuel source for a hydrogen generator is described. The fuel source includes a chemical hydride, at least one catalyst precursor and a hygroscopic salt. When one or more of the at least one catalyst precursor and hygroscopic salt contact water, a catalyst is formed for facilitating the generation of hydrogen from the chemical hydride.

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: A solid hydrogen fuel is formed into a solid pressure-formed block. The method of manufacturing the solid hydrogen fuel includes following steps. First, at least a hydride powder and at least a hydrogen releasing catalyst powder are mixed well. Next, the mixed powder is bonded into a block by pressure. When in use, the solid hydrogen fuel is mixed with water to produce hydrogen. The hydride powder and water bring about a hydrogen releasing reaction. The hydride releasing catalyst powder is used for catalyzing the hydrogen releasing reaction to produce hydrogen. The solid hydride has higher hydrogen production and can release hydrogen completely.

Abstract: A particulate composite fuel of metal preferably of aluminum for a portable heater. The fuel reacts with oxygen in the air, producing heat. The composite fuel may also be flaked aluminum or iron nanopowder. A portable heater having a fuel mass, at least one thermal conductive member, and at least one insulating member. The heater transfers the heat of the oxidation of the metal particulate fuel to a desired mass to be heated, typically a food item. The multilayered heater also acts as a buffer absorbing released heat and releasing the heat to the desired mass at a rate slower than the absorbing.

Abstract: A fuel preferably pelletized and method of forming a fuel including a quantity of a natural particulate cellulosic material and a quantity of a particulate biosolid material from a bioslurry effluent derived substantially from fats, oils and grease (FOG) found in non-edible food residuals from sanitary sewer drainage (SSD). The biosolid material and the cellulosic material are substantially homogenous, preferably having a moisture content of from about 5% to about 15% by weight and at least substantially minus 5 mesh. A quantity of particulate synthetic polymeric thermoplastic fines material may be added for increased fuel energy content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reclaiming plastics and cellulose materials for use in a variety of applications, including as alternative fuel sources. According to one embodiment of the invention, waste is received which includes cellulose materials and plastics. Such materials are sorted from other materials and the cellulose and plastic materials are shredded or ground and then blended together. The blended materials can then be fed to an energy converter, such as a combustion unit or a gasifier, where they are burned as fuel source or used to create synthetic gas. In other embodiments, the blended materials are heated or have a binding element added thereto. Such mixture is then compressed to form a desired shape or sized object, and that object can then be packaged, distributed or used. The blended object can be used as a fuel source, or as a building, sound attenuation, or insulation material.

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: A particulate composite fuel of metal preferably of aluminum for a portable heater. The fuel reacts with oxygen in the air, producing heat. The composite fuel may also be flaked aluminum or iron nanopowder. A portable heater having a fuel mass, at least one thermal conductive member, and at least one insulating member. The heater transfers the heat of the oxidation of the metal particulate fuel to a desired mass to be heated, typically a food item. The multilayered heater also acts as a buffer absorbing released heat and releasing the heat to the desired mass at a rate slower than the absorbing.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a biomass char producedfrom the combustion of a biomass, such as switchgrass or hybrid poplar, with at least a second carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke or coal, and, optionally a gasification catalyst, 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: Particulate compositions are described comprising an intimate mixture of a coal and a gasification catalyst in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia 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: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and, mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an economical method for efficiently drying the plant-derived biomass for which there has been no established method for disposal and reuse. This drying method does not impair the value of plant-derived biomass as a fuel. Disclosed also herein is a method for producing a biomass fuel from the plant-derived biomass which has been dried by the aforesaid method. The drying method consists of dehydrating (drying) plant-derived biomass in oil with heating and modifying it simultaneously. Drying in this way partly decomposes the plant-derived biomass, thereby yielding a good constituent for biomass fuel.

Abstract: 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: A method of manufacturing a coal product having reduced sulfur emissions including the steps of grinding coal into a powder form having a desired particle size; blending the ground coal with hydrated lime; adding water to the blend so as to have a moisture content of between 10 and 30 weight percent and drying the water-added blend so as to have a desired reduced moisture content. The desired reduced moisture content is less than 1% of the total weight of the coal powder and the hydrated lime. The step of drying includes heating the water-added blend to a temperature of between 300 and 400° F. in an externally heated oven. Waste heat form a power plant can be used so as to head the blend.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided that include introducing ammonia liberated from organic waste to a coal burner in a coal burning power plant, preferably for NOx removal at the power plant. The ammonia is preferably either ammonia liberated upon drying a mixture of organic waste and coal combustion byproducts or ammonia liberated when organic waste is mixed with coal combustion by-products and one or more alkaline additives. Also provided are processes and systems of fueling a coal burner of a power plant with coal and either a dried mixture of organic waste and coal combustion by-products, or a mixture of organic waste, coal combustion by-products and one or more alkaline additives. The present invention is further directed to mixtures of either organic waste and coal combustion by-products, or mixtures of organic waste, coal combustion by-products and alkaline additives made by the processes of the present invention.

Abstract: A long burning fire starter produced by mixing diatomaceous earth particles with wood pellets; soaking the particles and pellet mix in a liquid burning agent and, if desired, a dye and fragrance; coating the soaked mix with wax; and packaging the soaked and coated mix in an airtight package.

Abstract: A waste-derived fuel is prepared to have a particular chemical composition, including ash content, ash composition and fuel value, and physical properties as required by a particular fuel user or burning process. The fuel is prepared by collecting different waste materials, chemically analyzing each waste material, and then blending and mixing together several different waste materials in appropriate proportions to provide the desired chemical composition and fuel value. The fuel is prepared to have a homogenous, uniform, and constant composition over time. The fuel is suited for use by itself or mixed with conventional fuels to be burned as a primary fuel in the main burner of a cement kiln and pre-calciner. In that case, the fuel is preferably formulated to provide an ash composition that approximates the composition of normal cement raw material mix. The fuel can provide increased amounts of particular elements or compounds as required by the fuel user.

Abstract: Briquettes capable of sustained emission of aromatic volatiles during cooking of food over a heated bed of briquettes comprise a bonded combustible or non-combustible matrix containing within the matrix at least one pellet of combustible aromatic material. The briquettes are preferably conventional charcoal briquettes containing a plurality of pellets of compressed bonded wood. The wood is preferably a flavoring wood such as hickory. The invention also encompasses a method of imparting flavor to food comprising cooking food over a heated bed of the briquettes of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat source comprising metal carbide and a method for preparing the same using a reducing/carbidizing atmosphere. The metal carbide heat sources of this invention have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than conventional carbon particles normally used in carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion, the heat sources produce substantially no carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The pyrogen of the invention is formed by the compression of ferrosilicon powder and a mixture of ferric oxide powder and another lower order iron oxide powder. This pyrogen overcomes the weaknesses inherent in earlier pyrogens by dispensing with the use of peroxides. The scope of the invention also extends to the canister which holds the pyrogen. The pyrogen, which is positioned inside the canister's combustion chamber in such a way that it comes into contact with the top of said combustion chamber, is supported by a special ceramic thermal insulator which contains an ignition device comprising an ignition agent, which also incorporates an instant high temperature generating ignition material, and a match head chemical which projects out of a hole in the base cover of the canister. The bottom of the canister is covered by a bottom cap which can be freely removed or replaced as required. The canister, which enables the heating or cooking of whatever is placed inside it, is compact, safe and cheap.

Abstract: The pyrogen of the invention is formed by the compression of ferrosilicon powder and a mixture of ferric oxide powder and another lower order iron oxide powder. This pyrogen overcomes the weaknesses inherent in earlier pyrogens by dispensing with the use of peroxides. The scope of the invention also extends to the canister which holds the pyrogen. The pyrogen, which is positioned inside the canister's combustion chamber in such a way that it comes into contact with the top of said combustion chamber, is supported by a special ceramic thermal insulator which contains an ignition device comprising an ignition agent, which also incorporates an instant high temperature generating ignition material, and a match head chemical which projects out of a hole in the base cover of the canister. The bottom of the canister is covered by a bottom cap which can be freely removed or replaced as required. The canister, which enables the heating or cooking of whatever is placed inside it, is compact, safe and cheap.

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: This invention relates to a heat source comprising a mixture of metal carbide, metal nitride and metal which undergo a staged ignition process, particularly useful in smoking articles. The metal carbide/metal nitride/metal mixtures making up the heat source have ignition temperatures that are substantially lower than conventional carbonaceous heat sources, while at the same time provide sufficient heat to release a flavored aerosol from a flavor bed for inhalation by the smoker. Upon combustion the heat source produces substantially no carbon monoxide or nitrogen oxides.

Abstract: A flavor-imparting powder composition for use with barbecue grills comprising clay and at least one combustible material and which prevents flare-ups and flaming of food juices during grilling.

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 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.