Abstract: The use of pellets comprising one or more thermoplastic material(s) of more than 40%, based on the total dry weight of the pellets and one or more cellulosic material(s) of more than 20%, based on the total dry weight of the pellets, as a reducing agent in a process for making pig iron in a blast furnace. The pellets can be provided in unground form, as a partial replacement of coke through the top of the blast furnace, or can be provided as reducing agent in the raceway in an amount of higher than 10 kg/ton iron.

Abstract: A process of aggregating coal fines in a coal flotation concentrate includes dewatering the coal flotation concentrate to reduce moisture content and provide a dewatered flotation concentrate, mixing the dewatered flotation concentrate with a binder to provide a mixture, compacting the mixture under pressure to provide a green body of aggregated coal fines, having a sufficient strength for handling utilizing typical commercial methods of conveying and shipping.

Abstract: A solid fuel product can include a carbon based solid fuel, a cementitious material, and a plastic material. The carbon based solid fuel can include coal, petroleum coke, wood and/or other carbon products. The cementitious material can include Portland cement, lime, calcium aluminate cement, natural cement, slag cement, blended cement, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, and/or fly ash. The plastic material can include a thermoplastic material and/or a thermoset material. The solid fuel product can include about 45% by weight to about 98% by weight of the carbon based solid fuel and about 1% by weight to about 50% by weight of the plastic material.

Abstract: Process for producing a briquette containing carbon carriers (2): mixing the carbon carriers (2) together with a binder system (3) with introduction of steam and the mixture obtained is pressed to form briquettes. At least one of drying carbon carriers (2), setting the temperature of the carbon carriers (2) to be mixed with the binder system before mixing or heat treating the briquettes after pressing by direct or indirect interaction with superheated steam. Waste steam is at least part of the steam introduced during mixing. An apparatus for carrying out such a process has such interaction with steam, from which a waste steam conduit leads and opens directly or indirectly into the mixing device.

Abstract: A composite product characterized in that said product is produced and prepared by a continuous process comprising mixing water permeated municipal solid waste (MSW) with a municipal solid waste solidification reagent, wherein said solidification reagent initiates a polymerization reaction with the waste and the polymerization reaction forms a rigid polymer matrix therein. In addition, the polymer matrix also expands in volume during the polymerization reaction to form a foamed, environmentally stable, recycled composite product.

Abstract: A system for treating biomass for the production of a composition of lignin pellets .is disclosed. Pellets comprising at least 50 percent lignin by dry weight is disclosed. Also disclosed are pellets produced from a lignin composition by a process comprising: pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass into pre-treated biomass; separating the pre-treated biomass into a first liquid component comprising sugars and a first solids component comprising cellulose and the lignin composition; hydrolysing the first solids component of the pre-treated biomass into a hydrolysed biomass comprising sugars and the lignin composition; separating the hydrolysed biomass into a second liquid component comprising sugars and a second solids component comprising the lignin composition; supplying the second solids component comprising the lignin composition to a pelleting apparatus to produce the pellets; wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: A solid fuel molded out of a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 25 mm and thermoplastic resin, wherein the mixture contains 80 to 95 parts by weight of the total of the wood pieces and the paper pieces and 5 to 15 parts by weight of the thermoplastic resin, and the weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces is 20:80 to 90:10. The solid fuel which generates a stable amount of heat is manufactured by using waste wood, waste paper and waste thermoplastic resin in a well-balanced ratio.

Abstract: A fuel composition that provides a renewable biofuel energy source for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving air quality by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide released into the air during combustion. The fuel composition includes an energy crop comprising of a grain component. The grain component is efficacious in releasing copious quantities of vapor for burning. The vapor provides a more complete and efficient burn. The fuel composition further includes an oxidizer reactant for oxidizing, or receiving a plurality of electrons during combustion. The fuel composition further includes a fuel adhesive for bonding the molecules of the fuel composition together.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a system and method for briquetting solid fuel before or after treatment with electromagnetic energy. In the system and method, solid fuel is transported through a continuous feed solid fuel treatment facility, treated using electromagnetic energy, and briquetted after treatment.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing solid fuel, including estimating a heat value for at least a portion of a combustible waste stream. At least one type of combustible polymer is added to the combustible waste stream as needed to raise the estimated heat value of the portion of combustible waste stream to a desired heat value. The combustible waste stream is heated and mixed with the at least one type of combustible polymer to increase the structural integrity of a solid fuel formed from the mixed combustible waste stream and to increase the hydrophobic properties of the solid fuel. The heated and mixed combustible waste stream is pressed into objects of solid fuel, such as briquettes, which are substantially hydrophobic.

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 method of generating heat in a boiler such as by combusting a fuel material which includes a plurality of densified fuel pellets is provided. The densified fuel pellets may be formed by a process which includes compacting a mixture which includes about 5 to 15 wt. % molten thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the method are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

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 is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: A method of producing 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 method commonly includes compressing a feed mixture to form a densified material, where the feed mixture includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: A method of producing 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 method commonly includes compressing a feed mixture to form a densified material, where the feed mixture includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

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 fuel additive composition comprising a sustained release component and an additive component, the additive component is effective to provide at least one benefit to a fuel when released into the fuel, the sustained release component is (1) a polymeric material, (2) substantially insoluble in the fuel, and (3) effective to reduce the rate of release of the additive component into the fuel relative to an identical composition without the sustained release component.

Abstract: This present invention is for an improved method of recycling waste materials consisting substantially of cellulosic fiber and thermoplastic resin to make combustible products useful as industrial fuel with high heat output. The preferred method utilizes a low-speed and high-torque grinder to facilitate the continuous processing of feedstock. One advantage of the present invention over the prior art is the ability to continuously process feedstock while reducing the risk of fire.

Abstract: The novel features of this invention include a bio-based binding-agent and a manufacturing process which—together with conventional production equipment—comprise a very low-cost system for making strong and water-insoluble products from a variety of particulate feedstocks, including finely-divided lignocellulosic fiber and particles, or fines, of chemically-inert materials. This binding-agent—process combination is uniquely suited to the manufacture of water-impermeable agglomerates from granular and powdery materials—including minerals, metal particles and carboniferous fines no courser than about one cm—and to creation of composite materials from particulated forestry residues, crop wastes and paper byproducts. Of particular commercial interest is the production of synthetic fuel from moist fine coal without the input of the thermal energy normally required for dewatering and drying the feedstock, and for curing prior art bonding agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making pelletized fuel containing plastic and cellulose particles in which a feed stream containing plastic and cellulose particles is supplied to a pelletizing device. The process is used in particular in processes for recycling household and industrial waste streams into pelletized fuel. The invention also relates to pelletized fuel, to the use of the pelletized fuel as secondary fuel and to various methods of firing furnaces with the pelletized fuel. The process according to the invention is characterized in that the feed stream contains at least 40 wt. % plastic and the pelletizing device has an annular mould with holes whose effective hole length (L) and hole diameter (D) ratio (R) is at least 5. Besides a high calorific value, the pelletized fuel obtained has a good hardness, good bulk, storage and transport properties and a good grindability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic fuel made of coal dust, water and an organic chemical reactive with the coal dust to form a chemical bond with the coal dust upon compacting to provide a product very similar to coal. The inventive product surprisingly in some case provides higher BTU value than coal alone (up to 5 to 1000 BTU per ton more than counterpart coal), does not produce the waste ash at the users' facility of inorganic chemicals (and many organic chemicals such as tar) and can solve a moisture problem of coal dust and give even more increased green strength.

Abstract: An improved pelletized fuel consisting essentially of from about 70% to about 98% coal fines and from about 2% to about 30% waste thermoplastic polymeric material (plastic) and a method of producing the improved pelletized fines are disclosed. The plastic is shredded or granulated before mixing with the coal fines, and the mixture is heated to a temperature to soften or melt at least a major portion of the plastic. The heated mixture is then shaped by applying a pressure of at least about 600 PSI and pressing the mixture through a pelletizing or extrusion die, or shaping the mixture in a briquetting operation.

Abstract: A fuel pellet and a method of manufacturing a fuel pellet capable of burning in either a stoker or pulver furnace, comprising from about 0 to about 80% by weight of cellulosic material, from about 1% to about 50% by weight of densified thermoplastic material, and from about 0 to about 50% by weight of coal. The cellulosic material, densified thermoplastic material and coal are ground from about 80 Mesh to about 200 Mesh, and then blended into a mixture wherein the contents are evenly distributed throughout. Following the blending process, the mixture is forced through a pelletizer. As the pellets are removed from the pelletizer they are immediately cooled so that the densified thermoplastic particles do not melt. The resulting fuel pellets produce from about 10,000 BTU per pound to about 16,000 BTU per pound and leave an ash deposit of about 0 to about 6% by weight, and a sulfur dioxide output of about 0 to about 3% by weight.

Abstract: Iron-rich material waste products, such as electric arc furnace dust, are formed with an organic binder into discrete shapes, such as briquettes and/or other solid shapes. The shapes can then be used in iron and steel making processes and the iron and heavy metal values in the waste product recovered.

Abstract: A coal agglomerate is produced by the combination of coal fines with a binder obtained by the direct liquefaction of biomass material. The direct liquefaction is carried out in the absence of oxygen at typical temperatures between about 450 and 700.degree. F. and typical pressures between 200 and 3,000 psi, according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as fast pyrolysis tars and petroleum asphalt, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is sprayed on coal fines preheated to at least 250.degree. F. and allowed to react at about 300-400.degree. F. Combustible extenders and fillers; reinforcing fibers; and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the coal prior to combination with the binder to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized by the application of pressure in conventional equipment.

Abstract: Solid combustible agent for disaggregating soot and tarry deposits in chimney flues, said agent comprising an aggregate of cellulosic particulate material, chemical and/or catalytic soot disaggregating agent and binder. This agent is preferably used alone, i.e. in the substantial absence of an already ignited fire, when combusted to treat the flue.

Abstract: A compressed briquette or other solid shape, object, or article useful as a coke substitute in blast furnaces disclosed as being manufactured so as to comprise a reaction product of fine carbonaceous material (such as coke breeze, coke fines, or petroleum coke), a reactive tar, and polymeric binder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pelletized fuel composition comprising coal fines in an amount of from 60% to 80% by weight, paper making sludge in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight, and a shredded polymeric material in an amount of from 0.5% to 15% by weight. Surprisingly and unexpectantly, a high percentage of correctly sized pellets having a desired degree of hardness and structural integrity result without the necessity of a binder, the use of very high pressures or drying the completed pellets by heating at elevated temperatures. A method of manufacturing the fuel composition involving pelletizing at a pressure of from about 1,000 psig to about 4,000 psig is also disclosed.

Abstract: Iron-rich material waste products, such as electric arc furnace dust, are formed with an organic binder into discrete shapes, such as briquettes and/or other solid shapes. The shapes can then be used in iron and steel making processes and the iron and heavy metal values in the waste product recovered.

Abstract: A process for forming durable, mechanically strong compacts from feed mixtures comprising solid particles in contact with a liquid (e.g., carboniferous particles in contact with water) which does not require use of a binder is disclosed. The process comprises applying a compressive stress to the feed mixture either by compacting the feed in a mold or by extruding the feed through the die of a suitable extrusion apparatus while controlling certain process parameters, including the moisture content and the zeta potential of the particulate feed. The process can be used to form large, cylindrically-shaped compacts from coal particles (i.e., "coal logs") so that the coal can be transported in a hydraulic coal log pipeline or by conventional means.

Abstract: A fuel pellet and a method of manufacturing a fuel pellet capable of burning in either a stoker or pulver furnace, comprising from about 0 to about 80% by weight of cellulosic material, from about 20% to about 50% by weight of densified thermoplastic material, and from about 0 to about 50% by weight of coal. The cellulosic material, densified thermoplastic material and coal are ground from about 80 Mesh to about 200 Mesh, and then blended into a mixture wherein the contents are evenly distributed throughout. Following the blending process, the mixture is forced through a pelletizer. As the pellets are removed from the pelletizer they are immediately cooled so that the densified thermoplastic particles do not melt. The resulting fuel pellets produce from about 10,000 BTU per pound to about 16,000 BTU per pound and leave an ash deposit from about 0 to about 6% by weight, and a sulfur dioxide output from about 0 to about 3% by weight.

Abstract: A method and a solid fuel product, such as briquettes and pellets, comprising carbon fines, in the form of heretofore discardable coke breeze and/or coal fines and/or revert materials, bound together chemically into smaller pieces to substantially prevent degradation and which constitutes a source of high heat without creating significant pollution or smoke.

Abstract: A method and a solid fuel product, such as briquettes and pellets, comprising carbon fines, in the form of heretofore discardable coke breeze and/or coal fines and/or revert materials, bound together chemically into smaller pieces to substantially prevent degradation and which constitutes a source of high heat without creating significant pollution or smoke.

Abstract: A method and a solid fuel product, such as briquettes and pellets, comprising carbon fines, in the form of heretofore discardable coke breeze and/or coal fines and/or revert materials, bound together chemically into smaller pieces to substantially prevent degradation and which constitutes a source of high heat without creating significant pollution or smoke.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing packed bulk density of coal, whose surface moisture varies from 2 to 15 weight percent, to desired levels in the range of 45 to 50 lbs./cu.ft., and for controlling and maintaining the improved bulk density. The method involves treating the coal with dilute water solutions (0.01 to 1.0 weight percent of solids) of water soluble, nontoxic polymers, belonging to the classes of polyethylene oxides and polyacrylamides, in amounts between 0.5 gram and 120 grams of polymer solids per metric ton of coal.

Abstract: A method for making artificial fireplace logs includes the initial step of mixing a quantity of grass clippings and leaves with a quantity of wood chips and sawdust to form a mixture. A liquid binder is then added to the mixture until the binder coats the mixture. The coated mixture is then compressed in a mold to form a compacted mass. Once the mass has solidified, it is removed from the mold. Preferably, the proportion of grass clippings and leaves is in a range of 60%-80% by weight of the total weight of all materials of the compacted mass.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bonding particles into briquettes wherein the particles to be briquetted are mixed with a phenolaldehyde resin and polyisocyanate in the presence of a catalyst, and the resulting mixture is briquetted. A phenolic-urethane polymer is formed to bond the particles and coat the briquette formed of said particles. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A production method of novel condensates comprising bisphenols and aromatic aminosulfonic acids, in particular, novel 4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid-2, 2-bis(4-hydrocyphenyl)propaneformaldehyde type condensate and said condensate itself are disclosed. Uses of condensates as a dispersant for disperse dye, additive for carbonaceous fine powder-water slurry and water-reducing agent for cement are also claimed.

Abstract: The invention discloses fuel nuggets with high heat value which is virtually dust-free, and a method of making the same. The nuggets are preferably made of scrap particleboard made of wood particles bonded together by a urea/formaldehyde adhesive. The scrap is hogged and shaped into roughly spherical nuggets of a preselected size suited for automated furnaces. The nuggets are then coated with an aqueous urea solution and then oven-dried to achieve a preselected moisture content.