Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a production method capable of producing carbon composite briquettes having sufficient strength without excessively reducing a production capacity, even using steel mill dust containing oil. This method comprises: adding at least a carbonaceous material and a binder to steel mill dust containing oil and mixing them to form a powdery mixture; compacting the powdery mixture by means of a pressure roll to produce briquettes; and recognizing an increase/decrease in an oil content of the powdery mixture to adjust a rotation speed of the pressure roll so as to lower the rotation speed along with an increase in the oil content.

Abstract: Binder compositions for converting coal waste into fuel including a distillable petroleum hydrocarbon emulsified with a surfactant and water are provided. The invention also includes methods for making the binder compositions. The methods include blending a distillable petroleum hydrocarbon petroleum hydrocarbon with water and a surfactant. In another aspect, a fuel product is provided which includes the reaction product of carbonaceous fine particles and a binder composition of this invention. The binder composition is provided in an amount necessary to increase the hydrophobic characteristics of the carbonaceous fine particles and bring about a statistically significant change in their chemistry. In one embodiment the binder composition is present in an amount between about 1.5 percent and about 4.0 percent of the total weight. Methods are also provided for making fuel from fine carbonaceous materials, which include exposing the carbonaceous materials to a binder composition of this invention.