Wood, Sawdust Or Paper Patents (Class 44/590)
  • Patent number: 11597888
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for production of cellulose based fuel pellets from wood logs includes steps of comminuting the wood logs to particulate wood material. The particulate material heat treated in a reactor and the pressure is reduced in a manner causing defibration of the particulate material. The material is pelletized using the softened lignin at least partially as a binder for the pellets. The comminution of the wood logs is effected as a single-step operation in which the wood logs are charged to a comminution station where at least one rotating drum provided with cutting teeth is arranged in a manner to fully comminute the wood logs. The particulate material may be fractioned and a selected size fraction used for the further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Arbaflame Technology AS
    Inventor: Rune Brusletto
  • Patent number: 11473027
    Abstract: A mixture for a natural fuel package is provided, having essentially a mass of combustible wood particles and particles of organs of a plant in the Cinnamomum genus as constituents which are bonded by compression, whereby upon ignition the said particles undergo decomposition to liberate the moisture, releasing an aromatic cinnamon fragrance and flavor which can be inhaled by persons present at the time of burning and tasted or consumed through the food cooked on such fuel resulting in medicinal and therapeutic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Bethmage Malinda Thivanka Perera
  • Patent number: 11326117
    Abstract: It is disclosed a combustible article of manufacture comprising a treated lignin composition and a combustible support, wherein the treated lignin composition is attached to at least a portion of an external surface of the combustible support with a force greater than the force of gravity relative to the treated lignin composition. The treated lignin composition comprises solid lignin and has a moisture content in the range of 35% to 80% percent by weight. The combustible support is preferably a hardwood chip, but it may be also softwood chips, coal, coke, and shredded tires. It is also disclosed a fuel composition comprising a plurality of the combustible article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Versalis S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ettore Bonaldi, Alessandra Giusti
  • Patent number: 11072754
    Abstract: A method for production of at least one tannic product and a bark product having enhanced fuel value is disclosed. The method comprises disintegrating bark; compressing the disintegrated bark to recover a first liquid extract comprising tannic substances; impregnating the compressed bark with a first aqueous impregnation composition at a pH below 7, and at temperature within the range of 45-80° C.; dewatering the impregnated bark to recover a second liquid extract comprising tannic substances and a dewatered bark product; recirculating at least a part of the second liquid extract to the impregnation step, wherein the first aqueous impregnation composition comprises a mixture of said recirculated part of the second liquid extract and optionally fresh water; optionally combining said first liquid extract with the non-recirculated part of said second liquid extract; and adding sulphite salt to said first liquid extract and to said non-recirculated part of said second liquid extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Fredrik Solhage, Narcis Mesic
  • Patent number: 9039792
    Abstract: A process is provided comprising subjecting a quantity of plant biomass fibers to a pretreatment to cause at least a portion of lignin contained within each fiber to move to an outer surface of said fiber, wherein a quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers is produced; and densifying the quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers to produce one or more densified biomass particulates, wherein said biomass fibers are densified without using added binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bruce E. Dale, Bryan Ritchie, Derek Marshall
  • Publication number: 20150128487
    Abstract: Certain disclosed pellets, briquettes, and other compacted products contain multiple components and have a composition tailored to meet specific requirements for a given application. Frequently, at least one of the components is a biomass component. The compacted biomass products can be used in various applications including power generation, animal bedding, and waste absorbent. One particular embodiment involves using compacted body or mass as a fuel supplement or fuel replacement for coal or other fossil fuel(s) in co-firing power plants. Other specific applications include bedding for various animals including fowl, horses, and rabbits. Another application comprises pelletized absorbents such as cat litter for absorbing liquid and/or solid waste products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Michael B. Myers, Jay J. Hood
  • Publication number: 20150121749
    Abstract: An organic fuel additive for improving the combustion of a bioenergy solid fuel product, the organic fuel additive comprising a mixture of combustible organic fines and a polymer material, wherein the polymer material encapsulates the combustible organic fines in solid form, and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Superior Coatings Group, LLC
    Inventors: Hans E. Iverson, Kerstin K. Iverson
  • Publication number: 20150113868
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an advanced wood pellet used for producing energy where under combustion, the advanced wood pellet produces vapors that have less acid, burns hotter, and thereby burns more completely resulting in less ash during combustion when compared to traditional wood pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas Querrey, Mark Atwood
  • Publication number: 20150096222
    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 co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Paula A. Calabrese, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20150089863
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Dingrong BAI
  • Publication number: 20150075326
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel J. Despen, James A. Mennell, Steve Filips
  • Patent number: 8979952
    Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of the fuel-properties of biomass in an integrated manner to facilitate storage, shipping and applicability thereof. In the process, biomass (6) is thermally treated within a combustion process to cause partial torrefaction of the organic matter present in biomass, thus yielding components inert to biological decomposition processes. Constituents (10) separated in gaseous form are utilized as fuel, while the thermally treated biomass (8) remaining in the solid form is utilized in a separate process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Valmet Power Oy
    Inventor: Markku Raiko
  • Publication number: 20150059625
    Abstract: Low emission fuel pellets are formed from fuel sources such as non-recyclable paper and plastic materials by combining sorbent(s) to the interior of the pellet as it is being formed or coating the pellet with sorbent(s) after it has been formed. The sorbent compound is a metal compound preferably formed from an alkaline or alkali earth metal or copper which will react with any acid gases and heavy metals formed during the burning of the pellets to form corresponding stable metal salts, which will remain in the ash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Joe Harrell, Sumana Keener, Timothy Clark Keener
  • Patent number: 8906119
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8852301
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: POET Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Bootsma
  • Patent number: 8852302
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8828105
    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 co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Accordant Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Paula A. Calabrese, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20140196361
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Elite Fuels LLC
    Inventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, SR.
  • Patent number: 8753410
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: Darrell Neal Taulbee
  • Patent number: 8721746
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Creative Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiro Kiyama
  • Patent number: 8702821
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Elite Fuels LLC
    Inventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8702820
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Elite Fuels LLC
    Inventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140082997
    Abstract: To provide a solid fuel which uses waste wood, used paper, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value, and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. A solid fuel which is formed from a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent, wherein the mixture contains the wood pieces and the paper/natural fiber pieces in a total amount of 15 to 45 parts by weight and the binder, the form retaining agent and the caloric augmentation agent in a total amount of 55 to 85 parts by weight, has a weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces of 20:80 to 80:20, and is molded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: CREATIVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiro Kiyama, Masayuki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140060343
    Abstract: A fire starter for use with a grill (G) for cooking foods includes a combustible bag (A) placed on the grill. The bag's contents include charcoal (B) which, when lit, has a relatively long burn time. Interspersed in the bag with the charcoal are wood shavings (S) which have a relatively shorter burn time than the charcoal. In one embodiment, the contents of the bag are poured into the grill. In another embodiment, one end (E1) of the bag is opened and placed on a grate (P). The other, upper end (E2) of the bag is opened and the lower end of the bag ignited. Setting the bag vertically on the grate produces a chimney effect to facilitate burning of the bag and its contents. When the bag is ignited, the shavings are also ignited and burn for a period sufficiently long to ignite the charcoal before being consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Edward F. Owens
  • Patent number: 8636816
    Abstract: A composite wood product adapted for burning includes a compacted mixture of lignosulfonate, wood particles, and ground corn. A method of manufacturing the composite wood product includes: (i) providing and mixing the lignosulfonate, the wood particles, and the ground corn to form a mixture having a moisture content from about 6 wt. % to about 18 wt. %; compacting the mixture at high pressure; and drying the mixture to obtain an optimum moisture level for burning. The composite wood product may be provided in a kit that includes log-shaped pieces and starter pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Richard T. Svopa, Jr., David Newton
  • Publication number: 20140013661
    Abstract: A manufacturing process is disclosed for preparing torrefied biomass having a reduced inorganic content which comprises passing crude torrefied biomass through one or more selective separation devices capable of separating inorganic particulate matter from the torrefied biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: HM3 ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Breneman, David T. Carter, Howard J. Dawson, Andrew J. Green, Hiroshi Morihara, Richard F. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130326939
    Abstract: Pelletized fuel products, methods, and apparatuses are provided. The method includes pelletizing at least partially carbonized biomass in an inert atmosphere. The apparatus includes a feeder of at least partially carbonized biomass, a pelletizer configured to receive and pelletize the at least partially carbonized biomass, and an inert gas source configured to provide inert gas to the pelletizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: William J. Lawrence, James Grady Coble, III
  • Publication number: 20130330677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coal to form a paste that can be used as a fuel or incorporated with other fillers to form pellets or briquettes. The paste is formed from crushed or powdered coal mixed in a liquid fuel and may be used as is or may be mixed with a carrier fuel prior to combustion or it could be mixed with other biomass fillers to produce a solid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joel Sterling Douglas, Michael Curtis
  • Publication number: 20130326940
    Abstract: Pelletized carbonized biomass-based fuel products, methods, and apparatuses are provided. Methods include applying a binder and a first amount of water to at least partially carbonized biomass, applying a second amount of water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, and pelletizing the at least partially carbonized biomass in an inert atmosphere. Apparatuses include a feeder of at least partially carbonized biomass, a binder source and a first water source configured to provide a binder and water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, a second water source downstream of the binder and first water sources, a pelletizer configured to receive and pelletize the at least partially carbonized biomass, and an inert gas source configured to provide inert gas to the pelletizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: William J. Lawrence, James Grady Coble, III, Jared Ray Phillips
  • Patent number: 8591606
    Abstract: A biofuel that includes a blend of municipal solid waste, selected recyclables, and/or construction and demolition waste including about 40% to 60% wood, about 10% to 20% paper, about 10% to 20% cardboard, about 5% to 10% non-chlorinated plastics, about 5% to 10% rags, about 5% to 10% rugs, and an emission reducing agent, the emission reducing agent being one or more of urea, calcium hydroxide, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and an ammonium compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Louis Wagner
  • Patent number: 8556998
    Abstract: A method for dewatering a water-containing combustible solid excluding coal, comprising heating, in a sealed vessel, the water-containing combustible solid at a temperature of 100° C. to 300° C. under a pressure not less than a saturated steam pressure at said heating temperature, while applying a shearing force of 0.01 MPa to 20 MPa to said water-containing combustible solid. The method allows the production of a slurry in water which contains the water separated from the water-containing combustible solid and a combustible solid from which the water is removed, has a suitable viscosity and water content, and can be subjected to spray combustion, at low costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: K.E.M. Corporation
    Inventor: Yukuo Katayama
  • Publication number: 20130263499
    Abstract: A method may include heating biomass to generate torrefied biomass. The method may also include applying a liquid to the torrefied biomass in order to cool the torrefied biomass and increase moisture content of the torrefied biomass. The method may further include densifying the torrefied biomass into pieces having a second specific density greater than a first specific density of the torrefied biomass prior to densification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: James Russell Monroe, Charles Hawk Cotter
  • Publication number: 20130247455
    Abstract: The Present Invention is a fire starting device for use as kindling manufactured from pine straw, as the primary component, a vegetable oil, natural resins, and an herbal component. The composition of the device differs from prior art devices that burn petroleum hydrocarbons. The device is hollow, having at least one vertical channel and at least one horizontal channel drilled from the outer wall of the device to the inner vertical channel. The fire starter device is ignited from the top, and it burns to produce a high, intense flame that ignites other flammable materials having a much greater kindling temperature. The height of the flame and the burn duration are controlled by the overall size of the device and the sizes of the channels. The device burns clean with a minimum of smoke and harmful or noxious fumes. Burning the device minimally creates air pollution. It burns completely with a minimum of ash residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: APPTEC, INC.
    Inventors: Vilambi Reddy, Anil Torgalkar, Lionel Xavier
  • Publication number: 20130247457
    Abstract: The present invention is predicated upon methods and devices for forming numerous articles for various applications including nutritional applications, medicinal applications, or other useful applications for plants, animals or otherwise. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods and devices for forming high quality pellets using alginates as a retention agent for the ingredients. This may be achieved through the creation or modification of pre-existing forming devices, wherein an alginate applicator is provided for applying the alginate to the ingredients, before, during or after formation of the articles, or combinations thereof, to retain the ingredients of the articles together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: American Bio Labs
    Inventors: James Fajt, Bruce Dorendorf
  • Publication number: 20130232864
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130232865
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, SR.
  • Patent number: 8523962
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MPH Energy LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130152461
    Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Biogenic Reagents LLC
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, William A. Brake, Kenneth G. Oja
  • Publication number: 20130145684
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Biogenic Reagents LLC
    Inventors: James A. Mennell, William A. Brake, Kenneth G. Oja
  • Patent number: 8449631
    Abstract: A method for torrefaction of wood which includes providing a first endless conveyor belt; heating the first endless belt; and positioning a planar wood product on the first belt to heat the wood product by conduction to achieve torrefaction. Other forms provide a second endless belt that disposed in sandwich relation to wood to be torrefied. Some embodiments of the method provide a metal chamber having opposed planar sides dimensioned and configured for receiving a wood sheet with the respective opposed sides of the wood sheet in intimate thermal contact with respective opposed sides of the metal chamber. Other embodiments include the apparatus for torrefaction of an associated wood sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Paoluccio
  • Patent number: 8444721
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Re Community Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130104450
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the torrefaction of a biomass feedstock for the production of a biofuel, the process comprising: (i) torrefaction of a biomass feedstock in a toroidal bed reactor, wherein the toroidal bed reactor comprises a reaction chamber with a substantially circumferentially directed flow of fluid generated therein to cause the biomass feedstock to circulate rapidly about an axis of the reaction chamber in a toroidal band, and to heat the biomass feedstock, wherein the fluid comprises gas or gases introduced into the reaction chamber and wherein the chamber is maintained under an oxygen-depleted atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MORTIMER TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Dodson, Martin Groszek
  • Publication number: 20130081934
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for converting sewage, sludge, wet feedstock, animal waste, municipal trash, and/or other biomasses into combustible fuels. According to various embodiments, sewage is dewatered, pulverized, desiccated, pelletized, and/or subjected to pyrolysis in order to produce bio-fuels, combustible gases, and/or chars. Bio-fuels, gases and/or chars may be collected during and/or after pyrolysis for use as combustible fuels. According to various embodiments, the collected bio-fuels, gases and/or chars may be transported for later use as a fuel. The collected gases may be liquefied and transported for later use as a fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: PULVERDRYER USA, INC.
    Inventor: Levi New
  • Patent number: 8404006
    Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting vehicle includes a crop material pick-up device, a fragmentation unit for fragmentizing the crop material, and a mechanical dehydration device which is used to remove an aqueous portion of the crop material, and which is divided into a first dehydration unit that takes place upstream of the fragmentation unit, and a second dehydration unit that takes place downstream of the fragmentation unit; and a method of harvesting is performed by the thusly arranged units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Weigelt
  • Patent number: 8377153
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Renewable Densified Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Milan Kluko
  • Patent number: 8349034
    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 co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Re Community Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Paula A. Calabrese, Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8343399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing pellets from large pieces of renewable fibrous raw materials, such as, in particular, wood, straw, or energy crops, wherein the raw material is chopped up, then dried, and subsequently processed into pellets in a matrix press, characterized in that the material, optionally pre-chopped in choppers or shredders, is chopped in a first matrix press prior to drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Behrmann, Axel Buschhart, Werner Sitzmann
  • Publication number: 20120317878
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: Darrell Neal Taulbee
  • Patent number: 8328884
    Abstract: Compositions for wood pellets including grape vine and methods of making wood pellet compositions including grape vine are described. The wood pellets include wood particles, grape vine particles, and a lubricant. The method includes mixing wood particles and grape vine particles with a lubricant, heating the mixture, and forming the mixture into pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Traeger, Mark A. Traeger, Randolph J. Traeger, Brian E. Traeger
  • Publication number: 20120240456
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Tamio Ida, Akio Nakanishi