Abstract: Described is a method for producing a fuel containing carbon, wherein the fuel is formed by compressing raw material containing a carbon and adding an additive that promotes thermal utilization of the fuel at a specified amount. The additive contains a chemical compound made of the elements calcium and/or magnesium and having or not having carbon. In a first method step, the raw material containing carbon is pressed and in this way a pressed article is produced. Then the additive is fed to at least one area of said pressed fuel article.

Abstract: A method is provided in which pretreated and densified cellulosic biomass particulates can be hydrolyzed at a high solids loading rate as compared with the solids loading rate of loose hydrolysable cellulosic biomass fibers. The resulting high concentration sugar-containing stream can be easily converted to biofuels or an entire suite of other useful bioproducts.

Abstract: A method for producing individual compacts made of coke and suitable for coke oven chambers by dividing a coal cake in a non-mechanical manner, wherein the coal cake is produced by a compression method according to the prior art and the coal cake is divided by non-mechanical, energy-supplying media, and the non-mechanical media supplying shearing energy are, for example, a laser beam, a high-pressure water jet, an abrasive-solid jet, an ultrasonic beam, a compressed-air jet, or a gas jet. By using the method, coal compacts can be produced from coal cakes without forming dust, without wearing out cutting tools, and with high precision.

Abstract: A method for deactivating coal, in which coal is deactivated with a treatment gas containing oxygen, wherein a deactivation step for deactivating the coal in a temperature range 45-70° C. is carried out.

Abstract: A method for compacting coal in a manner suitable for coke oven chambers is described. The coal is initially compressed by means of a suitable compressing device into one or more coal cakes, and the obtained coal cakes are divided into compacted products by a cutting device. The compacted products are stacked on top of the each other such that they can be loaded into a coke oven chamber for coking. The compacted products enable the coke oven chambers to be loaded in a precise and a coal loss-free manner. The coal compacted products are easy to store.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of a plant which grows in large quantities in nature. [Solution] The solid fuel comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of Ricinus communis, Triadica sebifera, Jatropha curcas, Brassica rapa L. var. nippo-oleifera, Plamae, Zea mays or Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquito) and is hot compression molded.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of transforming low rank coals into high quality metallurgical coke, and the coke products produced by such methods.

Abstract: A product comprising at least one densified biomass particulate of a given mass having no added binder and comprised of a plurality of lignin-coated plant biomass fibers is provided, wherein the at least one densified biomass particulate has an intrinsic density substantially equivalent to a binder-containing densified biomass particulate of the same given mass and h a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface. Methods for using and making the product are also described.

Abstract: Coal compacts which are suitable for coking in coke oven chambers are prepared by pressing and compacting coal in a pressing device having a design which shapes the surface of the coal compacts to provide higher surface area. Already compacted coal blocks can be pressed to generate the surface shape. The resulting coal compacts exhibit significantly improved properties during the coking process, resulting in improved gas and heat exchange. A device for compacting coal preferably contains a plate provided with shaping elements on the pressing surface.

Abstract: A method for production of coke chamber-compatible coal briquettes. Horizontally feeding coal into a pressing mold formed from a plate having two parallel terminating walls, which are stationary with respect to the direction of movement of the plate, and a terminating stop wall disposed transversely to the direction of movement of the plate. The side of the pressing mold open to coal is closed by a stationary wall, and the plate is locked in the horizontal direction for the pressing operation. The coal is compacted by a tamping device, having a vertically acting force onto pressing mold to produce a coal briquette. After completion of the coal briquette, the plate is moved horizontally in the longitudinal direction so that the space in the pressing mold becoming free in the horizontal direction is used for producing the next coal briquette. A device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

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: 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.

Abstract: A method for dewatering water-containing coal which includes heating the water-containing coal at a temperature of 100 to 350° C. under a pressure not less than a saturated steam pressure at the temperature for the heating, while applying a shearing force of 0.01 to 20 MPa to the coal, in a sealed vessel. The method is novel and allows the production of dewatered coal which is inhibited from reabsorbing water after dewatering and is also inhibited from absorbing oxygen after dewatering.

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: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a process and an apparatus for producing at low cost gas hydrate pellets having an excellent storability. A gas hydrate generated from a raw-material gas and raw-material water is dewatered and simultaneously molded into pellets with compression-molding means under conditions suitable for generating the gas hydrate while the gas hydrate is generated from the raw-material gas and the raw-material water that exist among particles of the gas hydrate.

Abstract: A method for production of coke chamber-compatible coal briquettes. Horizontally feeding coal into a pressing mould formed from a plate having two parallel terminating walls, which are stationary with respect to the direction of movement of the plate, and a terminating stop wall disposed transversely to the direction of movement of the plate. The side of the pressing mould open to coal is closed by a stationary wall, and the plate is locked in the horizontal direction for the pressing operation. The coal is compacted by a tamping device, having a vertically acting force onto pressing mould to produce a coal briquette. After completion of the coal briquette, the plate is moved horizontally in the longitudinal direction so that the space in the pressing mould becoming free in the horizontal direction is used for producing the next coal briquette. A device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a coal cake for coking, in which a bed (3) of coal is compacted in a mold (2) by pulses of hammers (19) which act on the bed, and is solidified to form a block. In accordance with the invention the bed (3) is not only worked on in pulses by the hammers (19) but is also subjected to compression.

Abstract: Coal compacts which are suitable for coking in coke oven chambers are prepared by pressing and compacting coal in a pressing device having a design which shapes the surface of the coal compacts to provide higher surface area. Already compacted coal blocks can be pressed to generate the surface shape. The resulting coal compacts exhibit significantly improved properties during the coking process, resulting in improved gas and heat exchange. A device for compacting coal preferably contains a plate provided with shaping elements on the pressing surface.

Abstract: A process and system for briquetting particulate matter such as moisture-containing bituminous and sub-bituminous coal includes partially drying and feeding the particulate matter to a briquetting apparatus under conditions such that water vapor is released from the particulate matter during feeding. The released water vapor substantially displaces or prevents the ingress of a large proportion of other gaseous components from the atmosphere surrounding an/or intermixed with the particulate matter. The particulate matter is surrounded by and intermixed with a gaseous component containing 70% to 100% by volume of water vapor where it enters the briquetting apparatus, such that when the particulate matter is compressed, the water vapor liquefies and the pressure buildup in the thus-formed briquettes is minimized. This reduction in the pressure buildup reduces blow-back of gases as the coal fines are formed into briquettes.

Abstract: An energy product made from biomass, and a method of making an energy product from biomass. The energy product is made by processing biomass in a pressurizable reaction vessel with heat, pressure and agitation.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for briquetting particulate matter such as moisture-containing bituminous and sub-bituminous coal. This process includes partially drying the particulate matter and feeding, the partially dried particulate matter to a briquetting apparatus under conditions such that water vapor is released from the particulate matter during feeding. The particulate matter is passed through briquette forming rollers to form briquettes. The released water vapor substantially displaces or prevents the ingress of a large proportion of other gaseous components from the atmosphere surrounding and/or intermixed with the particulate matter. The particulate matter that is fed to the briquetting apparatus is surrounded by and intermixed with a gaseous component containing 70 to 100% by volume of water vapor at the point where it enters the briquette-forming part of the briquetting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a machine for converting comminuted material, such as saw dust, into fuel pellets. In the method of the invention, starting material is pressed by a piston through an elongated passage having a converging cross-section. The stroke length of the piston varies over time. The machine of the invention relates to a pellets press having a variable stroke length.

Abstract: A densification system for shredding and densifying specification raw materials for use as an alternative fuel source. The densified specification raw materials formed by the inventive system are readily transportable to a fuel processing site where they may be used to generate energy.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of compacts from comminuted material (12) such as lignocellulose material and/or other combustible material for burning in hearths, wherein the material (12) is placed into openings (11) of a mold (4) and then compressed to form compacts. The filling of a mold (4) with the material (12) and the compaction of the material (10) to form compacts (10) is performed in the pressing chamber (18) of a multi-platen press (1) with plungers (7) plunging into many openings (11) of a mold (4), and after compaction the mold (4) with the ram (3) is raised and additionally urged against the ram, while the finished compacts are driven out of the mold and then are pushed out of the press chamber (18) into a container (16) by an ejecting device. Moreover, an installation for the practice of the method includes a hopper (9) and a multi-platen press (1) with a mold raising-and-lowering device (14).

Abstract: A combustible pellet comprising municipal solid waste. The pellet has a water content of less than 10% by weight and a fuel value of at least 10,000 BTU. A process for the forming of a combustible pellet from municipal solid wastes, comprising the steps of removing solid hazardous waste from said municipal solid waste; subjecting the municipal solid waste so obtained to at least one step to separate recyclable products therefrom; and subjecting the resultant product to a shredding and a pulverizing step. A fluff with a water content of less than 10% by weight is obtained. The fluff is compacted to form a combustible pellet.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are horizontally disposed between the rifling and compressed in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally horizontally disposed, circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices waxed cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into waxed cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the waxed cardboard strips into waxed cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper segments and waxed cardboard segments mix.

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: An artificial firelog having a support surface, a viewing surface, and a pair of end surfaces is produced by moving a component mixture through an extrusion bore containing an extrusion die. The component mixture is divided by a blade extending the diameter of the extrusion die, thereby forming a flat rear surface on each stream of the component mixture. The blade additionally contains a cylindrical mandrel at approximately the center of the blade for forming a channel on the component mixture at substantially the center of the flat rear surface. The component mixture is then cut to desired lengths to form an artificial firelog.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of low ash fuel using calcined petroleum coke by crushing and screening of calcined petroleum coke below 3 mm size, mixing the crushed and screened materials to achieve a bulk density in the range of 760 to 800 kg/m3, mixing 10-100% of the resultant calcined petroleum coke with 0 to 50% coke breeze, pre-soaking the mix so obtained with 5-10% water, mixing with hinder followed by kneading in presence of live stream, then briquetting and curing of the raw briquettes in a furnace in a controlled oxidising atmoshpere to obtain the low ash fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for pelletizing a feed material containing finely divided solids and water by compressing the feed material in the die cavities of a pellet mill and permitting excess water to escape from the material being compressed through at least one water escape opening in each die cavity.

Abstract: A process for forming durable, mechanically strong compacts from coal particulates without use of a binder is disclosed. The process involves applying a compressive stress to a particulate feed comprising substantially water-saturated coal particles while the feed is heated to a final compaction temperature in excess of about 100° C. The water present in the feed remains substantially in the liquid phase throughout the compact forming process. This is achieved by heating and compressing the particulate feed and cooling the formed compact at a pressure sufficient to prevent water present in the feed from boiling. The compacts produced by the process have a moisture content near their water saturation point. As a result, these compacts absorb little water and retain exceptional mechanical strength when immersed in high pressure water. The process can be used to form large, cylindrically-shaped compacts from coal particles (i.e.

Abstract: A briquette, and method of making it, for use in gas-fired barbecue grills. The briquette features three desirable characteristics: (1) relative permanency or durability, i.e. it is useable a number of times without physical disintegration or shedding of ash; (2) the desirable heat absorption and radiation characteristics of lava rock; and (3) the ability to impart flavor to the grilled food. Broadly described, the briquette includes from about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight lava rock fines such as scoria or basalt fines, from about 5 percent to about 15 percent by weight calcium aluminate and/or Portland cement, less than 5 percent by weight starch; and—before drying in manufacture—from about 0.2 percent to about 8 percent by weight water. Ideally, the briquette also includes up to about 10 percent by weight wood particles such as hickory or mesquite shavings. A method for making the inventive briquette is disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: A pelletized cellulosic pulp product is produced from a delignified and bleached paper pulp raw material that is useful as a combustion material. The size, shape, density and glazed outer surface of the pelletized product contributes to controlled combustion of the pellets to support a smoldering burn in use.

Abstract: A process for making a fuel product including blending a sewage sludge with an acid, mixing an oxide-containing chemical with the blended sludge so as to cause a reaction which elevates a temperature of the sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a. for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, mixing the pressurized mixed sludge with coal fines, and solidifying the mixture of pressurized mixed sludge and coal fines. The oxide-containing chemical is either calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The acid is sulfamic acid. The step of solidifying includes pelletizing the mixture. The solidified mixture has a BTU content of greater than 5000 BTU per pound.

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 method for recovering coal from a mixture containing fine particles of coal, the mixture including fine coal particles, water, and impurities, the method including feeding the mixture to a first liquid/solid separator that removes relatively large pieces of material from the mixture producing a first stream containing recoverable fine coal particles, and pumping the first stream from the first liquid/solid separator to at least one second liquid/solid separator, the at least one second liquid/solid separator separating recoverable fine coal particles from the first stream producing a product flow containing fine coal particles and a discharge stream containing, e.g., water and impurities. In one aspect, the coal in the product flow is then dried and/or pelletized. In one aspect fine coal particles in the product flow have a largest dimension of less than 100 microns. In one aspect, fine coal particles in the product flow have a largest dimension of at least about 40 microns.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a new and improved compressed wood fuel pellet. The method comprising the steps of severing a wafer of tree trunk or branch, punching or splitting a small portion along the grain in the wafer, confining each portion across the grain, and then compressing each portion along the grain to form a compressed wood fuel pellet of contiguous wood having a specific gravity of about 1.2-1.4 with a very high efficiency process and machine.

Abstract: A low cost and an environmentally-friendly synthetic firelog is made by mixing specially processed waxed-cardboard or other wax coated papers of varying proportions with a binder/fuel. The binder/fuel consists of a petroleum wax or a mixture of waxes, the nature and extent of which is suitably modified by in situ admixture with the paraffin wax already present in the waxed-cardboard. Sawdust or other wood fillers may also be added. Upon thorough incorporation of the materials, the resulting mixture is extruded, molded, compressed, or otherwise formed, such that the resulting mass is sufficiently solid to hold its shape at normal room temperature.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for pelletizing a feed material containing finely divided solids and water by compressing the feed material in the die cavities of a pellet mill and permitting excess water to escape from the material being compressed through at least one water escape opening in each die cavity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an aggregate product from particulate material, and in particular for making an aggregate coal product from coal particles. The method involves the steps of 1) loading the coal particles into a mold having an open end and an inner surface defining, in part, a pressurization chamber, the open end of the mold having an outwardly flaring inner peripheral end surface, 2) pressurizing the coal particles within the pressurization chamber such that the coal particles aggregate to form the coal log, and 3) pushing the coal log out of the mold past the flared end surface so that the coal log expands as it passes the end surface. The method may also include the step of maintaining back pressure on the coal log as it is pushed out of the mold. In addition to coal logs, the mold configuration of this invention may be used for making other aggregate products from particulate materials.

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: 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: In the process, the wet sewage sludge originating from a preceding mechanical dewatering is mixed with brown coal, brown coal coke or their mixtures in a weight ratio of sewage sludge to brown coal or its mixtures with brown coal coke of 1:3 to 3:1 and subsequently compacted wet at moderate compaction pressures above 50 bar to dimensionally stable mouldings. The briquetted mouldings can then be fed to a power station boiler as an auxiliary fuel to a thermal utilization or utilized chemically in a pyrolysis or gasification process for the production of fuel gas or synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing charcoal and intermediate char-containing articles from paper and/or paperboard comprises forming an aqueous pulp of cellulose fibers from the paper or paperboard and blending the aqueous pulp with comminuted char in a dry or slurried state. The resulting mixture may be shaped into any desired form, such, for example, as briquettes, by forcing the mixture into a perforated die or porous mold to form substantially rigid articles. The formed product is dried in a kiln.

Abstract: A refuse derived fuel (RDF) pellet having about 11% or more particulate calcium hydroxide which is utilized in a combustionable mixture. The pellets are used in a particulate fuel bring a mixture of 10% or more, on a heat equivalent basis, of the RDF pellet which contains calcium hydroxide as a binder, with 50% or more, on a heat equivalent basis, of a sulphur containing coal. Combustion of the mixture is effective to produce an effluent gas from the combustion zone having a reduced SO.sub.2 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content of effluent gas from similar combustion materials not containing the calcium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for time production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids and municipal solid waste with minimal drying requirements. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted or briquetted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids, waste paper and/or refuse derived fuel, and crushed coal, and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids and cellulosic wastes.

Abstract: A solid fuel containing a recycled residue from anaerobic fermentation or anaerobic digestion of an organic material. The solid fuel can also contain a volatile solid fossil fuel. The residue is preferably derived from an anaerobic digestion process of municipal solid waste, raw sewage sludge, biomass feedstock, industrial waste, agricultural waste or mixtures thereof. The volatile solid fossil fuel preferably contains a coal constituent of lignite, anthracite coal, meta-anthracite coal, bituminous coal and/or sub-bituminous coal. Regardless of whether the solid fuel contains only recycled residue or recycled residue bound with a volatile solid fossil fuel, the solid fuel can be formed into pellets or energy cubes.

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.