Abstract: The method is for controlling a sodium and sulphur balance of a pulp mill while separating lignin from black liquor. Lignin is precipitated by using an acid followed by filtration. The lignin filter cake thus obtained is re-suspended in acidic liquid and dewatered to form a second cake. The filtrate obtained after dewatering of the second cake is returned for washing and suspension of the first cake. Sodium sulphate-rich ESP (electrostatic precipitator) dust produced in the recovery boiler is used in the washing of the precipitated lignin cake.

Abstract: A method for treating waste cooking oil is disclosed, the method comprising subjecting the waste cooking oil to a first separation comprising a settling treatment at ambient temperatures to produce an oil fraction and a sludge fraction; and subjecting the oil fraction so recovered to a second separation comprising filtration. An apparatus for refining waste cooking oil comprises a settling system for separating the waste cooking oil into an oil fraction and a sludge fraction; a filtration system for filtering the oil fraction. The oil fraction recovered is particularly suitable for use as a fuel for an internal combustion engine and as a replacement for diesel in operating diesel engines.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include methods of recovering bio-oil products, fuels, diesel fuels, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: A processed solid fuel composition incorporating agents for destroying creosote and soot within flue ducts and chimneys of fireplaces, solid fuel stoves and other heating devices is disclosed, along with a method for its manufacture and a method for its use. The composition is made up of a combination of compressed cellulosic particulate material and a chemical and/or catalytic creosote and soot removing agent, and is molded in the form of a fire log in the preferred embodiment. The composition may be used alone, but is ideally applied to an active fire to treat a chimney flue by combined heating and chemical disaggregation of accumulated creosote and soot deposits.

Abstract: A process to obtain low molecular weight polyphenols, medium molecular weight polyphenols, and a standardized solid fuel from tree bark or wood that includes the stages of: bark grinding; solid-liquid extraction from the bark using a low molecular weight aliphatic; concentration of the extract, to recover the aliphatic alcohol used in the extraction; decantation, filtration and/or centrifugation, in order to separate the solid and liquid phases of the extract; drying of the soluble fraction in water of the hydroalcoholic extract; drying of the insoluble fraction in water; separation of the fine fraction of the bark extracted in a sieve and/or air fractionation system.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for producing carbonaceous materials and/or hydrocarbon materials from a biomass feed composition, the apparatus including a feed port; a thermal decomposition assembly including a ribbonchannel reactor which includes an inner heated hollow cylinder; an outer heated hollow cylinder, one of which is rotatable with respect to the other, both heated hollow cylinders providing heat to the feed composition to convert it to a vapor fraction and a solid residue fraction; low height flighting mounted with respect to the inner and outer heated hollow cylinders to move the feed composition through the thermal decomposition assembly; at least one vapor port for removing the vapor fraction containing a hydrocarbon material; and at least one solids port for removing the solid fraction, containing a carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing organic waste, such as coffee grounds (12), so as to eliminate it by combustion. Said method consists in mixing the waste (12) with a silicic acid additive (14), the proportion of additive ranging between 3 and 5% to constitute a fuel.

Abstract: A process for producing a fuel product from biomass that includes providing a biomass feedstock to a high-shear mixer, mixing the biomass feedstock in the mixer in the absence of oxygen and under conditions sufficient to undergo liquefaction, and re-circulating and blending the liquefied biomass with the biomass feedstock.

Abstract: A process for the production of synthetic natural gas from a carbonaceous material, preferably a biomass material, such as wood. The carbonaceous material is steam reformed to produce a syngas, which is then fed to a methanation zone to produce synthetic natural gas.

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 organically clean biomass fuel formed of mixture of a powder, which may be either dried, cellulosic product, wood charcoal powder, and/or a combination of the two, and a fluid, which may be vegetable oil, vegetable alcohol or a combination of the two. A centrifugal machine dries moist, cellulosic product and extracts black liquor. A grinder transforms the dried, cellulosic product into powder. Gum may be extracted from the vegetable oil or vegetable alcohol. A batch mixer or vibrating vessel mixes the powder and the fluid together; the fluid moisturizes the powder. Depending upon the relative amount of the fluid as compared to powder, the mixture will either be in a liquid cream state or a doughy state. If the latter, the mixture may be pressed into briquettes or ingots.

Abstract: An organically clean biomass fuel formed of mixture of a powder, which may be either dried, cellulosic product, wood charcoal powder, and/or a combination of the two, and a fluid, which may be vegetable oil, vegetable alcohol or a combination of the two. A centrifugal machine dries moist, cellulosic product and extracts black liquor. A grinder transforms the dried, cellulosic product into powder. Gum may be extracted from the vegetable oil or vegetable alcohol. A batch mixer or vibrating vessel mixes the powder and the fluid together; the fluid moisturizes the powder. Depending upon the relative amount of the fluid as compared to powder, the mixture will either be in a liquid cream state or a doughy state. If the latter, the mixture may be pressed into briquettes or ingots.

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: Mechanically and biologically stable briquettes and pellets are obtained from either municipal solid waste (MSW), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or municipal sewage sludge and their combination for purposes of disposing said briquettes and pellets as fuel in waste-to-energy processes such as the one described herein or to form geometric aggregates with such briquettes for their disposal at landfill sites. The use of binding material is not required whereas fuel additives such as crushed coal and petroleum residues may be added to enhance fuel performance but are not needed to improve waste processing or product stability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: An aqueous additive containing a metal compound is used to improve the operation of combustion exhaust after treatment systems. The additive is introduced into the combustion chamber as part of an emulsion with the fuel or, alternatively, in the emulsion or alone as an aqueous stream introduced into the exhaust or emission path. The metal compound scavenges combustion byproducts in order to protect and make more efficient the after treatment system.

Abstract: A process for making a fuel product from paper mill sludge including dewatering the paper mill sludge so as to have a solids content of greater than 7 percent by weight, mixing an oxide-containing chemical and molasses with the dewatered paper mill sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 6 p.s.i. for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, and drying the pressurized mixed sludge to no less than 60 percent solids by weight. The oxide-containing chemical can be either calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The oxide-containing chemical is mixed in an amount of between 1 percent to 10 percent by weight of the dewatered paper mill sludge. The molasses is mixed in an amount of between 0.1 percent and 1 percent by weight of the dewatered paper mill sludge. The method also includes grinding the dried sludge to a desired size of no less than 325 mesh and no larger than one-quarter inch in diameter. The dried sludge has a heating content of no less than 5,000 BTUs/pound.

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 particulate waste wood fuel comprising wood particles comprising less than 20% water by weight and having a particle size distribution suitable for combustion of the particulate wood fuel in a particulate fossil fuel suspension furnace. A method for making the particulate wood fuel includes shredding of waste wood and drying the shredded waste wood to obtain the desired particle size distribution and water content. A method for producing energy comprises injecting the particulate wood fuel into the combustion chamber of a particulate fuel suspension furnace separately from a particulate fossil fuel which is also injected into the combustion chamber. The particulate fossil fuel and particulate wood fuel are combusted in the combustion chamber in a gas flow through the combustion chamber to form a flame in the gas flow. The wood particles are substantially completely combusted within the combustion chamber while suspended in the gas flow and are not combusted at the furnace wall.

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

Abstract: A igniter for logs in a fireplace has a body of combustible material, such as wood, with two major surfaces. A plurality of grooves extend in one major surface thereby forming a plurality of ribs in the body. The grooves and ribs near the center of the body may be narrower than the grooves and ribs remote from the center. A slot extends in the other major surface transverse to the first direction wherein the slot communicates with plurality of grooves to form air passages through the body. A pair of blocks, placed on opposite sides of the slot, support the body above the fireplace hearth. By starting combustion beneath the slot in the body, a source of fire is provided that is concentrated initially into a relatively small area which gradually increases as the body is consumed.

Abstract: An igniter for logs in a fireplace has a body of combustible material, such as wood, with two major surfaces. A plurality of grooves extend in one major surface thereby forming a plurality of ribs in the body. The grooves and ribs near the center of the body may be narrower than the grooves and ribs remote from the center. The middle section of each groove tapers toward an opening in the other major surface to form air passages through the body. The tapering of the middle sections of the groove forms relatively thin edges which ignite easily. A pair of blocks, placed on opposite sides of the slot, support the body above the fireplace hearth. By starting combustion beneath the middle openings in the grooves, a source of fire is provided that is concentrated initially into a relatively small region which gradually increases as the body is consumed.

Abstract: A barbecue smoker device for placing in a barbecue grill for generating flavoring smoke when heated, the barbecue smoker device including a leakproof noncombustible body having an inner cavity, an opening positioned to connect to the inner cavity to thereby provide access to the inner cavity, presoaked wood chips positioned within the inner cavity to thereby generate smoke when the barbecue smoker device is placed in the barbecue grill, a lid positioned on the opening to thereby hermetically seal the presoaked wood chips within the inner cavity, and an associated method.

Abstract: A process of gasifying waste containing organic substances which may be combusted or gasified by means of partial oxidation in the presence of air or oxygen and steam. The gasification process includes the step of adjusting the molar ratio of steam/carbon (H.sub.2 O/C) for supplied steam and the organic substances containing carbon to a desired ratio. The process continues with partial oxidation at about 700.degree. C. to about 900.degree. C. and discontinuing the steam supply while continuing only air or oxygen supply to combust the remaining combustibles having carbon as their major component.

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

Abstract: A high conversion of biomass, such as wood, sawdust, bark, or agricultural wastes, to liquids is obtained bypyrolysis at short reaction tines in a reactor capable of high heat transfer rates; the reactor being of the fluidized bed, circulating fluidized bed or transport type in which the conveying gas contains low and carefully controlled amounts of oxygen, allowing a reaction system with low concentrations of carbon monoxide or flammable gases with a resulting improvement in operating safety and potential improvement in thermal efficiency and capital costs. The oxidation steps may be carried out in one or two stages. The resulting liquid product may be used as an alternative liquid fuel or as a source of high-value chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing ignitable material (10) having an angled, rotatable, hollow drum (12) with a high end entrance (14) and a low end exit (16). A molten treatment vat (18) containing molten treatment (44), such as paraffin, within which angled, rotatable, hollow drum (12) is rotated is also provided. The treatment vat (18) is heated so that the treatment (44) contained in the vat is kept molten. Additionally, ejection guides (58) are attached interiorly of the hollow drum adjacent the low end exit (16). Further, a molten treatment excess return (46) is connected to the low end so that the material introduced at the high end entrance (14) which is rotated through the molten treatment (44) and then ejected by the ejection guides (58) from the exit end (16) is allowed to shed excess molten treatment (44) which is returned to the molten treatment vat (18) for reuse.

Abstract: Methods for producing a combustible fuel product from a biological sludge are provided. A removable bulking agent is mixed with the sludge and the mixture aerobically composted under conditions effective to substantially reduce the level of pathogenic microorganisms and provide a fuel product with a heating value of about 3,800 Btu/lb after removal of the bulking agent.

Abstract: A method of treating biomass material e.g. straw, comprises heating the biomass material to a treatment temperature below a temperature at which the material would undergo combustion, washing the biomass material, and partially redrying the washed material thereby to produce a material which may be used as a substitute for peat.

Abstract: A cellulosic composition 42 is provided which may be used as a charcoal briquette replacement, germination medium, oil and animal excretion absorbent, or as a source of nourishment.

Abstract: A process for treating various species of wood or other similar combustible material by vacuum/pressure penetration and impregnation of the combustible material with a flammable substance in order to produce a fire starting or combustion catalyst material with bum characteristics substantially similar to naturally occurring resin enriched woods. The wood or other combustible to be treated is placed within the cylinder of a modified vacuum/pressure autoclave whereupon the air within the cylinder is substantially removed and the cylinder is then filled with a hot flammable liquid such as a liquid paraffin. The autoclave is then caused to be pressurized and the appropriate pressure is maintained within the autoclave cylinder for a sufficient time to insure the desired penetration and impregnation of the wood or other combustible with the flammable liquid.

Abstract: Wood chips, bark, sawdust and other cellulosic products containing unacceptably high quantities of water are dried and enriched in BTU content. The green or freshly cut wood product is immersed in hot oil to dry the wood. After water exits the wood pores as steam, some oil enters these interstices, impregnating the dried wood, thereby increasing its BTU content and improves its storing and burning characteristics. Chips and bark dried in and impregnated with used or waste oil, provide an environmentally acceptable means of disposing of and utilizing used or waste oils. Wood chips dried and impregnated with vegetable oil, provide a clean burning, non-toxic fuel for lighting or starting charcoal and wood.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing biological waste such as medical waste and a biomass fuel product from sterilized waste are disclosed. The biological waste preferably includes waste capable of sorbing substantial amounts of a liquid fuel having a boiling temperature higher than about 240.degree. F. The waste is shredded and then introduced into a container holding the liquid fuel, which is maintained at atmospheric pressure at a temperature between about 240.degree. F. and the boiling temperature of the liquid fuel. The shredded waste is immersed in the liquid fuel for a time sufficient to effect sterilization of the shredded waste. Thereafter, the sterilized shredded waste is removed from the container, and ground to either make it pumpable or increase its pumpability, and to further destroy the physical shape of the waste as to make it unrecognizable. The ground waste is then pumped to a desired location. The waste with sorbed liquid fuel is atomizable and usable as a fuel for many applications.

Abstract: An improved fuel block of compressed combustible particles and a binder has a controlled burn rate preferably for use adjacent citrus fruit trees to prevent frost damage. The fuel block preferably has a cylindrical body and is formed with a longitudinally extending series of individual spaced depressions in the side surface of the body. The side surface of the fuel body is tightly wrapped with a combustible paper which forms air pockets with the side surface of the spaced depressions. These air pockets in combination with the paper, provide a series of alternating fast and slow burn layers which enable the body to burn in progressive layers instead of burning the entire body at the same time. An outer protective plastic wrapper protects the fuel body and wrapper paper from the weather until ready for use. A central hole is formed through the fuel body to assist in the initial lighting of the top surface of the body.

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.

Abstract: Barbecue flavoring blocks and a process for making barbecue flavoring block made from pieces of wood suitable to flavor food bound together with gelatin, preferably containing a flavoring ingredient. The flavoring blocks are pasturized.

Abstract: Wood from broad-leaved and/or coniferous woody plants, particularly bushwood or waste wood or wood obtained in wood-growing plantations, is processed in that wood in a green state is chopped to form wood chips and is mixed with accompanying or additional fermentable green plant material, which has also been comminuted. The resulting mixture is compacted to form a compacted body of plant material in a space which is airtightly enclosed at least on the sides and at the bottom. The compacted body is fermented in said space to generate heat of fermentation, which is used to dry the compacted body so that water vapor and gases are evolved, which are permitted to escape. The fermentable green plant material may consist of the bark and leaves of broad-leaved woody plants, of the leaves of leaved plants, of grass, or of mixtures of said materials.

Abstract: A method of continuously carbonizing a mixture of primarily organic waste material to a high British Thermal Unit char product wherein a stream of comminuted garbage material with a substantial organic material content is fed to one end of a mixer barrel, the material is compressed to form a barrel filling mass functioning as a first vapor block, and the work energy required to compress it and squeeze out entrapped air is used virtually exclusively to raise the temperature of the material adiabatically, air and any steam created are vented, the material downstream from the first vapor block is decompressed in a second vent region, the material is recompressed in the absence of air to form another vapor block, while exclusively utilizing the work energy required to compress it to raise the temperature of the material abiabatically to a volatile releasing temperature in the neighborhood of 400.degree. F. to 600.degree. F.

Abstract: The disclosed briquets comprise solid carrier means and a seasoning liquid impregnated into the carrier means; with the carrier means being both wet in appearance and to the touch and forming between 70-90% of the weight of the briquets and the seasoning liquid forming between 10-30% of the weight of the briquets. The carrier means are dried and absorbant, and may be 1-3 inch blocks of hard wood (oak) or crushed shells of fruitwood nuts including pecans, black walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and/or chestnuts. The seasoning liquid is noncombustible and includes: wine, soy sauce, molasses, whiskey, liquid smoke, real lemon extract, vinegar, and/or water; and bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, and/or Jamacian all spice. The liquid and solid components of the seasoning liquid are blended together in a ratio by weight of between 0.1-3% solid to 99.9-97% liquid materials.

Abstract: New product consisting of wood which is torrefied between 250.degree. and 280.degree. C. in a non oxidizing atmosphere, in the form of sticks of uniform length: 15 mm for example and having a diameter comprised between 5 and 20 mm, which are not disbarked. The preparation of the method comprised the obtention by culture of rectilinear ligneous rejections, the cutting, drying and torrefaction thereof preferably in a vertical reactor (101) where the material to be torrefied (115) is traversed by a gas stream circulating at high speed.

Abstract: A fuel element made from highly compressed comminuted cellulose wastes, finely divided aluminum or magnesium and water. The element upon burning emits great quantities of heat due to the generation of hydrogen by reaction of the metal with the water (steam). In a preferred form of the invention, the element is coated with a layer of finely divided metal and has an external layer of paraffin.