Miscellaneous Fuel Composition Patents (Class 44/628)
  • Patent number: 7419514
    Abstract: A process to produce a flowable fuel or fuel supplement from solid and/or liquid waste, such as industrial waste. A system to carry out the process includes producing from the solid and/or liquid industrial waste a solid char and vaporize liquids, recombining the char and the liquids, recovered from the wastes feed, to form a feed slurry containing solids, combining the feed slurry with additional combustible waste liquids which are added at a rate and amount to obtain a fuel slurry of specified properties, particularly specified viscosity and BTU content, subjecting the feed slurry and additional wastes to conditions of attrition in at least one attrition zone to produce a product slurry containing solids of fuel size, recovering the fuel slurry which be used as fuel in partial oxidation processes. The liquid waste may be collected as a product, particularly if they are high in organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Rineco Chemical Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Whitney
  • Patent number: 7419517
    Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and, mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Pirelli Ambiente S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Zucchelli, Roberto Rizzi
  • Publication number: 20080127555
    Abstract: The present invention refers to the use of C7 to C9 cycloalkynes as gas odorant, to a process of odorising gas and to fuel gas comprising it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Philip Kraft, Urs Mueller, John Norman Short
  • Publication number: 20080115409
    Abstract: An alternative fuel composition and methods of preparing and using the composition is provided. The alternative fuel can comprise coal, or another combustible solid, and one or more components selected from a group consisting of sugar solutions, tall oil, black liquor, vegetable oils, animal fats, triglycerides, methyl esters, ethyl esters, glycerin and fatty acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Bo L. Tran
  • Publication number: 20080072478
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Barry Cooper
  • Patent number: 7341112
    Abstract: A firefighting training fluid (FFTF) comprising a paraffin blend. The blends of paraffins typically have no less than about two carbon atoms and no more than about twelve carbon atoms. The blends of paraffins may possess Reid vapor pressures in the range from about 2 to about 6.5 pounds per square inch. The blends also typically possess an initial boiling point of not less than about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and an end boiling point of not more than about 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The blends burn relatively cleanly and keep emissions of volatile organic compounds, compounds containing sulfur, smoke, particulates, olefins, and aromatics to a minimum. The blend components mixed to create the blends of paraffins are controlled in order to maintain Reid vapor pressure and initial and end boiling points. Oxygenates may be added to an FFTF in order to further reduce smoke emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Dennis G. Doerr, Nancy W. Eilerts, Don E. Burnett, Daniel M. Coombs, Eric J. Netemeyer, Kirsten N. Caswell
  • Patent number: 7338542
    Abstract: Coal-based cellular products that can be custom designed to have integral stiffeners or load paths, directed heat transfer paths, and/or directed mass transfer paths and methods for their production are described. Such design and production is made possible by the appropriate selection of starting materials, thermal treatment conditions and mold materials combined in at least some instances with segregation of different starting materials in different regions of a forming mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darren Rogers, Janusz Wladyslaw Plucinski
  • Patent number: 7323021
    Abstract: Sulphur control in fluidized bed combustion systems often involves adding a source of calcium to the combustor so that the calcium may combine with the sulphur. Ash resulting from such combustion often contains a significant amount of calcium which does not combine with the sulphur compounds. This invention teaches a method of reactivating that ash by grinding the ash in a positive transport grinding mill with water. The grinder causes the ash to simultaneously undergo grinding and hydration to convert the calcium to calcium hydroxide. Advantageously drying agents are added to the ground hydrated ash after grinding to facilitate the formation of acceptably crumbly pellets thereby increasing the amount of calcium available to react with the sulphur. A particularly advantageous aspect of the invention involves the use of wet coal slurries which are otherwise waste products as the source of water to be ground with the ash. The coal content of the slurry then forms additional fuel for the combustion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventors: Olev Trass, Eduardo Gandolfi, Edward John Anthony
  • Patent number: 7294156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for splitting bitumen into two fractions and rendering a heavier bottom fraction as a useable emulsion fuel. The process is particularly effective in creating an alternate fuel to natural gas in a steam-based bitumen recovery process wherein bitumen is recovered from an underground reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Tapantosh Chakrabarty, Mainak Ghosh
  • Patent number: 7182796
    Abstract: The present invention provides an odorant suitable for use in fuel gases, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), city gas, and LP gas, or methane gas, propane gas, butane gas and hydrogen gas. Preferably, the present invention provides a novel odorant that can also be used for fuel gases for fuel cells, including hydrogen gas. The odorant for fuel gases of the present invention has a perceptual threshold of 1 ppb or less, and includes a compound that has no sulfur atoms and no nitrogen atoms in its molecules. The odorant for fuel gases of the present invention is suitable for use in fuel cells that use hydrogen gas or other gases as a fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Soda Aromatic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Kato
  • Patent number: 7147679
    Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic fuel by treating fines of bituminous coal with an emulsion of a tall-oil mix, which may include enhancers that either increase the chemical change in the coal or reduce the cost of the synthetic fuel. Enhancers include poly vinyl acetate (PVA) and/or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), glycol, lignosulfonate, beet sugar bottoms, corn bottoms, brewery bottoms, vegetable tall oil, vegetable oil, and/or spent frying oil. The emulsion is sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Donovan, William Tis
  • Patent number: 7081196
    Abstract: In crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and organic liquids in general in which it is desirable to reduce the levels of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing components, the process reduces the level of these compounds via the application of sonic energy. The process can be performed both with and without the added presence of an oxidizing agent, and with or without elevated temperature and/or pressure. The invention is performed either as a continuous process or a batch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Cullen
  • Patent number: 7022147
    Abstract: A fuel article, suitable for barbecuing, allowing greater burning efficiency and the method of making such a fuel article. The fuel article includes anthracite coal for cleaner burning and utilizes an accelerant covering containing nitrates to be amenable to easy ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: MBZQ, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Cui Bao Tai, Jerry Sharon
  • Patent number: 6860911
    Abstract: The present invention re lates to a liquid synfuel additive composition which is used as an additive to coal fines to enhance the complete combustion of the coal after turning it into a synthetic fuel. The composition is a chemical change agent in that it converts the coal/composition mix into a different material which, when burned, results in lower noxious emissions. The composition includes a wax, a base for ph adjustment and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph W. Hundley
  • Patent number: 6846339
    Abstract: A process for upgrading brown coal is disclosed, including providing at least two converging surfaces defining a nip, wherein at least one of the surfaces is rollable in a direction toward the nip; feeding the brown coal to the nip where, by the rolling action of the rollable surface, the brown coal is subjected to shearing stresses, causing attritioning of the microporous structure of the brown coal and the release of water contained in the micropores; and continuing the shearing attritioning until the brown coal forms into a plastic mass. Processes for the production of char are also disclosed utilizing as feed material pellets formed from the upgraded brown coal produced by the above process, as well as a process for recovering metal from a metal containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Pacific Edge Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Roderick Howard Carnegie, John Kenneth Hamilton, Alan Stuart Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6800104
    Abstract: A fuel gas is described for tools, operated by internal combustion, especially for setting devices for fostering elements, based on combustible gases containing a fragrance or a mixture all fragrances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Rosenbaum
  • Publication number: 20040159043
    Abstract: There is provided: an ignition agent composition comprising a base agent containing substantially no lead component, a combustion improver, and an additive, the composition comprising, as a base agent component, one or more materials selected from the group consisting of 5-nitroaminotetrazole and metal 5-nitroaminotetrazolate; and an igniter using the ignition agent composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Yasushi Matsumura, Kenjiro Ikeda, Shigeru Maeda
  • Publication number: 20040158089
    Abstract: A fuel additive containing ferrous picrate produced by a process involving placing a non-powdered metallic iron, such as wire composed of an alloy of iron or steel wool, in any solution of picric acid in a solvent that is known in the art for reacting with iron to produce ferrous picrate. The wire can be suspended in the solution or placed upon the bottom of a reaction vessel that holds the solution. Preferably the wire is loosely coiled, at least when placed upon the bottom of a reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Alan F. Elliott, David M. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6773470
    Abstract: A fuel composition for fuel cells includes a polar solvent such as water, a first portion of a first fuel dissolved in the solvent at a saturated concentration, and a second portion of the first fuel suspended in the solvent to serve as a reservoir of fuel as the dissolved portion is consumed. Preferably, the first fuel is a hydride such as NaBH4. Optionally, the fuel composition also includes a second fuel such as an alcohol that also controls the solubility of the first fuel in the solvent, inhibits decomposition of the first fuel and stabilizes the suspension. Preferably, the fuel composition also includes an additive such as an alkali for stabilizing the first fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: More Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Gennadi Finkelshtain, Yuri Katzman, Nikolai Fishelson, Zina Lurie
  • Patent number: 6752843
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for creating an asphalt emulsion for use in manufacturing synthetic fuel and a novel process for introducing an asphalt emulsion into a synthetic fuel process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignees: Kentucky Energy, L.L.C., Ikerd Coal Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Randy B. Thomas, Stephen C. Paspek
  • Patent number: 6709473
    Abstract: A pourable composition for use in gas fireplaces that, when heated to an effective temperature, produces an audible crackling sound and emits the scents of a wood fire. This composition is intended to introduce the pleasant sounds and scents of the wood fire experience to a gas fireplace. The composition is comprised of various edible items, such as seeds and non-edible items such as pumice, volcanic ash, and calcareous sand. A liquid oil component acts as a binder. When placed in a ceramic receptacle, and heated, a tablespoon amount of the composition produces audible crackling sounds for between 30-120 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: Alan A. Cheney, Maureen Cheney
  • Patent number: 6673322
    Abstract: A process for the production of a clean burning combustible gas by flowing a liquid through an electric arc. The electrodes have several configurations. The invention prevents the production of carbon dioxide in the gas thereby reducing its presence when combusted and exhausted to about half that associated with gasoline exhaust; increases the cost efficiency of the process by eliminating secondary chemical reactions; and increases the life of the electrodes. The chemical structure of the combustible gas is composed of stable magnetically bonded clusters of conventional molecules and atoms that are fully detectable via peaks in conventional mass spectrometric detectors, yet such clusters remain unidentifiable by the computer search among all known molecules, and have no infrared signature other than those of the conventional molecules constituting the clusters. The liquid which is flown through the arc also acquires the chemical structure of magnetically bonded clusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hadronic Press, Inc.
    Inventor: Rugerro Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 6663752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel self-sustaining method for the clean production of a clean burning liquid fuel called MagneFuel, which method is based, first, in the production of a combustible gas via submerged electric arcs between carbon-base electrodes from crude oil, oil-base, or water-base liquid waste and then passing the combustible gas via a high pressure pipe into a tower for the catalytic liquefaction, whereby the sum of the heat output in the production of the combustible gas and that for its catalytic liquefaction is sufficient for the process to be self-sustaining, that is, capable to produce its own electricity. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hadronic Press, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 6656238
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of coal-based carbon foams from a coal particulate starting material that comprises blending from 1 to about 10% by weight of pitch with the coal particulate before foaming. Blends of coal-based particulate with 1 to about 10% by weight of pitch as well as coal-based carbon foams manufactured from such blends are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Touchstone Research Lab.
    Inventors: Darren Kenneth Rogers, Janusz Wladyslaw Plucinski
  • Patent number: 6656239
    Abstract: According to the present invention, carbon foams are produced largely in accordance with the methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/902,828, but with starting materials that comprise from about 10 to about 90% by weight of ground petroleum pitch and from about 90 to about 10% by weight of bituminous coal particulate exhibiting a free swell index of from about 3.5 to about 5.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Touchstone Research Lab.
    Inventors: Darren Kenneth Rogers, Janusz Wladyslaw Plucinski
  • Publication number: 20030133855
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel self-sustaining method for the clean production of a clean burning liquid fuel called MagneFuel, which method is based, first, in the production of a combustible gas via submerged electric arcs between carbon-base electrodes from crude oil, oil-base, or water-base liquid waste and then passing the combustible gas via a high pressure pipe into a tower for the catalytic liquefaction, whereby the sum of the heat output in the production of the combustible gas and that for its catalytic liquefaction is sufficient for the process to be self-sustaining, that is, capable to produce its own electricity. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 6582486
    Abstract: A solid combustible composition having an apparent density lower than 0.6 g/cm3 and comprising a first portion consisting of an urban solid waste, a second portion consisting of elastomeric material and a third portion consisting of non-elastomeric polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Pirelli Ambient S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gian Carlo Delpiano, Gianpaolo Giuliani, Luca Zucchelli
  • Patent number: 6562497
    Abstract: A new fuel composition useful for catalytic fuel cells is made up of at least two components. The primary fuel component is a surface-active compound, such as methanol, that is a source of and acts to prevent unwanted decomposition of the auxiliary fuel. The auxiliary fuel is a hydrogen-containing inorganic compound with a high reduction potential, such as NaBH4, which acts as a highly reactive source of energy and serves to catalyze the catalytic oxidation of the primary fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: More Energy Ltd.
    Inventors: Gennady Finkelshtain, Yuri Katsman, Boris Filanovsky
  • Patent number: 6562087
    Abstract: An automatically ignitable enhancer agent composition comprising: (a) 5-aminotetrazole, (b) a metal powder, (c) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate and strontium nitrate, and (d) molybdenum trioxide, and having a heating value of 4500 J/g or more. Further, the above composition which has an ability to generate gases in an amount of 0.5 mol to 2.0 mol per 100 g of the composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki-Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoi Kodama, Kenjiro Ikeda, Yasushi Matsumura, Eishi Sato, Dairi Kubo
  • Patent number: 6558442
    Abstract: A process of making coal fines into a commercially viable fuel product using tall oil and tall oil pitch emulsions. The tall oil based emulsions are sprayed into, and reacted with, the coal fines, resulting in a cost effective and industry-usable source of synthetic fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Entac, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Donovan, William Tis
  • Patent number: 6540798
    Abstract: A method for processing synthetic resins into a furnace fuel, comprising melting or semi-melting synthetic resins consisting essentially of film shaped synthetic resins to produce granular synthetic resins having a bulk density of at least 0.3 and an angle of repose of up to 40 degrees, wherein the angle of repose is a base angle when the granular synthetic resins are dropped on a horizontal plane surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Asanuma, Hiromi Nakamura, Iwao Okochi, Mitsuhiro Fujii, Atsushi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6500219
    Abstract: Fossil fuels are combined with a hydroperoxide, a surface active agent, and an aqueous liquid to form an aqueous-organic reaction medium which is passed through an ultrasound chamber on a continuous flow-through basis. The emerging mixture separates spontaneously into aqueous and organic phases, from which the organic phase is readily isolated as the desulfurized fossil fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Sulphco, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf W. Gunnerman
  • Patent number: 6375691
    Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Pirelli Ambiente S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Zucchelli, Roberto Rizzi
  • Publication number: 20020005010
    Abstract: A fuel gas is described for tools, operated by internal combustion, especially for setting devices for fostering elements, based on combustible gases containing a fragrance or a mixture all fragrances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ulrich Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 6299656
    Abstract: Non-fossil gaseous fuel, evolved in underwater carbon arcing, and characterized by significant heat content and substantial freedom of its combustion effluents from noxious gases and/or particulates, is similarly useful in whole or part as an additive to predominantly hydrocarbon fuels—whether in bulk storage or transport, flowing in a pipeline, fueling a cutting/welding torch, or fueling an internal-combustion engine. Dosing a predominantly hydrocarbon fuel with all or a selected part of such gaseous fuel mixture inhibits leakage and substantially diminishes noxious effluent gases and particulates as characteristic of the combustion of predominantly hydrocarbon fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignees: Arcall, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William H. Richardson, Jr., James A. Wilcox, Douglas A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6273922
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Sante Fe Thermal Products, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Funk, Hilton A. Dickson, III
  • Patent number: 6152974
    Abstract: A solid combustible composition having an apparent density lower than 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising a first portion consisting of an urban solid waste, a second portion consisting of elastomeric material and a third portion consisting of non-elastomeric polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Pirelli Ambiente S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gian Carlo Delpiano, Gianpaolo Giuliani, Luca Zucchelli
  • Patent number: 6146432
    Abstract: This invention is a process for the passivation or deactivation with resp to oxygen of a carbonaceous material by the exposure of the carbonaceous material to an oxygenated gas in which the oxygenated gas pressure is increased from a first pressure to a second pressure and then the pressure is changed to a third pressure. Preferably a cyclic process which comprises exposing the carbonaceous material to the gas at low pressure and increasing the pressure to a second higher pressure and then returning the pressure to a lower pressure is used. The cycle is repeated at least twice wherein the higher pressure may be increased after a selected number of cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas L. Ochs, William D. Sands, Karl Schroeder, Cathy A. Summers, Bruce R. Utz
  • Patent number: 6126705
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of coal particles from coal tailings is described. The process comprises the steps of initially treating the coal tailings to separate therefrom a proportion of the coal particles having sizes in a specified range, and then subjecting the coal particles to a heat treatment process. In one embodiment, the separated coal particles can undergo an agglomeration in oil prior to the heat treatment. The process provides a further means of recovering coal particles of certain sizes from slurries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Ilecard Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Murray Howard Pryor, Jeremy James Lees
  • Patent number: 6113659
    Abstract: A fuel composition comprising a hydrocarbon in water colloidal dispersion including spherical hydrocarbon particles having a mean softening point exceeding about 95.degree. C., and a water soluble dispersion agent comprising a surfactant and stabilizer. The process for the production thereof is disclosed. These dispersions have a median particle size below about 4.5 microns and about 90% of the particles have a mean particle size diameter less than about 60 microns. These dispersions are storage stable, stable towards transportation, and can be pumped and passed through a burner apparatus without destabilizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Akzo Nobel nv
    Inventors: Sundaram Logaraj, Thomas J. Ernzen, Antonio Chan Ng, Mark Aldrich Stroder, Stephen J. DeCanio, Ronald J. McKeon, Shailaja M. Shirodkar
  • Patent number: 6083289
    Abstract: The use of pulverized coal as the fuel to be injected into metallurgical or combustion furnace becomes possible enabled by improving the transportability thereof. Further, a pulverized coal is provided, which is inhibiting from bridging or channeling in a hopper, or piping choking. A water-soluble inorganic salt having a polar group is made to adhere to pulverized coal which is prepared from raw coal having an average HGI of 30 or above and which is in a dry state at the injection port of a metallurgical or combustion furnace, The inorganic salt is selected from among BaCl.sub.2, CaCl.sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.2).sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Ca(ClO).sub.2, K.sub.2 CO.sub.3, KCl, MgCl.sub.2, MgSO.sub.4, NH.sub.4 BF.sub.4, NH.sub.4 Cl, (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3, NaCl, NaClO.sub.3, NaNO.sub.2, NaNO.sub.3, NaOH, Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.3, Na.sub.2 S.sub.2 O.sub.5, HNO.sub.3, H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, H.sub.2 CO.sub.3, and HCl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Reiji Ono, Takashi Nakaya, Yoshio Kimura, Tsunao Kamijo, Kenichi Miyamoto, Takashi Matoba, Hidemi Ohashi, Takehiko Ichimoto
  • Patent number: 6039771
    Abstract: An energy fortified diesel fuel is provided containing a hydrocarbon additive wherein greater than 50% vaporizes at or above about 650.degree. F. and diesel fuel of which about 90% of the diesel fuel vaporizes at or below about 640.degree. F. or about 95% of the diesel fuel vaporizes at or below about 698.degree. F. This energy fortified diesel fuel is made by distilling a heavy hydrocarbon fraction such as slurry oil or heavy cycle oil obtained from an FCC unit or a heavy hydrocarbon fraction obtained from a steam cracker unit at a temperature of between about 500 and 750.degree. F. and at a pressure of between about 1 mm Hg and 10 psig to remove contaminants, removing distillate from this distillation, and mixing the distillate with diesel fuel, wherein about 90% of the diesel fuel vaporizes at or below about 640.degree. F. or about 95% of the diesel fuel vaporizes at or below about 698.degree. F., to form an energy fortified diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: KRC-GP, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Selvidge, Dennis A. Vauk
  • Patent number: 5944876
    Abstract: Novel Cd-exchanged rho compositions and compositions of zeolite rho encapsulated with hydrogen made therefrom are disclosed. The Cd-exchanged zeolite rho compositions are useful in separating and selectively removing hydrogen from hydrogen-containing process streams and storing the separated hydrogen therein. Encapsulation of hydrogen can be accomplished in large amounts even at pressures of 1 atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: David Richard Corbin, Steven Lawrence Suib
  • Patent number: 5820640
    Abstract: A novel diesel engine fuel is in the form of a pyrolysis liquid-in-diesel oil microemulsion fuel comprising: (a) diesel oil in an amount sufficient to form a continuous phase in the composition; (b) a pyrolysis liquid forming a discontinuous phase in the composition, this pyrolysis liquid being a liquid obtained by rapid pyrolysis of biomass; and (c) at least one emulsifier selected from nonionic hydrophilic surfactants with HLB between 4 and 18, derived from fatty acids and polyoxyethylene glycol, or fatty acids, sorbitol and polyoxyethylene or polyethoxylated alcohols with long aliphatic chains. This fuel has excellent stability and physical properties similar to those of regular diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Natural Resources Canada
    Inventors: Michio Ikura, Siamak Mirmiran, Maria Stanciulescu, Henry Sawatzky
  • Patent number: 5665538
    Abstract: A method of monitoring the movement of a material which comprises adding to the material, as a microtrace additive, DNA molecules, sampling the resulting material after movement thereof and detecting the presence of said microtrace additive in the sample. The method is particularly suitable for use in monitoring the movement of oil shipments and the microtrace additive is selected such that it will remain in the oil phase in the event the oil is dispersed in water e.g. sea water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventors: James Howard Slater, John Edward Minton
  • Patent number: 5656041
    Abstract: In a process for detoxifying a coal-tar deposit, effective amounts of carbon and a calcium oxide containing substance are added at a mixing station to at least a portion of the coal-tar deposit. The reaction mixture thus formed is mixed at a temperature of about 70.degree. F. to 130.degree. F. for a time sufficient to detoxify it and convert it into a non-hazardous reaction product. The coal-tar deposit may be either a substantially homogeneous coal-tar or a heterogeneous coal-tar contaminated substrate. The mixing station site may be either subsurface or surface and may include a container. The non-hazardous reaction product may be separated into small particles, suitable as fuel, and large particles, suitable as safe fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Rochester Gas & Electric Co.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Hylton
  • Patent number: 5605551
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: Donald S. Scott, Jan Piskorz, Desmond Radlein, Piotr Majerski
  • Patent number: 5503646
    Abstract: A process for upgrading a low rank coal and a heavy oil to produce an improved coal product and an improved oil product. First, the low rank coal is dewatered to reduce its moisture content to less than about 4 percent in order to render the low rank coal more oleophilic. Next, the dewatered low rank coal is mixed with a quantity of the heavy oil of between about 15 and 40 percent of the dry weight of the low rank coal so that the heavy oil substantially contacts the low rank coal in order to produce a mixture. The mixture is then heated to a temperature less than the mild thermal cracking limit of the mixture in order to separate hydrocarbons from the mixture and to produce the improved coal product. The hydrocarbons separated from the mixture during the heating step are then collected in order to produce the improved oil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignees: Fording Coal Limited, PanCanadian Petroleum Limited
    Inventors: Colin J. McKenny, Brian W. Raymond
  • Patent number: 5487762
    Abstract: Methods for minimizing deposits in boilers, furnaces, incinerators or other systems firing tire derived fuels when burned in combination with other fuels which may include fuel oils are disclosed. These methods include treating the fuels so as to raise the magnesium content of the fuels or their combustion products comprising adding to the fuels one or more magnesium-containing compounds. The methods of treating tire derived fuels when they are burned with other fuels not including fuel oils includes adding to the fuel a suspension of magnesium hydroxide in water. The method of treating tire derived fuels when they are burned in combination with other fuels including fuel oils involves adding to the fuel a compound containing a magnesium-based slag mitigation component and a heavy metal combustion catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventor: Rabindra K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 5421835
    Abstract: A new and improved fire starter composition includes a liquid fuel component, a solid oxidant component retained in separation from the liquid fuel component until ready for use, and a blend of the liquid fuel component and the solid oxidant component for starting a fire. The liquid fuel component is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and methanol, and mixtures thereof. The solid oxidant component is selected from the group consisting of potassium permanganate and potassium dichromate. More specifically, the solid oxidant component is powdered potassium permanganate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Blake W. Harding