Abstract: A component and a system for mitigating coke formation during delivery of a hydrocarbon fluid. The component includes a contact surface configured to be in contact with the hydrocarbon fluid. Tuning the zeta potential of the contact surface allows selective attraction and/or repulsion of coke-catalyzing materials, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and/or coke precursors present in the hydrocarbon fluid. A method of mitigating coke formation during delivery of a hydrocarbon fluid includes tuning a zeta potential of the contact surface of the component and injecting or circulating the hydrocarbon fluid through the system such that the contact surface selectively attracts and/or repels coke-catalyzing materials, metal ions, heteroatomic hydrocarbons, and/or coke precursors present in the hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: A method of processing raw coal using activation agents (e.g., solvents and extractants) in a high shear reactor, which creates high shearing forces to break apart the coal and selectively extract and remove contaminants such as ash, sulfur, and other heavy metal impurities resulting in clean, high caloric-value coal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an additive mixture and method for controlling nitrogen oxide(s) by adding the additive mixture to a feed material prior to combustion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an additive mixture and method for controlling nitrogen oxide(s) by adding the additive mixture to a feed material prior to combustion.

Abstract: A slurry suspension is provided, which comprises (a) carbonaceous material particles having an average diameter D50 comprised between 0.1 ?m and 200 ?m; (b) an organic compound comprising at least one amine group; and (c) an organic phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an additive mixture and method for controlling nitrogen oxide(s) by adding the additive mixture to a feed material prior to combustion.

Abstract: In one aspect, a gasification system for use with low rank fuel is provided The system includes a pyrolysis unit positioned to receive a feed of low rank fuel, the pyrolysis unit being configured to pyrolyze the low rank fuel to produce pyrolysis gas and fixed carbon. The system also includes a gasifier configured to produce a syngas stream using the received fixed carbon, a cooler configured to receive and cool the syngas stream, and a first conduit coupled between the cooler and the pyrolysis unit. The first conduit is configured to recycle at least a portion of the syngas stream to the pyrolysis unit such that the recycled syngas stream is mixed with the pyrolysis gas to produce a hydrocarbon-rich syngas stream containing gasification by-products. The system also includes a by-product recovery system coupled to the pyrolysis unit for removing the gasification by-products from the hydrocarbon-rich syngas stream.

Abstract: The lifetime of artificial lift systems, such as progressing cavity pumps (PCPs), used to transport aqueous slurries which contain fine particles, e.g. coal fines, may be prolonged by incorporation of at least one dispersant in the slurries. The dispersants act to inhibit or prevent the fine particles from agglomerating to plug the artificial lift intake and/or inhibit or prevent the agglomerated coal fines settling above the artificial lift system. The dispersant may also improve the lubricity of the slurry.

Abstract: Colloidal carbonaceous material-in-water slurries having nano-particles of carbonaceous material creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal carbonaceous material-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of carbonaceous material, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the carbonaceous material having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The carbonaceous material-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The carbonaceous material-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: The present application provides a slurry concentration system for concentrating a flow of slurry. The slurry concentration system may include a boiler for producing a flow of steam, a first evaporator for concentrating the flow of slurry with the flow of steam and creating a first flow of water vapor, and a second evaporator positioned downstream of the first evaporator for further concentrating the flow of slurry with the first flow of water vapor and creating a second flow of water vapor.

Abstract: An emulsification method for converting deasphalted oil and/or asphaltenes into more suitable products for market demands and utilization in self sufficient energy production treatments plants is disclosed. Asphaltenes and residues from sonication of heavy oil feedstocks, as well as de-asphalted oil, may be used in combination with water and other chemical additives for conversion into a suitable fuel which may be stored, handled, and transported.

Abstract: A system for preparing a coal water slurry, comprising: a first unit for providing a stream of coarse coal water slurry; a second unit for providing a stream of fine coal water slurry; a concentration unit for receiving a portion of at least one of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry, and, providing a concentrated stream having a higher coal concentration than the portion of at least one of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry; and a mixing unit for mixing the concentrated stream and the remaining portions of the stream of coarse coal water slurry and the stream of fine coal water slurry. An associated method is also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of torrefaction of an optionally predried biomass in a torrefaction reactor such that torrefied biomass and torrefaction gases are obtained, and wherein an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the torrefaction reactor at a first position in the reactor such that oxygen reacts with components of the torrefaction gases under the formation of heat and wherein torrefaction gases are withdrawn from the torrefaction reactor at a second position of the torrefaction reactor and wherein the first position is located downstream of the second position in relation to a biomass transport direction in the torrefaction reactor such that the torrefaction gases moves through the torrefaction reactor countercurrent with the biomass transport and wherein the optionally predried biomass has a temperature of between 30° C. and 230° C., preferably between 50° C. and 200° C., most preferably between 60° C. and 180° C. when entering the torrefaction rector.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a feedstock preparation system that includes a first slurry preparation system that may receive a first portion of a solid fuel to generate a first fuel slurry using the first portion of the solid fuel and a liquid and second slurry preparation system separate from the first slurry preparation system that may receive a second portion of the solid fuel and the first fuel slurry. The second slurry preparation system may produce a second fuel slurry using the second portion of the solid fuel and the first fuel slurry. The first fuel slurry has a first particle size distribution and the second fuel slurry has a second particle size distribution, and the first and second particle size distributions are different.

Abstract: A system includes a grinder, a storage unit, and an organic compound production unit. The grinder is configured to produce a fuel slurry from a solid fuel, a liquid, and an organic compound that is miscible with the liquid. The storage unit is configured to supply the organic compound to the grinder. The organic compound production unit is configured to receive a portion of syngas generated by a gasifier to generate the organic compound for supply to the storage unit.

Abstract: A system for preparing a coal water slurry, comprising: a first unit for providing a stream of coarse coal water slurry; a second unit for providing a stream of ultrafine coal water slurry; a third unit for providing a stream of dry coarse coal particles; and a mixing unit for mixing the stream of coarse coal water slurry, the stream of ultrafine coal water slurry and the stream of dry coarse coal particles. An associated method is also presented.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art. In another embodiment, the biomass water slurry can be mixed with a coal water slurry to further optimize the carbon content and pumpability of the biomass slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.

Abstract: Method for making a slurry of a pulverized solid in liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide. The method includes making a water-pulverized solid slurry at ambient pressure and pressurizing the water-pulverized solid slurry to a high pressure. The pressurized water-pulverized solid slurry is mixed in a pressurized chamber with liquid or supercritical CO2 to form a CO2˜pulverized solid slurry.

Abstract: A method of upgrading coal is disclosed, the method comprising: subjecting the coal to a hydrothermal dewatering process at a temperature and a pressure above ambient conditions to produce dewatered coal; removing ash tailings from the dewatered coal to produced reduced ash dewatered coal; and producing a coal water slurry with the reduced ash dewatered coal. An apparatus for upgrading coal is also disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a hydrothermal dewatering reactor connected to receive coal and output dewatered coal; an ash separator connected to receive dewatered coal from the hydrothermal dewatering reactor and output reduced ash dewatered coal; a slurrifier connected to receive reduced ash dewatered coal from the ash separator and output a coal water slurry.

Abstract: Refinery sludge, including centrifuge filter cake and/or thermal desorption unit powder and glycerin byproduct, including glycerin byproduct from a biodiesel process are blended together. Moisture together with any methanol and any light hydrocarbons are removed and the resulting blend is burnt in a cement kiln.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

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: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: Improved methods for producing colloidal dispersions of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles in substantially non-polar solvents is disclosed. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles of an aqueous colloid are transferred to a substantially non-polar liquid comprising one or more amphiphilic materials, one or more low-polarity solvents, and, optionally, one or more glycol ether promoter materials. The transfer is achieved by mixing the aqueous and substantially non-polar materials, forming an emulsion, followed by a phase separation into a remnant polar solution phase and a substantially non-polar organic colloid phase. The organic colloid phase is then collected. The promoter functions to speed the transfer of nanoparticles to the low-polarity phase. The promoter accelerates the phase separation, and also provides improved colloidal stability of the final substantially non-polar colloidal dispersion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of power engineering and, more specifically, to systems for generating electricity based on the use of solid fuel, primarily brown and black coal. In the coal gasification method, a gasifier is fed with a uniform activated coal water fuel, the droplets of which are of equal size and the coal particles in said droplets having a similar granulometric composition. The fuel droplets are introduced intermittently in separate doses of fuel with a certain amount of motion being imparted thereto. The milling of the coal for the activated coal water fuel preparation method is adjusted adaptively according to the criterion of the actual amount of volatile substances given off by the coal, and the coal is thoroughly classified according to its granulometric composition. The invention provides for more extensive recovery of thermal energy from coal and more efficient electricity generation.

Abstract: Pyrolysis fuels and methods for processing pyrolysis fuel are provided. In one embodiment, a method of processing pyrolysis fuel converts biomass to pyrolysis fuel including pyrolysis oil and char particles. Also, the method includes resizing a portion of the char particles so that substantially all resized char particles have a largest dimension no greater than about 5 microns.

Abstract: Liquefied petroleum coke (LPC) comprises diesel engine fuel grade petroleum coke that is produced by subjecting crude oil refinery feedstock to de-salting, coking, micronization, de-ashing, and slurrification processes to reduce impurities such as metallic components and make the LPC suitable for use in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engine systems.

Abstract: Colloidal carbonaceous material-in-water slurries having nano-particles of carbonaceous material creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal carbonaceous material-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of carbonaceous material, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the carbonaceous material having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The carbonaceous material-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The carbonaceous material-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing ultra-low ash coal-water slurry includes: (A) grinding of coal to a size below the upper size limit and then making a proper concentration slurry; (B) screening coal by using the slurry particle separation device and separating them by density into tailings, middlings and clean coal, adjusting the fraction of clean coal production according to the ash content standard of final product and then producing the clean coal slurry and tailings slurry; (C) wet grinding of the middlings in step B; (D) reprocessing the product in step C by step B. The upper size limit can be 0.2 mm, 0.01 mm or 0.001 mm, and the ash content can be below 2%, 1% or 0.5%. This method can largely enhance the production rate of clean coal, improve the coal-water slurry fuel's particle size graduation, improve the fluidity and increase the particle concentration of the coal-water slurry fuel.

Abstract: Mixed alcohol formulas can be used as a fuel additive in petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquid fuels, synthetic or bio-derived gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, coal, petroleum coke, heavy crude oil, bitumen, or as a neat fuel in and of itself. The mixed alcohol formulations can be blended with ground petroleum coke, coal, heavy crude oil, or bitumen to form a thixotropic slurry for ease of transportation. The mixed alcohol formulations can also be used to shurry transport ground biomass. The mixed alcohol formulations can contain a blend of C1-C5 alcohols, or C1-C8 alcohols or higher C1-C10 alcohols in order to further boost energy content.

Abstract: This invention provides a semisolid complex exhibiting (i) the ability to float on water, (ii) the ability to provide liquid oil upon being deformed, and (iii) the ability to function as a fuel, the complex comprising a high proportion of liquid oil, the density of the oil being lower than the density of water, the complex also comprising fibers, the fibers being oriented in a plurality of directions, the fibers forming a framework, the framework being incorporated in the complex, the framework being substantially in the plane of the complex in case that the complex is in the form of a sheet, and the framework extending substantially over the area of the complex in case that the complex is in the form of a sheet, the complex further comprising a low proportion of bentonite, the bentonite being associated with the oil, the associating substantially involving coagulation, the oil and the bentonite being substantially held by the framework.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.

Abstract: A coal water slurry comprises smaller and larger coal particles. The smaller coal particles are in a range of from about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % of the coal in the coal water slurry and comprise a mean particle size smaller than 25 ?m. The larger coal particles are in a range of from about 10 wt % to about 80 wt % of the coal in the coal water slurry and comprise a mean particle size in a range of from 50 ?m to 200 ?m.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: An energy efficient process for converting biomass into a higher carbon content, high energy density slurry. Water and biomass are mixed at a temperature and under a pressure that are much lower than in prior processes, but under a non-oxidative gas, which enables a stable slurry to be obtained containing up to 60% solids by weight, 20-40% carbon by weight, in the slurry. The temperature is nominally about 200° C. under non-oxidative gas pressure of about 150 psi, conditions that are substantially less stringent than those required by the prior art. In another embodiment, the biomass water slurry can be mixed with a coal water slurry to further optimize the carbon content and pumpability of the biomass shiny.

Abstract: An iron salt of an organic acid, selected from formic acid, carboxylic acids having (3) or more carbon atoms and sulphonic acids, is used to reduce the carbon content of the fly ash, when coal is combusted.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: The present methods deal with the solubilization of coal and lignocellulose biomass using pyrophosphates, polyphosphates, or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing a combustion product that involves dewatering raw paint sludge from spray paint booth operations. The resulting material can provide significant and economical fuel value to combustion processes such as for power plants while also obviating the need to dispose of waste paint sludge in landfills. Additionally the process is inexpensive, safe and free of most problems associated with paint sludge drying.

Abstract: An emissions control system for the after treatment of a fuel combustion process exhaust stream includes an exhaust passageway. The exhaust passageway allows for passage of an exhaust stream containing exhaust byproducts from the combustion of a fuel that includes a manganese compound. The exhaust stream includes a manganese compound which complexes with at least one of the exhaust byproducts.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.

Abstract: Provided is a process where the biomass and bisolids are hydrothermally treated under a reductive gas. Using this process a high carbon content pumpable mixture of biomass and biosolid slurry is produced with a viscosity value of less than 1.5.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting algae, and using algae as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are provided. The methods comprise contacting liquid algae suspensions with a filtration media. Depending upon the filtration media, the resulting algae and filtration media admixture is then utilized as a biofuel, livestock feed, food supplements, or for the extraction of algae oil. Admixtures comprising a combustible filtration media, such as coal, are particularly preferred. The methods are suitable for use with any algae species. Compositions for use as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are also provided. These compositions comprise an admixture of algae and a filtration media.

Abstract: A charcoal heating material, such as charcoal briquettes, includes a porous structure that facilitates the flow of oxygen about the charcoal, and thereby, enables the briquettes to ignite easily and quickly. In particular the lightweighted charcoal briquettes have a density from about 0.50 grams per cubic centimeter to about 0.80 grams per cubic centimeter. Methods of forming charcoal heating materials include mixing a rheology modifying agent and a moisture phase with a charcoal mixture to facilitate absorption of additional water into the solid matrix, providing increased porosity and lightweighting of the finished briquette after drying.

Abstract: A method of producing products includes diluting a mater in a quality water as a dilution water a plurality of times until solid stable water clusters are formed having a plurality of water molecules connected with one another by electrical dipole interaction via internal electric field of ions and having a permanent electric dipole moment with an electrical field surrounding the solid stable water clusters, and the produced solid stable water clusters can be used with an additional material to produce the final product.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for converting biomass into highly inert carbon. Specifically, some embodiments densify the carbon into anthracite-style carbon aggregations and store it in geologically stable underground deposits. The use of certain embodiments yield a net effect of removing atmospheric carbon via the process of photosynthesis and converting it into hard coal, which can be stored in underground beds that mimic existing coal deposits which are known to be stable for thousands of years.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel additive composition, and more particularly, to the fuel additive composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, silicate, borax, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, and water. When the fuel additive composition of the present invention is added to fuels such as coal, oil, gas and etc., it stimulates fuel combustion, induces the complete combustion of fuel, and increases the heat transfer by preventing clinker formation and fouling in combustion apparatus. In particular, when the fuel additive composition is added to the coal, it increases a pulverizing efficiency in pre-treatment process, thereby facilitating supply of the coal to combustion apparatus advantageously.

Abstract: Colloidal coal-in-water slurries having nano-particles of coal creating a pseudo-fluid. The colloidal coal-in-water slurry generally includes from about fifty to about seventy two weight percent of coal, with about 20 to about 80 percent of the coal having a particle size of about one micron or less with a mode particle size of about 250 nanometers. The coal-in-water slurry can also include a surfactant system containing one surfactant or mixtures of two or more surfactants, or mixtures of one or more surfactants and an inorganic or organic salt. The coal-in-water slurry can be used in low NOx burner applications as the main fuel and/or the reburn fuel, in gasification processes as the input fuel either alone, or in combination with organic materials, in gas turbine applications, and in diesel engine applications.