Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a biofuel from a vegetable-based biomaterial by performing the manufacture in an integrated manner, in such a way that the biomaterial is made finer and dried with the aid of heat brought from a heat-releasing process, when the drying is finally performed after the finer making stage, optionally in such a way that drying is started already in connection with finer making. The invention also relates to a biofuel manufactured in this manner and the use of the fuel in question.

Abstract: To provide less expensive and non-polluting coals of which calorific values are increased by improving composition of coals having high moisture content and low fire power, such as peat and lignite, to thereby increase combustion calorie. Materials of coals are heated in a predetermined temperature range in an oxygen-free atmosphere while injecting inactive gas, and elements except for carbon in the atmosphere and in the coals are individually separated by thermal decomposition in the order from an element having a lower decomposition temperature at a temperature of 450 degrees C. or lower so as to obtain upgraded coals. Since the carbon composing the upgraded coals has strong activity, the upgraded coals have quality equivalent or greater than that of the coal of ordinary quality and demonstrate combustion efficiency that has been significantly improved from those of the materials before upgrading.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for subjecting coarsely divided solid material, such as solid fossil fuels, to microwave radiation using gravity feed through a chamber and protecting irradiating windows by placement outside the angle of repose.

Abstract: A device for upgrading a solid organic material into a resulting product comprises a reactor with an organic material inlet, and a flue gas inlet adapted to introduce flue gas into the reactor, an input driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material to the organic material inlet, an output driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material out of the reactor, a gas flow element operatively connected to the flue gas inlet permitting flue gas to mix with the solid organic material but restricting flow of the solid organic material away from the flue gas inlet, and a rapid cooling device operatively connected to the output driver and adapted to apply a heat transfer liquid directly onto the solid organic material and thereby form the resulting product.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the utilization of heated waste streams for fluidizing particulate matter such as coal in a fluidizing bed dryer. The control system includes a number of graphic user interfaces that allow an operator to more easily monitor and/or control the various regulator devices. The control system controls coal handling or transportation, fluid handling or flow, and the discharge of discarded or separated coal from the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymeric composition which has an excellent combination of properties for use in making seals and gaskets for utilization in appliances, automotive applications, and building applications, such as window glazing gaskets. These polymeric compositions offer excellent dimensional stability, low compression set, outstanding sealing characteristics, low temperature flexibility, heat resistance and ultra-violet light resistance.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing horticultural or fuel peat, in which the peat is removed from a bog, the removed peat is transferred from the bog to a drying field a distance away, in which the moved peat is dried, mainly by exploiting direct solar energy, so that the peat dries due to the effect of the solar radiation and the wind, after drying, the peat is moved from the drying location to further use or storage. The drying field is a special surfaced field, essentially impermeable to water, created for drying, and the peat is spread on the field as a thin 1-15 cm layer of a high-consistency mass, with a solids content of 8-30%.

Abstract: Process for treating coal to enhance its rank, wherein the temperature of the material is gradually increased in a controlled set of atmospheres, to allow for the reduction of surface and inherent moisture and the controlled reduction of volatile matter while maintaining the coal's natural structural integrity. The process reduces the time, capitalization, and production costs required to produce coal of enhanced rank, thus substantially increasing the cost effectiveness and production rate over prior processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waste sludge treatment process in which a solid additive is mixed into sludge to produce solid products. The solid additive includes aggregate-like hydrophobic grains of peat.

Abstract: Organic materials, more particularly wood and woody parts of plants, are intensely crushed, defibrated, heated and physically broken up in a thermal screw press, an impregnation with previously added auxiliary substances being simultaneously effected. The thus prepared material has a peat-like appearance and provides optimal physical, chemical and biological properties for its use as a peat substitute and substrate component. Inter alia, it is suitable as an additive for the physical upgrading of strongly decomposed peat varieties and for drawing out and better aeration of peat and culture substrates produced on the base of peat. When vaccinated with suitable fungi or microorganism, it is also very advantageously used for the mycorrhization of mycotrophic plants and as an additive for the production of high-grade composts.

Abstract: A novel process has been provided for the preparation of both a liquid peat extract substantially-free from biologically-undesirable concentrations of metal elements and compounds, and a solid peat residue substantially-free from biologically-undesirable concentration of metal elements and compounds. The process includes the first step of having specifically-recited physical and chemical properties, to a relatively mild acid hydrolyzation reaction under sterile controlled conditions at superatmospheric pressure at a temperature above the boiling point of water to a maximum elevated temperature of about 130.degree. C. for a time of from about 1 to about 2 hours in an inert container to provide a reacted medium comprising an aqueous liquid peat extract phase and a solid hydrolyzed peat phase dispersed therethrough. The pH of the reaction medium is then adjusted to near neutral. The neutralized reaction medium is removed from the inert container and is pressed and filtered in inert equipment.