Abstract: A flammable tube has a plurality of air passages formed along the length of the flammable tube. A support member is positioned in an interior of the flammable tube. The support member is spaced apart from the lower end of the flammable tube. Solid fuel is positioned on the support member. A flame is introduced to the solid fuel which is within the interior of the tube which ignites the solid fuel, such as charcoal. The charcoal burns away the flammable tube and the support member. The flammable tube may be placed within a grill of the type used to cook food or other container that is nonflammable, and which provides a receptacle for the burning solid fuel without the need of a specialized grilling apparatus.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a mechanically stable, energy dense and water-resistant biomass product. By utilizing a unique two-step heating process in combination with mechanical compression, the resulting biomass product retains its physical shape and strength after immersion in ambient water for many hours. The treatment is effective for a variety of cellulosic biomass materials including forest slash wood.

Abstract: A materials-separation process includes a sorting operation in which plastics materials including at least first and second plastics materials are sorted from paper and metal materials so that the first plastics material may be separated from the second plastics material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a plurality of coated binder units are disclosed. A coated binder is divided into a plurality of coated binder units by applying a pair of dividing elements to the coated binder and applying a welding element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making a firelog, as well as to a firelog itself, and methods of using the firelog. The method of the present invention allows firelogs to be made that burn very cleanly. This is advantageous for the environment. Furthermore, the firelogs of the present invention can be burnt in a conventional fireplace, or in a stove. This is in contrast to the presently available firelogs which cannot be burnt in a stove.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binder-free product and process for making the product. The product is a mechanically stable, water resistant torrefied biomass product that does not comprise an extrinsic binder additive. The product is made using a combination of appropriate pre-treatment steps and compressing the conditioned biomass feedstock into a thermally managed compaction device comprising at least one modified die. The modified die allows for differential cooling/heating modifications so as to control the temperature near the entrance to the compaction device and passing the formed torrefied biomass into a post-formation curing zone.

Abstract: A fuel package comprising a biomass fire-log bound by an adhesive consisting of a starch and a hydroxide and at least one ignition aid is provided along with a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An improved charcoal briquet having combustion aiding surfaces is packaged in a compact boxed package. A charcoal briquet having improved burning characteristics and also improved shipping and retailing characteristics is thereby provided. An improved packaged charcoal product including a flat sided box adapted to hold randomly oriented briquets and be split open at its corners and at a lower portion for use in igniting the briquets and a grooved pillow shaped briquet are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic fireplace log and a process for making a synthetic fireplace log which is adapted to utilize wood derivative materials, such as wood chips, sawdust or virtually any wood-based product, such as paper and cardboard. The wood derivative materials are molded into a desired shape and held together with a non-petroleum based binder to form a synthetic fireplace log. In order to increase the flammability of the log, the synthetic fireplace log may optionally be sprayed or soaked with either a petroleum or non-petroleum-based flammability agent. Even though a petroleum-based flammability agent is used for soaking and/or spraying the synthetic log, the off-gassing is minimized since the petroleum-based spray is burned off relatively quickly. In other embodiments of the invention, a non-petroleum-based flammability agent is utilized. Suitable non-petroleum-based flammability agents include, for example, vegetable oil, corn oil, soybean oil, granola oil, and lard.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A foldable burner (10) is shown in the assembled and expanded condition. Foldable burner (10) comprises a raised platform (12) formed from aluminum foil portions (4b) and (4c) onto which fuel (14) can be placed. Tabs (16) are provided for gripping by a user to expand the burner from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. Tabs (16) may also act as supports to strengthen the burner (10) and make the burner (10) more stable. Pluralities of apertures (8) enable air to enter the burner (10) under a chimney effect in order to provide oxygen to fuel (14) for burning. The upper periphery (18) of the burner (10) provides support for a cooking vessel (20) such as a saucepan. The burner (10) is easy to transport in its folded condition. Further, it may be designed as to offer a second use as transportation box.

Abstract: A system for treating biomass for the production of a composition of lignin pellets .is disclosed. Pellets comprising at least 50 percent lignin by dry weight is disclosed. Also disclosed are pellets produced from a lignin composition by a process comprising: pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass into pre-treated biomass; separating the pre-treated biomass into a first liquid component comprising sugars and a first solids component comprising cellulose and the lignin composition; hydrolysing the first solids component of the pre-treated biomass into a hydrolysed biomass comprising sugars and the lignin composition; separating the hydrolysed biomass into a second liquid component comprising sugars and a second solids component comprising the lignin composition; supplying the second solids component comprising the lignin composition to a pelleting apparatus to produce the pellets; wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming charcoal from coffee grounds is provided, which includes pyrolyzing coffee grounds to form pyrolyzed coffee grounds. The pyrolyzed coffee grounds are mixed with a binding agent to form a mixture. The mixture is pressed into a charcoal cube. In another embodiment charcoal formed from coffee grounds is provided including pyrolyzed coffee grounds and a binding agent. The pyrolyzed coffee grounds are mixed with the binding agent and pressed into a charcoal cube.

Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent. Further in another example, the fuel pellet may include iron oxide catalyst increasing the capture of SO2.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a solid fuel which comprises a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. [Solution] A solid fuel formed from a mixture of a binder, a form retaining agent and a vegetable oil-containing substance, wherein the amount of the binder is 1 to 85 parts by weight, the amount of the form retaining agent is 1 to 55 parts by weight, and the amount of the vegetable oil-containing substance is 10 to 85 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the mixture, and the mixture is molded.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: A fuel composition that provides a renewable biofuel energy source for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving air quality by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide released into the air during combustion. The fuel composition includes an energy crop comprising of a grain component. The grain component is efficacious in releasing copious quantities of vapor for burning. The vapor provides a more complete and efficient burn. The fuel composition further includes an oxidizer reactant for oxidizing, or receiving a plurality of electrons during combustion. The fuel composition further includes a fuel adhesive for bonding the molecules of the fuel composition together.

Abstract: To provide a solid fuel which uses waste wood, used paper, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent in a balanced manner, has a stable calorific value, and suppresses the production of carbon dioxide. A solid fuel which is formed from a mixture of wood pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, paper pieces having a size of 1 to 50 mm, a binder, a form retaining agent and a caloric augmentation agent, wherein the mixture contains the wood pieces and the paper/natural fiber pieces in a total amount of 15 to 45 parts by weight and the binder, the form retaining agent and the caloric augmentation agent in a total amount of 55 to 85 parts by weight, has a weight ratio of the wood pieces to the paper pieces of 20:80 to 80:20, and is molded.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: Ecologically friendly and organically composed fuel products and fire starters are presented. The composition of products and starters includes, but is not limited to: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, and optionally, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust from material pounded on by animals. During a formation process the composition is subjected to a number of steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel log, brick, ball, block, briquette, blank, pellet, and the like, dried to a less than 10 per cent moisture content. While the process is applicable to formation of organic fuel products and fire starters, other ingredients may be used to produce other types of fuel products, both organic and inorganic, including wood chips, other kinds of animal manure.

Abstract: Ecologically friendly organically composed fuel products are presented whose composition includes, but is not limited to, ingredients: 58 to 60 percent decomposed straw, 38 percent horse or cow manure, two percent hay mixture from various blends used as feed, and two percent straw dust. The above ingredients are subjected to a number of processing steps with the end product being a hydraulically compressed fuel product, such as a brick, block, briquette, blank, pellet, etc., dried to a less than 10 percent moisture content. Eco-friendly organic fuel products may be created from other ingredients than those described herein could undergo the disclosed process to produce other types of fuel items, both organic and inorganic, with the ingredients comprising wood chips, other kinds of animal manure, and wood chips.

Abstract: A portable campfire, complete with everything needed to have a fire, is described. The campfire comprises wood fastened in a fixed shape on a base, kindling, and a handle for easy transport. Paper and a lighting means, such as matches can be included, along with extra kindling. The entire campfire, except for any staples or nails which are used to hold it together, will burn up, leaving only ashes behind.

Abstract: A product is provided comprising at least one densified biomass particulate having a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface and containing no added binder, wherein said densified biomass particulate is comprised of a plurality of pretreated lignin-coated plant biomass fibers which contain a trace amount of base from pretreatment of said fibers. Methods for using and making the product are also described.

Abstract: A carbonaceous compact is provided by the present disclosure that includes a body having a partially or fully carbonaceous biomass composition and an adhesive additive. The adhesive additive includes a starch and a hydroxide. The porous nature of the carbonaceous material provides means for nutrient retention or filtering means. Carbon is activated through chemical or thermal reaction from pyrolyized wood/nut.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for burning comprising a combustible body having an exterior surface and an axis extending between opposed top and bottom surfaces. The body has an interior surface defining a cavity extending from the top surface and a first blind bore extending radially from the cavity to the exterior surface wherein the interior surface includes a plurality of slots extending longitudinally therein.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of switch grass and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The fuel comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized fuel object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.

Abstract: A method for torrefaction of wood which includes providing a first endless conveyor belt; heating the first endless belt; and positioning a planar wood product on the first belt to heat the wood product by conduction to achieve torrefaction. Other forms provide a second endless belt that disposed in sandwich relation to wood to be torrefied. Some embodiments of the method provide a metal chamber having opposed planar sides dimensioned and configured for receiving a wood sheet with the respective opposed sides of the wood sheet in intimate thermal contact with respective opposed sides of the metal chamber. Other embodiments include the apparatus for torrefaction of an associated wood sheet.

Abstract: A fuel block system which includes a solid fuel. The solid fuel includes one or more of the following: a biomass or a charcoal generated from a biomass; the solid fuel is configured to release a gaseous and electrochemically-active fuel when exposed to heat.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.

Abstract: A fire log includes a single fire log cut in a specific design to enable easy ignition and sustenance of a self-contained campfire. The single log is designed to stand vertically and may range from twenty-four to seventy-two inches in height depending on diameter. In most instances, four vertical, diametrical cuts are made in the log forming eight pie-slice segments. The cuts extend from the top surface of the log downward toward the base of the log. The vertical cuts stop short of the entire length of the log leaving approximately 25% of the length uncut. The uncut portion forms the base of the log. One of the segments is cut horizontally at its lower end adjacent the top of the base so that the segment can be removed from the log for air flow control.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.

Abstract: Clean burning wood fuel pellets. The clean burning wood fuel pellet includes a mixture containing wood chips and calcium carbonate.

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

Abstract: [Object] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the residue left after beneficial seeds, grains or bulbs are collected. [Solution] A solid fuel which comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of dried Arundo donax, Leucaena leucocephala, Saccharum officinarum, Manihot esculenta, straw, seaweed, seagrass or algae and which is hot compression molded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing fuel briquettes from high moisture fine coal. The apparatus includes a coal fine pelletizer, a pellet dryer and a fuel briquette former all provided in-line for the efficient production of fuel briquettes. The method comprises forming pellets from coal fines, drying those pellets to a desired moisture content of about 1 to about 10% and forming fuel briquettes from the dried pellets.

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

Abstract: A fuel pack is constructed of at least two types of stacked plates, a first type and a second type, which may have the same composition. The composition of the first type of plate includes a metal. A plate of the second type is disposed between plates of the first type. The fuel pack may include two wires, a first wire electrically attached to a first one of the first type of plate; and a second wire electrically attached to a second one of the first type of plate. When the first wire is electrically connected to a positive terminal of a power source and the second wire is electrically connected to a negative terminal of the power source, the plates form a capacitor. An energy generation system includes a fuel pack receptacle, a preheater, and an ignitor; the ignitor configured to generate a detonation event adjacent a fuel pack.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention is a solid fuel fire starter having a wicking element made of corrugated cardboard with an exposed top end for ignition by a flame source, a non-combustible housing surrounding the wicking element, the housing defining an open end for exposing the top end of the wicking element; and a paraffin wax reservoir within the housing integrally molded with the wicking element so that the wicking element conveys the paraffin wax by capillary action up into a flame.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated and has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg. A method for producing the solidified biomass: includes crushing raw biomass material; loading a barrel with the crushed raw biomass material; inserting a pressure applying piston into a hollow of the barrel; pressure-forming the crushed raw biomass materials by applying pressure with the pressure applying piston while heating the material; obtaining semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter by retaining constant time of the heating and the pressurizing; cooling the semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter while maintaining pressure to obtain a cooled solid; and taking out and drying the cooled solid, wherein the pressure applying piston and the hollow of the barrel have very small clearance between their outer and inner peripheries.

Abstract: A method of making cerium-containing metal oxide nanoparticles in non-polar solvent eliminates the need for solvent shifting steps. The direct synthesis method involves: (a) forming a reaction mixture of a source of cerous ion and a carboxylic acid, and optionally, a hydrocarbon solvent; and optionally further comprises a non-cerous metal ion; (b) heating the reaction mixture to oxidize cerous ion to ceric ion; and (c) recovering a nanoparticle of either cerium oxide or a mixed metal oxide comprising cerium. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles thus obtained have cubic fluorite crystal structure and a geometric diameter in the range of about 1 nanometer to about 20 nanometers. Dispersions of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles prepared by this method can be used as a component of a fuel or lubricant additive.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: A fire log is provided which is comprised of a mixture of ground mature sweet corn kernels and water. A second embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground corn cobs and water. A third embodiment is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, chopped or ground sweet corn cobs and chopped or ground sweet corn stalks mixed with water. A fourth embodiment of the fire log is disclosed wherein the fire log is comprised of ground mature sweet corn kernels, water and conventional combustible petroleum materials such as used in conventional fire logs. The mixture is pressed, formed or extruded to form cylindrical fire logs or block fire logs.

Abstract: Polycarbon biofuels may be made from feedstock such as wood waste, agricultural wastes and waste paper. The feedstock may be cooked under acidic conditions to convert cellulose and similar material in the feedstock into a biofuel that is hydrophobic, readily pelletized, and has a high energy density. The biofuel may be blended with coal or other fuels to provide blended fuels that may be burned in conventional burners. One process forms a slurry of the feedstock, sparges carbon dioxide through the slurry to achieve a pH below 5 and cooks the slurry at temperatures in the range of 170 C to 300 C until conversion of the feedstock to polycarbon biofuel has occurred. The biofuel may be separated from liquids in the slurry by filtration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process to prepare a fuel or an intermediate to a fuel from residues as obtained in a palm oil process wherein shredded agricultural residue having a water content of between 40 and 75 wt % water is dried to obtain a dried agricultural residue having a water content of between 5 and 40 wt % and then is compacted into pellets, cubes, or small briquettes having a two dimensional size of between 5 and 1000 mm and a thickness of between 5 and 300 mm and a density of between 200 and 1200 kg/m3.

Abstract: A Novel fuel object comprised of a proportion of corn stover and a proportion of wood fiber combined with a basically reacting compound. The object comprises fiber of the appropriate size and moisture content combined with an inorganic base. An appropriately sized object is readily manufactured, provides high heat output, is consistent in fuel characteristics, and is sized and configured for use in power generation facilities. Based on fiber selection and processing, the fuel object may be used in a variety of current power generation technologies including stoker, fluidized bed, gasifier, cyclonic, direct-fired, and pulverized coal technologies, and results in significant reduction of air emissions (including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and mercury) compared to coal with no loss of boiler or furnace efficiency.