Abstract: Tools and techniques for biochar production and biochar products are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a method of biochar production that may include introducing a compound that includes at least carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen into a reaction chamber. The compound may be heated to a temperature of at least 1,000 degrees Celsius in the reaction chamber such that the compound reacts through a pyrolysis reaction to produce biochar. The produced biochar may be collected and/or further processed in some cases. In some embodiments, the compound includes at least biomass or a waste product. In some embodiments, the temperature of the reaction chamber is at least 1,100 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the compound has a residence time in the reaction chamber between 10 seconds and 1,000 seconds to produce the biochar. Some embodiments include biochar that may include graphite or graphene.

Abstract: A process for the remediation of contaminated particulate materials by the addition of an environmentally benign, carbonaceous fuel source in low concentration to enable or enhance smoldering combustion. The process may be applied to both in situ and ex situ treatments. In an ex situ smoldering process for the remediation of contaminated particulate materials in a continuous manner, contaminated feed is introduced near the top of a treatment unit and treated product emerges near the bottom. A smoldering front is maintained in the unit, fed by the fuel in the contaminated particulate material and a supply of combustion-supporting gas, such as air.

Abstract: The invention relates to fuel composition formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to integrated coal gasification and combustion processes including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.

Abstract: A hay-based log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure and temperature to enable the hay pieces to stay together and then cooling the mixture without heat or pressure.

Abstract: A method of agglomerating fine particles such as ultrafine coal in a benefication process, uses a water in oil emulsion to significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared with known oil in water emulsions. A solution of oil and emulsifying agent is provided to which water is progressively added forming a concentrated water in oil emulsion with stabilized water drops (1) packed inside the oil solution phase (2). Fine particles in a slurry are then added, causing the fine particles to collide and stick to the emulsion particles. An optional form of the invention coats tiny portions of the emulsion in a thin film of low viscosity oil (5) to achieve a higher level of selectivity.

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: [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: The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to integrated coal gasification and combustion processes including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coal to form a paste that can be used as a fuel or incorporated with other fillers to form pellets or briquettes. The paste is formed from crushed or powdered coal mixed in a liquid fuel and may be used as is or may be mixed with a carrier fuel prior to combustion or it could be mixed with other biomass fillers to produce a solid fuel.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

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: 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: Methods for pyrolyzing asphaltene material includes providing a composition including from 50 to 90 wt % asphaltene material and from 50 to 10 wt % inert material, and pyrolyzing the composition. The presence of the inert material can help to ensure that the asphaltene material does not interfere with the pyrolyzing process and equipment. Method of forming asphaltene pellets can also be used in order to improve asphaltene pyrolysis.

Abstract: Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.

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

Abstract: A process of making vegetal fuel based combustible spheres produced from naturally occurring and renewable residues of olive arboricultural farming and olive processing. The combustible spheres providing a renewable energy alternative to the use of fossil fuels. Where the use of the vegetal based combustible spheres replaces fossil fuels, the reduction in the generation of undesirable noxious gasses from combustion is achieved along with reduced consumption of the world's limited fossil fuel reserves.

Abstract: A clean burning bio-coal consists of 70˜90 wt % of bio-fiber material and 1˜20 wt % of coal material. With the above composition percentages for the bio-fiber material and the coal material, emission of greenhouse gases and pollution gases during burning of the bio-coal can be reduced, total heat energy producible from the bio-coal is high enough to satisfy requirements in industrial activities, and a high burn-out rate of the bio-coal can be advantageously achieved.

Abstract: A method for forming compressed matter structures suitable as a fuel source comprising producing a glycerine-rich binding agent by a method comprising (i) providing a feedstock, (ii) mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst to form a reaction product, (iii) obtaining a glycerine-rich phase from the reaction product; providing a carbon-containing material; adding an effective amount of the glycerine-rich phase to the carbon-containing material to form a mixture; and forming compressed material from the mixture. Also provided is a compressed structure produced by the method.

Abstract: A direct-burning grill smoking composition for imparting the flavor of a selected hardwood to a grilled food product contains a quantity of particles of the selected hardwood distributed in a solid matrix formed by partially dehydrating a slurry containing the hardwood particles and a binder dispersed in water. Following ignition, the grill smoking composition continues to smolder without the need for application of further heat until the grill smoking composition is reduced to ashes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a synthetic fuel pellet, the pellet comprising a compressed agglomeration of: (a) coal fines; (b) a fibrous cellulosic material wherein the fibers of the fibrous cellulosic material have been substantially disintegrated; and (c) at least one binder, the binder adapted to form a pellet of the coal fines and the fibrous cellulosic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing shaped, activated charcoal. According to the method, after being ground, carbon-bearing material, or a mixture of several carbon-bearing materials are rendered homogenous with a binding agent which contains water, or a mixture of several binding agents, at least one of which contains water. The mixture of carbon-bearing material and binding agent is then formed into shaped bodies. According to the invention, in order to consolidate the grain formation, these are dried until they exhibit a maximum total water content of 3% by wt. in relation to the shaped body. The shaped bodies which have been formed and dried in this manner are then subjected to a carbonization and subsequently a gas activation process.

Abstract: A solid fuel composition of spent coffee grounds and/or green coffee bean waste, sawdust and a wax binder is useful for manufacturing a fire-log with more flame output. This combination of solid particulate together with wax burns with a natural-sounding sizzling and crackling. The fuel composition also develops cracks as it burns, in much the same way as natural wood logs do. The cracks expose more surface area to combustion air, thereby enhancing flame output.

Abstract: A fuel pellet is produced by the combination of organic waste material with a binder obtained by direct liquefaction and/or fast pyrolysis of biomass material. Direct liquefaction and fast pyrolysis are carried out according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as petroleum asphalt and cross-linking agents, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is mixed with organic-waste material preheated to 100° C. or more and allowed to react at about 150-200° C. Combustible extenders and fillers, reinforcing fibers, and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the organic material or the bio-binder base to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized or otherwise molded in conventional equipment.

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: A briquette comprised of iron and steel industry waste materials and carbon as a fuel source thereby creating a self contained delivery system for the recovery of iron or steel. The briquette is held together by a binding system that can withstand the extremely high temperatures required to make iron and steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing propellant compacts for use in gas generators for safety devices in motor vehicles by extrusion, comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A binder composition for use in forming briquettes is disclosed. The composition comprises from about 5 to about 95% asphalt base and about 5 to about 95% sodium carbonate pulping liquor by weight. The binder composition may contain up to about 3% by weight of a surfactant, such as nonyl phenol ethoxylate, to increase homogeneity of briquette formation. Strength increasing additives such as latex, vinyl derivatives, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, peat moss, starch, starch derivatives, pulp from the pulp and paper industry, paper, cardboad, acrylic copolymers and combinations thereof, may be added to the binder composition in a total amount of up to about 10% by weight. Lignosulfonate may be added to the composition in an amount of up to about 30% by weight. An inorganic component such as cement or bentonite clay may be added in an amount of up to about 70% by weight, and up to about 30% by weight of a plasticizer such as rubber or plastic may be added.

Abstract: A coal agglomerate is produced by the combination of coal fines with a binder obtained by the direct liquefaction of biomass material. The direct liquefaction is carried out in the absence of oxygen at typical temperatures between about 450 and 700.degree. F. and typical pressures between 200 and 3,000 psi, according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as fast pyrolysis tars and petroleum asphalt, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is sprayed on coal fines preheated to at least 250.degree. F. and allowed to react at about 300-400.degree. F. Combustible extenders and fillers; reinforcing fibers; and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the coal prior to combination with the binder to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized by the application of pressure in conventional equipment.

Abstract: A combustible carbonaceous composition and method of making a charcoal briquette wherein a finely divided carbonaceous material is combined with an activated carbon and/or an activated graphite (which may be formed in-situ during pyrolysis of the composition by reacting a humic-containing ore with a low VOC-containing carbon and/or graphite). The combustible carbonaceous composition is present in the briquette composition in an amount of about 65% to about 99.9% by weight; a binder is included in the composition in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight when forming a charcoal briquette or an igniter log; and the activated carbon and/or activated graphite is present in an amount of about 0.1% to about 20% by weight. The activated carbon and/or activated graphite absorbs most of the VOCs entitled from the combustible carbonaceous material, thereby preventing the VOCs from escaping to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and a solid fuel product, such as briquettes and pellets, comprising carbon fines, in the form of heretofore discardable coke breeze and/or coal fines and/or revert materials, bound together chemically into smaller pieces to substantially prevent degradation and which constitutes a source of high heat without creating significant pollution or smoke.

Abstract: A method and a solid fuel product, such as briquettes and pellets, comprising carbon fines, in the form of heretofore discardable coke breeze and/or coal fines and/or revert materials, bound together chemically into smaller pieces to substantially prevent degradation and which constitutes a source of high heat without creating significant pollution or smoke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of decreasing air pollution from burning a combustible carbonaceous material, wherein the combustible carbonaceous material comprises an admixture of a non-combustible binder material, such as clay, and a combustible carbonaceous substance in the form of chunks of briquettes, in a natural draft furnace. The method comprises burning the chunks of briquettes, wherein said briquettes have been prepared by mixing about 60 to about 90 parts combustible carbonaceous particles, such as coal, with 40 to about 10 parts non-combustible binder material, such as clay, in a sufficient amount of water to obtain a moldable mixture, molding the mixture into a briquette form, allowing the briquette form to dry, preferably at a temperature above about room temperature from about 2 to about 6 days to form dried briquettes, preferably about 2 to about 25 cm on a side.

Abstract: A method of recovering coal liquids and producing metallurgical coke utilizes low ash, low sulfur coal as a parent for a coal char formed by pyrolysis with a volatile content of less than 8%. The char is briquetted and heated in an inert gas over a prescribed heat history to yield a high strength briquette with less than 2% volatile content.

Abstract: Cigarettes include tobacco-containing smokable material wrapped in a low porosity paper wrapper. The smokable material includes an intimate mixture of tobacco extract, pyrolyzed alphacellulose, agglomerated calcium carbonate particles, glycerin and carboxymethylcellulose. The agglomerated calcium carbonate particles are provided by providing an agglomerated matrix of calcium carbonate particles and organic binding agent, and calcining the organic binding agent. The resulting agglomerated matrix includes particles of calcium carbonate within a carbonaceous binding material. Such cigarettes yield low levels of incomplete combustion products and generate low levels of visible sidestream smoke.