Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a portable charcoal system and method of operating thereof, wherein the portable charcoal system comprises a first compartment adapted to burn a material, a second compartment connected to the first compartment and adapted to receive the material from the first compartment, and a third compartment adapted to receive the material from the second compartment, the third compartment comprising an auger adapted to move the material from a back end to a front end, and out of the third compartment. The portable charcoal system further includes a source of air.

Abstract: A system for forming a woody biomass component and a binder component into a solid fuel element having a predetermined density. The system includes a first compression assembly for compressing an uncompressed mixture of the woody biomass component and the binder component to provide a first compressed mixture formed into a preliminary element having a preliminary density. The system also includes a second compression assembly for compressing the preliminary element to form the solid fuel element having the predetermined density, which is greater than the preliminary density.

Abstract: A combustible log torch which can be ignited to provide heat for warmth or cooking, and light for illumination can be made by compacting a mixture of wood sawdust and a food grade binder. Such combustible log torches are convenient and safe to use and provide optimal characteristics of quickly providing a bonfire without the need for a fireplace or a fire pit. The fire produced by such combustible logs is also optimal for safely and conveniently cooking food items. Such a combustible log torch can be manufactured by a method which comprises compacting a composition which is comprised of a mixture of wood particles and a food grade binder under a pressure of at least about 5 psi (0.034 megapascals) in a mold to produce the combustible log torch having at least one vertical cavity (hole) which extend vertically through the entire length of the combustible log torch.

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 waste-derived fuel is prepared to have a particular chemical composition, including ash content, ash composition and fuel value, and physical properties as required by a particular fuel user or burning process. The fuel is prepared by collecting different waste materials, chemically analyzing each waste material, and then blending and mixing together several different waste materials in appropriate proportions to provide the desired chemical composition and fuel value. The fuel is prepared to have a homogenous, uniform, and constant composition over time. The fuel is suited for use by itself or mixed with conventional fuels to be burned as a primary fuel in the main burner of a cement kiln and pre-calciner. In that case, the fuel is preferably formulated to provide an ash composition that approximates the composition of normal cement raw material mix. The fuel can provide increased amounts of particular elements or compounds as required by the fuel user.