Abstract: A biomass upgrading process comprises a steam-cracking step for producing a granulated combustible product, and, prior to the granulation step, a step of mixing an intermediate pulverulent product resulting from the steam-cracking of the biomass and a pulverulent material having a high lignin content.

Abstract: The cereal-based charcoal binder utilizes unrefined non-corn whole grains to replace the conventional cornstarch binder in solid charcoal fuels. The whole grain material is ground up, mixed with water, gelatinized, and then mixed with at least one dry ingredient to produce the solid charcoal fuel product.

Abstract: Process for producing a briquette containing carbon carriers (2): mixing the carbon carriers (2) together with a binder system (3) with introduction of steam and the mixture obtained is pressed to form briquettes. At least one of drying carbon carriers (2), setting the temperature of the carbon carriers (2) to be mixed with the binder system before mixing or heat treating the briquettes after pressing by direct or indirect interaction with superheated steam. Waste steam is at least part of the steam introduced during mixing. An apparatus for carrying out such a process has such interaction with steam, from which a waste steam conduit leads and opens directly or indirectly into the mixing device.

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: The present disclosure provides a novel method for the production of a biomass composition from waste materials including the steps of evaluating the waste material for emissions related factors, treating the evaluated waste material with the additive composition to form a low emissions biomass composition and shaping the biomass composition into solid fuel formations. The present invention further provides an additive composition used in the treatment of the waste materials that comprises an emission sponge, a filler and optional BTU modifier. The treating step includes the steps of sizing selected waste materials, blending the sized waste materials with the additive composition formulated specifically for the waste material and forming the blended waste materials into solid fuel formations. The resulting biomass solid fuel formations produce lower emissions than typically produced by coal and may be combined with, or used in place of coal in coal burning structures and devices.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods of making pellets comprising a sorghum material, more preferably a sweet sorghum material having an average Brix value of 10 or higher. In embodiments, the pellets are highly combustible and comprise woody materials in addition to the sorghum materials.

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 solid composite fuel for the mitigation of emissions from a coal-fired power plant includes a solid monothilic fuel material formed from the pyrolysis of a coal material and at least one solid renewable fuel material.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a system and method for briquetting solid fuel before or after treatment with electromagnetic energy. In the system and method, solid fuel is transported through a continuous feed solid fuel treatment facility, treated using electromagnetic energy, and briquetted after treatment.

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: A method of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided that includes combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, drying the biomass adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive having a starch and a hydroxide, forming the composite biomass into a shapeform, and heat treating the composite biomass before or after producing the shapeform at a base temperature sufficient to break O-H bonds, the base temperature being below a mean torrefication temperature of the composite biomass such that torrefaction of a substantial portion of the biomass materials does not occur.

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 are bonding agents useful in the production of pelletized or briquetted fuels. The bonding agents may be incorporated into a feed containing the fuel material, providing both adhesion and cohesion of the fines to produce a uniform and predictable pellet or briquette. Specifically, the bonding composition contains a solubulized starch, a sugar source and/or a diol or polyol compound, and optionally a polymer selected from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), PVOH copolymers, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl acetate copolymers (PVAc), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc or VAE) or any subset or combination of such polymers. Also disclosed are methods of preparing the bonding agents and to densified and/or torrefied biomass products prepared therewith.

Abstract: A method of treating biomass material, particularly plant-derived biomass material, to produce pyrolysis thereof, comprising subjecting the biomass material to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwave radiation, while the material is being agitated, under suitable conditions to produce a desired degree of pyrolysis.

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 of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided that includes combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive having a starch and a hydroxide, forming the composite biomass into a shapeform, and heat treating the composite biomass shapeform at a base temperature sufficient to break O—H bonds, the base temperature being below a mean torrefication temperature of the composite biomass such that torrefaction of a substantial portion of the biomass materials does not occur.

Abstract: An artificial firelog of the invention includes as constituents (a) a combustible cellulosic material and (b) a combustible non-petroleum wax, wherein the relative proportions of the constituents are, by weight, from about 30% to about 70% of (a) and from about 30% to about 70% of (b) for 100 parts of (a) and (b). In one form of the invention, the combustible non-petroleum wax constituent may include one or more combustible materials derived from plant oils, vegetable oils, animal oils, fats, rosin, pitch, waxy materials and combinations thereof. In another form of the invention, the combustible non-petroleum wax constituent may include a formulated blend of individual non-petroleum wax components. In yet another form of the invention a combustible binding agent can be added to the blend of materials resulting in reduction of the portion of the more costly combustible wax component.

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 of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided by the present disclosure that includes comprising combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, drying the comminuted composition of biomass materials, and adding an adhesive to the biomass materials, the adhesive comprising a starch and a hydroxide. Further additives are also provided, which include a silicate, a viscosity agent, a preservative, and a BTU additive. The composite biomass is processed into a shapeform, and then the shapeform is partitioned into individual pieces that are compatible with existing powerplants. In one form, the processing is performed at lower temperatures such that an endothermic reaction of the biomass materials and adhesive results.

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: The charcoal-foam heating material is formed by combining a charcoal mixture with an aqueous surfactant and water to create a semi-homogenous charcoal-foam slurry. The slurry is poured into shaping molds so that the slurry dries into the charcoal-foam heating material. In the preferred embodiment, a concrete surfactant is used during the mixing process and the charcoal-foam slurry is formed into briquettes and used as a cooking 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: A solid fuel is formed in a cuber to form body pieces formed of materials extruded through a die with a density greater than 35 lbs/cu ft; an energy content greater than 6500 BTU/lb; transverse dimensions less than 1.5 inches; and a length less than 4 inches; from plant biomass material which contains components when extended of greater than 1.0 inch. Primarily the materials are paper or other cellulose product and crop residue such as wheat straw. The cellulose and lignin from these materials act without additional binders as binders and encasing materials. The moisture content is maintained at a target value by mixing selected quantities of the materials without drying. The cubing machine has a feeding system where the space between the inner rotor and outer casing is smaller than 4 inches and the height of the outer flight is less than 1 inch.

Abstract: A firewood substitute comprising olive waste and organic binder.

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 process for making a fuel product from paper mill sludge including dewatering the paper mill sludge so as to have a solids content of greater than 7 percent by weight, mixing an oxide-containing chemical and molasses with the dewatered paper mill sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 6 p.s.i. for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, and drying the pressurized mixed sludge to no less than 60 percent solids by weight. The oxide-containing chemical can be either calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The oxide-containing chemical is mixed in an amount of between 1 percent to 10 percent by weight of the dewatered paper mill sludge. The molasses is mixed in an amount of between 0.1 percent and 1 percent by weight of the dewatered paper mill sludge. The method also includes grinding the dried sludge to a desired size of no less than 325 mesh and no larger than one-quarter inch in diameter. The dried sludge has a heating content of no less than 5,000 BTUs/pound.

Abstract: The invention discloses a combustible fuel including a compressed unit of crushed maize cob, such as corn cob or white or yellow maize cob, and a method of its manufacture. The corn cob has no additional non-biomass additives and results in a residue of less than 2% by mass after complete combustion.

Abstract: A method for agglomerating fine particles, involves reacting urea, urea/formaldehyde condensate, a strong inorganic acid, preferably sulfuric acid, and at least one polyfunctional compound chosen from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, and polyols (containing at least two hydroxy groups) in the presence of particles to be agglomerated to form a fine particle agglomerate. Optionally, molasses, p-toluene sulfonic acid, xylene sulfonic acid or resorcinol can be added to the binder solution.

Abstract: A method of producing coal briquette at a low energy cost by saving heating step or drying step for fine coal, which comprises adding and mixing from 1 to 10 mass parts of powdery starch to a coal having 15 mass % or more of water content and comprising 50 mass % or more of particles with grain size of 5 mm or less to form 100 mass parts of a mixture, and coating the surface of the briquette product with 0.1 to 5 mass parts of a heavy oil component simultaneously with or after pressure briquetting the mixture by a double roll briquetting machine in which concaves are formed on the roll surface, as well as coal briquette which is inexpensive and has high strength and high waterproof.

Abstract: A chemical change agent containing water, tall oil, glycerides, and surfactants is used to create synthetic fuels. An alternate composition contains water, glycerides, and surfactants. The chemical change agent is formed by heating the tall oil; combining water, fatty acids, and surfactant; and adding the heated tall oil and the water, fatty acid, and surfactant to form an emulsion. The synthetic fuel contains coal and the chemical change agent. The synthetic fuel is formed by mixing coal with the chemical change agent and pressing the two components into a briquette or other suitable treatment to create a finished product.

Abstract: A briquette, and method of making it, for use in gas-fired barbecue grills. The briquette features three desirable characteristics: (1) relative permanency or durability, i.e. it is useable a number of times without physical disintegration or shedding of ash; (2) the desirable heat absorption and radiation characteristics of lava rock; and (3) the ability to impart flavor to the grilled food. Broadly described, the briquette includes from about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight lava rock fines such as scoria or basalt fines, from about 5 percent to about 15 percent by weight calcium aluminate and/or Portland cement, less than 5 percent by weight starch; and—before drying in manufacture—from about 0.2 percent to about 8 percent by weight water. Ideally, the briquette also includes up to about 10 percent by weight wood particles such as hickory or mesquite shavings. A method for making the inventive briquette is disclosed.

Abstract: A solid burnable fuel composition which contains a major proportion of spent dried coffee grounds is described. The fuel composition includes at least 50% dried spent coffee grounds and a combustible wax which are mixed together and compressed into a suitable shape for combustion. The fuel composition may further include a small amount, 10% or less, of a coking agent useful to control burn rate and to prevent cracking of compressed fuel during combustion. Small amounts of cellulosic material may also be incorporated to improve the structural properties of the composition. Due to its superior heat and flame production, dried spent coffee grounds are an excellent fuel source for processed fuel products such as fire-logs and fuel pellets. The advantage is a hotter, cleaner burn which produces less soot and smoke, releases fewer harmful pollutants and provides a brighter flame over a longer period of time.

Abstract: Pellets or briquettes useful as fuel are produced from sewage sludge solids. Mechanically stable pellets or briquettes result from combining a major portion of sewage sludge solids with lesser amounts of lime and binder materials suitable for imparting stability to the product and pressing or extruding the combined components into desired shapes. Coal may be included in the pellet or briquette composition for improved fuel value.

Abstract: A down burning solid fuel body including a fire-igniting layer, a fire-catching layer and a body portion, wherein the content ratio among the fire-igniting layer, fire-catching layer and body portion is 20 to 50:40 to 45:30 to 40 based on the weight ratio. The fire-igniting layer has a composition essentially consisting of 50 to 55 wt % fine charcoal, 25 to 30 wt % barium, 5 to 10 wt % potassium nitrate, 0.3 to 0.5 wt % zeolite, 0.3 to 0.5 wt % alum, and 5 to 10 wt % starch. The fire-catching layer has a composition essentially consisting of 60 to 65 wt % fine charcoal, 20 to 25 wt % barium, 5 to 10 wt % potassium nitrate, 0.1 to 0.3 wt % zeolite, 0.1 to 0.3 wt % alum, and 5 to 10 wt % starch. The body portion has a composition essentially consisting of 85 to 90 wt % fine charcoal and 10 to 15 wt % starch.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for time production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids and municipal solid waste with minimal drying requirements. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted or briquetted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids, waste paper and/or refuse derived fuel, and crushed coal, and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids and cellulosic wastes.

Abstract: A binding composition for the preparation of agglomerates based on finely divided materials, which puts into the presence of one anotheran amylaceous compound andammonium chloride.

Abstract: A starch product which comprises gelatinized starch sulphamate and gelatinized starch phosphate is useful as a binder, particularly for coal briquettes. The product may be made by mixing preformed starch sulphamate and preformed starch phosphate but may also be prepared by heating gelatinized starch, gelatinized starch and a gelatinous starch sulphamate or gelatinized starch, and a gelatinized starch phosphate with, respectively a sulphamate and a phosphate, a phosphate or a sulphamate. Briquettes made from coal and the starch product having good bonding strength and carbonize with a clear flame.

Abstract: Coal or other fine particles are pelletized by mixing relatively moist particles of them with fine particles of a waste product collected during grain transport and storage and extruding or pelletizing the mixture without extensive heating or steaming.

Abstract: A method of suppressing the generation or persistence of dust is provided. An aqueous composition of a higher alkyl glycoside is placed in contact with a friable solid material (e.g. coal) to suppress the generation of dust thereform. The alkyl glycoside is generally present in the aqueous composition at a level of from about 0.001% by weight to about 1% by weight of the aqueous composition. Because of the nature of this particular use, highly colored compositions can be employed in the method. A composition used as a dust suppressant comprised of a higher alkyl glycoside and a hydrophilic binder material is also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids and caking coal and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for producing carbon containing fuel elements especially suited for use in cigarette--like smoking articles. One method of the present invention makes use of two separate pyrolysis steps to ensure that the carbon used to form the fuel elements for smoking articles is substantially free of materials which could adversely affect the aerosol delivered by such articles. Also disclosed is a method in which a fuel element formed from carbon and a binder is pyrolyzed after formation to convert the binder to carbon.