Abstract: A flavor or aroma charcoal material, such as charcoal briquets, which is formulated to include a flavor or aroma component. The charcoal material may include a smoldering agent (e.g., limestone), wood particles (e.g., sawdust), a binder, and the flavor or aroma component (herbs and/or spices). The flavor or aroma charcoal material may not be configured as a fuel charcoal material, for example, it may be substantially void of char and/or coal. In an embodiment, the flavor or aroma charcoal material may be provided as part of a blend of different charcoal materials that includes both flavor or aroma briquets in combination with fuel briquets (e.g., which fuel briquets include char and/or coal, while the flavor briquets do not). The flavor briquets provide enhanced aroma and/or flavor to the grilling experience.

Abstract: The continuous process of the present invention is intended to obtain dry biomass from two treatment steps by drying organic waste. The waste previously sieved and crushed waste are dumped into a first dryer, inside of which temperatures are between 280° C. and 300° C. at the inlet thereof and between 90° C. and 100° C. at the outlet, then passing to a conveyor belt where at room temperature a partial cool-down occurs and the waste is dumped into a second dryer inside of which the temperatures are between 180° C. and 200° C. at the inlet and between 75° C. and 85° C. at the exit, completing the process, during which the interior of the dryers is maintained in negative pressure through exhaust flow and the oxygen content is kept between 5 and 7%.

Abstract: A system for torrefaction of waste material comprising biogenic material and plastic material may comprise a material pre-processing system, a heating and compaction unit, a reactor system comprising a reaction portion and an extrusion portion, and a cutting unit adjacent an outlet of the reactor system. A method for operating a system for torrefaction of waste material comprising biogenic and plastic material may comprise processing the waste material to generate waste material having an aspect ratio between 0.8:1 and 1.2:1 and a largest dimension of less than 4 millimeters (mm); compressing and heating the pre-processed waste material in the heating and compaction unit; heating the compacted waste material in the reactor system to a temperature of 280° C.-500° C.; extruding material from the reactor system; and cutting the extruded material into pellets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for continuously preparing a pulverulent material having a calorific power greater than the calorific power of the initial biomass, the method comprising a steam cracking step, wherein the initial biomass consists of elements having a grain size distribution of between P25 and P100, having a humidity of less than 27%, and directly subjected to a steam cracking treatment.

Abstract: In some variations, the invention provides a biocarbon composition comprising a low fixed carbon material with a fixed carbon concentration from 20 wt % to 55 wt %; a high fixed carbon material with a fixed carbon concentration from 50 wt % to 100 wt % (and higher than the fixed carbon concentration of the low fixed carbon material; from 0 to 30 wt % moisture; from 0 to 15 wt % ash; and from 0 to 20 wt % of one or more additives (such as a binder).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a combustible material having a lower heating value of 5.29 MWh/t or more. According to the invention, such a method comprises continuously introducing of a predetermined volume per minute of wood fragments into a pressurised reactor; exposing the wood fragments to steam at a temperature of between 200 and 220° C. for a time of between 5 and 9 minutes, the value of said exposure time and the value of the temperature of said steam being selected so that the severity factor is between 4.05 and 4.15; continuously extracting from said reactor the same predetermined volume of wood fragments per minute, through a plurality of orifices opening into a conduit at substantially atmospheric pressure; separating said decompressed wood fragments and the residual steam extracted from said reactor, said wood fragments obtained after separation forming said combustible material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a roof cover board and a method of manufacturing an improved cover board product. The method includes receiving waste materials or first use materials, the waste materials or first use materials containing a mixture of cellulose, plastic and other materials; separating the cellulose and the plastic from the mixture; shredding the separated cellulose using a first shredder into a stream of cellulose and shredding the separated plastic using a second shredder into a stream of plastic; selecting a cellulose to plastic ratio from a plurality of cellulose to plastic ratios; metering shredded cellulose from the stream of cellulose and shredded plastic from the stream of plastic according to the selected cellulose to plastic ratio; mixing the metered shredded cellulose and plastic; forming said mixture into a mat; and consolidating the mat into a finished good using heat and pressure.

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: A system and process for separating organic material from solid waste such as material recovery facility (MRF) fines is disclosed. The fines are treated in a press, in which the fines are compressed against a wall having a set of holes. The fines are mixed with a substantial amount of water before being pressed. The water increases the amount of organic matter that is recovered from the fines. A wet fraction, extruded through the holes of the press, may be treated in an anaerobic digester.

Abstract: Systems and methods of producing a solid fuel composition are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods for producing a solid fuel composition by heating and mixing a solid waste mixture below atmospheric pressure to a maximum temperature sufficient to melt the mixed plastics within the solid waste mixture is disclosed.

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: A method and system reprocess soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. In one aspect the soiled animal bedding material is separated in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of the manure to a holding tank. In another aspect the bedding is cleaned, rinsed and color is restored. The bedding material is subsequently dried and a bedding product, fertilizer product, and/or compacted product is formed. Alternatively, said bedding material is dried (without a compacting step) to form a product. In yet another aspect, the steps of separation, cleaning, rinsing and/or color restoration may be omitted.

Abstract: Provided herein are composite materials comprising at least 70 wt. % thermally consolidated recovered paper and plastic fragments and less than 5,000 ng water-soluble endotoxin per gram of composite materials, as well as methods of preparing said composite materials and methods of sanitizing recovered waste materials.

Abstract: A shredder dust treatment method is provided wherein non-metal dust which is further pulverized into a small particle size in a pulverizing step S10 through a crushing step S1 of crushing wastes such as waste automobiles, waste home appliances, and waste office furniture into a predetermined size, an iron component separation and collection step S3 of separating and collecting an iron component, a non-ferrous component separation and collection step S4 of separating and collecting a non-ferrous component, a metal component separation and collection step S5 of sorting a metal component, wind power sorting steps S2, S6, S8, and S9 of sorting floating fibrous dust and a settled crushed material by wind power, and a shredding step S7 of shredding the settled crushed material into a predetermined size is separated into metal scraps such as copper, aluminum, and iron, fibrous dust, and particulate dust in a separating step S11.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering cannabis-related waste materials are provided. The method may include inserting a plurality of cannabis-related waste materials into, for example, a mobile rendering vehicle. The method may further include physically altering the cannabis-related waste materials such that the cannabis-related waste materials are unrecognizable and unusable. The insertion of the cannabis-related waste materials into the mobile rendering vehicle may be recorded and/or the physical alteration (e.g., pulverization) of the cannabis-related waste materials may be recorded via one or more cameras disposed on the mobile rendering vehicle to verify proper insertion and/or alteration of the cannabis-related waste materials.

Abstract: A method and system reprocess soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. In one aspect the soiled animal bedding material is separated in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of the manure to a holding tank. In another aspect the bedding is cleaned, rinsed and color is restored. The bedding material is subsequently dried and a bedding product, fertilizer product, and/or compacted product is formed. Alternatively, the bedding material is dried (without a compacting step) to form a product. In yet another aspect, the steps of separation, cleaning, rinsing and/or color restoration may be omitted.

Abstract: A method includes densifying a biomass feedstock having a moisture content of at least about 30% by weight and drying the biomass feedstock to form a densified biomass having a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. Some methods include comminuting a biomass feedstock, pressing the biomass feedstock to form a plurality of pellets, heating the plurality of pellets to remove water therefrom, and cooling the plurality of dried pellets. The plurality of pellets exhibits a moisture content of at least about 20% by weight after pressing. The plurality of dried pellets exhibits a moisture content of less than about 10% by weight. A system for forming densified biomass may include a preheater, a press, and a dryer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for processing carbonaceous materials that includes introducing a first source of carbonaceous material as a first feedstock into a mixer. Then, a second source of carbonaceous material is introduced as a second feedstock into the mixer. The second feedstock is one of the outputs of the processing of the carbonaceous materials. These carbonaceous materials are mixed into a single feedstock of carbonaceous materials that is customized into a predetermined material composition, and this predetermined mixture is then pyrolyzed in a pyrolyzer to produce a custom carbonaceous output. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a finely ground biomass material used to create biomass-containing plastics having a smooth surface, while also preventing creation of unwanted color including those created by the Maillard reaction which results from a combination of sugars, protein, heat and acid or base chemicals. The present invention also provides for methods to prevent agglomeration of small particles into larger particles which can produce irregular surfaces on biomass-based plastics, including thin film plastics, especially thin film plastics less than 4 mil and other thin film plastics that can become too large to use in thin-film plastic production. For the purpose of this invention, plastic resins can be any gas or liquid hydrocarbon or fermentation-based resins.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of pellets or briquettes from lignin containing material in the form of processable particles wherein the method includes the steps of: passing the material having a relative moisture content of more than about 20%, by weight, to a drying step and drying it to a relative moisture content of about 0-30% by weight; passing the material to a heat treatment step and heating the material to about 180-235° C. by injecting steam into a reactor; maintaining the material in the reactor at the temperature reached for a sufficient time to soften the material and release lignin; reducing the pressure in the reactor in at least one step; and pelletizing or briquetting the treated material. The invention also concerns pellets or briquettes produced by the method.

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: The invention relates to the use of engineered fuel feedstocks to control the emission of sulfur-based, chlorine-based, nitrogen-based, or mercury-based pollutants, such as SO2, SO3, H2SO4, NO, NO2, HCl, and Hg that are generated during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal. Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feedstocks, feedstocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feedstocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feedstocks, and methods of generating electricity from the fuel feedstocks.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for precise monitoring and control of torrefaction temperature, which enables accurate control of the quality and properties of the torrefied material. The method includes determining the surface temperature of the biomass in the torrefaction arrangement is using an IR-thermometer and hot nitrogen gas a purge gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods of producing a solid fuel composition are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods for producing a solid fuel composition by heating and mixing a solid waste mixture to a maximum temperature sufficient to melt the mixed plastics within the solid waste mixture is disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for processing a biomass (for example straw) containing lignocellulose such that cellulose and hemicellulose are made accessible for further processing, typically by decomposition, without needing energy-consuming dissolution of the biomass in water. The method includes repeated compressions of the biomass in a reciprocating piston press, where loose biomass is continuously fed into a piston chamber in front of a piston which moves the loose biomass into a tubular reaction chamber in which the biomass is compressed for producing a vapor explosion and autohydrolysis under simultaneous displacement of compressed biomass through the reaction chamber. After compression, to the biomass can be added fluid livestock manure, fluid waste water sludge etc. in a biogas plant for subsequent biogas processing.

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

Abstract: A mobile platform biomass harvester has a header, a biomass processor, a storage container, a guidance system, an engine, an electric generator, and a guidance system. The header harvests biomass. The biomass processor includes a shredder, a press, a dryer, and a densifier. The densifier compacts the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces. The storage container receives compressed biomass pieces from the biomass processor. The guidance system guides the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the mobile platform. The engine generates shaft power. The electrical generator converts the shaft power to electricity to power the guidance system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomass solid fuel obtained by steam exploding and then molding biomass into biomass blocks and then heating the biomass blocks, wherein the biomass solid fuel has a fuel ratio of 0.2 to 2.5, a dry-based higher heating value of 5,000 to 7,500 (kcal/kg), a molar ratio of oxygen O to carbon C (O/C) of 0.1 to 0.6, and a molar ratio of hydrogen H to carbon C (H/C) of 0.5 to 1.35.

Abstract: Hazardous waste sanitation and removal devices, along with methods of sanitizing hazardous waste materials, are described that include: a) a unitary shredder system, b) a transport system, a pre-treatment system or a combination thereof, comprising a reciprocating operation system, c) a treatment system, d) a dewatering system, a desolutionizing system or a combination thereof, and e) a collection system for disposal. Dewatering processes are also disclosed that includes at least one collection of wastes, at least one screw press, at least one conveyor system that carries the at least one collection of wastes after interaction with the at least one screw press, and at least one filter system.

Abstract: A mobile platform based biomass powered harvester has a header, a biomass processor, a heated storage container, a guidance system, a biomass gasification reactor, a syngas engine, an electric generator, and a guidance system. The header harvests biomass. The biomass processor includes a shredder, a press, a dryer, and a densifier. The densifier compacts the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces. The heated storage container receives compressed biomass pieces from the biomass processor. The guidance system guides the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the densifier. The biomass gasification reactor generates syngas from compressed biomass pieces. The syngas engine generates shaft power. The electrical generator converts the shaft power to electricity to power the guidance system.

Abstract: A method for producing a bio-coal includes the following steps: (a) lowering the moisture content of a fiber residue obtained after oil extraction of oil palm fruit to less than 25%; (b) after step (a), cutting the fiber residue; (c) after step (b), pelletizing the fiber residue into short-fiber pellets; (d) drying the short-fiber pellets to reduce the moisture content of the short-fiber pellets to below 10%; and (e) after step (d), carbonizing the short-fiber pellets at a temperature below 300° C.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising subjecting a quantity of plant biomass fibers to a pretreatment to cause at least a portion of lignin contained within each fiber to move to an outer surface of said fiber, wherein a quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers is produced; and densifying the quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers to produce one or more densified biomass particulates, wherein said biomass fibers are densified without using added binder.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting waste fibers to solid fuel. The process includes providing a supply of animal waste including the waste fibers in a predetermined quantity, subjecting the supply of animal waste to anaerobic digestion, producing a waste byproduct, dewatering the waste byproduct, and compressing the dewatered waste byproduct to form briquettes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from municipal solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes combining a first waste stream that includes at least one of hard plastic, soft plastic and mixed plastic with a sorbent and increasing the temperature of the combined first waste stream and sorbent to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The method further includes combining the thermally treated first waste stream and sorbent with a second waste stream that includes fiber, and compressing the combined first waste stream, sorbent, and second waste stream to form a densified engineered fuel feedstock.

Abstract: Certain disclosed pellets, briquettes, and other compacted products contain multiple components and have a composition tailored to meet specific requirements for a given application. Frequently, at least one of the components is a biomass component. The compacted biomass products can be used in various applications including power generation, animal bedding, and waste absorbent. One particular embodiment involves using compacted body or mass as a fuel supplement or fuel replacement for coal or other fossil fuel(s) in co-firing power plants. Other specific applications include bedding for various animals including fowl, horses, and rabbits. Another application comprises pelletized absorbents such as cat litter for absorbing liquid and/or solid waste products.

Abstract: An organic fuel additive for improving the combustion of a bioenergy solid fuel product, the organic fuel additive comprising a mixture of combustible organic fines and a polymer material, wherein the polymer material encapsulates the combustible organic fines in solid form, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A method for refining pellets, in which, in a first step, pellets that have been pressed from a biomass are provided. A heat treatment is carried out, involving heating the pellets to a temperature between 210° C. and 390° C. The heat treatment takes a period of time of between 1 minute and 30 minutes. Also described is a device that is suitable for carrying out the method. The pellets treated in this way are water-repellent and so can be stored outdoors.

Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.

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: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for pre-treating sewage sludge in a sewage treatment works (STW) to facilitate anaerobic digestion. These methods include (a) passing sewage sludge through one or more pre-treatment devices, wherein each pre-treatment device comprises (i) a passage of substantially constant diameter having an inlet in fluid communication with the STW and an outlet; and (ii) a transport fluid nozzle communicating with the passage and adapted to inject high velocity transport fluid into the passage; (b) passing the sewage sludge treated in step (a) to an anaerobic digester; and (c) collecting methane produced in step (b). Other methods are also provided for pre-treating a bio-degradable waste flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from municipal solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes combining a first waste stream that includes at least one of hard plastic, soft plastic and mixed plastic with a sorbent and increasing the temperature of the combined first waste stream and sorbent to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The method further includes combining the thermally treated first waste stream and sorbent with a second waste stream that includes fiber, and compressing the combined first waste stream, sorbent, and second waste stream to form a densified engineered fuel feedstock.

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: The invention relates to the improvement of the fuel-properties of biomass in an integrated manner to facilitate storage, shipping and applicability thereof. In the process, biomass (6) is thermally treated within a combustion process to cause partial torrefaction of the organic matter present in biomass, thus yielding components inert to biological decomposition processes. Constituents (10) separated in gaseous form are utilized as fuel, while the thermally treated biomass (8) remaining in the solid form is utilized in a separate process.

Abstract: A renewable processed biochar composition made with an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system from a processed organic-carbon-containing feedstock made with a beneficiation sub-system is described. Renewable biomass feedstock passed through a beneficiation sub-system to reduce water content to below at least 20 wt % and water-soluble salt reduction of at least 60% from that of unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock on a dry basis. The processed feedstock is introduced into an oxygen-deficient thermal sub-system to result in renewable processed biochar having an energy density of at least 17 MMBTU/ton (20 GJ/MT) a water content of less than 10 wt %, and water-soluble salt that is decreased by at least 60 wt % on a dry basis from that of the unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 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: A method is provided in which pretreated and densified cellulosic biomass particulates can be hydrolyzed at a high solids loading rate as compared with the solids loading rate of loose hydrolysable cellulosic biomass fibers. The resulting high concentration sugar-containing stream can be easily converted to biofuels or an entire suite of other useful bioproducts.