Abstract: A process is provided using non-food or limited-feed agricultural residue and energy crops for energy production, such as ethanol or electricity generation. The agricultural plant material is harvested and baled. The bales are transported to the processing site for storage or immediate processing. The bale strings are first removed, and then the broken bales are shredded. The shredded plant material is then ground to a small size. The ground material is then pelletized to produce densified pellets of the agricultural plant material. The pellets are cooled and then stored or transported to an end user.

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: Method and apparatus for fabrication of fuel from form pressed biomass wherein biomass, particularly grass, is dried prior to pressing, for example, into pellets, and use of such fuels, particularly in form of grass pellets, for energy generation.

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: A method of preparing fuel pellets includes the steps of providing a feedstock in the form of agricultural hull fibres. The agricultural hull fibres may be derived from all whole grains and seeds. For example, are comprised of at least one of corn bran, rye bran; oat bran, rice bran, soy bran, canola bran and wheat bran. The method may include the step of mixing the feedstock with a sequestering agent before being formed into pellets for sequestering alkali metal vapors and raising the fusion point of the inorganic elements during combustion of the pellets. The sequestering agent may be calcium carbonate added in amounts up to about 0.5% by weight. The pellets contain additives comprised of ammonium nitrate, calcium, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, barium, iron, potassium and amorphous silicate, which sequester potassium and chlorides.

Abstract: A briquette is comprised essentially of coal particles and solid lignin where the briquette does not include binders other than the lignin. A method of preparing briquettes from coal particles and lignin comprises grinding, drying, mixing, and briquetting. A system of preparing briquettes from coal particles and lignin can either be located proximally to a power plant or delivered by trucks, trains, ships, or air freight to the power plant.

Abstract: A fuel pellet made substantially of flax stem fiber. The fuel pellet is made from waste material available at minimal cost that produces pellets that burn at a high temperature, generate little smoke and less than about 4% ash residue, and can be stored for long periods without deteriorating. Preferred fuel pellets include at least about 60% flax stem fiber; wherein at least about 60% of the particles are less than about a quarter of an inch in length. The fuel pellet is processed by first selecting or processing the flax stem fiber so that it has a moisture content of from about 5 to about 12%. The bulk flax stem fiber material is then processed in a hammermill or the like to reduce the size of the fiber particles. The processed flax is then extruded through a commercial pelletizing machine. The pellets are then cut and then dried.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reclaiming plastics and cellulose materials for use in a variety of applications, including as alternative fuel sources. According to one embodiment of the invention, waste is received which includes cellulose materials and plastics. Such materials are sorted from other materials and the cellulose and plastic materials are shredded or ground and then blended together. The blended materials can then be fed to an energy converter, such as a combustion unit or a gasifier, where they are burned as fuel source or used to create synthetic gas. In other embodiments, the blended materials are heated or have a binding element added thereto. Such mixture is then compressed to form a desired shape or sized object, and that object can then be packaged, distributed or used. The blended object can be used as a fuel source, or as a building, sound attenuation, or insulation material.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the production of solid biofuel (pellets, briquettes, etc) made from biomass that has, been produced in organized cultivation of the weed Cynara cardunculus, and its utilization instead of oil for heat production on a domestic or industrial use or for electricity production. The shifting conventional cropping systems to cynara cultivation will multiply the farmers profit and will open new horizons for the development of Greek rural areas also with the respective creation of many new jobs. Additionally, the produced biofuel will be much cheaper than oil or gas for heating, and its use will reduce the dependence from international energy monopolies and the exporting of precious exchange.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the development of tobacco plants, modified through mutagenesis techniques, interspecific hybridisation followed by poliploidisation and recombinant DNA technologies, characterised by the fact of being capable of producing a very high amount of seeds and their use for the production of oil for energetic and industrial scopes, such as combustion oil, biodiesel and lubricating oil, and for animal and human alimentation.

Abstract: A cogeneration process and system which provides for the reclamation of a grease fuel from a concentrated grease trap pumping waste stream and the use of said grease fuel in a compression ignition reciprocating engine for the production of electric power. The concentrated grease trap pumpings are heated and mixed in the first stage of the process to ensure all grease is liquefied. This warm mixed stream is then separated by centrifuge into a heavy stream consisting of water and sediments and an oil-rich stream consisting of oil, grease/water emulsion and residual water. This oil-rich mixture is heated sufficiently to evaporate the residual water as well as the water of emulsion yielding a water free grease fuel suitable for use in the compression ignition engine. Heat energy for grease liquefaction and emulsion breaking is supplied by an engine jacket water cooling circuit and an exhaust heat recovery, respectively.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed fuel composed of organic residues and/or raw materials having at least one additive for increasing the calorific value and for decreasing slag formation, which fuel consists of a fuel mixture which contains a) 72 to 83% by weight combustible organic residues and/or raw materials having a moisture of 8 to 20%, b) 15 to 25% by weight natural organic oils and/or fats for increasing the calorific value and c) 2 to 3% by weight sodium perborate for increasing the ash melting point and as oxygen supplier. As organic residues and/or raw materials, use is made of comminuted and naturally aged or artificially aged (by UV irradiation or by the addition of 0.1-0.

Abstract: A biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The fuel pellet commonly includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Optionally, the fuel pellet may comprise a lignin additive. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

Abstract: A processed solid fuel composition incorporating agents for destroying creosote and soot within flue ducts and chimneys of fireplaces, solid fuel stoves and other heating devices is disclosed, along with a method for its manufacture and a method for its use. The composition is made up of a combination of compressed cellulosic particulate material and a chemical and/or catalytic creosote and soot removing agent, and is molded in the form of a fire log in the preferred embodiment. The composition may be used alone, but is ideally applied to an active fire to treat a chimney flue by combined heating and chemical disaggregation of accumulated creosote and soot deposits.

Abstract: A process and method for recycling cigarette butts is disclosed. The process and method involves reacting ground cigarette butts with a solvent and mineral spirits and then shaping and drying the resultant product. Once the processed cigarette butts have hardened or cured the material may be formed into useful objects with no leaching of chemicals upon contact with water.

Abstract: A method of producing Dried Distiller's Grain with Solubles (DDGS) agglomerated particles is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of separating a first product stream out of the whole stillage that is primarily solid material from a second product stream that is primarily liquid, agglomerating the first product stream using a mechanical compression machine such as an extruder, and exposing the agglomerated particles to microwave radiation of a sufficient energy for a sufficient time so that the resulting moisture of the agglomerated particles is between 3% and 40% by weight. The second product stream may be condensed and blended with the first product stream prior to, or concurrently with, the step in which the agglomerated particles are formed. Additionally, other additives, such as enzymes, may be added to the first product stream to enhance the final product's desirability as a nutritional source.

Abstract: Fibrous combustible material such as biomass or biomass refuse is coarse chopped, dried and then may optionally loaded, transported, and unloaded. The biomass is further processed to a desired size and bulk density. Low speed knife cutters are used for cutting the fiber instead of crushing. Fibrous combustible material having a moisture content of approximately 20% and a temperature of approximately 70-80° C. is extruded between rollers and a fixed flat die, and releases glutinous juices during extrusion which enable pellet formation while also producing a polished cover to the extruded pellet during simple air cooling. A low and variable speed of 2-3 meters per second between rollers and fixed flat die is used for pelletising fibrous biomass. A desired temperature of the fixed flat die is maintained by circulating hot or cold water.

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: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: Fuels used may be derived from existing waste streams such as animal wastes and streams of discarded or unwanted animal byproducts generated at animal slaughterhouses. A method of processing organic waste products into fuel includes homogenizing the waste products. The waste products are heated and pressurized. Water is removed from the waste products. Selected constituent of the waste products are separated from the waste products into a waste stream. The waste stream is blended with a fuel to form a bio-fuel mixture.

Abstract: Solid fuel compositions consisting essentially of wet processed biomass are provided. Processes for preparing solid fuel are provided that can include pelletizing wet-processed biomass material. Combustion processes are provided that can include initiating combustion of a pelletized wet processed biomass material. Energy generation processes are included that can include gasifying a biomass pellet.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: A processed fuel pellet is disclosed, and contains a ground corn product mixed with other commodities that establish the framework for an alternative fuel source burned in pellet stoves and corn stoves. The composition is comprised preferably of about 50% ground shelled corn, about 25% wheat midds as an igniting agent, about 20% soy hulls as a bonding agent and about 5% pulverized limestone as an anti-caking agent. Said ground shelled corn can be varied in alternative embodiments up to a maximum of 75% of the corn component, and other ingredients are adjusted accordingly to provide useful compositions. The pellet produced is a more efficient, hotter burning fuel source that has a low soot output, is economical to produce and environmentally friendly, and a perfect fuel to be used in home heating. A method for producing said fuel pellet is also disclosed which will ensure proper composition and structure.

Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and, mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: A method of preparing fuel pellets includes the steps of providing a feedstock in the form of agricultural hull fibres having a moisture content of about 10 to about 16%; and compressing and extruding the agricultural fibre feedstock through a die to obtain fuel pellets in the form of small cylinders having a diameter of about ? inch to ¾ inch or more, said pellets having an ash content of about 1.1% to about 20% by weight and a calorific value of about 7,000 BTUs per pound of fuel on a dry basis. The agricultural hull fibres may be derived from all whole grains and seeds. For example, are comprised of at least one of corn bran fibre, rye bran fibre; oat bran fibre, rice bran fibre, soy bran fibre, canola bran fibre and wheat bran fibre.

Abstract: Fuel pellets which include substantial amounts of agricultural biomass having a relatively low lignin content are provided. The fuel pellets have a low ash content, good pellet durability (e.g., as determined by their pellet durability index) and heating values comparable to conventional hardwood fuel pellets. The fuel pellet may be formed by pelleting a mixture comprising agricultural biomass which includes whole corn, corn cobs, corn stover, wheat, wheat middlings, wheat straw, soy beans, soy bean hulls, soy cotyledon fiber, alfalfa, dried distillers grain, oats, oat straw, sugar beet pulp and/or sunflower hulls. Other suitable agricultural biomass materials which may be used to form the fuel pellets include co-products from corn milling processes (e.g. corn gluten feed, white fiber), oat hulls, rice hulls, rapeseed meal, rapeseed fractions, bagasse, ground barley, cottonseed hulls, whole cottonseed, ground milo, oatmeal, oat flour, rye, broken rice and empty palm fruit bundles.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing organic waste, such as coffee grounds (12), so as to eliminate it by combustion. Said method consists in mixing the waste (12) with a silicic acid additive (14), the proportion of additive ranging between 3 and 5% to constitute a fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an economical method for efficiently drying the plant-derived biomass for which there has been no established method for disposal and reuse. This drying method does not impair the value of plant-derived biomass as a fuel. Disclosed also herein is a method for producing a biomass fuel from the plant-derived biomass which has been dried by the aforesaid method. The drying method consists of dehydrating (drying) plant-derived biomass in oil with heating and modifying it simultaneously. Drying in this way partly decomposes the plant-derived biomass, thereby yielding a good constituent for biomass fuel.

Abstract: A cement kiln from which its brick lining has been removed, or a rotary dryer for cement production is used as a fermentation treatment apparatus 202 for converting waste matter into compost. The waste matter to be subjected to the fermentation treatment includes city waste contained in garbage bags, and its fermentation treatment is carried out by introducing the waste matter directly into the aforesaid cement kiln or the aforesaid rotary dryer for cement production without tearing the aforesaid garbage bags.

Abstract: A combustible pellet comprising municipal solid waste. The pellet has a water content of less than 10% by weight and a fuel value of at least 10,000 BTU. A process for the forming of a combustible pellet from municipal solid wastes, comprising the steps of removing solid hazardous waste from said municipal solid waste; subjecting the municipal solid waste so obtained to at least one step to separate recyclable products therefrom; and subjecting the resultant product to a shredding and a pulverizing step. A fluff with a water content of less than 10% by weight is obtained. The fluff is compacted to form a combustible pellet.

Abstract: An organically clean biomass fuel formed of mixture of a powder, which may be either dried, cellulosic product, wood charcoal powder, and/or a combination of the two, and a fluid, which may be vegetable oil, vegetable alcohol or a combination of the two. A centrifugal machine dries moist, cellulosic product and extracts black liquor. A grinder transforms the dried, cellulosic product into powder. Gum may be extracted from the vegetable oil or vegetable alcohol. A batch mixer or vibrating vessel mixes the powder and the fluid together; the fluid moisturizes the powder. Depending upon the relative amount of the fluid as compared to powder, the mixture will either be in a liquid cream state or a doughy state. If the latter, the mixture may be pressed into briquettes or ingots.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid combustible element and a method for manufacturing it, whereby in the element an open or closed internal space is provided, and in this space is placed a chemical product for disintegrating a combustion deposit layer. When burning this element in a combustion device, such as e.g. a hearth or a stove, the product is released so that a combustion deposit layer (e.g. consisting of soot, ash and tar) formed on the walls of the combustion device or the smoke flue is disintegrated. The element is preferably formed by compressing an amount of loose particles of one or several solid combustible materials, such as among others wood waste and sawdust, without adding any binding agent. Such an element can be manufactured at lower raw material and production costs than the known elements in which such a product is incorporated.

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 low-energy input process for the pyrolytic conversion of biomass to charcoal or carbonized charcoal is provided. The biomass is sealed in a container, pressurized with air and heated to ignition. Control of pressure by input of air and release of gases to maintain successively lower pressure levels results in a typical time for the conversion of less than 30 minutes.

Abstract: A fire log system for providing an efficient corn based fuel that is burnable within conventional fireplaces. The fire log system includes a housing having a front opening, a volume of particulate corn within the interior of the housing, a plurality of corn cobs within the front opening of the housing for retaining the particulate corn, and a plurality of retaining members secured about the front opening. The housing with the corn cobs and particulate corn is preferably dipped within a wax material after formed. A wick member preferably is positioned within the front opening for assisting in the lighting of the fire log system.

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: Mechanically and biologically stable briquettes and pellets are obtained from either municipal solid waste (MSW), Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or municipal sewage sludge and their combination for purposes of disposing said briquettes and pellets as fuel in waste-to-energy processes such as the one described herein or to form geometric aggregates with such briquettes for their disposal at landfill sites. The use of binding material is not required whereas fuel additives such as crushed coal and petroleum residues may be added to enhance fuel performance but are not needed to improve waste processing or product stability and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making pelletized fuel containing plastic and cellulose particles in which a feed stream containing plastic and cellulose particles is supplied to a pelletizing device. The process is used in particular in processes for recycling household and industrial waste streams into pelletized fuel. The invention also relates to pelletized fuel, to the use of the pelletized fuel as secondary fuel and to various methods of firing furnaces with the pelletized fuel. The process according to the invention is characterized in that the feed stream contains at least 40 wt. % plastic and the pelletizing device has an annular mould with holes whose effective hole length (L) and hole diameter (D) ratio (R) is at least 5. Besides a high calorific value, the pelletized fuel obtained has a good hardness, good bulk, storage and transport properties and a good grindability.

Abstract: An artificial firelog comprising a mixture of combustible materials and a combustible binder further contains particulate coke comprising about 1% to about 35% by weight of the firelog, the coke particles having a size less than about 4 mm, to create a realistic crackling sound that mimics the sounds produced during the burning of natural logs. The particulate coke has a preferred moisture content between about 2% and about 20% by weight. The particulate coke may be combined in predetermined ratios with other established crackle additives including natural additives such as coriander seed to extend the time period during which the burning artificial firelog crackles. Preferably, the particulate coke comprises metallurgical coke.

Abstract: A solid combustible composition having an apparent density lower than 0.6 g/cm3 and comprising a first portion consisting of an urban solid waste, a second portion consisting of elastomeric material and a third portion consisting of non-elastomeric polymeric material.

Abstract: A log system for providing a log system that is easy to light which burns longer and cleaner than conventional logs. The log system includes a housing comprised of a flammable material and a plurality of corn kernels contained within the housing which provide fuel to a fire. A copper member may be included within the housing for adding visual effects to the flame. A securing string may be attached about the housing for securing the housing in one piece.

Abstract: A combustible pellet comprising municipal solid waste. The pellet has a water content of less than 10% by weight and a fuel value of at least 10,000 BTU. A process for the forming of a combustible pellet from municipal solid wastes, comprising the steps of removing solid hazardous waste from said municipal solid waste; subjecting the municipal solid waste so obtained to at least one step to separate recyclable products therefrom; and subjecting the resultant product to a shredding and a pulverizing step. A fluff with a water content of less than 10% by weight is obtained. The fluff is compacted to form a combustible pellet.

Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: An amount of photosynthetically produced biomass such as wood is converted into charcoal and a substantial portion of the charcoal is permanently stored. The remaining residual amount is converted into energy or an energy source like hydrogen. The main portion of the charcoal remains in storage for sustainable energy supply by means of combustion reversal, however, may be utilized at any desired time for generating energy or an energy source like hydrogen.

Abstract: A solid combustible composition having an apparent density lower than 0.6 g/cm.sup.3 and comprising a first portion consisting of an urban solid waste, a second portion consisting of elastomeric material and a third portion consisting of non-elastomeric polymeric material.

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: Thermally shock-resistant chemically bonded agglomerates suitable for use as a combustible fuel or in a gasification process are produced by:(a) mixing particulate organic material comprising particulate carbonaceous fuel and/or animal excrement (such as dewatered comminuted sewage sludge) with a lignosulfonate, in the presence of water, with application of heat sufficient to maintain the lignosulfonate in fluid form, so as to deposit a film of lignosulfonate over the surface of the particulate material;(b) oxidatively conditioning the lignosulfonate coated particulate material under conditions permitting escape of water present in the mixed particulate material, the conditioning either being in the presence of calcium ions or being followed by mixing the conditioned particulate material with lime; and(c) shaping the resulting free-flowing plastic mixture under pressure, to form the thermally shock-resistant agglomerates.