Abstract: A fuel pellet includes a pellet body made from a mixture of (a) hemp byproduct, kenaf byproduct or hemp and kenaf byproduct, (b) sawdust and, optionally, (c) coal fines. The fuel pellet may be made without adding a binder. A method of making the binderless fuel pellet is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for pelletizing bituminous liquids by inducing endogenous asphaltenes in the liquid to form a resilient external membrane on an aliquot of the bituminous liquid, optionally with simultaneous collection of light components that result from the process of inducing endogenous asphaltene formation.

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.

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: The present invention provides methods of transforming low rank coals into high quality metallurgical coke, and the coke products produced by such methods.

Abstract: A product comprising at least one densified biomass particulate of a given mass having no added binder and comprised of a plurality of lignin-coated plant biomass fibers is provided, wherein the at least one densified biomass particulate has an intrinsic density substantially equivalent to a binder-containing densified biomass particulate of the same given mass and h a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface. Methods for using and making the product are also described.

Abstract: A method for dewatering a water-containing combustible solid excluding coal, comprising heating, in a sealed vessel, the water-containing combustible solid at a temperature of 100° C. to 300° C. under a pressure not less than a saturated steam pressure at said heating temperature, while applying a shearing force of 0.01 MPa to 20 MPa to said water-containing combustible solid. The method allows the production of a slurry in water which contains the water separated from the water-containing combustible solid and a combustible solid from which the water is removed, has a suitable viscosity and water content, and can be subjected to spray combustion, at low costs.

Abstract: A biocoke producing apparatus has a reaction vessel that has a preset temperature range and pressure range for, without carbonizing of the pulverized biomass, inducing a pyrolytic or thermal curing reaction of lignin and hemicellulose thereof. The reaction vessel has a pressurization device for pressurizing to the pressure range, a heating device for heating to the temperature range in the state of the pressurization and a cooling device for cooling after maintaining of the above state. Multiple reaction vessels are provided. A pulverization delivery conveyor is provided superior to these reaction vessels, and each of the multiple reaction vessels is connected via a connection tube to the conveyor. The connection tube is provided with a pulverizate charging device for charging a given amount of pulverized biomass in accordance with a timing of pulverizate charging to the reaction vessels.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing biocoke usable as a substitute fuel for coal coke from biomass as a raw material. The apparatus comprises pulverizing means for pulverizing a biomass raw material attributed to photosynthesis; heating means for heating to the temperature range in which the hemicellulose of the pulverized biomass raw material is pyrolyzed so as to exhibit bonding effects; pressurization means for, in the state of the heating, pressurizing to the pressure range in which the lignin of the pulverized biomass exhibits a thermal curing reaction and maintaining the pressure; and cooling means for cooling after maintaining the state of the pressurization. The apparatus further comprises temperature detecting means provided at the exit end of the region being heated by the heating means and regulation means for judging a reaction terminal point in accordance with the result of the temperature detection and regulating the timing for transfer from heating to cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a production method capable of producing carbon composite briquettes having sufficient strength without excessively reducing a production capacity, even using steel mill dust containing oil. This method comprises: adding at least a carbonaceous material and a binder to steel mill dust containing oil and mixing them to form a powdery mixture; compacting the powdery mixture by means of a pressure roll to produce briquettes; and recognizing an increase/decrease in an oil content of the powdery mixture to adjust a rotation speed of the pressure roll so as to lower the rotation speed along with an increase in the oil content.

Abstract: For manufacture of solid fuels by solidifying processing-object materials containing plastics, waste paper and waste wood, the processing-object materials inputted through an input port 12 are subjected to water injection so that their water content becomes 15 wt % or more, preferably 20 wt % or more, and then kneaded, compacted and extruded in three turns or less, being extruded from molding nozzles 53 of an end face plate 5. The water injection is performed by a water injection nozzle 31 from the input port 12 into a casing 11. Opening and closing of a solenoid valve 33 interposed on a water injection pipe 32 adjoining the water injection nozzle 31 is controlled based on a signal S1 derived from a temperature sensor 55 provided at a molding nozzle 53 of the end face plate.

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: Systems and methods for pelletizing a molten heavy hydrocarbon that can be extruded from a drop former to create a plurality of droplets that are subsequently quenched in a cooling media to create asphaltenic pellets. The asphaltenic pellets can be solidified by transferring heat from the droplets to the cooling media to provide the solid asphaltenic pellets. The solid asphaltenic pellets can then be separated from the cooling media which can be recycled for use.

Abstract: An energy product made from biomass, and a method of making an energy product from biomass. The energy product is made by processing biomass in a pressurizable reaction vessel with heat, pressure and agitation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing woodfuel briquettes, pellets, compounds, composites, agglomerates, or granulates as source material for subsequent processing in injection molding or extrusion processes, includes a pressing screw with screw spirals, which rotate around a longitudinal axis and which are arranged inside a screw shell. The feed material is conveyed to the pressing screw via a feed chute located at an input side. At the end of the pressing screw, processing tools are arranged, to which the feed material is conveyed by the rotating screw spirals. In the area of the processing tools, the residual moisture in the feed material evaporates due to the heat generated during the processing procedure, and is vented as a steam flow from the apparatus through the screw shell.

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: Provided are methods for binding particulate solids in a polymer fiber matrix utilizing composite waste products. A mixture of composite waste products and particulate solids is formed into solid products to create degradation resistant solid units which capture the particulate solids.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Binder compositions for converting coal waste into fuel including a distillable petroleum hydrocarbon emulsified with a surfactant and water are provided. The invention also includes methods for making the binder compositions. The methods include blending a distillable petroleum hydrocarbon petroleum hydrocarbon with water and a surfactant. In another aspect, a fuel product is provided which includes the reaction product of carbonaceous fine particles and a binder composition of this invention. The binder composition is provided in an amount necessary to increase the hydrophobic characteristics of the carbonaceous fine particles and bring about a statistically significant change in their chemistry. In one embodiment the binder composition is present in an amount between about 1.5 percent and about 4.0 percent of the total weight. Methods are also provided for making fuel from fine carbonaceous materials, which include exposing the carbonaceous materials to a binder composition of this invention.

Abstract: A mixture includes paraffin wax and a thickening agent, the thickening agent being pseudoplastic above the melting point of the paraffin wax. The paraffin wax ideally makes up 50-99% w of the mixture, and the thickening agent 1-40% w of the mixture. The thickening agent includes diatomaceous earth. The mixture may include abrasive material, fibrous particles, and talc to affect its texture when applied to an article. Also disclosed is a synthetic log of combustible material including wood waste and a hydrocarbon (such as paraffin wax), and a coating applied in a state of low viscosity so as to partially or wholly cover the surface of the log, which then sets. This coating is ideally the mixture defined above. The log may be wrapped in a sleeve which features a transparent window, so the coating can be viewed, especially if the coating is only applied to part of the log's surface.

Abstract: The high intracellular water content contained within the cell walls of the bacterial cells of a dewatered biosludge is reduced by removing the intracellular water in a denaturing operation. This operation comprises heating the biosludge at a temperature sufficient to weaken the bacterial cell walls. The weakened cell walls are then exposed to a reduced pressure sufficient to form vapor within the cell and to thus rupture the weakened cell walls and thereby release the intracellular water in the form of a hot aqueous vapor and/or released intracellular water. The water-reduced concentrated biosludge can then serve as a fuel source in a partial oxidation reaction for the production of synthesis gas.

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 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: An apparatus and process combines a mixture of hazardous waste generated by petroleum refining and/or production with a catalytic media and then process the mixture by subjecting the mixture to a heating process and a vacuum system to provide a dry solid fuel.

Abstract: A process for making a fuel product including blending a sewage sludge with an acid, mixing an oxide-containing chemical with the blended sludge so as to cause a reaction which elevates a temperature of the sludge, pressurizing the mixed sludge to a pressure of greater than 14.7 p.s.i.a. for a period of time of no less than 15 seconds, mixing the pressurized mixed sludge with coal fines, and solidifying the mixture of pressurized mixed sludge and coal fines. The oxide-containing chemical is either calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The acid is sulfamic acid. The step of solidifying includes pelletizing the mixture. The solidified mixture has a BTU content of greater than 5000 BTU per pound.

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: The high intracellular water content contained within the cell walls of the bacterial cells of a dewatered biosludge is reduced by removing the intracellular water in a denaturing operation. This operation comprises heating the biosludge at a temperature sufficient to weaken the bacterial cell walls. The weakened cell walls are then exposed to a reduced pressure sufficient to form vapor within the cell and to thus rupture the weakened cell walls and thereby release the intracellular water in the form of a hot aqueous vapor and/or released intracellular water. The water-reduced concentrated biosludge can then serve as a fuel source in a partial oxidation reaction for the production of synthesis gas.

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: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming an aggregate product from particulate material, and in particular for making an aggregate coal product from coal particles. The method involves the steps of 1) loading the coal particles into a mold having an open end and an inner surface defining, in part, a pressurization chamber, the open end of the mold having an outwardly flaring inner peripheral end surface, 2) pressurizing the coal particles within the pressurization chamber such that the coal particles aggregate to form the coal log, and 3) pushing the coal log out of the mold past the flared end surface so that the coal log expands as it passes the end surface. The method may also include the step of maintaining back pressure on the coal log as it is pushed out of the mold. In addition to coal logs, the mold configuration of this invention may be used for making other aggregate products from particulate materials.

Abstract: The present invention concerns gasification, respectively an incineration reactor in which a gas is produced which is used for the environmentally friendly production of energy with virtually no emissions. Furthermore, a process for the production of energy briquettes from burnable industrial or household waste in the form of briquettes with a defined, high calorific value.

Abstract: A solid fuel containing a recycled residue from anaerobic fermentation or anaerobic digestion of an organic material. The solid fuel can also contain a volatile solid fossil fuel. The residue is preferably derived from an anaerobic digestion process of municipal solid waste, raw sewage sludge, biomass feedstock, industrial waste, agricultural waste or mixtures thereof. The volatile solid fossil fuel preferably contains a coal constituent of lignite, anthracite coal, meta-anthracite coal, bituminous coal and/or sub-bituminous coal. Regardless of whether the solid fuel contains only recycled residue or recycled residue bound with a volatile solid fossil fuel, the solid fuel can be formed into pellets or energy cubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus of forming pellets and in particular spherical binderless pellets from lower rank coals. The method includes the steps of feeding a pelletizing means 10, with a lower rank feedstock, 1; rotating the coal in said pelletizing means, 10, to form pellets in the absence of any binder, wherein the pellets are formed by compaction and layering of coal fines. The moisture content of the lower rank coal is at a level so as to at least substantially fill the voids within the coal.

Abstract: The particulate waste is mixed with plastic waste in a screw extruder, pressed and extruded. The particulate waste and plastic waste are introduced into the feed hopper of a screw extruder. The components introduced are intimately mixed in the screw extruder by the rotating screw(s) and firmly compressed. The pressure in the mixture may be up to 100 bar. The particulate waste is bound in the plastic in a way that prevents any further contact with the environment.

Abstract: A combustible carbonaceous briquette and method of making the briquette wherein a finely divided carbonaceous material is formed into a desired briquette shape under high pressure whereby carbonaceous particles are bound together by a pre-cooked mixture of an organic binder and a water-swellable clay. The combustible carbonaceous material is present in the briquette composition in an amount of about 85% to about 96% by weight; the organic binder is present in an amount of about 2% to about 8% by weight; and the water-swellable clay is present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight. The weight ratio of organic binder to water-swellable clay, dry weight basis, is in the range of from about 1.5 to about 3.0 to 1.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical pellets from wet coal silt or also known as filter cake. The process involves mixing dry ash with the filter cake in a mixer. The blend thereof is discharged into a shallow pan disc pelletizer to produce pellets which are then coated in a reroll ring surrounding the disc pelletizer with more fly ash.

Abstract: A coal substitute product and process for producing it from by-products formed in the production of acetylene from natural gas is disclosed. The first by-product is an aqueous slurry of soot which is mixed with the second by-product, an acetylene polymer. After mixing the material is filtered to produce a filter cake which is processed into chunks similar to coal in appearance, handling qualities and burning characteristics. Alternatively another carbonaceous tarry substance such as an asphaltenes or acryloid polymer waste can be substituted for the acetylene polymer.

Abstract: Process for recycling and recovering solid urban waste and the like, consisting in subjecting solid urban waste (SUW), after the removal of any ferromagnetic material present therein, to high-pressure compression inside a screening press or the like, so as to separate the putrescible organic material from the dry material intended to form the combustible material, then subjecting the organic material to a process of anaerobic fermentation in a sealed and dry environment, so as to allow to extract, at the end of the fermentation cycle, the biogas thus produced, which can be used directly for producing electric power or for other uses, the residuals of fermentation in the form of humus being subsequently subjected to refining and then to screening to recover the light materials; sifting, within a known rotary screen, the dry material so as to separate the combustible components, such as paper, fabrics, wood, plastics, leather and rubber, from the inert ones, such as glass, non-ferrous metals and any organic par

Abstract: A method of preparing a sulfur-containing composite fuel is provided to utilize some high-sulfur content solid and semi-solid fuels such as tar sand coke and refinery tank sludges by reducing their sulfur emission on combustion. The method comprises the steps of making an aqueous slurry including a finely divided carbonaceous material, a comminuted sulfur capture agent and an oily agglomeration aid obtained from the refinery or tailing sludges and coagglomerating these components and an optional conditioning agent. The resulting agglomerated composite fuel has a reduced content of inorganic impurities and is suitable for fluidized-bed combustion.

Abstract: Fine-grained substances which do not soften below 800.degree. C., such as oil coke, coking duff, pitch coke and/or fine-grained coal with less than 14% volatile constituents, sand, ores, metal oxides, metals or mixtures of such substances, are introduced in at least two places into a carrier gas stream and are thermally heated to 550-650.degree. C. in the solid discharge of a first cyclone. Then the same carrier gas stream heats coking coal amounting to 18-38% of the intended briquettable product material to 200-400.degree. C. in the solid discharge of a second cyclone. The two solid flows are mixed and treated, producing the briquettable material at 500.+-.50.degree. C. The carrier gas stream is produced by the combustion of liquid and/or gaseous fuels with an excess air factor of 2 or more. Thermally inert, low-ash solid fuels, such as oil coke, pitch coke and/or low-ash, fine-grained, low-volatility coal, amounting to 20-40% of the briquetting material, are initially introduced.

Abstract: Green briquettes made from particulate carbonaceous material and lignosulfonate as a binder are cured in an oven in the presence of circulating gases containing a high percentage of oxygen and superheated steam. The sulfur derived from the binder is oxidized and then hydrolyzed (exothermic reactions) at the curing temperature with formation of sulfuric acid, which is dissociated (endothermic reaction) in the case of a temperature rise. The reactions provide a means for thermal balance within the curing oven.