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: Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance metallurgical solid fuel properties. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of treating mercury contaminated gas comprising: introducing a hydrogen halide selected from HBr and HI into a mercury contaminated gas stream containing a quantity of particulate matter at an introduction rate sufficient to create a concentration of at least 0.1 ppmvd; wherein greater than 50% of all particulate matter in the mercury contaminated gas stream is a native particulate matter; contacting a quantity of active bromine with the native particulate matter; creating a doped particulate matter; coating a filtration media with the doped particulate matter; and passing a portion of the mercury contaminated gas stream through the doped particulate matter on the filtration media and other related methods are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for estimating the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive by observing the thermal plasticity of coal and a caking additive under the condition that sufficiently simulates an environment surrounding thermal plastic coal and a caking additive in a coke oven and to provide a method for preparing coal of a brand having a specified quality by making clear the required quality of a coal brand which can be ideally used for manufacturing high-strength coke by using the estimation method. A method for preparing coal for coke making, the method including adjusting a permeation distance of one or more kinds of coal to a specified value or less when plural coal brands are blended as materials to be used for coke making is used.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: An initial coal is cleaned to reduce ash content by ?20% and yield refined coal that optimizes combustion air flow through a coal burner. This permits conveyance of pulverized refined coal in suspended condition through feeder pipes of the coal burner using reduced air flow compared to the quantity of air required to convey pulverized initial coal in suspended condition through the feeder pipes. This reduces oxygen in the primary combustion zone, lowering conversion of fuel nitrogen into NOx and instead converting it into N2 using the refined coal product. Reduced primary combustion air also reduces core flame temperature, reducing thermal NOx formation using the refined coal product. Increasing secondary and/or tertiary combustion air compensates for reduced primary combustion air and result in overall decrease in NOx formation (e.g., thermal NOx formation is reduced when combustion completed in cooler secondary and/or tertiary combustion zones).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions.

Abstract: A fuel mixture characterized by reduced SOx and NOx emissions from combustion of the fuel, comprising: fuel; and an ester additive derived from reaction of i) a C6-C16 aliphatic straight chain or branched chain monocarboxylic acid, wherein aliphatic is defined as of or relating to a major group of organic compounds, structured in open or branched chains, including alkanes, e.g. paraffins, alkenes, e.g. olefins, and alkynes e.g., acetylenes, and either, ii) an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having three or more primary alcohol groups, or iii) a C1-C16 aliphatic straight or branched chain monohydric alcohol. A method of reducing SOx and NOx emissions from combustion of the fuel, comprising: mixing fuel and an ester additive; and combusting the mixture, wherein SOx and NOx emissions are at least about 20% to about 40% w/w of the SOx and NOx emissions from combustion of the fuel without admixture with the ester additive.

Abstract: The invention provides a micronized form of coal particles with improved characteristics for porosity, hydration and preservation of pristine surfaces. The coal of the invention can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and also has improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.

Abstract: A printing ink includes a micrometer-sized or nanometer-sized coal material. The micrometer-sized or nanometer-sized coal material is produced using a method of providing a controlled batch of micrometer-sized or nanometer-sized coal material. This method includes the steps of: (a) specifying at least one desired physical and/or chemical parameter of the controlled batch of coal material; (b) specifying the desired range of the physical and/or chemical parameter in the controlled batch of coal material; (c) obtaining a feedstock batch of coal material; and (d) processing a feedstock batch of coal material to obtain the controlled batch of coal material having the at least one specified physical and/or chemical parameter in the specified range thereof. In a further step, the controlled batch of coal material can be activated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction using a sewage material. A method of obtaining a de-ashed coal extract includes exposing a coal to a sewage material in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, and separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract, wherein the coal extract is suitable for downstream processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive, primarily for low sulfur and high alkali coals, that includes a transition metal and optionally a halogen to effect mercury oxidation.

Abstract: A fossil-fuel-fired system, which includes an emissions-control-agent dispenser, a furnace, an emissions monitor and, optionally, a controller, is disclosed. The emissions-control-agent dispenser provides a prescribed amount of organic-emissions-control agent, such as, for example, an opacity-control agent to the fossil-fuel-fired system. The furnace includes an exhaust communicating with the atmosphere. The emissions monitor is capable of measuring at least one property of the flue-gas communicated through the exhaust to the atmosphere. For example, when an organic-emissions-control agent is an opacity-control agent, the emissions monitor has the capability of at least measuring opacity. When included, the controller communicates with at least the emissions-control-agent dispenser and the emissions monitor.

Abstract: A novel functionally effective organic molecules with various molecular weights are produced by cleaving lignite with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide predominantly below 1000 molecular weight, the said functionally effective organic molecules, molecular weights varies depending on the reaction conditions such as concentration of hydrogen peroxide, time of reaction, temperature, ratio of lignite to hydrogen peroxide, lignite quality etc. conditions. These organic molecules are functionally effective than normal organic molecules (humic, fulvic acids etc.) present naturally in lignite or leonardite due to enhanced reactive nature obtained by treating with hydrogen peroxide or alkaline hydrogen peroxide which are resultant of cleavage of lignite. These functionally effective organic molecules have utilities in various areas such as agriculture and medicine.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes are formed from electrolyzed coal char. The electrolyzed coal char is formed by forming a slurry of coal particles, metal catalyst and water and subjecting this to electrolysis, which generates carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This forms a coating on the particles which includes metal catalysts. These particles can be used as is for formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a pyrolysis method or other method without the addition of any catalyst. The gelatinous coating can be separated from the char and used as a fuel or as a carbon source to form carbon nanostructures.

Abstract: Particulate compositions are described comprising a carbonaceous material, such as petroleum coke and/or coal, treated or otherwise associated with a gasification catalyst, where the catalyst is at least in part derived from a leachate from a biomass char, for gasification in the presence of steam to yield a plurality of gases including methane and at least one or more of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other higher hydrocarbons are formed. Processes are also provided for the preparation of the particulate compositions and converting the particulate composition into a plurality of gaseous products.

Abstract: The invention discloses a coal decomposition method and equipment in cycle heating gas style. The coal decomposition equipment can avoid introducing impurity, ensure a pure decomposed gas and keep continuous heating without extrinsic heat source, which includes an airtight kiln body with coal inlet and coal outlet; a facility for impelling and decomposing coal set in the kiln body; a coal decomposed gas collecting pipe set in one end of the airtight kiln body, and a high temperature gas input pipe set in the other end of the airtight kiln body; wherein the coal decomposed gas collecting pipe is connected with a post-processing facility and communicates with the high temperature gas input pipe through a circle pipe, and the circle pipe and/or the high temperature gas input pipe comprises a heating device.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: Compositions, and processes utilizing such compositions, are provided for reducing mercury emissions during fuel combustion Such compositions comprise a sorbent, a bromine source and a chlorine source Such compositions exhibit improved thermal stability as compared to that of the sorbent by itself.

Abstract: A flue gas additive is provided that includes both a nitrogenous component to reduce gas phase nitrogen oxides and a halogen-containing component to oxidize gas phase elemental mercury.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a thermal installation comprising a combustion chamber fed with a fuel contaminated with vanadium, with sulphur and possibly with sodium. In particular, the combustion chamber is also fed with boron and with magnesium, in quantities such that the sodium molar ratio s=Na2SO4/V2O5, the magnesium molar ratio m=MgO/V2O5 and the boron molar ratio b=B2O3/V2O5 satisfy the equation m?3+2b?s, so that the combustion products comprise magnesium orthovanadate, mixed magnesium boron oxide and possibly sodium borate. The invention also provides for the use of such a method to inhibit corrosion of the thermal installation by vanadium oxide, possibly in the presence of sodium.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of low-rank coal to inhibit its spontaneous combustion. The method involves applying to the low-rank coal a composition containing VAE and crude glycerin. The composition prevents water from evaporating out of the low-rank coal. This prevents the formation within the low-rank coal of hollow openings which are a huge factor in causing its spontaneous combustion. The composition has better performance than its ingredients do alone. In fact it is so effective that certain cumbersome low-rank coal-handling methods, such as FIFO recordkeeping and inventorying, not using pinch points, or only using elbow-free equipment can be disregarded when the composition is used.

Abstract: Coal is contacted, or treated, with at least one aromatic alcohol and/or cycloaliphatic alcohol to solubilize at least a portion of the treated coal. The treated coal is optionally bioconverted to produce one or more hydrocarbons, such as methane.

Abstract: A fossil-fuel-fired system, which includes an emissions-control-agent dispenser, a furnace, an emissions monitor and, optionally, a controller, is disclosed. The emissions-control-agent dispenser provides a prescribed amount of organic-emissions-control agent, such as, for example, an opacity-control agent to the fossil-fuel-fired system. The furnace includes an exhaust communicating with the atmosphere. The emissions monitor is capable of measuring at least one property of the flue-gas communicated through the exhaust to the atmosphere. For example, when an organic-emissions-control agent is an opacity-control agent, the emissions monitor has the capability of at least measuring opacity. When included, the controller communicates with at least the emissions-control-agent dispenser and the emissions monitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for burning coal instead of oil comprising the stages of coal gasification, gas combustion and optionally gas purification, utilization of residual heat of flue gas and flue gas discharge. The present invention further provides an apparatus for burning coal instead of oil. By present invention, the fuel cost for an oil-burning apparatus can be reduced by about four-fifths, so the resources of oil and natural gas can be saved either. Furthermore, the present invention has the advantages such as good reliability, high heat efficiency, high level of automation, high return on investment and good environmental benefits.

Abstract: There is provided a process for operating a coal-fired furnace to generate heat. The process has the steps of a) providing the coal to the furnace and b) combusting the coal in the presence of a first slag-reducing ingredient and a second slag-reducing ingredient in amounts effective to reduce slag formation in the furnace. In one embodiment, the first slag-reducing ingredient is one or more oxygenated magnesium compounds and the second slag-reducing ingredient is selected from the group consisting of one or more oxygenated calcium compounds, one or more oxygenated silicon compounds, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the first slag-reducing ingredient is one or more oxygenated silicon compounds, and wherein the second slag-reducing ingredient is one or more oxygenated aluminum compounds. There are also provided methods for reducing slag formation in a coal-fired furnace. There are also provided methods for treating coal. There are also treated coals.

Abstract: The feeding of coal slurries into a gasifier for the production of synthesis gas is improved by modifying the rheological properties of the coal particles so that conventional liquid transfer equipment can be used in the feed transfer process to the gasifier. The coal particle surface modification is accomplished by adsorbing asphaltenes derived from petroleum onto the surfaces of coal particles prior to and/or during contact with the slurry liquid. The coal particles with their surfaces thus modified exhibit lower particle-particle interaction in the liquid slurries to form a shear independent Newtonian fluid or a weakly shear thickening pseudoplastic fluid. The rheological properties of the slurries permit them to be transported reliably into a pressurized, entrained feed gasifier vessel using convention slurry pumps with a low potential expenditure of energy.

Abstract: A process for drying coal is provided in which coal is passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature. The dried coal is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and water is added to further passivate the coal.

Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: A method of preparation for high-efficiency and energy-saving desulfuration additive of coal, which is characterized in that its components comprise the following materials by weight percentage: 30-40% ammonium perchlorate, 5-12% manganese carbonate, 5-12% zinc oxide, 10-23% sodium permanganate, 3-9% manganese dioxide, and 20-35% calcium phosphate primary. The above materials are mixed and broken up, and screened with sieve of 250-300 meshes. A method of application for high-efficiency and energy-saving desulfuration additive of coal in that the additive is fully mixed with coal for firing in furnace, wherein the weight ratio between the additive and the coal is between 3 to 1000 and 8 to 1000. While the coal is fired, the additive not only supports combustion to reduce coal consumption but more effectively decreases harmful gases in the furnace by firing, removing and defusing impurities and harmful substances in the coal so that no harmful substances are formed and discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a coal cake for coking, in which a bed (3) of coal is compacted in a mold (2) by pulses of hammers (19) which act on the bed, and is solidified to form a block. In accordance with the invention the bed (3) is not only worked on in pulses by the hammers (19) but is also subjected to compression.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure is a piece of charcoal (also referred to as a charcoal body) that has been formed to create an air passageway on a lower surface. The air passageway may be formed as a notch defining an angle therein. In another embodiment, a plurality of feet are formed on the lower surface of the piece of charcoal.

Abstract: A coal or carbonaceous material upgrading process for power station use, the process comprising a number of steps. First comminuting the coal or carbonaceous to a comminuted material. Second pre-treating the comminuted coal with a pulsing single frequency microwave and vacuum to reduce its water and oxygen content; the pre-treating stage being carried out at a temperature of up to 180 C Third, treating the pre-treated comminuted material with a pulsing single frequency microwave energy under vacuum to optimize the volatile organic materials; the treatment stage being carried out at a temperature of up to 350 C. Next pyrolyzing the treated coal with a pulsing single frequency microwave and vacuum to produce a hot gas and a solid carbon residue; the pyrolyzing stage is carried out at a temperature of up to 720 C.

Abstract: A process to prepare methanol and/or dimethylether from a solid carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps of (a) feeding an oxygen-comprising gas and the carbonaceous feedstock to a burner firing into a reactor vessel, (b) performing a partial oxidation of the carbonaceous feedstock in said burner to obtain a stream of hot synthesis gas and a liquid slag whereby both the hot synthesis gas and the liquid slag flow downwardly relative to the burner, (c) cooling the hot synthesis gas by direct contact with a liquid water-containing cooling medium, (d) performing a water shift reaction on at least part of the synthesis gas, to obtain a synthesis gas effluent, (e) performing an oxygenate synthesis using the synthesis gas effluent of step (d), to obtain a methanol and/or dimethylether containing oxygenate effluent and a first liquid water-rich by-product, wherein at least part of the first liquid water-rich by-product is used in step (c), forming at least part of the liquid water-containing cooling medium.

Abstract: A coal processing method includes adding coal powder, water and catalyst into a series of tandem reactors and processing therein, wherein the coal powder, water and catalyst are added into the first reactor of the series of tandem reactors; and the temperature and pressure of the series reactors is alternatively arranged in sub-critical state and supercritical state of water from the first reactor, the total product from the previous reactor is used as the feed of the next reactor without any further separation.

Abstract: A method for producing a combustion product that involves dewatering raw paint sludge from spray paint booth operations. The resulting material can provide significant and economical fuel value to combustion processes such as for power plants while also obviating the need to dispose of waste paint sludge in landfills. Additionally the process is inexpensive, safe and free of most problems associated with paint sludge drying.

Abstract: This invention presents a compact, light, efficient and high power output rotary internal combustion engine utilizing the waste heat. The engine has a rotor rotatable within a housing, but has no piston. The rotor has a plurality of combustion chambers, with inlets for introduction of fuel and outlets for exhaust of combustion products. The exhaust imparts rotation to the rotor within the housing. Fixed end caps are provided at each end of the housing. The engine is cooled with steam, air and water. The engine is suitable for applications that require efficient, high power to weight ratio, such as aircrafts, ships, and heavy duty transportation. The engine may use low grade fuel with a low cetane number, by using specially treated pulverized coal.

Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for using bromine and/or bromide-containing compounds derived from a nitrogen-containing compound, such as ammonia, sulfamic acid, or one or more salts thereof, to reduce mercury emissions during coal combustion.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recycling coal ash, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for recycling coal ash, in which the apparatus for recycling coal ash comprises an unburned coal ash recovery unit and a lightweight aggregate manufacturing unit and is provided in an existing thermoelectric power plant and in which coal ash which is generated in the thermoelectric power plant is completely recycled for specific purposes using the coal ash recycling apparatus. According to the invention, the surrounding environment can be prevented from being contaminated during the transportation of waste to a recycling factory and transportation expenses can be reduced. Moreover, coal ash is completely recycled for specific uses, such that unburned carbon contained in the coal ash can be used. Also, coal ash can be recycled even as concrete admixtures having strict standards.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel system and to a process for the production of such a fuel system. The fuel System according to the present invention consists of at least two different fossil regular fuels and at least one biogenic carbon carrier, wherein the amount of the biogenic carbon carrier is at least 20% with respect to the total mass. Thus the emission of the carbon dioxide based on fossil carbon is notably reduced during the use of the fuel system according to the invention.

Abstract: Method for industrial processing of charcoal ash (1) created in the power plants by separating a carbonaceous product from the mentioned charcoal ash to be reused and by gathering essentially carbon free, siliceous ash products gained during the processing.

Abstract: An additive having as components, at least three metal oxides selected from iron, manganese, cobalt, and copper oxide, may be added to coal to reduce the brightness of ash produced therewith. Further, the additive serves to increase the heat transfer efficiency of furnaces.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of smokeless (low CO2—CO emitting) boiler fuels which have been obtained by careful temperature control and the addition of waste, trash or other carbonaceous material during carbonization of various coal materials such as tar sands, bituminous coal, peat lignite, and oil shale.

Abstract: Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance solid fuel properties for the application in question. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive, primarily for low sulfur and high alkali coals, that includes a transition metal and optionally a halogen to effect mercury oxidation.

Abstract: An assembly comprising carbon foam and high density carbon foam is described. In some embodiments, such an assembly may be a composite or composite assembly. One or more pieces of carbon foam and high density carbon foam may comprise the assembly. The assembly may comprise other materials in addition to the carbon foam and high density carbon foam. One or more of any given type of other material may be incorporated into the composite. Additionally, a given other material may be incorporated in more than one volume or location on or in the assembly. The other materials may provide for bonding of the elements of the assembly together, strengthening of the assembly, increased assembly oxidation and weathering resistance, modification of the electrical, thermal, or fluid transport properties of the assembly, and any of a number of other purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to forming coal mixtures for producing furnace-size coke. The inventive method involves preparation the compositions of two-components mixtures of two types: the compositions of two types of highly coking and highly caking coals, substantially fatty coals used for producing enriching compositions, and the compositions of two types of medium coking and low caking coals, substantially carbonaceous coals for producing leaning compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved chemical change reagent which is used as an additive to coal to enhance the complete combustion of the coal after turning it into a synthetic fuel. The composition is a chemical change agent in that it converts the coal/composition mix into a different material which, when burned, results in lower NOx emissions. The composition includes a wax, a base for ph adjustment and water and is mixed with the coal prior to combustion.