Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to cooling hot biochar based on applying cool gas directly to the hot biochar. The gas may be steam comprising water vapor. Biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool steam injected into a steam loop configured to cool the steam. The biochar cooled with steam may be dried in a drying chamber by dry gas injected from a gas loop. The gas may be hydrocarbon gas. Biochar may be heated in a processing chamber. Heated biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool hydrocarbon gas injected to the cooling chamber. Biochar in the processing chamber may be heated with heat recovered from cooling. Filtered byproducts and tail gas may be recovered from the cooling chamber. Tail gas may be recycled. Various direct biochar cooling implementations may produce biochar having enhanced carbon content, increased surface area, and a hydrogen stream byproduct.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to cooling hot biochar based on applying cool gas directly to the hot biochar. The gas may be steam comprising water vapor. Biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool steam injected into a steam loop configured to cool the steam. The biochar cooled with steam may be dried in a drying chamber by dry gas injected from a gas loop. The gas may be hydrocarbon gas. Biochar may be heated in a processing chamber. Heated biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool hydrocarbon gas injected to the cooling chamber. Biochar in the processing chamber may be heated with heat recovered from cooling. Filtered byproducts and tail gas may be recovered from the cooling chamber. Tail gas may be recycled. Various direct biochar cooling implementations may produce biochar having enhanced carbon content, increased surface area, and a hydrogen stream byproduct.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to cooling hot biochar based on applying cool gas directly to the hot biochar. The gas may be steam comprising water vapor. Biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool steam injected into a steam loop configured to cool the steam. The biochar cooled with steam may be dried in a drying chamber by dry gas injected from a gas loop. The gas may be hydrocarbon gas. Biochar may be heated in a processing chamber. Heated biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool hydrocarbon gas injected to the cooling chamber. Biochar in the processing chamber may be heated with heat recovered from cooling. Filtered byproducts and tail gas may be recovered from the cooling chamber. Tail gas may be recycled. Various direct biochar cooling implementations may produce biochar having enhanced carbon content, increased surface area, and a hydrogen stream byproduct.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to cooling hot biochar based on applying cool gas directly to the hot biochar. The gas may be steam comprising water vapor. Biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool steam injected into a steam loop configured to cool the steam. The biochar cooled with steam may be dried in a drying chamber by dry gas injected from a gas loop. The gas may be hydrocarbon gas. Biochar may be heated in a processing chamber. Heated biochar may be cooled in a cooling chamber by cool hydrocarbon gas injected to the cooling chamber. Biochar in the processing chamber may be heated with heat recovered from cooling. Filtered byproducts and tail gas may be recovered from the cooling chamber. Tail gas may be recycled. Various direct biochar cooling implementations may produce biochar having enhanced carbon content, increased surface area, and a hydrogen stream byproduct.

Abstract: A process for cleaning and dewatering hydrophobic particulate materials is presented. The process is performed in in two steps: 1) agglomeration of the hydrophobic particles in a first hydrophobic liquid/aqueous mixture; followed by 2) dispersion of the agglomerates in a second hydrophobic liquid to release the water trapped within the agglomerates along with the entrained hydrophilic particles.

Abstract: Provided is an indirectly heating rotary dryer which has achieved enhanced energy-saving performance by reducing heating tubes non-contacting with material to be dried and reducing power required for rotation even when a hold up ratio is increased. Specifically provided is an indirectly heating rotary dryer having four partition walls 16 extended respectively along an shaft center C in an inner space of a rotating shell 10 at angle intervals of 90 degrees in the vertical and horizontal directions. The four partition walls 16 partition the inner space of the rotating shell 10 at a lateral section of the rotating shell 10 into four approximately-sector-shaped small spaces K respectively extended along the shaft center C. Heating tubes 11 are aligned in the rotating shell 10 in three lines extended respectively in parallel to the shaft center C of the rotating shell 10.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing processed organic-carbon-containing feedstock from an unprocessed carbon-containing feedstock are described. Unprocessed feedstock is introduced into and transported through at least one reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is configured for each feedstock to produce processed feedstock having a water-soluble intracellular salt reduction of at least 50 percent from that of unprocessed organic-carbon-containing feedstock and a water content of less than 40 percent.

Abstract: A process of drying moisture containing material having a tendency to create dust when dried, said process including the steps of providing said material in a heated chamber having a steam containing atmosphere at a temperature above the dewpoint of the steam, recirculating a hot gas including a portion of the steam through said chamber in order to evaporate moisture from the material to a predetermined level of dryness.

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: A process for treating coal includes contacting the coal with a leaching agent configured to remove a mineral from the coal; forming a wastewater stream comprising water and a concentration of a contaminant; and contacting the wastewater stream with a first side of a reverse osmosis membrane under pressure, wherein a permeate stream comprising a reduced concentration of the contaminant permeates the reverse osmosis membrane and flows from a second side of the reverse osmosis membrane, and a concentrate stream comprising an increased concentration of the contaminant is retained on the first side of the reverse osmosis membrane.

Abstract: A method of treating untreated low calorific coal containing moisture and organic volatiles includes feeding untreated coal to a dryer, and drying the coal. The dried coal is subjected to a pyrolyzing step where oxygen-deficient gases are brought into contact with the coal, thereby lowering the volatile content of the coal and producing a stream of pyrolysis effluent gases. The pyrolysis effluent gases are subjected to a separation process to separate lean fuel gases from liquids and tars, wherein the separation process removes less than about 20 percent of the pyrolysis effluent gases as the liquids and tars, with the remainder being the lean fuel gases. The lean fuel gases are returned to the dryer combustor, the pyrolyzer combustor, or the pyrolyzer.

Abstract: A method for producing individual compacts made of coke and suitable for coke oven chambers by dividing a coal cake in a non-mechanical manner, wherein the coal cake is produced by a compression method according to the prior art and the coal cake is divided by non-mechanical, energy-supplying media, and the non-mechanical media supplying shearing energy are, for example, a laser beam, a high-pressure water jet, an abrasive-solid jet, an ultrasonic beam, a compressed-air jet, or a gas jet. By using the method, coal compacts can be produced from coal cakes without forming dust, without wearing out cutting tools, and with high precision.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and apparatus for subjecting coarsely divided solid material, such as solid fossil fuels, to microwave radiation using gravity feed through a chamber and protecting irradiating windows by placement outside the angle of repose.

Abstract: A method for compacting coal in a manner suitable for coke oven chambers is described. The coal is initially compressed by means of a suitable compressing device into one or more coal cakes, and the obtained coal cakes are divided into compacted products by a cutting device. The compacted products are stacked on top of the each other such that they can be loaded into a coke oven chamber for coking. The compacted products enable the coke oven chambers to be loaded in a precise and a coal loss-free manner. The coal compacted products are easy to store.

Abstract: A coal slurry dewatering arrangement includes a filter belt press with a filter belt having first and second sides, the first side being water-impermeable and the second side having pores and being water-permeable, wherein the water-permeable side includes a layer of water-absorbent material.

Abstract: A device for upgrading a solid organic material into a resulting product comprises a reactor with an organic material inlet, and a flue gas inlet adapted to introduce flue gas into the reactor, an input driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material to the organic material inlet, an output driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material out of the reactor, a gas flow element operatively connected to the flue gas inlet permitting flue gas to mix with the solid organic material but restricting flow of the solid organic material away from the flue gas inlet, and a rapid cooling device operatively connected to the output driver and adapted to apply a heat transfer liquid directly onto the solid organic material and thereby form the resulting product.

Abstract: The present process produces a clean burning coal from low grade coal and has a higher heating value per unit mass, as compared to the feed stock coal. The clean coal may be used in coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and homes since it produces fewer or none of the emissions commonly associated with coal burning devices. The process treats coal prior to its combustion and removes about 90 percent of the pollutants. These pollutants are removed within 6 to 18 minutes, many of which may be recycled into products such as roofing tar, chemical feed stocks, and light hydrocarbons that can be used as gaseous fuels. The final product is suitable for use in homes where coal is used for cooking and heating, and significantly improves the health of those who have previously been exposed to toxic fumes from burning uncleaned coal in their homes. The process is fueled by its own by-products, recycles heat, and reduces coal weight to save energy in transporting it to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for reducing moisture in coal, particularly coal fines and other coal streams comprising small diameter particles, using a granular drying material. The invention also relates to novel coal products and intermediates useful in connection with the process. The method and system reduced moisture by contacting the coal with the granular drying material. The granular drying material is selected to be readily separated from the coal fines using a size separation technique such as a sieve screen. The granular drying material is the regenerated, preferably using a process involving heat exchange and cross-flow air. The granular drying material is preferably capable of regeneration and recycling in a continuous process with minimal attrition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.

Abstract: A beneficiation process to produce low ash clean coal from high ash coals, including: preparing a coal slurry from fine coal and water and discharging it to a first reactor; preparing an alkali solution and discharging it to a first reactor; carrying-out a leaching reaction inside the first reactor; transferring the reaction mixture to a second reactor for filtration and washing to produce a filter cake; preparing a diluted acid solution and delivering it to a second reactor; preparing a diluted alkali solution and delivering it to a second reactor; feeding a coal slurry prepared from the filter cake into the second reactor for washing and transferring to a second filtration unit; transferring the product after filtration to a third reactor; carrying-out different leaching reaction sequences in the first, second, and third reactors; and transferring to a fifth tank the treated coal filter cake for drying.

Abstract: In a method for gas treatment of coal wherein coal (1, 2) is loaded on a moving mesh conveyor (111, 112) having a quadrilateral mesh and heated gas (11, 12) is circulated from above and below so as to bring the heated gas (11, 12) into contact with the coal (1, 2) via the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112), two layers of coal for lower level stacking (1A, 2A) having a diameter (Dl) that is greater than twice the length (Lss) of the short side of the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112) are loaded on the mesh of the mesh conveyor (111, 112) and coal for upper level stacking (1B, 2B) having a diameter (Du) that is twice said length (Lss) or less is loaded on the coal for lower level stacking (1A, 2A).

Abstract: A process for improving mined coal includes comminuting the coal to a particle size at which individual macerals are available. Reactive macerals are extracted from the comminuted coal as froth from the top of a deep-column flotation cell. The extracted macerals are then de-watered.

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

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method of heat treating a solid fuel briquette may include heating the solid fuel briquette using energy from at least one of a heat furnace or an electromagnetic energy system of a solid fuel treatment facility as the solid fuel briquette is moved through the treatment facility to a specified internal temperature, and sealing the heat-treated solid fuel briquette in a vessel for a duration of time.

Abstract: The present invention harvests and utilizes fluidized bed drying technology and waste heat streams augmented by other available heat sources to dry feedstock or fuel. This method is useful in many industries, including coal-fired power plants. Coal is dried using the present invention before it goes to coal pulverizers and on to the furnace/boiler arrangement. Coal can be intercepted on current coal feed systems ahead of the pulverizers. Drying fuel, such as coal, is done to improve boiler efficiency and reduce emissions. A two-stage bed utilized in the process first “pre-dries and separates” the feed stream into desirable and undesirable feedstock. Then, it incrementally dries and segregates fluidizable and non-fluidizable material from the product stream. This is all completed in a low-temperature, open-air system. Elevation of fan room air temperature is also accomplished using waste heat, thereby making available to the plant system higher temperature media to enhance the feedstock drying process.

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: The present invention provides an indirect heat-drying apparatus that is resistant to adhesion of the substance to be dried on heating pipes and gives a product having a desired and stabilized liquid content. The present invention relates to an indirect heat-drying apparatus, comprising two indirect-heating rotary dryers, i.e., the first and second indirect-heating rotary dryers that are arranged in series so that the dried substance from the first indirect-heating rotary dryer is supplied to and dried in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer as the substance to be dried; and a carrier gas-supplying means of supplying the carrier gas co-currently in the first indirect-heating rotary dryer and counter-currently in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer, with respect to the flow direction from the substance to be dried.

Abstract: A method for dewatering water-containing coal which includes heating the water-containing coal at a temperature of 100 to 350° C. under a pressure not less than a saturated steam pressure at the temperature for the heating, while applying a shearing force of 0.01 to 20 MPa to the coal, in a sealed vessel. The method is novel and allows the production of dewatered coal which is inhibited from reabsorbing water after dewatering and is also inhibited from absorbing oxygen after dewatering.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a heat treatment apparatus like a fluidized-bed dryer for heat treating a particulate material in a low temperature, open-air process. Preferably, available waste heat sources within the surrounding industrial plan operation are used to provide heat to the dryer. Moreover, conveyor means contained within the dryer can remove larger, denser particles that could otherwise impede the continuous flow of the particulate material through the dryer or plug the fluidizing dryer. This invention is especially useful for drying coal for an electricity generation plant.

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 method for using an apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that outers the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the beneficiation and utilization of various kinds of coal and shale oil as a solid fuel for thermoelectric power stations. The beneficiation process is performed underground, near to the place of beneficiation waste stowing, using aqueous salt solution with a density between those of the target component and waste rock. The regeneration of heavy liquid from final beneficiation tailings is performed by washing with non-aqueous volatile liquid, with subsequent drying by the subsurface heat after placing these tailings in the worked-out space. The resulting vapors are compressed and condensed; thus regenerated non-aqueous liquid is returned for washing the beneficiation tailings, while effluents produced by washing are separated into aqueous and non-aqueous components by heat released at the liquefaction of the non-aqueous liquid vapors. The enriched solid fuel remaining in the floatable state is delivered by its flow to the thermo-electric power plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.

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: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.

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 process for treating input coal includes treating input coal in a pyrolysis step to form coal char. The pyrolysis step includes heating the coal substantially in the absence of oxygen to remove volatile material from the coal. The volatile material evolved from the coal in the pyrolysis step is treated to separate the volatile material into gases and liquids, wherein the liquids contain condensed volatile material. A portion of the liquids is directed to the coal char, and the returned portion of the liquids is mixed with the coal char, thereby returning some of the volatile material to the coal char.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously drying coal and/or torrefying biomass is provided in which coal and/or biomass are passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature. The dried coal and/or biomass 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: (Problems) Providing a method and an apparatus for producing a solid fuel, capable of suppressing increase in dust coal concentration in circulating oil.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a 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: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: An improved beneficiation process to produce low ash clean coal from high ash coals, comprising: preparing a coal slurry from fine coal and water and discharging it to a first reactor; preparing an alkali solution of NaOH and water and discharging it to a first reactor; carrying-out a leaching reaction between the coal and the alkali solution inside the first reactor; transferring the reaction mixture to a second reactor for filtration and washing to produce a filter cake; preparing a diluted acid solution in a second tank and delivering it to a second reactor; preparing a diluted alkali solution in a third tank and delivering it to a second reactor; feeding a coal slurry prepared from the filter cake into the second reactor for washing and transferring to a second filtration unit; transferring the product after filtration to a third reactor; carrying-out different leaching reaction sequences in the first, second, and third reactors; and transferring to a fifth tank the treated coal filter cake for drying.

Abstract: Compositions including an iron containing fuel additive and a solid carrier are disclosed. Methods of preparing tablet forms of the compositions are also disclosed. The iron containing fuel additive may be ferrocene and/or substituted ferrocene derivatives. The compositions are useful for handling and rapidly solvating the iron containing fuel additive in a fuel such as gasoline.

Abstract: The present process produces a clean burning coal from low grade coal and has a higher heating value per unit mass, as compared to the feed stock coal. The clean coal may be used in coal-fired power plants, industrial boilers, and homes since it produces fewer or none of the emissions commonly associated with coal burning devices. The process treats coal prior to its combustion and removes about 90 percent of the pollutants. These pollutants are removed within 6 to 18 minutes, many of which may be recycled into products such as roofing tar, chemical feed stocks, and light hydrocarbons that can be used as gaseous fuels. The final product is suitable for use in homes where coal is used for cooking and heating, and significantly improves the health of those who have previously been exposed to toxic fumes from burning uncleaned coal in their homes. The process is fueled by its own by-products, recycles heat, and reduces coal weight to save energy in transporting it to the user.

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 provides an indirect heat-drying apparatus that is resistant to adhesion of the substance to be dried on heating pipes and gives a product having a desired and stabilized liquid content. The present invention relates to an indirect heat-drying apparatus, comprising two indirect-heating rotary dryers, i.e., the first and second indirect-heating rotary dryers that are arranged in series so that the dried substance from the first indirect-heating rotary dryer is supplied to and dried in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer as the substance to be dried; and a carrier gas-supplying means of supplying the carrier gas co-currently in the first indirect-heating rotary dryer and counter-currently in the second indirect-heating rotary dryer, with respect to the flow direction from the substance to be dried.

Abstract: Process for treating coal to enhance its rank, wherein the temperature of the material is gradually increased in a controlled set of atmospheres, to allow for the reduction of surface and inherent moisture and the controlled reduction of volatile matter while maintaining the coal's natural structural integrity. The process reduces the time, capitalization, and production costs required to produce coal of enhanced rank, thus substantially increasing the cost effectiveness and production rate over prior processes.

Abstract: A solid fuel producing apparatus that even when supply of raw coal (RC) and mixed oil (MO) and supply of slurry to subsequent steps are stopped because of troubling at evaporation step or later, etc., would prevent cloggings of heat exchanger and raw coal supply means. The solid fuel producing apparatus includes a mixing tank (1) for mixing porous coal with a mixed oil having heavy oil and solvent oil contents to thereby obtain a raw slurry; an evaporator (2) for processing evaporation of water from the raw slurry by heating the same to thereby obtain a dewatered slurry; a solid-liquid separator (3) for separation of the mixed oil and upgraded porous coal from the dewatered slurry; and circulation means (4) for returning the mixed oil having been separated and recovered by the solid-liquid separator to the mixing tank. The solid fuel producing apparatus is characterized by having a mixed oil heating heat exchanger (5) for heating the mixed oil to be returned to the mixing tank by the circulation means.

Abstract: This invention concerns the beneficiation of coal, in particular a process for improving mined coal. The invention is a commercial scale process for improving coal, comprising the steps of: Comminuting coal to a particle size at which individual Macerals are available. Extracting reactive Macerals from the comminuted coal as froth from the top of a deep-column flotation cell. And, dewatering the extracted Macerals. In another aspect the invention concerns a commercial scale processing plant for mined coal.