Apparatus For Making Or Treating Fuel Composition Patents (Class 44/629)
  • Patent number: 8579999
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Richard S. Weinstein, Dennis R. James
  • Publication number: 20130263499
    Abstract: A method may include heating biomass to generate torrefied biomass. The method may also include applying a liquid to the torrefied biomass in order to cool the torrefied biomass and increase moisture content of the torrefied biomass. The method may further include densifying the torrefied biomass into pieces having a second specific density greater than a first specific density of the torrefied biomass prior to densification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: James Russell Monroe, Charles Hawk Cotter
  • Publication number: 20130255143
    Abstract: Present embodiments include systems for reducing moisture in a solid feed provided to a gasifier. For example, in an embodiment, a feedstock preparation system includes an aspirator having a first inlet for receiving a flow of steam, a second inlet for receiving a flow of a moist gaseous phase from a grinding mechanism configured to grind a solid fuel in the presence of a conveyance gas. The moist gaseous phase includes the conveyance gas and moisture removed from the ground solid fuel. The aspirator also includes an outlet configured to output a reduced pressure flow having the steam and the moist gaseous phase. The aspirator is configured to enhance moisture removal from the ground solid fuel to produce a dry feed of the ground solid fuel. The aspirator discharge is recycled within the process to heat the incoming dry conveyance gas and improve system efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Frederick Frey, George Morris Gulko
  • Publication number: 20130239471
    Abstract: The coal deactivation apparatus including: a separating device that separates out a portion of the beneficiated coal deactivated in the main treatment apparatus; a main evaluation apparatus into which the sample of the beneficiated coal separated out by the separating apparatus is supplied; a blower and heater that supply air at the evaluation temperature to the main evaluation apparatus; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air that has heat-treated the sample in the main evaluation apparatus; and a control unit that, when the temperature of the air is at or below the lower limit on the basis of information from the temperature sensor, determines whether or not the temperature of the process gas is at or below the lower limit and if the process gas temperature exceeds the lower limit, controls the heater to reduce the temperature of the process gas by a prescribed value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Sato, Keiji Tanizaki, Setsuo Omoto
  • Patent number: 8523963
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Great River Energy
    Inventors: Charles W. Bullinger, Mark A. Ness, Nenad Sarunac, Edward K. Levy, Anthony F. Armor, John M. Wheeldon, Matthew P. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20130219779
    Abstract: A process and a business method for converting wood waste to charcoal have been invented. Multiple high productive thermo energy simplified bio-cokes furnaces create an outlet discharging the earned volatile gas and the wood tar from the carbonization device. By taking back the gas and the wood tar mixed with the air into the furnace, the present invention produces evenly distributed heat with higher energy productivity. The present invention adopts different Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE) for the top opening zone and the carbonization chamber, to avoid transmittal of oxygen from outside the furnace. Charcoal produced with a reduced energy use by the present invention can replace bio-cokes produced from general waste incineration. Through the creation of higher carbon charcoal, the present invention introduces a source of environment-friendly, cost effective and sustainable heat use. Accordingly, the present invention proposes promising business models both to the suppliers and the consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Natsumi Komatani, Tetsuo Fujimori
  • Patent number: 8464437
    Abstract: Biosolids in the nature of sewage sludge is processed in a controlled environment to produce a dried sludge product of relatively high dry solid content with the elimination of or reduced levels of pathogens. The water containing sewage sludge is dried while cascading within a processing chamber using heated air at a temperature below the ignition or smoldering temperature of the sewage sludge to prevent the formation of embers. The sewage sludge before discharge is retained within the processing chamber for a sufficient time and temperature as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency rules and guidelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Weisselberg
  • Publication number: 20130139432
    Abstract: A torrefaction system includes at least one pool containing a liquid heat transfer agent and a conveyor system. The heat transfer agent provides thermal contact with biomass fragments to heat the biomass fragments into biocoal. The conveyor system transports the biomass through the at least one pool in a first direction and transporting the biocoal in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the at least one pool. The heat transfer agent may be oil, paraffin, or molten salt. The conveyor system transports a continuous stream of the biomass fragments into the pools. The torrefaction apparatus further includes a gas collecting system that collects and separates condensable volatile organic compounds during the torrefaction process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Frank H. Shu, Michael J. Cai, Fen-Tair Luo
  • Publication number: 20130133248
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: SynCoal Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: SynCoal Solutions Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130133246
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing a dry fuel, in particular a wood pallet, wherein a dust-binding additive is added to the conveying medium that transports the dry fuel. The conveying medium that transports the dry fuel comprises an air flow fed from a high-pressure or low-pressure source, the dust-binding additive being added to the air flow in the form of a mist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Franz Blieninger
  • Patent number: 8449631
    Abstract: A method for torrefaction of wood which includes providing a first endless conveyor belt; heating the first endless belt; and positioning a planar wood product on the first belt to heat the wood product by conduction to achieve torrefaction. Other forms provide a second endless belt that disposed in sandwich relation to wood to be torrefied. Some embodiments of the method provide a metal chamber having opposed planar sides dimensioned and configured for receiving a wood sheet with the respective opposed sides of the wood sheet in intimate thermal contact with respective opposed sides of the metal chamber. Other embodiments include the apparatus for torrefaction of an associated wood sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: John A. Paoluccio
  • Publication number: 20130111808
    Abstract: Fine coal is cleaned of its mineral matter impurities and dewatered by mixing the aqueous slurry containing both with a hydrophobic liquid, subjecting the mixture to a phase separation. The resulting hydrophobic liquid phase contains coal particles free of surface moisture and droplets of water stabilized by coal particles, while the aqueous phase contains the mineral matter. By separating the entrained water droplets from the coal particles mechanically, a clean coal product of substantially reduced mineral matter and moisture contents is obtained. The spent hydrophobic liquid is separated from the clean coal product and recycled. The process can also be used to separate one type of hydrophilic particles from another by selectively hydrophobizing one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties ,Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Mert K. Eraydin, Chad Freeland
  • Publication number: 20130104451
    Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for management of fuel production from diverse type of biomass are described. The systems and methods of the present invention are capable of satisfying demands for fuel having a desired fuel property (e.g., a desired value of higher heating value on a dry basis). These systems and methods rely on strong correlations between various fuel properties in a dry, ash-free regime developed by the present invention. These correlations are surprising and unexpected because these fuel properties do not correlate in a dry regime, where fuel properties are typically specified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas CARLIN, John J. MCNAMARA, Pauravi SHAH, Sumer JOHAL
  • Publication number: 20130091765
    Abstract: A waterless system for processing mined material to remove impurities therefrom includes a dryer, a pulverizer, and an air classifier. The dryer is configured to remove moisture from a batch of mined material, such as coal, and the pulverizer is configured to pulverize the dried coal into small, individual coal particles and liberate impurity particles from the coal without substantially reducing the size of the liberated impurity particles. The dryer heats an air stream containing the coal to a temperature of between about 500° F. and 1,000° F. and includes a plurality of rotating paddles. An air stream forces the coal through the plurality of rotating paddles to pulverize the coal into small, individual particles and to liberate the impurity particles. The air classifier separates the impurity particles and pulverized coal particles into respective product streams. A pelletizer pelletizes ultra fine coal particles into pellets or bricks to facilitate handling and/or storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Robbins & Avant Mineral Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Robbins & Avant Mineral Ventures, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130086837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process system for reclaiming a sustainable landfill and fuelizing combustibles from the landfill waste. According to the present invention, the odor and landfill gas in the landfill are removed, and then the organic matters in the landfill waste are pre-stabilized so that the moisture of the landfill waste is partially reduced, the landfill waste which went through the odor stabilization and the pre-stabilization is excavated and sorted, and then the purity of the sorted landfill waste is increased for recycling and fuelizing, solid fuels are produced from the collected combustibles, thereby it is allowed to recycle resources and manage land efficiently due to circulating use of operating or closed landfills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Kyung Duk Na, Byung Sun Lee, Jin Yong Yun
  • Patent number: 8337756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Miike Tekkou Kabushikigaisha
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120304535
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a waste stream at a multi-material processing platform and separating the waste stream to remove non-processable waste and marketable recyclables. The method further includes conveying processable materials to a material classification system and incorporating additives to produce an engineered fuel from the constituents of the waste stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20120304537
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Shucheng Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120260566
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Patent number: 8266812
    Abstract: An apparatus for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8262776
    Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20120216455
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a low-pyrophoricity, transportable, storable dewatered solid fuel from a low rank coal, includes a mixing vessel 1 in which an oil containing a solvent oil is mixed with a coal to prepare a raw material slurry; evaporators 2 and 3 that evaporate moisture from the raw material slurry; a solid-liquid separator that performs solid-liquid separation on the slurry from which moisture has been evaporated; and an element that adds a heavy oil to the slurry after the completion of or in the course of evaporating moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA KOBE SEIKO SHO (KOBE STEEL, LTD.)
    Inventors: Satoru SUGITA, Tetsuya Deguchi, Takuo Shigehisa
  • Patent number: 8252070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and an apparatus for producing a low-pyrophoricity, transportable, storable dewatered solid fuel from a low rank coal, in which the amount of heavy oil added can be reduced. A solid fuel production process includes the steps of mixing an oil containing a solvent oil with a coal to prepare a raw material slurry; evaporating moisture from the raw material slurry; subsequently performing solid-liquid separation on the slurry to yield a solid fuel; and adding a heavy oil to the slurry after the completion of or in the course of evaporating moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Sugita, Tetsuya Deguchi, Takuo Shigehisa
  • Publication number: 20120192485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a biomass material to produce a torrefied fuel comprising the steps of preheating the biomass material with a hot liquid flowing counter to the direction of travel of the biomass material at a temperature up to 200° C., superheating the preheated biomass material with a liquid flowing counter-current to the direction of travel of the biomass material to a temperature ranging up to 300° C. for a period sufficient to obtain full torrefaction of the biomass material, and cooling the torrefied biomass material with liquid flowing counter to the direction of travel of the torrefied biomass material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Giuliano Grassi, Marco Maltagliati
  • Patent number: 8217212
    Abstract: A method and related apparatus for torrefaction of associated biomass which includes providing an enclosed chamber having a body and a door having an open position allowing passage into and out of the enclosed chamber and a closed position in which the door is disposed in sealing engagement with the body, providing the enclosed chamber with walls capable of sustaining both a negative pressure and a positive pressure within the enclosed chamber; moving the door to an open position; depositing a liquid heat transfer fluid within the enclosed chamber at a temperature sufficient to achieve torrefication of the biomass and a first quantity of biomass material in the enclosed chamber that is substantially totally immersed in the liquid heat transfer fluid whereby heat transfer occurs between the liquid heat transfer fluid and the biomass immersed therein; moving the door to a closed position in sealing engagement with the body; and allowing the pressure within the enclosed chamber to rise to a pressure above the va
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Paoluccio, John J. Paoluccio
  • Publication number: 20120167457
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for drying coal fines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Philip Harsh, Michael Hurley, Andrew K. Jones, Vinod K. Sikka
  • Patent number: 8198493
    Abstract: Improved, fuel-efficient systems are provided for the processing of biomass, such as wood or crop residues, food waste or animal waste in order to selectively obtain thermally processed final products, such as a combination of torrefied and carbonized final products. The processes involve thermally drying incoming biomass using a dryer employing the hot gas output of a fuel-operated burner. Next, the dried product is torrefied in an indirect torrefaction reactor so as to evolve light volatile organic compounds which are used as a gaseous fuel source for the burner. Some or all of the torrefied product can be recovered, or some or all of the torrefied product is then directed to a separate carbonization reactor coupled with a reactor burner. Carbonization serves to remove most of the remaining VOCs which are used as a gaseous fuel input to the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Earth Care Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Livingston, Bijoy J. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120079763
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a solid fuel which may be made by a method involving mixing porous coal with a mixed oil containing heavy oil and solvent oil to prepare a raw material slurry; heating the raw material slurry to promote dehydration of the porous coal while impregnating the mixed oil into pores of the porous coal to obtain a dehydrated slurry; separating the resulting upgraded porous coal and mixed oil from the dehydrated slurry; drying the separated upgraded porous coal with carrier gas, and subsequently condensing vaporized mixed oil in the carrier gas by cooling, while capturing the porous coal in the carrier gas by atomization of the condensed mixed oil, thereby recovering the mixed oil; and returning the mixed oil separated and recovered in the separating to the mixing, further involving supplying the mixed oil recovered in the final drying to the separating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Satoru SUGITA, Tetsuya Deguchi, Takuo Shigehisa
  • Publication number: 20120073185
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of carrying out pyrolysis process in a pyrolysis reactor (4) for solid fuel to produce pyrolysis oil. The method comprises supplying solid fuel into a drying zone in the pyrolysis reactor (4) for removing moisture containing gases, drying the solid fuel in the drying zone and extracting the moisture containing gases re-moved from the solid fuel out of the pyrolysis reactor (4), passing the dried solid fuel from the drying zone to the pyrolysis zone of the pyrolysis reactor (4), pyrolyzing the dried solid fuel for separating pyrolysis gases from the dried solid fuel and conducting the pyrolysis gases from the pyrolysis reactor (4) to a condenser (8) for producing pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Pekka Jokela, Lehto Jani
  • Patent number: 8124572
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils, wherein such processing comprises conversion of triglycerides to free fatty acids and the separation of these fatty acids by saturation type. Such separation by type enables the efficient preparation of both lubricants and transportation fuels from a common source using a single integrated method and/or system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Miller
  • Patent number: 8105400
    Abstract: A process for treating biomass comprises providing a material that contains an amount of residual moisture. The material is heated to a torrefying temperature in a low-oxygen atmosphere in a torrefaction reactor to convert it into a torrefied material. The material with the contained residual moisture is essentially fully dried in a drying chamber by evaporation of residual moisture. The torrefaction reactor comprises a torrefying chamber, in which the torrefaction of this dried material is essentially carried out. The material is conveyed through the torrefaction reactor. The drying of the material in the drying chamber is carried out by introducing into it a hot drying gas that flows therethrough cocurrently with the material. The torrefaction of the material in the torrefying chamber of the torrefaction reactor is carried out by introducing into it a hot torrefying gas that flows through the torrefying chamber countercurrently with the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Albert Bergman
  • Patent number: 8091492
    Abstract: Process and plant for producing a refuse derived solid fuel (RDSF), including a first component having a dry fraction of a solid urban waste (MSW) in a shredded form and at least one second component in a shredded form selected from an elastomeric material and a thermoplastic material, or mixtures thereof, wherein the dry fraction of the MSW, the elastomeric polymer material and/or the thermoplastic polymer material are stored in separate containers and when required are metered and fed in subsequent layers onto a continuous conveyor which discharges into a temporary accumulating container, for example, the box body of a motor vehicle, intended to directly feed the combustion plant wherein the RDSF is burned. In this way, there is no need to premix the various fractions of the RDSF during the production stage and to maintain the resulting mixture constantly stirred in order to prevent compaction and/or separation of fractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pirelli & C. Ambiente Renewable Energy S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Zanotta
  • Patent number: 8043496
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Allen Schuh, Allen John Schuh
  • Publication number: 20110209392
    Abstract: Methods and system are disclosed for making coated burnable fuels from source materials and to the coated burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Publication number: 20110155029
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns, David G. Gossman
  • Publication number: 20110146138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters as well as cellulosic simplified sugars, shortened protein polymers, amino acids, or combination thereof resulting from the simultaneous esterification and hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or both of algae and other oil containing materials containing phospholipids, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerides, or combination thereof as well as polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignocellulose, protein polymers, or combination thereof in the presence of an alcohol and an optional acid catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Inventure Chemical, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Berry, Mark G. Tegen, William R. Sutterlin
  • Patent number: 7942942
    Abstract: Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: John A. Paoluccio
  • Publication number: 20110099894
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used healthcare material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SHARPS COMPLIANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Burton J. Kunik, James C. Berns
  • Patent number: 7931706
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Taiheiyo Cement Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Arai, Tatsuro Watanabe, Akira Saito, Sachio Nakazaki, Toshihisa Maruta, Hiroyuki Takano
  • Patent number: 7909896
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bennett Engineers and Associates of Austin Colorado
    Inventor: Harold L. Bennett
  • Publication number: 20110056127
    Abstract: The invention relates to coal conversion, and in particular, to the production of thermal power and high-calorific solid fuel (coke) out of coal for metallurgy, power production, and other industries. The method uses 0-35 mm coal particles as initial raw material, the coal conversion being performed in two steps of fluidized bed heat treatment. At the first step, the raw material is thermally oxidized at 650-800° C. with air supply, and at the second step the coke product is cooled by supply of water steam or chilled flue gases. The apparatus for embodying the method includes a boiler where a furnace comprises two fluidized-bed sections separated with a barrier, the first section being supplied with air, and the second section being supplied with water steam or chilled flue gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Sergey Romanovich Islamov, Sergey Grigorievich Stepanov
  • Publication number: 20110041393
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.), Tsukishima Kikai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Sugita, Yuko Sugita, Tetsuya Deguchi, Takuo Shigehisa, Masayasu Ito, Zenji Kato
  • Publication number: 20110041392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Bertil STROMBERG, Joseph Monroe RAWLS
  • Publication number: 20110005126
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Satoru Sugita, Yuko Sugita, Takuo Shigehisa
  • Publication number: 20100325946
    Abstract: [Problems] To provide a solid fuel which is usable as a substitute fuel for living trees, petroleum and so on. [Means for Solving Problems] A method of producing a solid fuel which comprises the first step of heating beer lees under agitation and the second step of heating and compression-molding the beer lees, which have been agitated in the first step, into the shape of the solid fuel, characterized in that the beer lees are heated while preventing carbonization in the second step. According to this method, it is possible to produce a wood fuel which satisfies the industrial standards, is eco-friendly, has stable qualities and enables easy flame regulation. Since the solid fuel can be obtained merely by agitating, heating and compressing beer lees, the production process can be simplified. Moreover, the evolution of fire sparks or eye-irritative smoke can be avoided. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a sensorily favorable solid fuel releasing a spicy savor of barley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shinsuke Kuriyama
  • Publication number: 20100313468
    Abstract: A process, adsorbent and apparatus for treating biofuel is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Massoud Jalalpoor, Vasilios Zafirakis
  • Patent number: 7850747
    Abstract: An apparatus for blending and storing petroleum based fuel and vegetable based fuel is provided. The apparatus includes a blended fuel storage tank; a petroleum fuel storage tank connectable to the blended fuel storage tank; a vegetable based fuel storage tank connectable to the blended fuel storage tank; and a ganged fuel controller adapted to synchronize fuel flow ratios from the petroleum fuel storage tank and the vegetable based fuel tank to the blended fuel storage tank. In an alternate embodiment the fuel may be delivered already mixed for storage and continued blending in a mixed fuel storage tank adapted to maintaining the blended fuel mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Roy Dubs
  • Patent number: 7842107
    Abstract: Carbonaceous materials are thermally upgraded in a pressurized steam environment to remove moisture and other byproducts. A variety of water/solid separation devices may be employed in a process vessel to maximize moisture removal from the upgraded charge. Heating media inlet nozzles and process chamber vents are strategically positioned at the process vessel wall to minimize short circuiting of heating media to vessel outlet vents and to continuously separate hot water removed from the charge and condensed steam, such that the upgraded material removed from the process vessel is not discharged with accompanying free moisture. After upgrading, the charge may be rehydrated to improve its stability during shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Evergreen Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Hogsett, Philippus J. Meyer, Michael F. Ray, Michael L. Schlegel, Sheldon L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20100263267
    Abstract: A method and installation for production of pellets from processed biomass in a pelletizing press for use as fuel in furnaces, in which the biomass includes cellulose- and/or lignocelluloses-containing fibers, shavings or chips with or without a binder and/or additives and the biomass after processing is fed with a metering device to a pelletizing press. The biomass is separated with a breaker device right before the pelletizing press. Biomass is introduced to a metering device, which includes a spreading device and an endless shaping belt lying beneath it in the direction of fall, in which a mat with an essentially uniform weight per unit area is formed in the metering device on the shaping belt and the metering device feeds the mat to a breaker device in front of the pelletizing press, in which the biomass is separated by the breaker device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gernot von HAAS
  • Publication number: 20100263268
    Abstract: A method and an installation for producing pellets from prepared biomass in a pelleting press for use as fuel in fireplaces. The biomass is made of fibers, shavings or chippings containing cellulose and/or lignocellulose, with or without a binding agent and/or additives, and after being prepared is stored in a biomass bunker. The method includes: biomass discharged from the biomass bunker into a scatter device, a mat made of the biomass having a substantially uniform weight per unit area formed by the scatter device on a molding belt, the mat produced on the molding belt examined by an examining device for defective spots and/or foreign substances, and the mat supplied to a pelleting press. At least parts of the mat or a section of the mat include defective regions and/or foreign substances separated from the method upstream of the pelleting press.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gernot von Haas