Water resistance, density, and durability of biomass fuels

Abstract

Given the current world situation of fuel shortages and conflict over the finite amount of fuels available, it is very prudent to utilize every avenue available to increase the amount and quality of fuels available to use in power generation as well as other applications of steam. There are hundreds of thousands of tons of natural fuels, available for use here as well as other parts of the world. The BTU value of these waste materials is immeasurable. While most of these alternative fuels do not contain the highest BTU value, the amount of them available is beyond belief. The biggest drawback to alternative fuels has been the ease of utilization and quality of the product introduced into the combustors. Many years of testing and research by this individual have resulted in a variety of fuels that in addition to adding to the fuel supply of the world's consumers, will help to clean up the emission problems that are coming to the forefront of environmental concerns.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Biomass fuel proponents have struggled to find ways to maximize density, uniformity, and moisture-resistance of biomass fuel. [0002] Most biomass fuels lack the density or uniformity that traditional combustors are fit to utilize, making them commercially unworkable. [0003] Another major problems facing biomass fuel users is that the biomass fuel cubes or pellets are not resistant to water or moisture. Cubes or pellets begin to lose their integrity almost instantly when exposed to moisture, rain, dew, or in some cases high humidity. This breakdown necessitates covered storage and transport facilities and special handling, thereby increasing the cost of biomass fuel cube utilization. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] By blending biomass fuels with coal fines prior to their introduction into a densification machine, the resulting product will be resistant to water damage. [0005] In addition, using a blend of biomass and coal fines in biomass fuel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] In addition, using a blend of biomass and coal fines in biomass fuel production results in a product that has an increased density and durability when compared to biomass fuels which do not contain coal fines. This increased density and durability is very important for the economics of transportation, handling, and the introduction of the biomass fuel into a combustion system.

Problems solved by technology

Biomass fuel proponents have struggled to find ways to maximize density, uniformity, and moisture-resistance of biomass fuel.

Most biomass fuels lack the density or uniformity that traditional combustors are fit to utilize, making them commercially unworkable.

Another major problems facing biomass fuel users is that the biomass fuel cubes or pellets are not resistant to water or moisture.

Cubes or pellets begin to lose their integrity almost instantly when exposed to moisture, rain, dew, or in some cases high humidity.

This breakdown necessitates covered storage and transport facilities and special handling, thereby increasing the cost of biomass fuel cube utilization.

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