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.

1 . A process for forming a combustible fuel from biomass material comprising the steps of: 
 (a) adjusting a moisture content of a biomass material;    (b) adding coal fines to the biomass material to form a mixture; and    (c) compressing the mixture to form a biomass fuel.    
   
   
       2 . The process of  claim 1  additionally comprising the step of sizing the biomass material.  
   
   
       3 . The process of  claim 1  additionally comprising the step of adjusting the moisture content of the mixture.  
   
   
       4 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the moisture content of the biomass material is adjusted to the range of 5 to 25%.  
   
   
       5 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the coal fines are a percentage 5 to 75% of the total weight of the mixture.  
   
   
       6 . The process of  claim 1  where the compression of the mixture is at 200psi to 15,000psi and temperatures ranging from ambient to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (pressure/temperature)