Apparatus and method for delivery and reclamation of biomass fuel

Abstract

A method and apparatus for delivering biomass fuel to a structure through an external wall of the structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a hopper disposed within a delivery vehicle. The hopper includes an inlet disposed on its top surface to receive biomass fuel and an outlet located proximate the bottom of the hopper to release the fuel by opening a gate valve. A delivery hose is connected to the hopper outlet at one end and is sealably connectable at its other end to an externally accessible coupling disposed on an external wall of the structure to which fuel is to be delivered. The coupling is connected on the interior side of the external wall to a delivery pipe that connects to a fuel bin for storing the biomass fuel. Sensors within the bin can signal the operator when the level of fuel within the bin reaches a preselected level, allowing the operator to stop delivery when the bin is full.

1 . A method of remotely filling a biomass fuel chamber located within a structure having an external wall, an opening in the wall sized to receive a biomass delivery pipe, and a conduit between the wall and the biomass fuel chamber located on an internal side of the wall, the method comprising:
 transporting a sealed hopper, containing a biomass fuel derived from a tree, grass, wood chippings, sawdust, waste paper, an agricultural product or mixtures thereof, to a point proximate the structure;   connecting the end coupling of a biomass fuel delivery hose to the wall opening, wherein a second end of the delivery hose connects to an outlet of the hopper;   pressurizing the hopper;   opening a gate valve located at an outlet of the hopper so that biomass fuel enters the delivery hose from the interior of the hopper;   closing the gate valve; and   removing the end coupling from the wall opening.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of generating a signal when the level of biomass fuel in the biomass fuel chamber reaches a satisfactory level, and closing the gate valve when the signal is generated. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of generating a signal when the level of biomass fuel in the fuel chamber reaches a satisfactory level. 
     
     
         4 . The method  claim 1 , wherein the gate is closed when the level of biomass fuel in the fuel chamber reaches a satisfactory level. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of operating an air pump before opening the gate valve, wherein the air pump is connected to the hopper. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of maintaining the pressure of the hopper at about 3-7 psi. 
     
     
         7 . A method of remotely filling a biomass fuel chamber having an opening to receive biomass fuel delivery, the method comprising:
 transporting a sealed hopper containing biomass fuel to a point proximate the fuel chamber;   setting an end of a biomass fuel delivery hose to communicate with the opening in the chamber, wherein a second end of the hose communicates with an outlet of the hopper;   pressurizing the hopper; and   opening the outlet of the hopper so that biomass fuel, derived from a tree, grass, wood chippings, sawdust, waste paper, an agricultural product or mixtures thereof, enters the hose from the interior of the hopper.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising collecting ash from combustion of biomass fuel through the delivery hose.