Method and Apparatus For Processing a Dry Fuel

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.

1 .- 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for processing a dry fuel wherein the dry fuel is transported over a predetermined transport route with the aid of a conveying means, characterized in that an additive which increases elasticity, lowers material stresses and at the same time lubricates and binds dust is added to the dry fuel on the transport route through the intermediary of the conveying means. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the dry fuel is a wood pellet. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the conveying means comprises a conveying medium transporting the dry fuel, in particular an air flow fed by a high-pressure or low-pressure source, and the additive is added to the conveying medium or air flow in the form of a spray mist. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the addition of the additive takes place immediately after the entry of the dry fuel into a delivery conduit. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the additive is taken to a predetermined temperature prior to its application to the dry fuel. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the additive has an evaporation temperature that is lower than the ignition temperature of the dry fuel. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the additive is added to the dry fuel inside the injection conduit of a vehicle upstream or downstream from the feed conduit. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the vehicle is selected from the group comprising a road silo pump car vehicle, a rail silo pump car vehicle, or a transport ship. 
     
     
         23 . An apparatus for processing a dry fuel comprising conveying means for transporting the dry fuel over a predetermined transport route, wherein the conveying means is associated with feed means whereby an additive which increases elasticity lowers material stresses and at the same time binds dust is added to the conveying means transporting the dry fuel. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the dry fuel is a wood pellet. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the conveying means comprises a conveying medium transporting the dry fuel, wherein the conveying medium is an air flow fed by a high-pressure or low-pressure source, and the additive is added to the conveying medium in the form of a spray mist. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the addition of the dust-binding additive takes place immediately after the entry of the dry fuel into a delivery conduit. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the additive is introduced at several different locations on the transport route. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the temperature control means is provided whereby the additive is taken to a predetermined temperature prior to the application of the dry fuel. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the additive has an evaporation temperature that is lower than the ignition temperature of the dry fuel. 
     
     
         30 . A dry fuel wherein the dry fuel is coated at its surface with an additive such that the surface of the dry fuel presents an increased elasticity, reduced internal stresses, and a property of binding dust due to adhesion. 
     
     
         31 . The dry fuel of  claim 30 , wherein the dry fuel is a wood pellet. 
     
     
         32 . The dry fuel of  claim 30 , wherein the dust-binding additive includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of an oil, a molten wax, a liquid wax or a lipid. 
     
     
         33 . The dry fuel of  claim 30 , wherein the dust-binding additive includes a mixture of water and at least one component selected from the group consisting of swollen starch, gelatin or glue.