A composite heat source for use in a smoking article is provided, including a non-combustible porous ceramic matrix; and a particulate combustible fuel embedded within the non-combustible porous ceramic matrix. The non-combustible porous ceramic matrix is formed from one or more particulate materials having a median D50 particle size at least five times less than the median D50 particle size of the particulate combustible fuel. Preferably, the non-combustible porous ceramic matrix includes one or more transition metal oxides.

A composite heat source for use in a smoking article is provided, including a non-combustible porous ceramic matrix; and a particulate combustible fuel embedded within the non-combustible porous ceramic matrix. The non-combustible porous ceramic matrix is formed from one or more particulate materials having a median D50 particle size at least five times less than the median D50 particle size of the particulate combustible fuel. Preferably, the non-combustible porous ceramic matrix includes one or more transition metal oxides.

Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed.

Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed.

A two-reactor catalytic system including a catalytic membrane gasification reactor and a catalytic membrane water gas shift reactor. The catalytic system, for converting biomass to hydrogen gas, features a novel gasification reactor containing both hollow fiber membranes that selectively allow O.sub.2 to permeate therethrough and a catalyst that facilitates tar reformation. Also disclosed is a process of converting biomass to H2. The process includes the steps of, among others, introducing air into a hollow fiber membrane; mixing the O.sub.2 permeating through the hollow fiber membrane and steam to react with biomass to produce syngas and tar; and reforming the tar in the presence of a catalyst to produce more syngas.

A power generation system, which includes a source of a seed oil, a source of alcohol, and a reactor in communication with the source of seed oil and the source of alcohol. The reactor produces a biofuel product. The system has a power source that operates on a biofuel energy source to produce heated exhaust and is in communication with the reactor to utilize a portion of the biofuel product as its biofuel energy source. The system has a heat transfer mechanism that transfers heat from the exhaust manifold to the reactor. The power source also converts mechanical power into electrical power. Also disclosed is a system that involves extraction of oil from an oilseed product. A method of extracting oil from an oilseed product, a method of making a transesterified seed oil, and a method of making a biofuel are also disclosed, as are products obtained thereby.

Polymer pellets are formed using laminar gas flow within a downstream gas conduit, as may be implemented consistent with one or more embodiments herein. A gas channel directs gas to an outlet of a polymer extrusion mandrel via which a polymer melt is extruded. A downstream gas conduit extends away from the outlet of the polymer extrusion mandrel, and provides laminar gas flow along the polymer melt extending from the extrusion mandrel, and within the downstream gas conduit. Using this approach, laminar flow can be maintained along an initial portion of the polymer melt, and used to control the subsequent formation of pellets therefrom.

A cremation accelerant module includes a carrier and flame accelerant material. The carrier comprises a combustible tube, such as, for example, one constructed primarily of paper. The flame accelerant material is disposed in solid form within the combustible tube. The flame accelerant material has a melting temperature, and a combustion temperature that is higher than the melting temperature. The combustible tube has a wall thickness selected to maintain sufficient structural integrity at the melting temperature to retard the flow of the flame accelerant materials in a molten state. The combustible tube has a wall thickness configured to degrade or burn sufficiently at the combustion temperature to allow the flame accelerant material to combust.

The coal-derived solid hydrocarbon particles are discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter having a particle size less than about 10 μm that are substantially free of inherent or entrained mineral matter. The particles of have an average particle size in the range from 1 μm to 8 μm. The particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter are milled to a size approximately the same as a size of coal-derived mineral matter inherent in the coal source to release inherent coal-derived mineral matter particles such that the particles of carbonaceous matter and the particles of mineral matter are discrete and separable solid particles. Following separation, less than 1.5 wt. % discrete coal-derived mineral matter particles are associated with the discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter. Particles of coal-derived solid hydrocarbon matter are blended with a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuel to form a two-phase hydrocarbon fuel feedstock.

The coal-derived solid hydrocarbon particles are discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter having a particle size less than about 10 μm that are substantially free of inherent or entrained mineral matter. The particles of have an average particle size in the range from 1 μm to 8 μm. The particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter are milled to a size approximately the same as a size of coal-derived mineral matter inherent in the coal source to release inherent coal-derived mineral matter particles such that the particles of carbonaceous matter and the particles of mineral matter are discrete and separable solid particles. Following separation, less than 1.5 wt. % discrete coal-derived mineral matter particles are associated with the discrete particles of coal-derived carbonaceous matter. Particles of coal-derived solid hydrocarbon matter are blended with a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuel to form a two-phase hydrocarbon fuel feedstock.