A method of preparing a fuel composition includes placing coal having a heat content between about 3,000 BTU/lb and about 9,000 BTU/lb and a moisture content between about 20 wt % and about 60 wt % in a vessel. The coal is exposed to heat and a pressure less than atmospheric pressure within the vessel, thereby reducing the coal, such that an average primary particle size of the coal is less than 1 millimeter. A binder is introduced to the vessel, such that the coal combines with the binder to yield a mixture. The mixture is shaped to yield a fuel composition.

A combustible heat source for a smoking article is provided, including carbon and a binding agent. The binding agent includes a combination of three binder components: an organic polymeric binder material, a carboxylate burn salt, and at least one non-combustible inorganic binder material. The at least one non-combustible inorganic binder material includes a sheet silicate material. Preferably, the combustible heat source further includes an ignition aid.

A combustible heat source for a smoking article is provided, including carbon and a binding agent. The binding agent includes a combination of three binder components: an organic polymeric binder material, a carboxylate burn salt, and at least one non-combustible inorganic binder material. The at least one non-combustible inorganic binder material includes a sheet silicate material. Preferably, the combustible heat source further includes an ignition aid.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe binder materials from birch bark, methods of making the binder materials, fuel compositions comprising the binder materials, methods of forming the fuel compositions in the form of pellets and/or briquettes, and the like.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe binder materials from birch bark, methods of making the binder materials, fuel compositions comprising the binder materials, methods of forming the fuel compositions in the form of pellets and/or briquettes, and the like.

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a pellet mill (10) comprising a die (30) having a first surface (34) and a second surface (36), the die further comprising press holes (38) extending from the first surface to the second surface, at least one roller (50) configured to roll over the first surface for forcing a pelletizable material, forming a feed layer (2) on the first surface, through the press holes to the second surface, and a nozzle (82) configured to provide an additive fluid (4) directly into the nip (86) between the at least one roller and the first surface. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a method of producing pellets, and in a third aspect the present invention related to method of retrofitting a pellet mill.

In a first aspect the present invention relates to a pellet mill (10) comprising a die (30) having a first surface (34) and a second surface (36), the die further comprising press holes (38) extending from the first surface to the second surface, at least one roller (50) configured to roll over the first surface for forcing a pelletizable material, forming a feed layer (2) on the first surface, through the press holes to the second surface, and a nozzle (82) configured to provide an additive fluid (4) directly into the nip (86) between the at least one roller and the first surface. In a second aspect the present invention relates to a method of producing pellets, and in a third aspect the present invention related to method of retrofitting a pellet mill.

Pelletized carbonized biomass-based fuel products, methods, and apparatuses are provided. Methods include applying a binder and a first amount of water to at least partially carbonized biomass, applying a second amount of water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, and pelletizing the at least partially carbonized biomass in an inert atmosphere. Apparatuses include a feeder of at least partially carbonized biomass, a binder source and a first water source configured to provide a binder and water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, a second water source downstream of the binder and first water sources, a pelletizer configured to receive and pelletize the at least partially carbonized biomass, and an inert gas source configured to provide inert gas to the pelletizer.

Pelletized carbonized biomass-based fuel products, methods, and apparatuses are provided. Methods include applying a binder and a first amount of water to at least partially carbonized biomass, applying a second amount of water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, and pelletizing the at least partially carbonized biomass in an inert atmosphere. Apparatuses include a feeder of at least partially carbonized biomass, a binder source and a first water source configured to provide a binder and water to the at least partially carbonized biomass, a second water source downstream of the binder and first water sources, a pelletizer configured to receive and pelletize the at least partially carbonized biomass, and an inert gas source configured to provide inert gas to the pelletizer.

Provided is a method of economically modifying low rank coal (LRC) to be high grade coal having minimized water re-absorption and minimized spontaneous ignition possibility while saving energy by coating heavy oil directly on coal without using solvent oil. Provides is a method of modifying coal using palm oil residue, including milling the coal, homogenously mixing the palm oil residue with the milled coal, melting the palm oil residue mixed with the coal so as to be coated on a surface of the coal, and simultaneously drying moisture in the coal, cooling the dried coal, and briquetting the cooled coal.