The present invention relates to a pelletisable formula, and a process for using the formula for making fuel pellets. The pelletisable formula comprises a particulate carbonaceous material such as coal dust or coal fines of particle size <1 mm, a polysaccharide or a polyvinyl alcohol binder, and a crosslinker such as zirconium carbonate or sodium borate.

The present invention relates to a pelletisable formula, and a process for using the formula for making fuel pellets. The pelletisable formula comprises a particulate carbonaceous material such as coal dust or coal fines of particle size <1 mm, a polysaccharide or a polyvinyl alcohol binder, and a crosslinker such as zirconium carbonate or sodium borate.

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 method of agglomerating fine particles such as ultrafine coal in a beneficiation process, uses a water in oil emulsion to significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared with known oil in water emulsions. A solution of oil and emulsifying agent is provided to which water is progressively added forming a concentrated water in oil emulsion with stabilized water drops (1) packed inside the oil solution phase (2). Fine particles in a slurry are then added, causing the fine particles to collide and stick to the emulsion particles. An optional form of the invention coats tiny portions of the emulsion in a thin film of low viscosity oil (5) to achieve a higher level of selectivity.

A method of agglomerating fine particles such as ultrafine coal in a beneficiation process, uses a water in oil emulsion to significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared with known oil in water emulsions. A solution of oil and emulsifying agent is provided to which water is progressively added forming a concentrated water in oil emulsion with stabilized water drops (1) packed inside the oil solution phase (2). Fine particles in a slurry are then added, causing the fine particles to collide and stick to the emulsion particles. An optional form of the invention coats tiny portions of the emulsion in a thin film of low viscosity oil (5) to achieve a higher level of selectivity.

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 method for fabricating a coconut shell heat producing device. Heat is applied to coconut shells to form carbonized coconut charcoal pieces. The charcoal pieces are ground to form coconut charcoal powder. A moistened blend is created that includes the coconut charcoal powder, a binder and water. The moistened blend is placed into a press. Pressure is applied in the press to form the moistened blend into the heat providing device. The heat providing device includes at least one hole extending through the device. In a preferred embodiment the heat producing device is a coconut shell charcoal log.

A method for fabricating a coconut shell heat producing device. Heat is applied to coconut shells to form carbonized coconut charcoal pieces. The charcoal pieces are ground to form coconut charcoal powder. A moistened blend is created that includes the coconut charcoal powder, a binder and water. The moistened blend is placed into a press. Pressure is applied in the press to form the moistened blend into the heat providing device. The heat providing device includes at least one hole extending through the device. In a preferred embodiment the heat producing device is a coconut shell charcoal log.

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.