In some variations, the invention provides a biocarbon pellet comprising: 35 wt % to 99 wt % of a biogenic reagent, wherein the biogenic reagent comprises, on a dry basis, at least 60 wt % carbon; 0 wt % to 35 wt % water moisture; and 1 wt % to 30 wt % of a binder, wherein the biocarbon pellet is characterized by an adjustable Hardgrove Grindability Index (HGI) from about 30 to about 120, as shown in the Examples. The pellet HGI is adjustable by controlling process conditions and the pellet binder. The binder can be an organic binder or an inorganic binder. The carbon is renewable as determined from a measurement of the .sup.14C/.sup.12C isotopic ratio. Many processes of making and using the biocarbon pellets are described. Applications of the biocarbon pellets include pulverized coal boilers, furnaces for making metals such as iron or silicon, and gasifiers for producing reducing gas.

It is disclosed a combustible article of manufacture comprising a treated lignin composition and a combustible support, wherein the treated lignin composition is attached to at least a portion of an external surface of the combustible support with a force greater than the force of gravity relative to the treated lignin composition. The treated lignin composition comprises solid lignin and has a moisture content in the range of 35% to 80% percent by weight. The combustible support is preferably a hardwood chip, but it may be also softwood chips, coal, coke, and shredded tires. It is also disclosed a fuel composition comprising a plurality of the combustible article.

It is disclosed a combustible article of manufacture comprising a treated lignin composition and a combustible support, wherein the treated lignin composition is attached to at least a portion of an external surface of the combustible support with a force greater than the force of gravity relative to the treated lignin composition. The treated lignin composition comprises solid lignin and has a moisture content in the range of 35% to 80% percent by weight. The combustible support is preferably a hardwood chip, but it may be also softwood chips, coal, coke, and shredded tires. It is also disclosed a fuel composition comprising a plurality of the combustible article.

A mixture for a natural fuel package is provided, having essentially a mass of combustible wood particles and particles of organs of a plant in the Cinnamomum genus as constituents which are bonded by compression, whereby upon ignition the said particles undergo decomposition to liberate the moisture, releasing an aromatic cinnamon fragrance and flavor which can be inhaled by persons present at the time of burning and tasted or consumed through the food cooked on such fuel resulting in medicinal and therapeutic effects.

A mixture for a natural fuel package is provided, having essentially a mass of combustible wood particles and particles of organs of a plant in the Cinnamomum genus as constituents which are bonded by compression, whereby upon ignition the said particles undergo decomposition to liberate the moisture, releasing an aromatic cinnamon fragrance and flavor which can be inhaled by persons present at the time of burning and tasted or consumed through the food cooked on such fuel resulting in medicinal and therapeutic effects.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional spontaneous combustion inhibitor for bituminous coal in the form of a foam concentrate, which may inhibit the spontaneous combustion of bituminous coal, prevent the scattering of bituminous coal, prevent the occurrence of problems due to spontaneous combustion, such as a power plant operation failure, bituminous coal waste, and odor generation, enables a bituminous coal power plant to be operated economically, safely and environmentally friendlily through the use of inexpensive bituminous coal, and may be used even at −20° C. by improving the pour point thereof. The present invention is characterized in that a spontaneous combustion inhibitor is prepared in the form of a water-soluble foam concentrate by using an antioxidant, a volatile fraction activation inhibitor, and an emulsifier compound, is mixed with water and air, and is distributed and applied to bituminous coal in a foamed state.

The present invention relates to a multifunctional spontaneous combustion inhibitor for bituminous coal in the form of a foam concentrate, which may inhibit the spontaneous combustion of bituminous coal, prevent the scattering of bituminous coal, prevent the occurrence of problems due to spontaneous combustion, such as a power plant operation failure, bituminous coal waste, and odor generation, enables a bituminous coal power plant to be operated economically, safely and environmentally friendlily through the use of inexpensive bituminous coal, and may be used even at −20° C. by improving the pour point thereof. The present invention is characterized in that a spontaneous combustion inhibitor is prepared in the form of a water-soluble foam concentrate by using an antioxidant, a volatile fraction activation inhibitor, and an emulsifier compound, is mixed with water and air, and is distributed and applied to bituminous coal in a foamed state.

The invention also provides a briquette comprising: (i) a particulate material; and (ii) a binder, the binder comprising (a) at least partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol and (b) an alkali metal alkyl siliconate or polyalkylsilicic acid; wherein the particulate material is selected from a carbonaceous material, metal, metal ore, mineral waste or a mixture thereof.

The invention also provides a briquette comprising: (i) a particulate material; and (ii) a binder, the binder comprising (a) at least partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol and (b) an alkali metal alkyl siliconate or polyalkylsilicic acid; wherein the particulate material is selected from a carbonaceous material, metal, metal ore, mineral waste or a mixture thereof.

A combustible log torch which can be ignited to provide heat for warmth or cooking, and light for illumination can be made by compacting a mixture of wood sawdust and a food grade binder. Such combustible log torches are convenient and safe to use and provide optimal characteristics of quickly providing a bonfire without the need for a fireplace or a fire pit. The fire produced by such combustible logs is also optimal for safely and conveniently cooking food items. Such a combustible log torch can be manufactured by a method which comprises compacting a composition which is comprised of a mixture of wood particles and a food grade binder under a pressure of at least about 5 psi (0.034 megapascals) in a mold to produce the combustible log torch having at least one vertical cavity (hole) which extend vertically through the entire length of the combustible log torch.