Fuel and related compositions – Fuel product of defined shape or structure
Patent
1998-02-02
1999-11-09
McAvoy, Ellen M.
Fuel and related compositions
Fuel product of defined shape or structure
44553, 44589, 44590, C10L 500, C10L 700
Patent
active
059805951
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a fuel pellet comprised primarily of cellulosic materials and densified thermoplastic materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fuel pellet so as to produce a clean and efficient industrial fuel with a high heat output.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Fuel pellets having different compositions of materials have been used for heating since the mid-nineteen eighties. Typically, the fuel pellets are burned in a stoker furnace, and are associated with residential style heating systems.
Due to increased restrictions in landfill requirements by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the diminishing quantities of naturally occurring fuels, there is a demand for new sources of energy. In addition, there has been a dramatic increase in cost for establishing new landfills which comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements, for paper mill by-products. Recently, the EPA has enforced the requirement of double lining landfills for disposal of paper mill sludge. By converting paper mill sludge into fuel pellets, we not only create an alternative fuel source by recycling a waste product, but we eliminate the expense of double lining landfills. Beginning in 1984 with the first pellet-burning stove by Pyro Industries, there has been an increased interest in creating a pellet fuel comprised of wood based products, agricultural residues, waste paper and dried sludge.
In some foreign countries, such as Sweden, there has been a recent trend toward banning the burning of fossil based fuels for energy. Accordingly, such countries are currently seeking an alternative fuel source without dramatically compromising their energy requirements. By creating new forms of fuel which burn non-recyclable as well as recyclable waste materials, we preserve the environment, recycle otherwise non-disposable waste products, as well as maintain the world's limited quantity of natural fuel sources.
Several fuel pellets comprised of cellulosic materials have been patented. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,897 to Johnston discloses a fuel pellet comprised of natural cellulosic material and synthetic polymeric thermoplastic material. The cellulosic material being substantially 5 Mesh, having a moisture content of about 5 to about 15 percent by weight, and comprising from about 90 to 99 percent by weight of the fuel pellet. The thermoplastic material is disclosed as being between 5 and 10 Mesh and comprising about 1 to 10 percent by weight of the fuel pellet. Johnston further discloses seven samples of pellets having slightly different compositions, but all within the ranges disclosed. Each of the seven sample fuel pellets were burned in a stoker furnace having three spreader stokers and a vibrating grate. An average fuel analysis of the fuel pellets tested produced 9,160 BTU per pound, and at no time did it exceed 9,180 BTU per pound. Johnston further discloses using binding agents in the composition of the fuel pellet in addition to thermoplastic materials, such as paraffin slack wax and carnauba wax. Such additives are not desirable in our novel fuel pellet, as wax can not properly burn in a pulver furnace. Furthermore, both paraffin wax and carnauba wax would jeopardize the integrity of our novel fuel pellet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,418 to Jesse discloses a method of making a fuel pellet comprised of cellulosic material. The fuel pellet described therein is comprised of 60 to 90 percent by weight of cellulosic material, and 10 to 40 percent by weight of a thermoplastic resin. The heat output of the fuel pellets is between 9,500 and 11,500 BTU per pound. Again, the fuel pellets disclosed in this patent is for use in a conventional stoker furnace and not a pulver furnace. The fuel pellet disclosed by Jesse purposefully produces an ash output of at least 1 percent by weight, so as to protect the equipment which carries the fuel into the furnace. Furthermore, ash is a necessary component for burning par
REFERENCES:
patent: 4015951 (1977-04-01), Gunnerman
patent: 4026678 (1977-05-01), Livingston
patent: 4236897 (1980-12-01), Johnston
patent: 4308033 (1981-12-01), Gunnerman
patent: 4324561 (1982-04-01), Dean et al.
patent: 4395265 (1983-07-01), Reilly et al.
patent: 4398917 (1983-08-01), Reilly
patent: 4494962 (1985-01-01), Christie et al.
patent: 4529407 (1985-07-01), Johnston et al.
patent: 4561860 (1985-12-01), Gulley et al.
patent: 4810255 (1989-03-01), Fay, III et al.
patent: 4828573 (1989-05-01), Jelks
patent: 4834777 (1989-05-01), Endebrock
patent: 5141526 (1992-08-01), Chu
patent: 5342418 (1994-08-01), Jesse
patent: 5643342 (1997-07-01), Andrews
Elvers et al., Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 1992, vol. A21, pp. 59-62.
McAvoy Ellen M.
PelleTech Fuels, Inc.
LandOfFree
Fuel pellet and method of making the fuel pellet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fuel pellet and method of making the fuel pellet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fuel pellet and method of making the fuel pellet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1450050