Biomass fuel compact processing method

Abstract

A method of processing a biomass fuel compact is provided by the present disclosure that includes comprising combining a composition of combustible biomass materials, comminuting the composition of biomass materials, drying the comminuted composition of biomass materials, and adding an adhesive to the biomass materials, the adhesive comprising a starch and a hydroxide. Further additives are also provided, which include a silicate, a viscosity agent, a preservative, and a BTU additive. The composite biomass is processed into a shapeform, and then the shapeform is partitioned into individual pieces that are compatible with existing powerplants. In one form, the processing is performed at lower temperatures such that an endothermic reaction of the biomass materials and adhesive results.

1 . A method of processing a biomass fuel compact comprising:
 combining a composition of combustible biomass materials;   comminuting the composition of biomass materials;   adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive comprising a starch and a hydroxide; and   forming the composite biomass into a shapeform.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the forming step is performed by one of the group consisting of extrusion, compression molding, plunger molding, and die forming. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition of biomass materials are in a dry condition upon entering the forming step. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition of biomass materials are in a wet condition upon entering the forming step. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the processing is performed at lower temperatures such that an endothermic reaction of the biomass materials and adhesive results. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising partitioning the extruded composite biomass into individual pieces after forming, wherein the individual pieces are compatible with existing processing plants. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the processing plants comprise combustion, power generation, gasification, ethanol, digestion, and steam generation plants. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is added in the forming step. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1  further comprising adding at least one of a silicate, a viscosity agent, a preservative, and a BTU additive to the composition of biomass materials. 
     
     
         10 . A method of processing a biomass fuel compact comprising:
 combining a composition of combustible biomass materials;   adding an adhesive to the biomass materials to form a composite biomass, the adhesive comprising a starch and a hydroxide; and   forming the composite biomass into a shapeform.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the forming step is performed by a plunger. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the adhesive is added between wads of the plunger. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the adhesive is added at a plunger input and is configured to coat an exterior surface area of the composition of biomass materials at an exit die. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the forming step is performed by an extruder. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive is added at a throat portion of the extruder. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive is added in a hopper portion of the extruder. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the adhesive is added in a die portion of the extruder and is configured to coat an exterior surface area of the composition of biomass materials. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the starch is mixed with the biomass composition prior to forming, and the hydroxide is added during the forming. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein steam is used as a processing aid during forming. 
     
     
         20 . A method of processing a biomass fuel compact comprising:
 combining a composition of combustible biomass materials;   comminuting the composition of biomass materials;   drying the comminuted composition of biomass materials;   adding an adhesive to the biomass materials, the adhesive comprising a starch and a hydroxide;   adding a silicate to the composition of biomass materials;   adding a viscosity agent to the composition of biomass materials to form a composite biomass;   forming the composite biomass into a shapeform; and   partitioning the composite biomass shapeform into individual pieces that are compatible with existing powerplants,   wherein the processing is performed at lower temperatures such that an endothermic reaction of the biomass materials and adhesive results.