Pelletizing and briquetting of coal fines using binders produced by liquefaction of biomass

Abstract

A coal agglomerate is produced by the combination of coal fines with a binder obtained by the direct liquefaction of biomass material. The direct liquefaction is carried out in the absence of oxygen at typical temperatures between about 450 and 700.degree. F. and typical pressures between 200 and 3,000 psi, according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as fast pyrolysis tars and petroleum asphalt, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is sprayed on coal fines preheated to at least 250.degree. F. and allowed to react at about 300-400.degree. F. Combustible extenders and fillers; reinforcing fibers; and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the coal prior to combination with the binder to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized by the application of pressure in conventional equipment.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.