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US 9,057,522 B2Granted
Powdered fuels, dispersions thereof, and combustion devices related thereto
AssigneeSummerhill Biomass Systems, Inc.
InventorsJames K. McKnight, James T. McKnight
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This application describes powdered fuels, methods of producing powdered fuels source, and dispersions of powdered fuels, as well as systems, kits, and methods for producing and adapting combustion devices to burn powdered fuel, either as a sole fuel source or in combination with existing fuel sources. Exemplary embodiments include engines and furnaces adapted to combust powdered fuel.
Claims10
A method of producing energy comprising the steps of:
- mixing a substantially explosible powder with an oxidizing gas to form an explosible powder dispersion;
- directing the explosible powder dispersion in a controlled stream past an ignition source;
- and
- igniting the explosible powder dispersion to produce a stationary deflagrating combustion wave;
- thereby substantially consuming the explosible powder to produce energy;
- wherein the explosible powder dispersion comprises:
- less than 5% of the particles by weight having a size greater or equal to 200 mesh;
- and
- at least 25% of the particles by weight having a size less than 325 mesh.
6 more elements
A method of operating a combustion device, comprising:
- mixing a substantially explosible powder with an oxidizing gas to form an explosible powder dispersion;
- directing the explosible powder dispersion in a controlled stream to an ignition source;
- and
- igniting the explosible powder dispersion to produce a stationary deflagrating combustion wave;
- thereby substantially consuming the explosible powder to produce energy and operate a combustion device using this energy;
- wherein the explosible powder dispersion comprises:
- less than 5% of the particles by weight having a size greater or equal to 200 mesh;
- and
- at least 25% of the particles by weight having a size less than 325 mesh.
6 more elements
A method of operating a combustion device, comprising:
- generating an airflow;
- dispersing a controlled quantity of powdered fuel into the airflow to create an explosible mixture;
- and
- introducing the explosible mixture to a combustion area for deflagration creating a stationary deflagrating combustion wave, thereby operating a combustion device;
- wherein the explosible powder dispersion comprises:
- less than 5% of the particles by weight having a size greater or equal to 200 mesh;
- and
- at least 25% of the particles by weight having a size less than 325 mesh.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.