CA1142758A - Synthetic fuel composition - Google Patents
Synthetic fuel compositionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1142758A CA1142758A CA000368522A CA368522A CA1142758A CA 1142758 A CA1142758 A CA 1142758A CA 000368522 A CA000368522 A CA 000368522A CA 368522 A CA368522 A CA 368522A CA 1142758 A CA1142758 A CA 1142758A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- synthetic fuel
- weight
- fuel composition
- composition
- coal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 63
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 239000007800 oxidant agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000004115 Sodium Silicate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000004111 Potassium silicate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229910052913 potassium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 235000019353 potassium silicate Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium silicate Chemical compound [K+].[K+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 18
- VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium nitrate Chemical group [Na+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O VWDWKYIASSYTQR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium silicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium nitrate Chemical compound [K+].[O-][N+]([O-])=O FGIUAXJPYTZDNR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000010344 sodium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004317 sodium nitrate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000010333 potassium nitrate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004323 potassium nitrate Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002956 ash Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000002918 Fraxinus excelsior Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 3
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000019568 aromas Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 23
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000306 component Substances 0.000 description 7
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910052910 alkali metal silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052681 coesite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052906 cristobalite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910052682 stishovite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 229910052905 tridymite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- -1 combustion aids Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O Ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 1
- 229920001732 Lignosulfonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002745 absorbent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005610 lignin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000002823 nitrates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000035515 penetration Effects 0.000 description 1
- VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N perchloric acid Chemical class OCl(=O)(=O)=O VLTRZXGMWDSKGL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002978 peroxides Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003209 petroleum derivative Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000004760 silicates Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 150000008163 sugars Chemical class 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Solid Fuels And Fuel-Associated Substances (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A composition useful as a synthetic fuel for fireplaces and the like. The composition contains particulate coal as the major component in combination with slack wax, sodium and/or potassium silicate and an oxidizing agent. Minor amounts of coloring agents or agents for providing desired aromas or the like are optionally included in the composition. The composition is conveniently provided in the form of a log which can be used as a synthetic fuel. The composition burns slowly and evenly without excessive smoking while substantially retaining its original shape thereby facilitating removal of the resultant ashes.
A composition useful as a synthetic fuel for fireplaces and the like. The composition contains particulate coal as the major component in combination with slack wax, sodium and/or potassium silicate and an oxidizing agent. Minor amounts of coloring agents or agents for providing desired aromas or the like are optionally included in the composition. The composition is conveniently provided in the form of a log which can be used as a synthetic fuel. The composition burns slowly and evenly without excessive smoking while substantially retaining its original shape thereby facilitating removal of the resultant ashes.
Description
~2'7~8 1 BACK~ROUND OF TEIE INVENTION
Field of the Invention .
The present invention relates to synthetic fuel com-positions and, more particularly, to coal-containing compositions having a preferred utility as artificial logs for fireplaces.
Description of the Prior Art During the 1970's, artificial logs for~ireplaces have gained tremendous popularity and a large number of such ersatz logs are commerically available. The commercially available logs are generally composed primarily of approximately equal amounts of wood particles or chips and slack wax and minor amounts of organic binders, combustion aids, coloring agents, etc. The compositions of these synthetic fuel logs are believed to be similar to the preferred composition described in Eyre, Jr., U~S~ Patent No. 3,297,419, which contains, by weight: 42% saw-dust; 48% slack wax; 5% Orzan A, a lignin product identified as ammonium lignin sulfonates and wood sugars; and 5% sodium nitrate.
Artificial logs produced from coal are also available on the market, These logs, however, also contain large amounts of slack wa~ and during burning fail to retain their original shape~ As a result, the coal particles are not sufficiently ignited and the ash remaining after burning of the log contains substantial amounts of unburned coal Thus, inefficient use is made of the thermal energy available in the coal and removal of the ashes following burning is inconvenient.
It is an o~ject of the present invention, therefore, to provide an economical synthetic fuel composition which contains coal as a major component an~ which efficiently utilizes the energy availa~le in the coal.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a .
~'2'~S8 1 coal-containing synt~etic fuel composition which can be formed into artificial logs and which burns efficiently and substant-ially retains its original shape.
These and other objects will be apparent from the following description of the invention~
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The synthetic fuel composition according to the pre-sent invention contains at least about 40~ by weight of coal particles and from about 5 to about 35~ by weight of slack wax, the remainder of the composition being an alkali metal silicate binder and an oxidizing agent and, optionally, coloring agents or the like. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises at least about 70~ by weight of coal and less than about 15% by weight of slack wax.
The composition can be formed into artificial logs by any suita~le molding means and is conveniently formed into cylindrically shaped logs by extrusion.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
.. . .
There do not app,ear to be any particular limitations ~0 regarding the type of coal'that can be used in preparing the synthetic fuel composition according to the present invention.
Both metallurgical and non-metallurgical grades of coal can be employed. The coal should not have a high moisture content or be highly absorbent since this may interfere with mixing of the coal with the aqueous alkali silicate employed in preparing the composition. The coal is employed in particulate form to provide a large surface area for combustion. The particles should not be so fine as to cause dusti'ng problems or so large as to cause possible damage to mixing and extruding equipment or be difficult to handle. ~ixtures of coal fines of from 0 - 200 mesh (Tyler)
Field of the Invention .
The present invention relates to synthetic fuel com-positions and, more particularly, to coal-containing compositions having a preferred utility as artificial logs for fireplaces.
Description of the Prior Art During the 1970's, artificial logs for~ireplaces have gained tremendous popularity and a large number of such ersatz logs are commerically available. The commercially available logs are generally composed primarily of approximately equal amounts of wood particles or chips and slack wax and minor amounts of organic binders, combustion aids, coloring agents, etc. The compositions of these synthetic fuel logs are believed to be similar to the preferred composition described in Eyre, Jr., U~S~ Patent No. 3,297,419, which contains, by weight: 42% saw-dust; 48% slack wax; 5% Orzan A, a lignin product identified as ammonium lignin sulfonates and wood sugars; and 5% sodium nitrate.
Artificial logs produced from coal are also available on the market, These logs, however, also contain large amounts of slack wa~ and during burning fail to retain their original shape~ As a result, the coal particles are not sufficiently ignited and the ash remaining after burning of the log contains substantial amounts of unburned coal Thus, inefficient use is made of the thermal energy available in the coal and removal of the ashes following burning is inconvenient.
It is an o~ject of the present invention, therefore, to provide an economical synthetic fuel composition which contains coal as a major component an~ which efficiently utilizes the energy availa~le in the coal.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a .
~'2'~S8 1 coal-containing synt~etic fuel composition which can be formed into artificial logs and which burns efficiently and substant-ially retains its original shape.
These and other objects will be apparent from the following description of the invention~
SUMM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The synthetic fuel composition according to the pre-sent invention contains at least about 40~ by weight of coal particles and from about 5 to about 35~ by weight of slack wax, the remainder of the composition being an alkali metal silicate binder and an oxidizing agent and, optionally, coloring agents or the like. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises at least about 70~ by weight of coal and less than about 15% by weight of slack wax.
The composition can be formed into artificial logs by any suita~le molding means and is conveniently formed into cylindrically shaped logs by extrusion.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
.. . .
There do not app,ear to be any particular limitations ~0 regarding the type of coal'that can be used in preparing the synthetic fuel composition according to the present invention.
Both metallurgical and non-metallurgical grades of coal can be employed. The coal should not have a high moisture content or be highly absorbent since this may interfere with mixing of the coal with the aqueous alkali silicate employed in preparing the composition. The coal is employed in particulate form to provide a large surface area for combustion. The particles should not be so fine as to cause dusti'ng problems or so large as to cause possible damage to mixing and extruding equipment or be difficult to handle. ~ixtures of coal fines of from 0 - 200 mesh (Tyler)
-2-~4'~'~S8 1 and particles of up to 1/2-inch diameter have been found to provide acceptable results in preparing cylindrically shaped logs by extrusion techniques. The coal particles comprise at least about 40% by weight and up to about 90% by weight of the synthetic fuel composition. In preferred compositions the coal is employed in an amount of at least about 70% by weight.
Any of the so-called slack waxes that are usually employed in preparing the conventional sawdust/wax logs are be-lieYed to be useEul in the present invention. These waxes are crude petroleum products which are not completely deoiled and are available in a number of grades and qualities. The wax, of course, must have sufficient stiffness at room temperature to permit handling and to retain the desired shape of the composi-tion, Furthermore, it should be easily ignited with a match and at the same time not melt during burning. The oil content should be such that the wax does not produce large amounts oE smoke.
Waxes of this type are available in the petroleum industry and are prepared in a known manner to fit individual requirements by blending of so-called low temperature elements, i.e., waxes, and ~0 high-temperature elements.
The slack wax is employed in an amount ranging from about 5% to 35% by weight of the composition. An amount of the wax of about 5% by weight is required to impart sufficient igni-tion and flame spreading characteristics to the composition. Use of an amount of the wax of greater than about 35% by weight is not economical and provides no additional beneficial properties.
The slack wax provides lubrication when the synthetic fuel com-position is extruded to form artificlal logs. An amount of the wax of up to about 15% by weight has been found to provide suff-icient lubrication and~ at the same time, to provide an optimum ~l~Z'~58 1 balance between the cost of producing an artificial log and theburning properties thereof.
The third component of the synthetic fuel composition according to the present invention is an alkali metal silicate binder. More specifically, the binder is a soluble silicate, i.e., sodium silicate or potassium silicate, These silicates are employed as aqueous solutions which are available in a wide range of percent solids, SiO2/Na20 or SiO2/K20 ratios and vis-cosities. Typically, the percent solids will vary between about 30 to 50% and the silicate ratios will vary between about 1.8 to
Any of the so-called slack waxes that are usually employed in preparing the conventional sawdust/wax logs are be-lieYed to be useEul in the present invention. These waxes are crude petroleum products which are not completely deoiled and are available in a number of grades and qualities. The wax, of course, must have sufficient stiffness at room temperature to permit handling and to retain the desired shape of the composi-tion, Furthermore, it should be easily ignited with a match and at the same time not melt during burning. The oil content should be such that the wax does not produce large amounts oE smoke.
Waxes of this type are available in the petroleum industry and are prepared in a known manner to fit individual requirements by blending of so-called low temperature elements, i.e., waxes, and ~0 high-temperature elements.
The slack wax is employed in an amount ranging from about 5% to 35% by weight of the composition. An amount of the wax of about 5% by weight is required to impart sufficient igni-tion and flame spreading characteristics to the composition. Use of an amount of the wax of greater than about 35% by weight is not economical and provides no additional beneficial properties.
The slack wax provides lubrication when the synthetic fuel com-position is extruded to form artificlal logs. An amount of the wax of up to about 15% by weight has been found to provide suff-icient lubrication and~ at the same time, to provide an optimum ~l~Z'~58 1 balance between the cost of producing an artificial log and theburning properties thereof.
The third component of the synthetic fuel composition according to the present invention is an alkali metal silicate binder. More specifically, the binder is a soluble silicate, i.e., sodium silicate or potassium silicate, These silicates are employed as aqueous solutions which are available in a wide range of percent solids, SiO2/Na20 or SiO2/K20 ratios and vis-cosities. Typically, the percent solids will vary between about 30 to 50% and the silicate ratios will vary between about 1.8 to
3.75. The choice of a suitable silicate is believed to be limited only by its handling and mixing characteristics. If the vis~
cosity of the aqueous silicate solution is too low, it is diff-icult to ensure sufficient coating of the coal particles, On the other hand, if the viscosity is too high, mixing of the silicate with the coal particles is difficult. Aqueous sodium silicate solutions having a viscosity in the range of about 1000 centi-poises (measured at 65F) have been found to be particularly useful in preparing the composition although mixture~ of other sodium silicate solutions with potassium silicate solutions are believed to be suitable. The aqueous silicate solution is employed in an amount of from about 2% to 10% by weight of the synthetic fuel composition. An amount of at least 2~ by weight is required to ensure adequate binding of the composition before and after burning. Amounts of more than 10~ by weight provide excessive amounts of moisture.
The silicate appears to function as both a low temper-ature and high temperature binder for the synthetic fuel composi-tion. The silicate solution is mixed with the coal, slack wax, oxidizer and additives, if any, and formed into a desired shape.
~l~'Z~7S~
1 Although the silicate apparently dehydrates to some extent during these operations~it is believed that at least a significant portion oE the moisture content is retained. During burning of the synthetic fuel composition, e.g., as an artificial log in a fireplace, the silicate dehydrates to provide strong, relative-ly rigid bonds with the components of the logs. This setting, or hardening, of the silicate enables the synthetic fuel com-position to substantially retain its original shape during burning ~the silicate is not combustible) and provides for easy removal and disposal of the resultant ashes. The silicate also operates to control the amount of smoke given off by the composition during burning.
The fourth essential component of the coal-containing synthe-tic fuel composition of the invention is an oxidizer, or combustion or ignition aid. The oxidizer promotes combustion and increases the temperature during burning of the composition to ignite the coal particles~ Any of the commonly known combus-tion promoters or ignition accelerators can be employed in the present invention. Preferred are the nitrates, perchlorates, peroxides and permanganates. Sodium and/or potassium nitrate are particularly preferred because of their availability and cost.
An amount of oxidizer of about 5% to 15% by weight of the com-position is suitable for most purposes.
The synthetic fuel composition of the invention may also contain other components which add to the aesthetic features of the composition but which do not materially affect the basic properties thereof. Thus, for example, coloring agents such as those disclosed in Brockbank, U.S. Patent No. 4,062,655, and Pierce~ U.S~ Patent No. 4,042,313, can be included in the com-position. Agents which produce desirable aromas such asthatofpine 1 could also be added to the composition. These optional compon-ents can be employed in amountsof up to about a total of 5% by weight of the composition.
The synthetic fuel composition is prepared by first mixing the coal particles with the aqueous silicate solution so as to provide a thin film of the silicate on the particles. The coated particles of coal are then blended with the slack wax, which has been heated to a temperature above its melting point to liquefy it, and the oxidizer and other additives, if any. The composition is then formed into a desired shape by conventional molding and forming techniques.
In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the synthetic fuel composition is extruded in a substantially cylindrical form to provide log-shaped members suitable as artificial logs for fireplaces This embodiment will be further illustrated by way of the following example.
EXAMPLE
In this example, the following components are employed (all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise spec-ifiedL:
(1) Coal-crushed, bituminous, non-metallurgical grade of coal having a maximum particle size of about 1/2 inch;
~ 2~ Soluble silicate - an aqueous solution of sodium silicate having a SiO2/Na20 ratio of 2,88, a solids content of 42.7% and a viscosity of 960 poise ~at 65 F);
(3) Slack wax - wax having a melting point of 121.5F, flash point of 405 F, oil content ~ASTM) of 6.5%, viscosity (SUS) of 37.6 and a penetration (77 needle) of 94, and
cosity of the aqueous silicate solution is too low, it is diff-icult to ensure sufficient coating of the coal particles, On the other hand, if the viscosity is too high, mixing of the silicate with the coal particles is difficult. Aqueous sodium silicate solutions having a viscosity in the range of about 1000 centi-poises (measured at 65F) have been found to be particularly useful in preparing the composition although mixture~ of other sodium silicate solutions with potassium silicate solutions are believed to be suitable. The aqueous silicate solution is employed in an amount of from about 2% to 10% by weight of the synthetic fuel composition. An amount of at least 2~ by weight is required to ensure adequate binding of the composition before and after burning. Amounts of more than 10~ by weight provide excessive amounts of moisture.
The silicate appears to function as both a low temper-ature and high temperature binder for the synthetic fuel composi-tion. The silicate solution is mixed with the coal, slack wax, oxidizer and additives, if any, and formed into a desired shape.
~l~'Z~7S~
1 Although the silicate apparently dehydrates to some extent during these operations~it is believed that at least a significant portion oE the moisture content is retained. During burning of the synthetic fuel composition, e.g., as an artificial log in a fireplace, the silicate dehydrates to provide strong, relative-ly rigid bonds with the components of the logs. This setting, or hardening, of the silicate enables the synthetic fuel com-position to substantially retain its original shape during burning ~the silicate is not combustible) and provides for easy removal and disposal of the resultant ashes. The silicate also operates to control the amount of smoke given off by the composition during burning.
The fourth essential component of the coal-containing synthe-tic fuel composition of the invention is an oxidizer, or combustion or ignition aid. The oxidizer promotes combustion and increases the temperature during burning of the composition to ignite the coal particles~ Any of the commonly known combus-tion promoters or ignition accelerators can be employed in the present invention. Preferred are the nitrates, perchlorates, peroxides and permanganates. Sodium and/or potassium nitrate are particularly preferred because of their availability and cost.
An amount of oxidizer of about 5% to 15% by weight of the com-position is suitable for most purposes.
The synthetic fuel composition of the invention may also contain other components which add to the aesthetic features of the composition but which do not materially affect the basic properties thereof. Thus, for example, coloring agents such as those disclosed in Brockbank, U.S. Patent No. 4,062,655, and Pierce~ U.S~ Patent No. 4,042,313, can be included in the com-position. Agents which produce desirable aromas such asthatofpine 1 could also be added to the composition. These optional compon-ents can be employed in amountsof up to about a total of 5% by weight of the composition.
The synthetic fuel composition is prepared by first mixing the coal particles with the aqueous silicate solution so as to provide a thin film of the silicate on the particles. The coated particles of coal are then blended with the slack wax, which has been heated to a temperature above its melting point to liquefy it, and the oxidizer and other additives, if any. The composition is then formed into a desired shape by conventional molding and forming techniques.
In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the synthetic fuel composition is extruded in a substantially cylindrical form to provide log-shaped members suitable as artificial logs for fireplaces This embodiment will be further illustrated by way of the following example.
EXAMPLE
In this example, the following components are employed (all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise spec-ifiedL:
(1) Coal-crushed, bituminous, non-metallurgical grade of coal having a maximum particle size of about 1/2 inch;
~ 2~ Soluble silicate - an aqueous solution of sodium silicate having a SiO2/Na20 ratio of 2,88, a solids content of 42.7% and a viscosity of 960 poise ~at 65 F);
(3) Slack wax - wax having a melting point of 121.5F, flash point of 405 F, oil content ~ASTM) of 6.5%, viscosity (SUS) of 37.6 and a penetration (77 needle) of 94, and
(4) Oxidizer - a mixture of potassium and sodium nitrate.
~'2'75~
1 The coal and a~ueous sodium silicate solution are added to a mixer in amounts of 71,4 parts and 5.7 parts, respectively, and are blended until a thin film of the silicate is provided on the individual particles The oxidizer ~8,6 parts) and the slack wax (14.3 parts), which has heen l.iquefied by heating, are then added to the mixer and the mixture is thoroughly blended to pro-vide a uniform mixture The mixture is then allowed to cool to below the meltiny point of the wax, for example, to about 90F, and is then fed to an extruder. A suitable extruder is a Bonnot Lumberjack extruded manufactured by the Bonnot Company, Kent, Ohio~ The mix is forced by the pressence of the screw of the extruder through a log forming die having about a 4 inch diameter opening to produce substantially cylindrical logs which are then cut to the desired length and packaged. A 7 pound log produced in this manner will burn approximately twice as long as a commer-cially available sawdust/wax log and will produce about twice the amount of heat. Moreover, the log does not fall apart during burning but substantially remains intact to form a shell-like mass that can be easily disposed of.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction wit~ the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to these but, instead, includes all those embodiments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, for example, it is believed that minor amounts of sawdust can be employed in conjunction with the coal particles without materially affecting the inventive features of the coal-containing synthetic fuel composition defined by the claims.
~'2'75~
1 The coal and a~ueous sodium silicate solution are added to a mixer in amounts of 71,4 parts and 5.7 parts, respectively, and are blended until a thin film of the silicate is provided on the individual particles The oxidizer ~8,6 parts) and the slack wax (14.3 parts), which has heen l.iquefied by heating, are then added to the mixer and the mixture is thoroughly blended to pro-vide a uniform mixture The mixture is then allowed to cool to below the meltiny point of the wax, for example, to about 90F, and is then fed to an extruder. A suitable extruder is a Bonnot Lumberjack extruded manufactured by the Bonnot Company, Kent, Ohio~ The mix is forced by the pressence of the screw of the extruder through a log forming die having about a 4 inch diameter opening to produce substantially cylindrical logs which are then cut to the desired length and packaged. A 7 pound log produced in this manner will burn approximately twice as long as a commer-cially available sawdust/wax log and will produce about twice the amount of heat. Moreover, the log does not fall apart during burning but substantially remains intact to form a shell-like mass that can be easily disposed of.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction wit~ the foregoing preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to these but, instead, includes all those embodiments within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Thus, for example, it is believed that minor amounts of sawdust can be employed in conjunction with the coal particles without materially affecting the inventive features of the coal-containing synthetic fuel composition defined by the claims.
Claims (10)
1. A synthetic fuel composition comprising at least about 40% by weight of coal particles, from about 5 to 35% by weight of slack wax, a binder selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate and potassium silicate and an oxidizer.
2. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 1, wherein the silicate is employed as an aqueous solution in an amount of from about 2 to 10% by weight of the synthetic fuel composition mix-ture.
3. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 2, wherein the oxidizer is sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate or mixtures thereon and is employed in an amount of from 5 to 15% by weight.
4. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 3, wherein the coal has a maximum particle size of about 1/2 inch.
5. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 4 which further comprises up to about 10% by weight of a coloring or aroma-producing additive.
6. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 1 comprising at least about 70% by weight of the coal particles and less than about 15% by weight of the slack wax.
7. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 6 which is in the form of a log.
8. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 2, 3 or 4 comprising at least about 70% by weight of the coal particles and less than about 15% by weight of the slack wax.
9. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim 5 comprising at least about 70% by weight of the coal particles and less than about 15% by weight of the slack wax.
10. The synthetic fuel composition of Claim g which is in the form of a log.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000368522A CA1142758A (en) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-01-14 | Synthetic fuel composition |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000368522A CA1142758A (en) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-01-14 | Synthetic fuel composition |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1142758A true CA1142758A (en) | 1983-03-15 |
Family
ID=4118925
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000368522A Expired CA1142758A (en) | 1981-01-14 | 1981-01-14 | Synthetic fuel composition |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1142758A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-01-14 CA CA000368522A patent/CA1142758A/en not_active Expired
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