GB550167A - Process of making solid fuel briquettes - Google Patents

Abstract

550,167. Agglomerating fueL ERICKSON, J. A. May 7, 1940, No. 8221. Convention date, May 8, 1939. [Class 50] Solid fuel briquettes having a starch binder are made waterproof by mixing the briquette mixture, for example by spraying, with minute particles of a combustible material solid at ordinary temperatures but fusible at temperatures below the burning temperature of the fuel, forming briquettes and heating to above the fusing point of the material. Heavy hydrocarbons such as paraffin wax or asphalt are suitable for use. The briquettes are made with a starch binder which, before being added to this fuel, is mixed with water and a caustic such as sodium hydroxide or carbonate, the amount of caustic being about 2 per cent by volume of the starch. The mixture is agitated and heated up to 200‹ F. for about 30 minutes. The fuel may consist of anthracite fines, or of coke breeze and petroleum coke fines to which a low volatile strongly coking coal is added. In the case of lignites or bituminous coal an additional binder such as cement, tar, resin, or asphalt may be added. The materials are preferably heated during mixing to expedite the subsequent drying. An antiseptic such as copper sulphate or sodium fluoride may be added to prevent mould forming when stored in a damp atmosphere.