Process for making fuel cubes from straw

• US 5,352,252 A
• Filed: 12/07/1993
• Issued: 10/04/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard W. Tolmie
• Original Assignee: Richard W. Tolmie
• Inventors: Tolmie, Richard W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kalafut, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Toomer, Cephia D.
• Application Number:
  US08/181,622
• Time in Patent Office: 301 Days
• Field of Search: 44/580, 44/589, 44/594, 44/596, 44/605, 44/551
• US Class Current: 44/580
• CPC Class Codes: C10L 5/44 on vegetable substances
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/10 Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 50/30 Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel

Abstract

A process for making fuel cubes from straw includes the steps of drying and cutting the straw, adding lime to the straw and applying ammonia to the straw. The straw is then placed in a densification machine or cuber where solid bricks are formed. The ammonia breaks down the natural crystalline lattice structure of the straw'"'"'s cellulose thus allowing it to be compacted.

Claims

1. A process for forming a combustible fuel cube from straw or grass comprising the steps of:

(a) drying the straw;

(b) cutting the straw to a length not to exceed 3 inches;

(c) applying lime to the straw;

(d) applying ammonia to the straw; and

(e) compressing the straw into dense bricks or cubes.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein the amount of ammonia applied to the straw lies in the range of two to five gallons per ton of straw.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein the amount of lime applied to the straw lies in a range of between 2% and 7% by weight.

4. The process of claim 2 wherein the straw is dried so as to have a moisture content of between 10% and 18%.