Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Biomass booster blend Compositions and Methods for Their Utilization in Fueling Systems
2. APPLICANT(S)
Name Nationality Address

Steamax Envirocare Private Limited
Indian B-54, Upper Ground, New Krishna Park, Vikaspuri, New Delhi, 110018

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

PROVISIONAL
The following specification describes the invention.
COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
4. DESCRIPTION (Description shall start from next page.)
5. CLAIMS (not applicable for provisional specification. Claims should start with the preamble— “I/ We claim” on separate page)
6. DATE AND SIGNATURE (to be given at the end of last page of specification)
7. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION (to be given along with complete specification on separate page)

 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to biomass energy enhancing composition, more particularly for the preparation of biofuel composition and a method for its biofuel composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, there has been a growing push toward sustainable and decentralized energy solutions, especially in regions with abundant agricultural residues. Biomass densification via pelletization or briquetting—offers a viable path to valorize low-calorific, loose, or bulky agricultural by-products such as rice husk, cotton stalk, mustard husk, and sugarcane trash. However, these residues often suffer from low energy density, poor combustion characteristics and insufficient structural integrity for commercial-grade fuel pellets. As a result, the addition of structural binders and calorific boosters has become essential to produce densified biomass fuels that meet industrial-grade standards.
One promising additive in this context is Cashew Nut Shell Deoiled Cake, a residue obtained after the solvent extraction of cashew shell oil. This is produced in significant volumes in cashew-processing regions, especially during harvest seasons, and is relatively inexpensive compared to premium wood chips or torrefied biomass. Due to its fine particle size, fibrous structure, and protein-rich composition, Cashew nut shell deoiled cake functions effectively as a natural binder and compaction aid when mixed with fibrous or flaky biomass feedstocks. It enhances bulk density, improves inter-particle bonding, and facilitates the pelletization process without the need for synthetic additives.
Moreover, CNS-DOC contributes moderately to the thermal profile of the composite fuel, making it both a structural and calorific enhancer. Its availability during seasonal peaks also offers cost-saving potential and reduces dependence on higher-cost fuels, thereby increasing the economic feasibility of biomass fuel production in rural and semi-urban areas.
Several operational setbacks have been observed during blending and combustion trials. Some of them are the trace acidic residues (such as phenolic compounds or residual cashew nut oil), especially in batches that have not undergone complete solvent extraction or proper drying. These residues can lead to increased corrosion potential in combustion systems and complicate emissions control.
Residual oils in some batches impart an unpleasant odor and may increase the volatile matter content, which can result in uncontrolled ignition characteristics or smoke production during combustion.
In high-humidity environments, CNS-DOC shows moderate hygroscopic behavior, leading to reduced shelf-life, microbial growth, and difficulty in maintaining consistent feed quality during extended storage.
CNS-DOC is a seasonal by-product, its availability and quality vary significantly depending on geographic and processing conditions. This can lead to inconsistent pellet quality unless proper feedstock conditioning and blending protocols are maintained.While the overall ash content of CNS-DOC is moderate, its composition can promote slagging
The growing demand for sustainable energy sources has led to significant interest in biomass-based solid fuels, particularly in the form of briquettes and pellets. However, many commonly available agricultural residues—such as rice husk, cotton stalk, and other lightweight biomass suffer from low calorific value (typically below 3500 kcal/kg), poor bulk density, and weak mechanical properties. These limitations hinder their performance in industrial combustion systems, reduce transport efficiency, and lead to higher ash generation and emissions.
To overcome these challenges, the present invention focuses on the development of a composite fuel blend that improves both the physical and thermal characteristics of low-grade biomass. A key component in this formulation is Cashew Nut Shell Deoiled Cake (CNSDC), an agro-industrial by-product obtained after oil extraction from cashew nut shells. Traditionally underutilized, CNSDC has demonstrated considerable promise due to its fibrous structure, moderate calorific value, and inherent binding properties.
Blending trials involving CNSDC revealed that its incorporation into biomass mixtures significantly enhances pellet compaction, structural integrity, and bulk density. When combined with structural binders and calorific enhancers, CNSDC enables the production of durable, energy-efficient pellets or briquettes. These composite fuels exhibit improved combustion performance, making them suitable for industrial boilers, thermal power plants, and decentralized energy systems.
This invention thus addresses a key gap in the biomass fuel industry by transforming underused agricultural residues into high-performance, cost-effective composite fuels, using CNSDC as a multifunctional additive.
With the increasing need for renewable and cleaner fuel alternatives, biomass energy has emerged as a key component in both rural and industrial heating applications. Among various agro-industrial by-products explored for biofuel use, Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) has drawn interest due to its high energy content and availability in cashew-producing regions. CNSL is a reddish-brown, oil-like liquid extracted from the honeycomb structure of cashew nut shells, rich in phenolic compounds such as anacardic acid, cardol, and cardanol.
CNSL is often used as an additive or enhancer in biomass fuel blends due to its high calorific value (ranging between 5000–6000 kcal/kg) and chemical reactivity, which can contribute to improved ignition and combustion profiles. Its inclusion in densified biomass—whether sprayed onto pellets or absorbed into dry feedstocks—has shown potential to improve combustion efficiency and thermal output, especially in low-grade biomass systems such as rice husk, sawdust, or agricultural stalks.
However, despite these performance benefits, CNSL presents several critical limitations when considered for direct use or integration into composite biofuels.
Under ambient conditions, CNSL remains a high-viscosity fluid, making it difficult to pump, blend, or atomize without mechanical heating or thinning agents. This property complicates its handling during fuel processing and storage. Upon combustion, CNSL produces a high volume of reactive volatile vapors, including phenolic derivatives. These compounds can cause rapid ignition, pressure spikes, and inconsistent flame behavior, especially in unmodified boiler and furnace systems. The presence of acidic and phenolic compounds leads to corrosive gas formation, which can damage metal components, foul heat exchange surfaces, and reduce the service life of combustion hardware. Combustion of CNSL without proper control can generate aromatic hydrocarbons, particulates, and tar-like residues, contributing to environmental emissions that exceed standard biomass fuel regulations.
CNSL is susceptible to oxidative degradation when exposed to air and moisture, which can alter its chemical composition and lead to gumming or polymerization, further affecting its usability in long-term fuel applications.
These challenges limit the direct use of CNSL in unmodified fuel systems and necessitate the development of controlled blending methods, pre-treatment processes, or composite fuel formulations that can harness its thermal advantages while mitigating the operational risks. Therefore, while CNSL holds considerable promise as a biofuel enhancer, its integration into biomass fuel technology must address these core issues to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention developed a strategic solution to enhance the performance and commercial viability of locally available low-calorific-value biomass. The invention centres around a unique biomass-booster blend that significantly improves the energy content, combustion efficiency, and mechanical properties of agro-based solid fuels. A method of producing solid biofuel pellets comprising a blending biomass feedstock with 20–25% by weight of the biomass binder composition, pelletizing the blended material into solid form and thermochemically processing the pellets for use as a fuel. Biofuel pellets produced by this method thereby exhibit enhanced calorific value, structural integrity, and lower emissions compared to pellets produced without said binder composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1. Schematic representation biomass blender composition

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the development of optimized solid and semi-solid biofuel formulations by incorporating agro-industrial by-products such as Cashew nut shell deoiled cake and Cashew Nut shell liquid for enhanced combustion efficiency, fuel densification, and lower-cost biomass venture operations. Supplementation of traditional biomass feedstocks with these cashew-derived inputs improves mechanical handling characteristics, calorific value, emissions profile, and durability of the resulting fuel solids, namely briquettes or pellets referred to collectively as the Astillas composite fuel.

Sample 1: Biomass + CNS-DOC Blend
As part of developing the Astillas composite fuel, Cashew Nut Shell Deoiled Cake (CNS-DOC) was incorporated to assess its effectiveness as both a structural binder and calorific enhancer. Blending trials showed that CNS-DOC significantly improved fuel compaction, pellet binding strength, and bulk density, especially when combined with low-weight, low-calorific biomass (below 3500 kcal/kg) such as rice husk or cotton stalk. The inclusion of CNS-DOC increased bulk density from approximately 450 kg/m³ to over 600 kg/m³, enhancing combustion stability, fuel handling efficiency, and reducing transportation costs per unit energy. Additionally, CNS-DOC boosted the net calorific value of weaker biomass blends, elevating the overall energy content from around 3000–3500 kcal/kg to 4200–4500 kcal/kg, which results in better flame quality and more efficient combustion in boilers and furnaces.

Beyond its calorific benefits, CNS-DOC contributes a high fixed carbon content (~20–25%), improving char bed stability in fluidized bed combustion (FBC) systems and promoting sustained combustion. As a by-product of cashew processing, CNS-DOC valorises agro-industrial residue, supporting a circular economy in cashew-growing regions by reducing waste and adding economic value. Compared to higher-cost fuels like premium wood or torrefied biomass, CNS-DOC is a cost-effective booster available in bulk during harvest seasons, reducing reliance on expensive alternatives. Its fine texture and protein-rich matrix also make CNS-DOC an effective binder when ground and mixed with fibrous biomass, facilitating pelletization and enabling the production of durable, high-quality densified biofuels.

However, despite its structural and thermal performance benefits, Cashew Nut Deoiled Cake (CNS-DOC) presents several drawbacks when used in biomass fuel blends. Although relatively stable under ambient conditions, CNS-DOC contains trace acidic residues and residual oils in some market batches. Detailed description of major setbacks faced upon using this biomass-cashew doc blends are discussed in the following sections and also summarised in Table 1.

Sample 2: Biomass + CNSL Blend
After facing setbacks with previous blends due to inconsistent fuel characteristics and diluted energy density, a new Astillas recipe was developed by blending various biomasses with Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) alone as a high-calorific booster (CV ~9750 kcal/kg). This formulation significantly increased the calorific value of the fuel blend—by up to 55%—allowing more heat release per kilogram of fuel, which improved boiler performance and reduced specific fuel requirements (steam-to-fuel ratio between 5.83 and 7.4). Even at 10–30% blending, decarboxylated CNSL elevated the calorific value of low-quality biomass from about 3200–3500 kcal/kg to 4500–5000 kcal/kg, resulting in faster ignition, stronger flame, and less unburnt carbon. CNSL’s natural ignition boosting properties reduce ignition delay and promote stable combustion, especially useful during cold starts or with moist, fibrous biomass. The blend also produces a longer, more luminous flame that enhances heat transfer and ensures uniform temperature distribution across furnace chambers.

Additionally, CNSL’s hydrophobic nature helps coat biomass particles, reducing moisture absorption during transport and storage, which preserves combustion quality in humid conditions. Acting as a natural binder due to its resinous, polymeric content, CNSL improves pellet and briquette mechanical strength, reduces fines and dust losses, and enhances fuel durability. The low inorganic content of CNSL lowers ash generation, minimizing boiler ash load and disposal efforts. Its oily character supports a partially self-sustaining flame that prevents flameouts during brief air or fuel flow interruptions. The volatile-rich CNSL also boosts combustion efficiency by promoting more complete burnout, reducing CO and particulate emissions when systems are properly tuned. This blend’s versatility allows it to be used effectively in both fixed grate and fluidized bed combustion boilers, making it suitable for retrofitting older biomass systems without major redesigns.

However, despite its performance benefits, CNSL is a high-viscosity, low-volatility liquid under ambient conditions. Yet, when combusted, it releases a high volume of reactive volatile vapors and phenolic compounds, which pose serious operational and thermal management challenges in boiler and furnace systems, discussed in the following sections and also summarised in Table 1:

Improvised Biomass Composition: Sample 3

The base formulation of Astillas consists of any regionally sourced lignocellulosic biomass, mixed with a proprietary booster formulated from decarboxylated cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), cashew nut shell deoiled cake (CNS-DOC), and a small portion of Dolomite.

Biomass feedstock may include any lignocellulosic agricultural, forest, wood residue or waste. Preferably with an as-received CV between 3200–4300 kcal/kg. Easily available and cheap. Pre-treated by drying and size reduction to <10 mm particles.

The booster consists of (i) Decarboxylated CNSL (bio-oil) with CV ~9750 kcal/kg; (ii) finely ground De-oiled CNS-DOC (solid) with CV ~4300 kcal/kg. The optimized blending composition comprises 41% decarboxylated cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), 54% cashew nut deoiled cake (CNS-DOC), and (iii) the remaining 5% by weight is supported with dolomite as an additive. The booster has low moisture, high carbon content, improves solid structure matrix and acts both as an energy enhancer and also can be used as binding agent for densifying biomass into briquettes and pellets.

“Astillas”-the high-performance composite fuel is engineered by blending a tailored biomass booster with base biomass in a defined ratio. This formulation is designed to enhance both thermal efficiency and mechanical robustness, making it suitable for industrial-scale applications such as steam boilers, thermic fluid heaters, and biomass burners.

Choice of selection for booster:
(i) Decarboxylated Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL): A high-energy, viscous bio-oil with a calorific value of approximately 9750 kcal/kg. CNSL acts as both a volatile-rich combustion enhancer and a natural binder, promoting flame propagation, improving energy density, and providing internal cohesion within composite pellets or briquettes. Its fluidity aids in uniform dispersion throughout the biomass blend.
(ii) De-oiled Cashew Nut Deoiled Cake (CNS-DOC): A solid, carbon-rich matrix with a calorific value of ~4300 kcal/kg. CNS-DOC contributes significantly to fixed carbon content, enhances mechanical strength, and provides a structural scaffold for the blend. It facilitates densification and improves combustion stability, ensuring consistent burn behaviour.
(iii) Dolomite: Incorporated at 5% by weight, dolomite serves a dual role as a binder support and an ash-conditioning additive. It effectively neutralizes alkali metals and lowers ash fusion temperatures, thereby mitigating issues such as slagging, fouling, and sintering that commonly occur during high-temperature combustion—advantages that are rarely matched by conventional additives.
Together, these components create a synergistic composite material wherein CNSL enhances thermal performance and binding, CNS-DOC reinforces structural integrity and carbon content, and dolomite stabilizes ash behaviour during combustion.

Optimization Rationale for the Composite Booster Blend
The development of the composite booster blend was guided by the goal of significantly enhancing the combustion efficiency, structural integrity, and emission performance of low-calorific value lignocellulosic biomass fuels. The composite blend was engineered to address critical challenges associated with biomass combustion, including poor energy density, slagging, and variability in feed handling characteristics.

Formulation Trials and Experimental Design
To determine the optimal formulation, several blend ratios were systematically trialled under controlled and field conditions. The core CNSL:CNS-DOC:Dolomite ratios explored included 30:65:5, 35:60:5, 40:50:10, 45:50:5, and 50:45:5. These were mixed with various lignocellulosic biomass substrates at inclusion rates ranging from 10% to 30% by weight. Each combination was evaluated against key parameters including net calorific value (NCV), Pellet/briquette mechanical durability, Ash behaviour (slagging, fouling, sintering tendencies), Flue gas emissions (PM, SOx, NOx), Fuel handling performance and storage stability. Each formulation was blended with lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks (such as sawdust, paddy husk, and groundnut shells) at inclusion rates of 10–30% (w/w) and evaluated under both laboratory-scale and field-scale combustion conditions.
Initial results indicated that CNSL content above 45% caused excessive stickiness and higher volatile emissions, leading to complications in feeding mechanisms such as bridging and clogging. Conversely, CNSL below 35% yielded insufficient binding and inadequate thermal enhancement. Similarly, dolomite concentrations above 5% diluted the energy density and increased ash content, while dosages below 3% were ineffective in suppressing slagging and alkali volatilisation. These observations helped to narrow down the feasible formulation window.
Following a comparative evaluation, the 40:55:5 (CNSL:CNS-DOC:Dolomite) blend initially emerged as the most promising in terms of both thermochemical and operational performance. This formulation offered:
• A calorific value of ~4700 kcal/kg when blended with biomass at 20–25% dosing
• High binding strength without excessive tackiness on pellet surfaces
• Stable pellet morphology with minimal friability during handling and transport
• Improved ash resistance, especially in high-alkali biomass combustion
• Reduced NOx and SOx emissions, attributed to more uniform combustion
However, extended trials involving long-term storage and auger feeding under fluctuating ambient humidity revealed minor phase migration of CNSL. This was traced back to oversaturation of the CNS-DOC matrix, which led to gradual exudation of CNSL, resulting in localized compaction and stickiness in the feeding system.
To mitigate this, a targeted micro-adjustment was implemented:
• CNSL increased from 40% to 41%
• CNS-DOC reduced from 55% to 54%
• Dolomite held constant at 5%
Though the modification appears minimal, this 1% shift significantly improved the oil distribution dynamics. The slight reduction in CNS-DOC reduced excessive absorption and prevented matrix oversaturation, while the modest increase in CNSL enhanced its wettability and even dispersion into both the CNS-DOC and the surrounding biomass during blending. This balanced absorption minimized CNSL migration, preserving the binder’s structural lock-in over time.
The final 41:54:5 blend thus represents a real-world optimisation that balances high calorific output with improved storage stability, feeding consistency, and pellet integrity. Validation across diverse biomass substrates and feeding systems confirmed its enhanced robustness without compromising on energy yield or combustion efficiency.

Elevated Calorific Value (4500–5500 kcal/kg):
Previously, Sample 1 showed low to moderate energy density due to limited residual oil, while Sample 2 improved energy density but posed handling challenges because CNSL’s liquid form required dual feeding systems, causing mixing and combustion inconsistencies.
The new composite blend sample 3 integrates decarboxylated CNSL (liquid), CNS-DOC (solid bulk), and dolomite (mineral additive) into a homogeneous solid-phase matrix at factory level, ensuring uniform CNSL distribution, enhanced combustion efficiency, and simplified feeding.
This results in a stable composite fuel with a significantly elevated calorific value of 4500–5500 kcal/kg, outperforming prior blends in reliability and performance.

Enhanced Steam-to-Fuel Ratio (SFR: 6.8–7.2):
Earlier Sample 1 improved pellet strength but limited thermal efficiency due to moderate calorific value, while Sample 2 caused combustion instability and flame irregularities with difficulties maintaining SFR above 6.2–6.5.
Sample 3 embeds high-energy CNSL uniformly within CNS-DOC’s solid matrix and incorporates dolomite as a combustion stabilizer that buffers peaks, neutralizes acidic vapours, and raises ash fusion temperature.
This synergy yields a mechanically robust, thermally balanced fuel enabling smooth combustion and a stable steam-to-fuel ratio of 6.8–7.2, improving fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, and boiler performance.

Enhanced Pelletization and Mechanical Strength:
Sample 1 blend pellets exhibited moderate strength, high fines generation, and weak cohesion under humidity, while Sample 2 blend pellets improved binding but required dual feeding systems and risked phase separation and uneven CNSL distribution.
The Sample 3 blend pellets homogenizes locally available biomass, CNSL, CNS-DOC, and dolomite into a solid matrix, delivering uniform CNSL coating, structural density, flexibility, and thermal stability.
The resulting pellets and briquettes exhibit high density, moisture resistance, minimal fines, superior compaction strength, and exceptional transport durability, outperforming earlier formulations in mechanical integrity.

Slag and Emission Control through Dolomite Integration:
Sample 1 had moderate ash but lacked acidic gas neutralization, resulting in low ash fusion temperatures prone to clinker and sintering, while Sample 2 increased acidic emissions accelerating corrosion without ash chemistry control.
Sample 3 with 5% dolomite neutralizes acidic gases (HCl, SO₂), converts sulfur to stable calcium sulfate, raises ash fusion temperature, and reduces clinker and agglomeration risks.
Factory pre-blending ensures even dolomite distribution, eliminating separate additive dosing and improving ash flow and disposal, thereby enhancing boiler reliability, lowering maintenance, and reducing harmful emissions significantly.

Superior Storage and Transport Characteristics:
Sample 1 suffered from moisture absorption due to hygroscopic CNS-DOC, causing clumping, flow issues, and microbial degradation, whereas Sample 2 improved hydrophobicity but lacked structural stabilizers, leading to stickiness and integrity loss in transport.
Sample 3 benefited from CNSL and dolomite’s semi-hydrophobic properties, with dolomite suppressing moisture uptake and microbial growth.
This results in exceptional flowability, mechanical resilience, minimal fines or clumping, and extended shelf life, supporting safe bulk storage and reliable transport even in humid tropical conditions.

Sample 1 had good flow but prone to bridging due to fibrous structure, and Sample 2 though energy dense, exhibited stickiness causing feeder jamming.
Sample 3 uses dolomite as a natural anti-caking agent absorbing surface oils and reducing CNS-DOC compressibility, with the solidified matrix eliminating viscous CNSL effects.
This yields consistently free-flowing granules with reduced bridging and clogging, enabling seamless use with existing feeding systems without modifications.
Sample 1 had slow ignition and uneven flames due to variable volatile release, while Sample 2 caused sudden combustion surges and puffing under fluctuating air-to-fuel ratios.
Sample 3’s dolomite moderates volatile release and harmonizes combustion rates between reactive CNSL, moderately reactive CNS-DOC, and slow-burning biomass.
This results in smooth, uniform flames, consistent furnace temperatures, and minimized puffing and thermal spikes, delivering stable, efficient combustion.

Sample 1 contained acidic ash, which lowered ash fusion temperatures and increased the risk of clinker formation and agglomeration, while Sample 2 produced sticky, tacky ash deposits.
Dolomite in Sample 3 reacts with acidic oxides to raise ash fusion temperature and create drier, non-adherent ash particles, reducing slagging and clinker significantly.
This reduces soot blower dependence, keeps heat transfer surfaces cleaner, and extends boiler uptime and maintenance intervals.

Sample 1 pellets absorbed ambient moisture causing swelling, softening, dust, and microcracks, and Sample 2 pellets, though water-resistant, lacked structural reinforcement leading to pellet degradation during handling and storage.
Sample 3 embeds CNSL as a hydrophobic binder and uses dolomite for rigidity and moisture mitigation, resulting in superior humidity resistance, mechanical integrity, minimal swelling or fines, and resilience to pneumatic and screw feeding, markedly improving shelf life, storage, and feeding compatibility.

Sample 1’s low volatiles reduced combustion intensity but lacked buffering capacity, causing ash fouling and mild corrosion on furnace surfaces.
Sample 2 reported increased phenolic vapor emissions, which led to localized corrosion, thermal fatigue, and microcracking of refractory surfaces.
In Sample 3, dolomite neutralized acidic and phenolic gases, reducing chemical stress on furnace components. Simultaneously, CNS-DOC content in sample 3 helped shape and moderate the flame, dampening thermal fluctuations and minimizing refractory damage, thereby extending component life.
Sample 1 emitted relatively low pollutants but lacked acidic gas neutralization, causing corrosion and emissions under high chlorine/sulfur conditions, while Sample 2 increased VOCs, CO, and phenolic emissions caused odour and air quality issues and spikes during transient operation.
Sample 3 uses dolomite as an in-situ neutralizer for converting SO₂ and HCl into stable compounds, synergistically moderating combustion to reduce VOCs, CO, and phenolic emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and cleaner flue gas.

Table 1:
Category Sample 1
(Biomass+CNS-DOC) Sample 2
(Biomass+CNSL) Sample 3
(Biomass+Booster)
Calorific Value Low to moderate; ~3200–3500 kcal/kg Higher CV, but inconsistent distribution Elevated and uniform CV: 4500–5500 kcal/kg
Steam-to-Fuel Ratio (SFR) Moderate (≤6.5); inefficient combustion Higher energy but unstable SFR (≤6.5) Stable and efficient SFR: 6.8–7.2
Pellet Strength & Durability Weak binding, high fines, moisture-sensitive Better binding, but prone to phase separation Strong, dense,
moisture-resistant;
high durability
Slag & Emission Control No acidic gas neutralization; high clinker risk High acidic emissions, low ash fusion temp Dolomite neutralizes acids, raises ash fusion temp, reduces clinker
Storage & Transport Clumping, microbial decay Sticky, lacks structural stability Semi-hydrophobic, flowable, durable, long shelf life
Feeding & Handling Bridging due to fibrous biomass Sticky; feeder clogging issues Free-flowing, anti-caking, compatible with existing feeders
Combustion & Flame Slow ignition, irregular flame Puffing, volatile surges Stable combustion, uniform flame, minimized puffing
Clinker & Ash Behaviour Acidic ash, increased slag risk Sticky ash deposits Dry, non-sticky ash, reduced slagging and fouling
Moisture Resistance Swelling, softening under humidity Lacks structure; degrades over time Highly moisture-resistant, retains shape and strength
Furnace & Refractory Health Mild corrosion, ash fouling Localized corrosion, microcracks Reduced chemical stress, dampened thermal fluctuation
Emissions & Compliance Corrosive emissions in high Cl/S fuel VOC, CO, and phenolic spike issues Cleaner emissions, VOC/acid neutralization, regulatory compliance
, Claims:We claim:
1. A biomass booster blend composition to enhance calorific value and Steam-to-Fuel Ratio, comprising
 (a) 41% by weight of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL),
 (b) 54% by weight of Cashew Nut Shell Deoiled Cake (CNS-DOC), and
 (c) 5% by weight of dolomite powder as a mineral additive
  wherein said composition is configured for blending with biomass feedstock at a dosing level of 20–25% by weight to form solid biofuel pellets with enhanced performance characteristics.
2. The biomass booster blend composition of claim 1, wherein the increase in CNSL from 40% to 41% results in improved wettability and even dispersion of CNSL throughout the CNS-DOC and biomass substrate during blending.
3. The biomass booster blend composition of claim 1, wherein the reduction of CNS-DOC from 55% to 54% minimizes excessive oil absorption and prevents binder saturation, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and storage stability of the final densified fuel.
4. The biomass booster blend composition of claim 1, wherein dolomite functions as a thermal stabilizer and ash conditioner, contributing to improved combustion efficiency and reduced slagging.
5. The biomass booster blend composition of claim 1, wherein the final 41:54:5 formulation exhibits improved pellet integrity, feeding consistency, and energy output, without requiring synthetic binders or external additives.
6. The biomass booster blend composition of claim 1, wherein the CNSL used is pre-filtered and homogenized to maintain flowability and reduce the presence of free phenolics and particulates.
7. The biomass booster blend composition as claimed in claim 1 results in a stable composite fuel with a significantly elevated calorific value of 4500–5500 kcal/kg
8. The biomass booster blend composition as claimed in claim 1 has thermally balanced fuel enabling smooth combustion and a stable steam-to-fuel ratio of 6.8–7.2.

Dated this 27th July ‘2025