FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970) &
The Patents Rules, 2003
PROVISIONAL /-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
"A METHOD TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY AND ENERGY RICH SOLID BIOFUEL"
2. APPLICANT(S)
(a) NAME: ABELLON CLEAN ENERGY LIMITED
(b) NATIONALITY: Indian
(c) ADDRESS: 3rd Floor, Sangeeta Complex, Nr. Parimal Crossing, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad- 380 006, Gujarat, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRITION
PROVISIONAL COMPLETE
Iho following specification describes invention The following specification particularly describes
the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
j 4. DESCRIPTION (Description shall start from next page) : AS PER ATTACHED SHEET
I
! 5. CLAIMS (not applicable for provisional specification. Claims should start with the preamble - "1/ We claim" on separate page)
AS PER ATTACHED SHEET
6. DATE AND SIGNATURE (to be given on the last page of specification)
7. ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION (to be given along with complete specification on the separate page)
AS PER ATTACHED SHEET
Note:
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*To be signed by the applicant(s)or the authorized registered patent agent
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*Complete address of the applicant should be given stating with postal index no. / code, state and
country
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The following specification particularly describes the invention:
The present invention relates to method for increase energy content of biomass through pretreatment like torrefaction, washing and production of solid biofuel are described herein.
More particularly energy rich solid biofuel like pellets, aggregates, agglomerates, granulates, briquettes, compounds or composites of any form with or without binder is prepared from any types of biomass herbs, shrub and trees, as such or in combination with other types of biomass.
Background of the invention
Biomass based energy is the largest source of renewable energy as well as a vital part of the waste management infrastructure. An increasing global awareness about environmental issues is acting as driving force behind the use of alternative and renewable sources of energy. A greater emphasis is being laid on the promotion of bioenergy in the industrialized as well as developing world to counter environmental issues. (http://www.alternative-energy-
news.info/technology/biofuels/ surfed on February 2, 2010)
The continuous use of fossil fuels by mankind has caused immense damage to the environment. Fossil fuels are excess carbon that has been removed from the carbon cycle and sequestered within the earth's crust. This was nature's way of protecting itself, however the continuous removal of this sequestered carbon from the earth's crust causes a net increase in carbon in the atmosphere causing various global climatic events such as global warming (Sawayama et al. 1995). Fossil fuels have a limited supply and known resources are reaching rapid exhaustion, sending crude oil prices to record hight. These factors have initiated the global search for renewable, cleaner biofuels (Chisty 1980-81).
Biomass is made up of solar energy, carbon dioxide and water. Plants manufacture biomass through photosynthesis process wherein chlorophyll in plants absorbs solar energy and converts carbon dioxide & water into carbohydrates. Plants draw carbon dioxide from the air and water stored in the ground in making of carbohydrates. When the carbohydrates are burned, they convert back into carbon dioxide and water, thereby releasing the sun's energy back into the atmosphere (http://www.ehow.com surfed on February 8, 2010), Direct burning of biomass is the most straightforward method of energy production. Mankind has burned wood and other forms of biomass for thousands of years, to keep warm, to cook food, and eventually to forge weapons and other tools ( http://library.thinkquest.org surfed on February 2, 2010). Currently, biomass energy provides 14 percent of the world's main energy consumption. It accounts for 38 percent of the primary energy used in developing countries, as compared to 4 percent for the United States. Research and development efforts are working towards finding more efficient biomass conversion technologies in an effort to take advantage of this natural energy resource (http://www.ehow.com surfed on February 8, 2010).
Biofuel is often talked about as though it was a new technology that we can use in the future to help solve our energy supply problems. But humans have been using biofuel since the beginning of humanity. The food we eat is a form of biofuel that we wouldn't exist without. Humans have also used plant materials such as wood wax and fish oil as a fuel to burn for heat and light for thousands of years. Newer technologies have allowed us to use biomass for making other biofuels. Biomass can be burned to power electric generators or made into methane, alcohol or bio diesel for powering our cars. With all the technology going into biofuel research the one form of biofuel that we have been using since ancient times still remains the most efficient and practical. Burning biomass such as wood for direct heating is still the most efficient ( http://ezinearticles.Com, surfed on 9th Feb 2010).
But utilization of these biomass as source of alternative source of energy has some disadvantages as fuel like; low calorific value, high moisture content, hygroscopic nature, smoking during combustion, low bulk density,. Torrefaction is a feasible method for improvement of properties of biomass as a fuel ( F. Fonseca Felfli et. al.,1998).
It is desirable to torrefied biomass by present process and produced pellets with high energy content & less moisture.
Object of the Invention
The main object of the present invention is to produce pellets with high energy content by torrefied biomass, which tackles most of the issues, currently associated with pellets prepared from non torrefied biomass.
Another object of the present invention is to produce such high energy rich pellets from torrefied biomass of any types.
Further object of the invention is to prepare such high energy content solid bio-fuel which is used for domestic combustion and/or industrial combustion purpose.
Detail Description of invention
In present invention, production of high energy containing solid biofuel (pellets) produced from torrefied biomass.
Structurally, the system includes first chopping of the biomass material less than 5 cm. Chopped biomass further pass through several steps like ; 1) Physical cleaning - Removal of metallic particles by magnetic belt, uniform size and increased bulk by removing sand, stones using different sieving mess, 2) Water soaking: By soaking biomass in water, left over sand, and stones are removed at the same time inorganic impurities like soluble chlorine get dissolved off from the biomass, followed by 3) Leaching: Leaching of biomass by mechanical pressure will further remove impurities and allow the biomass to get dry faster. 4)Pretreated biomass were dried before torrefied process, drying could be any types sun drying or by mechanical biomass dryer. 5) Dried biomass further torrefied at temperature 200 °C to 300 °C in torrefaction chamber for 30 to 90 minutes. 6) Torrefied biomass further used to produced solid biofuel.
The embodiment of the invention are directed to use of material from various freshly collected or stored, processed, unprocessed agricultural produce, including one or more parts or whole plants belonging to legumes, used as such or in combination with other types of biomass.
In the present invetnion inputs are selected from angiopsperm grops, further such plant could be one or more, but not limited to Arachis hypogaea nutshell, Crotolaria juncea stem, Crotolaria juncea leaves, Crotolaria juncea seeds, Crotolaria juncea seed pod, Sesbania sesban stalk, Sesbania sesban seeds, Sesbania sesban seed pod, Glycine max straw, Glycine max seed pod, Glycine max de-oiled cake, Cajanus cajan seed pod, Cajanus cajan stalk, Cicer arietinum seed pod, Cicer arietinum stalk, Phaseolus vulgaris seed pod, Phaseolus vulgaris stalk, Pisum sativum stalk, Pisum sativum seed pod, Prosopis seed pod, Cassia fistula fruit, Delonex regia fruit, Faba vulgaris stalk, Faba vulgaris seed pod, Vigna radiata stalk, Vigna radiata seed pod, Vigna radiata leaves, Saccharum officinarum leaves, Saccharum officinarum bagasse, Echinocloa colona leaves, Echinocloa colona stalk, Cymbopogon citrates leaves, Cymbopogon citrates stalk, Pennisetum purpureum leaves, Pennisetum purpureum bagasse, Sorghum bicolor L Moench bagasse, Cynodon dactylon cuttings, Cymbopogon martini stalks, Lycopersicon lycopersicum (stalk), Abelmoschus esculentus (stalk), Solanum melongena (stalk), Capsicum annuum (Stalk), Rosa indica (Pruning), Nerium indicum (Pruning), Bougainvillea glabra (Pruning), Calendula officinalis (Stalk), Musa sp. stem, Musa sp. leaves, Musa sp. fruit peel, Annona reticulata seeds, Cocos nucifera shell, Cocus nucifera coir, Prunus armeniaca seed coat, Mangifera indica seeds, Mangifera indica seed coat, Mangifera indica fruit peel, Manilkara hexandra seeds, Prunus persica seeds, Prunus dulcis seed coat, Pistacia vera seed coat, Pyllanthus indica seeds, Pyllanthus indica fruit fiber, Citrus sinensis fruit peel, Citrus sinensis fruit pulp, Citrus aurantium fruit peel, Citrus aurantium fruit pulp, Olea europaea seed coat, Olea europaea seed cake, Citrus limon peel, Citrus limon pulp, Areca catechu seed coat, Anacardium occidentale fruit, Coffea arabica husk, Phoenix dactylifera seeds, Elaeis guineensis seed coat, Elaeis guineensis seed cake, Ziziphus zizyphus seed, Manilkara zapota seeds, Manilkara zapota fruit peel, Eichhornia crassipes whole plant, Ipomea aquatica whole plant, Hydrilla verticillata whole plant, Typha latifolia leaves, Typha latifolia stem, Typha latifolia flower, Trapa natans leaves, Trapa natans stem, Trapa nutans fruit shell, Coclocasia esculenta whole plant, Lemna minor whole plant, Prosopis juliflora stem, Prosopis juliflora twigs, Ipomea carnea sp. fistulosa stem, Ipomea carnea sp. fistulosa leaves, Leucaena leucocephala stem, Carum arvi stem, Elettaria cardamom stem, Cuminum cynimum stem, Anethum graveoluns stem, Foeniculam vulgare stem, Trigonella foenum seed pod, Trigonella foenum stem, Allium sativum aerial part, Tamrindus indica seed, Curcuma longa aerial part, Zingiber officinale aerial part, Pimpirella anisum stem, Pimpirella anisum leaf, Phoenix dactylifera seed, Phoenix dactylifera leaf, including all wild, cultivated, sub-varieties, cultivars, hybrids and genetically modified species.
Any part of the plants such as stem, fruits, leaves or flowers can be used in preparation of solid biofuel.
Another embodiment of the invention is to produce high quality and energy rich solid biofuel with or without using binder, in the suitable form such as compounds, composites, aggregates, agglomerates, granulates, powder, pellets and briquettes of different size ranging from 1 mm and above and of different shapes, odor and color. The binder could be any suitable material such as but not limited to beeswax or resins of plant origin.
The densified energy biofuel pellets is preferably produced by first processing the input material to reduce the size to about 10 to 50 mm, by running through shredder, where the input material size is reduced so that about 60 to 70% material is of about 20 mm to 30 mm, 15 to 20% material is of about 10 mm to 20 mm and remaining 15 to 25% material is of about 30 mm to 50 mm in size. The reduced input material is then dried using a three pass Belt Conveyor type Drier, where in material is dried by hot air blown at temperature from about 100 degree centigrade to 200 degree centigrade. Moisture content of dried material is from about 10 wt.% to 12 wt.%. The dried biomass is torrefied in torrefaction chamber where the temperature ranges from 225 to 300 degree and in the absence of oxygen for 30 to 90 minutes. During the torrefaction the generated gases will be used to dry the wet biomass in dryer. After the torrefaction process, the hot biomass will be cooled by product cooler, torrefied material is passed on to Hammer Mill, in this case RK Hammer Mill Model RKHM 125 from R K Machines, Halol, Gujarat, India, to grind the material to about 2 mm to 3 mm. The powdered material is conveyed to Batch Mixer, if required water is sprinkled so as to moisten the material. The moist well mixed material is conveyed to Pellet Mill through Conditioner, equipped with multi point steam injection and adjustable paddle for mixing, hot water or steam may be injected to treated material at about 125 degree centigrade to 150 degree centigrade, the pellet mill in this case is Inovo 52-14, from R K Machines, Halol, Gujarat, India, having die of 520 mm inner diameter, 140 mm width and 50 holes of 6 mm diameter. The extruded pellets are cut by adjustable cutter assembly producing pellets of about 6 mm to 10 mm diameter and about 6 mm to 20 mm length. The temperature of extruded pellets is about 50 to 80 degree centigrade, pellets are air cooled in a Counter Flow Cooler, in this case Model RKM 18 x 18, from R K Machines, Halol, Gujarat, India, and then passed through screen before packing. The preferred moisture content of the final pellet is from about 6% and about 10%, which avoids potential spoilage during extended storage.
Another embodiment of the invention is to produce solid biofuel from non torrefied biomass with or without binder in the suitable form such as compounds, composites, aggregates, agglomerates, granulates, powder, pellets and briquettes of different size ranging from 1 mm and above and of different shapes, odor and color. The binder could be any suitable material such as but not limited to beeswax or
resins of plant origin. Developed pellets further torrefied in torrefaction chamber at temperature ranging from 250 °C to 300 °C, for 30 to 90 min.
Example 1:
Six batches of biofuel pellets were made using torrefied (at 280 °C, for 30 min) and non torrefied cotton stalk, sugarcane bagasse and prosopis stem as per the procedure described in detail description. The input material was weighed out and mixed in Mixer for about 3 to about 5 minutes The well mixed material was steamed and then pelleted, pellets were cooled and screened to remove any remaining fine material.


Example 2:
Four batches of biofuel pellets were made using torrefied ( at 250 °C, for 30 min) and non torrefied cotton stalk and prosopis stem as per the procedure described in detail description. The input material was weighed out and mixed in Mixer for about 3 to 5 minutes The well mixed material was steamed and then pelleted, pellets were cooled and screened to remove any remaining fine material.

Example 3:
Two batches of biofuel pellets were made using wood chips and sugarcane bagasse at 50 :50 % combination from non torrefied and torrefied biomass as per the procedure described in detail description. The input material was weighed out and mixed in Mixer for about 3 to 5 minutes The well mixed material was steamed and then pelleted, pellets were cooled and screened to remove any remaining fine material.

Two batches of biofuel pellets were made using sawdust as per the procedure described in detail description. The input material was weighed out and mixed in Mixer for about 3 to 5 minutes The well mixed material was steamed and then pelleted, pellets were cooled and screened to remove any remaining fine material.


mixer, water is sprinkled so as to moisten the biomass as per requirement, well mixed biomass passed through conditioner equipped with multi point steam injection and adjustable paddle for mixing, hot water or steam may be injected to treated material at about 125 °C to 150 °C and biomass material now conveyed to Pellet Mill to produce pellets, extruded pellets are cut by adjustable cutter, cooled in a Counter Flow Cooler, then passed through screen before packing.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pellets of biofuel is first produced from non-torrefied biomass and then the pellets so produced torrefied in torrefaction chamber at temperature between 250 °C to 300 °C and in absence of oxygen for 30 to 90 minutes to produce high quality high energy content pellets of biofuel.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the biomass selected from various freshly collected or stored, processed, unprocessed agricultural produce, including one or more parts or whole plants belonging to legumes, used as such or in combination with other types of biomass which are selected from angiopsperm grops, further such plant could be one or more, but not limited to Arachis hypogaea nutshell, Crotolaria juncea stem, Crotolaria juncea leaves, Crotolaria juncea seeds, Crotolaria juncea seed pod, Sesbania sesban stalk, Sesbania sesban seeds, Sesbania sesban seed pod, Glycine max straw, Glycine max seed pod, Glycine max de-oiled cake, Cajanus cajan seed pod, Cajanus cajan stalk, Cicer arietinum seed pod, Cicer arietinum stalk, Phaseolus vulgaris seed pod, Phaseolus vulgaris stalk, Pisum sativum stalk, Pisum sativum seed pod, Prosopis seed pod, Cassia fistula fruit, Delonex regia fruit, Faba vulgaris stalk, Faba vulgaris
We claim:
1. A method to produce high quality and energy rich pellets of biofuel with or without using bonding agents, by process of torrefaction of biomass or pellets of biofuel which handle most of issues such as low calorific value, high moisture content, hygroscopic nature, smoking during combustion, low bulk density, low grindability and such torrefied pellets of biofuel is used in domestic combustion and/or industrial combustion purpose, and the said method and process comprising the following steps,
(a) chopping of the biomass material in size less than 5 cm;
(b) chopped biomass is treated with physical cleaning to remove metallic particles by magnetic belt, uniform size and increased bulk by removing sand, stones using different sieving mess;
(c) soaking the biomass in water to separate sand and stones, inorganic impurities like soluble chlorine;
(d) leaching the biomass by mechanical pressure to remove impurities and get dry faster;
(e) treated biomass is further dried by solar drying or by using mechanical biomass dryer or by blowing hot gases generated during torrefaction process of biomass;
(f) the dried biomass torrefied in torrefaction chamber at temperature between 200 °C to 300 °C and in absence of oxygen for 30 to 90 minutes;
(g) hot torrefied biomass being high quality and high energy content as obtained at step (f) cooled by product cooler, passed through Hammer Mill to grind the torrefied material to about 2 mm to 3 mm, conveyed to batch
seed pod, Vigna radiata stalk, Vigna radiata seed pod, Vigna radiata leaves, Saccharum officinarum leaves, Saccharum officinarum bagasse, Echinocloa colona leaves, Echinocloa colona stalk, Cymbopogon citrates leaves, Cymbopogon citrates stalk, Pennisetum purpureum leaves, Pennisetum purpureum bagasse, Sorghum bicolor L Moench bagasse, Cynodon dactylon cuttings, Cymbopogon martini stalks, Lycopersicon lycopersicum (stalk), Abelmoschus esculentus (stalk), Solanum melongena (stalk), Capsicum annuum (Stalk), Rosa indica (Pruning), Nerium indicum (Pruning), Bougainvillea glabra (Pruning), Calendula officinalis (Stalk), Musa sp. stem, Musa sp. leaves, Musa sp. fruit peel, Annona reticulata seeds, Cocos nucifera shell, Cocus nucifera coir, Prunus armeniaca seed coat, Mangifera indica seeds, Mangifera indica seed coat, Mangifera indica fruit peel, Manilkara hexandra seeds, Prunus persica seeds, Prunus dulcis seed coat, Pistacia vera seed coat, Pyllanthus indica seeds, Pyllanthus indica fruit fiber, Citrus sinensis fruit peel, Citrus sinensis fruit pulp, Citrus aurantium fruit peel, Citrus aurantium fruit pulp, Olea europaea seed coat, Olea europaea seed cake, Citrus limon peel, Citrus limon pulp, Areca catechu seed coat, Anacardium occidentale fruit, Coffea arabica husk, Phoenix dactylifera seeds, Elaeis guineensis seed coat, Elaeis guineensis seed cake, Ziziphus zizyphus seed, Manilkara zapota seeds, Manilkara zapota fruit peel, Eichhornia crassipes whole plant, Ipomea aquatica whole plant, Hydrilla verticillata whole plant, Typha latifolia leaves, Typha latifolia stem, Typha latifolia flower, Trapa natans leaves, Trapa natans stem, Trapa natans fruit shell, Coclocasia esculenta whole plant, Lemna minor whole plant, Prosopis juliflora stem, Prosopis juliflora twigs, Ipomea
carnea sp. fistulosa stem, Ipomea carnea sp. fistulosa leaves, Leucaena leucocephala stem, Carum arvi stem, Elettaria cardamom stem, Cuminum cynimum stem, Anethum graveoluns stem, Foeniculam vulgare stem, Trigonella foenum seed pod, Trigonella foenum stem, Allium sativum aerial part, TamrIndus indica seed, Curcuma longa aerial part, Zingiber officinale aerial part, Pimpirella anisum stem, Pimpirella anisum leaf, Phoenix dactylifera seed, Phoenix dactylifera leaf, including all wild, cultivated, sub- varieties, cultivars, hybrids and genetically modified species.
4, A method as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein any part of the plants such as stem, fruits, leaves or flowers can be used in manufacturing high quality high energy content pellets of biofuel.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the high quality and energy rich biofuel is produced in the suitable form such as compounds, composites, aggregates, agglomerates, granules, powder, pellets and briquettes of different size ranging from 1 mm and above and of different shape, odor and colour, with or without using bonding agent of any suitable material such as but not limited to beewax or resins of plant origin.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the biomass is grinded to reduce the size to about 10 to 50 mm, by running through shredder to reduced the size of material so that about 60 to 70% material is of about 20 mm to 30 mm, 15 to 20% material is of about 10 mm to 20 mm and remaining 15 to 25% material is of about 30 mm to 50 mm in size.
7, A method as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the biomass is dried using a three pass Belt Conveyor type Drier, wherein material is dried by hot air blown at temperature from about 100 degree centigrade to 200 degree
centigrade. Moisture content of dried material is from about 10 wt.% to 12 wt.%.
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dried biomass is torrefied in torrefaction chamber where the temperature ranges from 225 to 300 degree and in the absence of oxygen for 30 to 90 minutes to produce high quality high energy content biomass material.
9. A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein during the torrefaction, the generated gases is used to dry the wet biomass in dryer.
10. A method for manufacturing of high quality high energy content pellets of biofuel by process of torrefaction of biomass with or without using bonding agents such as herein described with reference to foregoing examples.