| abstract |
A method of preparing fuel pellets includes the steps of providing a feedstock in the form of agricultural hull fibres having a moisture content of about 10 to about 16%; and compressing and extruding the agricultural fibre feedstock through a die to obtain fuel pellets in the form of small cylinders having a diameter of about ⅜ inch to ¾ inch or more, said pellets having an ash content of about 1.1% to about 20% by weight and a calorific value of about 7,000 BTUs per pound of fuel on a dry basis. The agricultural hull fibres may be derived from all whole grains and seeds. For example, are comprised of at least one of corn bran fibre, rye bran fibre; oat bran fibre, rice bran fibre, soy bran fibre, canola bran fibre and wheat bran fibre. The method may include the step of pre-treating the agricultural whole grain and seed hull fibre feedstock with high temperature steam before being formed into pellets at a sufficient temperature and sufficient time to activate hemicellulose within the fibre as a binding agent. The method may include the step of mixing the agricultural whole grain and seed hull fibre feedstock with a sequestering agent before being formed into pellets for sequestering alkali metal vapors and raising the fusion point of the inorganic elements during combustion of the pellets. The sequestering agent may be calcium carbonate added in amounts up to about 0.5% by weight. The pellets contain additives comprised of ammonium nitrate, calcium, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, barium, iron, potassium and amorphous silicate, which sequester potassium and chlorides and alter the fusion point of the inorganic elements present in the fuel. |