Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for effectively degumming vegetable oils with the use of an acid and base pretreated mixture of vegetable oil. The pretreated mixture is subjected to compression and one or more intervals of explosive decompression of the compressed mixture to form a degummed vegetable oil. Also provided are compression and decompression rates and conditions that can be used to effectively degum vegetable oil to achieve reduced levels of phosphorus and metals such as iron, calcium and magnesium.

Abstract: A process for upgrading hydrocarbon oil including mixing hydrocarbon oil with hydrogen gas and heating the hydrogen-enriched hydrocarbon oil before passing the oil through a cavitation apparatus to induce hydrotreating. Hydrotreating is achieved by hydrodynamically generating hydrogen-filled cavitation bubbles and collapsing the bubbles in the hydrocarbon oil under static pressure. The hydrotreating process can increase the API gravity of the hydrocarbon oil and reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: A reactor is used for degumming vegetable oil to increase yield and reduce phosphatides. The reactor includes an annular obstruction with multiple circumferential spacers that form ring gaps around a center body having a tapered surface. The circumferential spacers and ring gaps form decompression stages for explosively mixing the oil with degumming agents. Impurities are transferred to the degumming agents and further separation of the components can be carried out to produce a refined oil product.

Abstract: A multi-stage reactor system for preparing biodiesel is used to increase efficiency and yield and reduce impurities. A three-stage transesterification reaction for preparing biodiesel can include one high-shear cavitation reactor and two low-shear cavitation reactors, preferably in series, and optionally one or more separation vessels for removing waste and recycling triglyceride feedstock, catalyst and alcohol to the high-shear cavitation reactor.

Abstract: A process for increasing oil yield from grain that includes passing a grain-based liquid stream of an alcohol production process through a cavitation apparatus to apply cavitational energy to the grain-based liquid stream, wherein the cavitational energy is applied to the grain-based liquid stream prior to a distillation phase of the alcohol production process.

Abstract: A process for increasing alcohol yield from grain that includes adding cellulase enzymes or a mixture of cellulase enzymes to break down cellulostic feedstock, which is typically discarded. The cellulase enzymes or a mixture of cellulase enzymes may be added to a conventional alcohol production process either through a joint or separate fermentation process.

Abstract: A process for treating hydrocarbon oil including passing heated oil through a cavitation apparatus to statically induce cavitation treatment of the oil. The oil is passed through the cavitation apparatus in the absence on non-hydrocarbon oil substances such as hydrogen, water or other organic materials and solvents. The cavitation treatment process can increase the API gravity of the hydrocarbon oil and reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: A process for upgrading hydrocarbon oil including mixing hydrocarbon oil with hydrogen gas and heating the hydrogen-enriched hydrocarbon oil before passing the oil through a cavitation apparatus to induce hydrotreating. Hydrotreating is achieved by hydrodynamically generating hydrogen-filled cavitation bubbles and collapsing the bubbles in the hydrocarbon oil under static pressure. The hydrotreating process can increase the API gravity of the hydrocarbon oil and reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: A multi-stage reactor system for preparing biodiesel is used to increase efficiency and yield and reduce impurities. A three-stage transesterification reaction for preparing biodiesel can include one high-shear cavitation reactor and two low-shear cavitation reactors, preferably in series, and optionally one or more separation vessels for removing waste and recycling triglyceride feedstock, catalyst and alcohol to the high-shear cavitation reactor.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: Processes and systems associated with hydrodynamic cavitation-catalyzed oxidation of sulfur-containing substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, carbonaceous fluid is combined with at least one oxidant to form a mixture and then the mixture is flowed through at least one local constriction in a flow-through chamber at a sufficient pressure and flow rate to create hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture having a power density of between about 3,600 kWatts/cm2 and about 56,000 kWatts/cm2 measured at the surface of the local constriction normal to the direction of fluid flow. The creation of hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture initiates one or more chemical reactions that, at least in part, oxidize at least some of the sulfur-containing substances in the carbonaceous fluid.

Abstract: A process for increasing ethanol yield from grain comprising mixing grain, water and enzyme to for a grain-based liquid medium. The grain-based liquid medium is passed through a cavitation device at a velocity and pressure capable of generating a cavitation activation energy of at least 0.4 kJ per kilogram of grain-based liquid medium to enhance the activity of the enzyme and increase ethanol yield.

Abstract: A method comprising applying controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks to a pretreatment process in order to reduce the free fatty acid content of a biodiesel feedstock. A feedstock comprising a high content of free fatty acids can be passed through controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks at a velocity capable of generating hydrodynamic cavitation zones and subsequent dwell times where the free fatty acid content can be reduced to below 2%.

Abstract: A process for preparing biodiesel having improved filterability characteristics including inducing transesterification of a triglyceride feedstock with cavitation to form an intermediate reaction product. Glycerol by product is separated from the intermediate reaction product before finishing the transesterification reaction in a pressurized reaction tank to yield a biodiesel reaction product. The biodiesel reaction product can be further purified by removing glycerol.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to a biodiesel production process in order to increase fatty acid alkyl ester yield. A feedstock comprising free fatty acids can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the free fatty acids can be esterified. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of a biodiesel production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to a biodiesel production process in order to increase fatty acid alkyl ester yield. A feedstock comprising free fatty acids can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the free fatty acids can be esterified. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of a biodiesel production process.

Abstract: A method comprising applying controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks to a pretreatment process in order to reduce the free fatty acid content of a biodiesel feedstock. A feedstock comprising a high content of free fatty acids can be passed through controlled flow cavitation apparatuses and holding tanks at a velocity capable of generating hydrodynamic cavitation zones and subsequent dwell times where the free fatty acid content can be reduced to below 2%.

Abstract: Processes and systems associated with hydrodynamic cavitation-catalyzed oxidation of sulfur-containing substances in a fluid are described. In one example method, carbonaceous fluid is combined with at least one oxidant to form a mixture and then the mixture is flowed through at least one local constriction in a flow-through chamber at a sufficient pressure and flow rate to create hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture having a power density of between about 3,600 kWatts/cm2 and about 56,000 kWatts/cm2 measured at the surface of the local constriction normal to the direction of fluid flow. The creation of hydrodynamic cavitation in the flowing mixture initiates one or more chemical reactions that, at least in part, oxidize at least some of the sulfur-containing substances in the carbonaceous fluid.