Abstract: Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation.

Abstract: Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation.

Abstract: Methods of producing renewable materials may include consuming a fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce a renewable material in fermentation broth; water may then be separated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations, or the renewable material may be concentrated from the feedstock or broth using one or more phase separations. Methods of producing biofuel components may include consuming a lignocellulosic or sugar fermentation feedstock with a fermentation organism to produce either ethanol or butanol in fermentation broth; cooling the feedstock or broth to solidify at least some water therein; and separating the solidified water from the feedstock or broth using a solid-liquid phase separation.

Abstract: A method of controlling the foam generated during a beer wort fermentation is provided in which the pressure in the wort—containing tanks such as a fermentor is varied according to a cycle which allows the pressure to rise to a value preferably of less than about 14.9 psig when it is released until the foam bed stabilizes. The cycle is then repeated. The improved methods allow for less headspace in the vessel and greater efficiency in carbon dioxide collection.

Abstract: A portable testing device for seed tube and combine sensors is provided for checking the operability of the sensor in situ at the time a problem arises in the agricultural implement. The testing device includes a housing in which is mounted a printed circuit board and a battery for providing an electrical current to the components on the circuit board. The circuit board includes an on/off switch and an LED. An electrical coupler allows the device to be quickly and easily attached to the coupler of the planter harness so as to check the operability of a seed tube sensor. In operation, the LED blinks on and off when the sensor is properly operating, and remains lit when the sensor is malfunctioning.