Abstract: The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.

Abstract: The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a by-product of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.

Abstract: A method for producing vegetable oil fuel with low viscosity, including a transesterification step P1 with respect to vegetable oil with triglyceride structure having unsaturated fatty acid, an ozone treatment step P2 with respect to unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester generated in the transesterification step P1, and a reduction step P3 with respect to the ozonide generated in the ozone treatment step P2.

Abstract: [Problem] To produce a biodiesel fuel modifying agent of biodiesel fuel (BDF) such as methyl-esterified fuel. [Means for Resolution] A biodiesel fuel modifying agent characterized by ozone treatment of vegetable oil such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil and soybean oil is provided. By adding this biodiesel fuel modifying agent to biodiesel fuel (BDF), the pour point of the biodiesel fuel can be decreased significantly. Therefore, the present invention makes the biodiesel fuel amenable for use even in cold regions etc. In addition, by adding the biodiesel fuel modifying agent according to the present invention to the biodiesel fuel, engine performance of a diesel engine, particularly, torque and horsepower at revolutions of low speed can be improved.

Abstract: In order to provide a safe means for the direct purification of groundwater, which enables the efficient use of carbon source and the concentration of nitrificans, while requiring no addition of heavy metals, a starch-derived biodegradable plastic is used as a single carbon source and immobilizing carrier of denitrificans, and contacted with nitrate-polluted groundwater.

Abstract: A method for producing vegetable oil fuel with low viscosity, including a transesterification step P1 with respect to vegetable oil with triglyceride structure having unsaturated fatty acid, an ozone treatment step P2 with respect to unsaturated fatty acid methyl ester generated in the transesterification step P1, and a reduction step P3 with respect to the ozonide generated in the ozone treatment step P2.

Abstract: In order to provide a safe means for the direct purification of groundwater, which enables the efficient use of carbon source and the concentration of nitrificans, while requiring no addition of heavy metals, a starch-derived biodegradable plastic is used as a single carbon source and immobilizing carrier of denitrificans, and contacted with nitrate-polluted groundwater.

Abstract: A method for refining virgin plant oil and/or waste vegetable oil into fuel, preferably diesel engine fuel, wherein said method comprises the steps of heating the oil supplying water and/or ozone mixing the oil with water and/or ozone and agitating the mixture of oil and water and/or dissipating the ozone.

Abstract: A carrier for immobilizing microorganisms is prepared by producing a porous cellulose derivative by reacting porous cellulose such as foamed cellulose with a compound selected from the group consisting of a compound having an epoxy group, an N-methylol compound, an imidazolidinone compound, a compound having an aldehyde group, an acetal compound, an active vinyl compound, an aziridinyl compound, a compound having a carboxyl group, a compound having an acyl group, a quaternary ammonium compound, an amidophosphazene compound and a compound having an isocyanate group. The carrier may also be formed by coating the porous cellulose or the porous cellulose derivative with a compound obtained by reacting a compound containing an epoxy group with a polyamine compound. The porous cellulose may have a pore diameter ranging from 30 to 2000 .mu.m. The carrier may be used in converting harmful nitrogen compounds into harmless compounds in a liquid such potable water or wastewater.

Abstract: A liquid current type biochemical reactor and methods of use thereof are provided. The reactor is useful in purifying groundwater and wastewater by the process of biodegradation. Also provided is a liquid transport-stirring apparatus for use in biochemical reactors which transports and stirs large amounts of fluids with a small driving force.

Abstract: Novel immobilized cells are prepared by immobilizing microbial cells in a gel carrier wherein an absorbent for organic solvents harmful to the cells is dispersed. A method for normally culturing these immobilized cells is utilized in a medium that contains the organic solvents or to which organic solvents are added without any previous sterilization. The present invention makes it possible to realize an ideal fermentation process without requiring a sterilizing process.