Treating Gas, Emulsion, Or Foam Patents (Class 435/266)
  • Patent number: 8496906
    Abstract: A biological process for removing hydrogen sulphide from biogas is disclosed. The process involves injecting a small quantity of air into the gas phase or the liquid phase of a psychrophilic bioreactor to allow microbial flora to convert the hydrogen sulphide into elemental sulphur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agrifood, Bio-Terre Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel I. Massé, Steve Boivin
  • Publication number: 20130189750
    Abstract: Methods and systems to achieve clean fuel processing systems in which carbon dioxide emissions (1) from sources (2) may be processed in at least one processing reactor (4) containing a plurality of chemoautotrophic bacteria (5) which can convert the carbon dioxide emissions into biomass (6) which may then be used for various products (21) such as biofuels, fertilizer, feedstock, or the like. Sulfate reducing bacteria (13) may be used to supply sulfur containing compounds to the chemoautotrophic bacteria (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: The University of Wyoming Research d/b/a Western Research Institute
    Inventor: The University of Wyoming Research d/b/a Western Research Institute
  • Publication number: 20130189756
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CODEXIS, INC.
    Inventor: Codexis, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130171718
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ?-class carbonic anhydrase polypeptides having improved properties including increased thermostability and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides formulations and uses of the polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and host cells capable of expressing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: CODEXIS, INC.
    Inventor: Codexis, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130149771
    Abstract: The present invention relates to use of Persephonella carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas, biogas or ambient air. The Persephonella carbonic anhydrases are especially well suited for these purpose due to their extreme thermostability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: NOVOZYMES A/S
    Inventor: Martin Simon Borchert
  • Publication number: 20130115672
    Abstract: A biological composite and method for reducing H2S are disclosed. The biological composite for reducing H2S includes a carrier and Thermus sp. immobilized on the carrier. Therefore, if a sample containing H2S has contact with Thermus sp. or the carrier with Thermus sp. immobilized thereon, the amount of H2S can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Ching-Ping TSENG, Yu-Pei Chen
  • Patent number: 8431391
    Abstract: A plant for producing an oxygen-containing additive for liquid motor fuels comprises an anaerobic fermentation vessel, a gasholder, a system for removal of sulphuretted hydrogen, and a hotwell. The plant further comprises an aerobic fermentation vessel, a device for liquid substance pumping, a device for liquid aeration with an oxygen-containing gas, a removal system of solid mass residue after fermentation, a gas distribution device; a device for heavy gases utilization; a device for ammonia adsorption by water; a liquid-gas mixer; a cavity mixer, a system that serves superficial active and dispersant matters and a cooler; all of these being connected to each other by pipelines. The technical result being the implementation of a process for producing an oxygen containing additive, which after being added to liquid motor fuels, provides an ecologically beneficial component for motor fuels by ensuring the stability of composition fuel properties during long-term storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Yury Paul Siryk, Ivan Peter Balytski, Volodymyr George Korolyov, Olexiy Nick Klishyn, Vitaly Nick Lnianiy, Yury Alex Lyakh, Victor Valery Rogulin
  • Publication number: 20130095561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a biological H2S removal system for the treatment of process gas, comprising: a housing that receives a process gas stream through a gas inlet, the housing comprising a plurality of layers through which the process gas stream flows while it is treated for H2S removal, and a gas outlet through which a treated gas stream exits; wherein air is added to the process gas stream prior to the process gas stream entering the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Grill
  • Publication number: 20130065285
    Abstract: Systems and methods for employing chemoautotrophic micro-organisms to capture carbon from industrial waste are provided. An exemplary system comprises an industrial source, such as a cement plant, and a bioreactor including the micro-organisms. The bioreactor is fed the waste stream from the source, which provides carbon to the micro-organisms, and is also fed hydrogen, from which the micro-organisms derive their energy. Additional or alternative carbon can be provided from a gasifier fed an organic feedstock. The carbon provided to the micro-organisms is converted into chemical products which can be recovered from the bioreactor. Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis using electricity generated by a renewable energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Sefton
  • Publication number: 20130059365
    Abstract: Capturing a target gas includes contacting a gas mixture including a target species with an aqueous solution including a buffer species, and transferring some of the target species from the gas mixture to the aqueous solution. The target species forms a dissolved target species in the aqueous solution, and the aqueous solution is processed to yield a first aqueous stream and a second aqueous stream, where the equilibrium partial pressure of the target species over the second aqueous stream exceeds the equilibrium partial pressure of the target species over the first aqueous stream. At least some of the dissolved target species in the second aqueous stream is converted to the target species, and the target species is liberated from the second aqueous stream. The target species can be collected and/or compressed for subsequent processing or use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: CARBON ENGINEERING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Matthew Alex Henderson, David William Keith, Arvinder Pal Singh KAINTH, Kenton Robert HEIDEL, Jane Anne Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20130052720
    Abstract: An enzymatic process and bioreactor use elongated structures to enhance CO2 capture treatments. The enzymatic process and bioreactor treat a fluid by catalyzing reaction (I) with carbonic anhydrase, CO2+H2OHCO?3+H+ (|) by feeding the fluid into a reaction zone wherein a plurality of elongated structures extend through the reaction zone. Each elongated structure supports a flowing liquid layer comprising droplets. Reaction (I) occurs within the flowing liquid layer in the presence of the carbonic anhydrase, to produce a gas stream and a liquid stream which are released. The process and bioreactor can be used in an absorption, desorption or combined treatment context.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: CO2 SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Anne Belzil, Melanie Dion, Romain Parent
  • Publication number: 20130040373
    Abstract: This disclosure teaches a composition and process which makes it possible to remove floating particulates or prevent the dissemination or particulates, by the misting of a solution that readily captures any particulate material in the air. More specifically, the present disclosure teaches the composition and use of aromatic compounds that are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) or slow evaporators in water-based carriers with surfactants as the misting/fogging agent for dust suppression. The particulate material is lowered to surfaces and removed by vacuuming, damp-wiping or using a dry cloth with a cationic charge (static cloth). This method can be achieved with neutral air pressure differentials in the work areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Greg Weatherman, Marcia Cash
  • Publication number: 20130029405
    Abstract: The methods are utilized to recover ammonium from waste water using CO2 acidified absorption water. The process is particularly suited for utilization of cellular matter and a CO2 rich tail gas from a syngas fermentation process and derives significant benefit from the recovery of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate. Ammonia and ammonium are recovered from the treatment of the syngas as an ammonium rich solution, at least a portion of which is recycled to the fermentation zone to aid in the production of liquid products. A carbon dioxide rich gas produced by fermentation is used to capture the ammonia and ammonium, forming the ammonium rich solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Hickey
  • Patent number: 8354262
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Codexis, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Novick, Oscar Alvizo
  • Patent number: 8354269
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the production of alcohols by microbial fermentation, particularly to production of alcohols by microbial fermentation of substrates comprising CO. It more particularly relates to the provision of an improved fermentation media, comprising nickel, to a fermentation system such that one or more micro-organisms convert a substrate comprising CO to one or more alcohols, such as ethanol. In particular embodiments, a microbial culture is provided with at least 10 ?M nickel, such that CO uptake by the microbial culture increases and ethanol productivity improves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: LanzaTech New Zealand Limited
    Inventors: Sean Dennis Simpson, Ian Lindstrand Warner, Jennifer Mon Yee Eung, Michael Kopke
  • Patent number: 8318476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for biological and chemical gas treatment are disclosed. The systems may generally include a biological treatment zone and a chemical oxidation zone. An oxidizing agent subsystem may deliver an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine dioxide, to the chemical oxidation zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may generate the oxidizing agent in situ from a product of the biological treatment zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may include a reaction chamber and a source of a reactant, such as an alkaline metal chlorite reservoir. A controller may be in communication with various sensors and other components to generally manage operation of the disclosed systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Parker, Jennifer Romaine Miller, David L. Morano
  • Publication number: 20120264197
    Abstract: A process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a raw natural gas stream such as biogas from landfills or controlled anaerobic digestion comprises passing the natural gas stream though a separation unit such as a PSA unit to form a product stream comprising a high concentration of methane and a low pressure tail gas containing hydrogen sulfide, passing the tail gas through a biofilter which includes bacteria that degrades the hydrogen sulfide to sulfur and sulfate compounds which are washed from the biofilter. The tail gas stream subsequent to treatment in the biofilter can be flared to the atmosphere without significant SOx emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Guild Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitariten
  • Publication number: 20120238006
    Abstract: A process for reducing the carbon dioxide concentration of a carbon dioxide-containing gas which process includes, in a first stage, contacting the carbon dioxide-containing gas with a treating solution including an alkali metal carbonate and/or hydroxide and with a catalyst to promote the absorption of carbon dioxide to form a second solution including an alkali metal carbonate and bicarbonate and, in a second stage, contacting the second solution with a carbonatable silicate-containing material including an alkaline earth cation capable of forming an insoluble carbonate to produce silica and a solid carbonate including the cation and to regenerate a solution including alkali metal carbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: LAFARGE
    Inventors: Ellis Gartner, Michel Gimenez, Maurice Paliard
  • Publication number: 20120231527
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to a process for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass, and to a system for the reduction of gas emissions, treatment of effluents and production of algal biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Alga-Labs Inc.
    Inventors: Nathalie Dubois-Calero, Gerard Magnin
  • Patent number: 8262776
    Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20120208262
    Abstract: A biotrickling filter for treating waste gas including a waste gas inlet, packing layers, a spray pipe, a spray liquid storage tank, and a waste gas outlet. The waste gas passes through a first packing layer after passing through the waste gas inlet and then passes through a second packing layer after changing the flow direction at the bottom of the first packing layer; the flow directions of the waste gas in the first packing layer and the second packing layer are opposite to form a cross-flow structure; the two different flow directions of the waste gas form a cross-flow unit, and two or more cross-flow units form the biotrickling filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Hongqiang REN, Yonggang WU, Lili DING
  • Publication number: 20120202275
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for purifying and/or filtering gases. The system and method remove undesired species from a gas through the use of bioorganisms which reside in and on a filtration media. Water and nutrients can be supplied to the filtration media to promote the growth and biological activity of the bioorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Luis Uribe
  • Publication number: 20120190101
    Abstract: A biological process for removing hydrogen sulphide from biogas is disclosed. The process involves injecting a small quantity of air into the gas phase or the liquid phase of a psychrophilic bioreactor to allow microbial flora to convert the hydrogen sulphide into elemental sulphur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel I. Massé, Steve Boivin
  • Patent number: 8222021
    Abstract: A waste gas treatment process using biological treatment technology including filtering waste gas to be treated, and introducing the filtered waste gas into a biological treatment system periodically and switchably from two ends of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Ching-Ping Tseng, Ying-Chien Chung
  • Publication number: 20120142083
    Abstract: A biofilter for use in treating contaminated gases is provided with a container having a layer of rubber particulate, which serves as a filter media. One preferred source of the rubber particulate is recycled tires. The rubber particulate provides a platform for the growth and maintenance of a microbial ecosystem that substantially treats the contaminated gases emanating from the waste. A plurality of different embodiments provide relatively simple inexpensive biofiltration solutions for a wide range of applications. A method of reducing odorous pollutants from products is also described wherein the product containing the pollutant or pollutants is passed through a layer of the rubber particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: MICHAEL F. LALLY
  • Publication number: 20120129246
    Abstract: A formulation and process for capturing CO2 use an absorption mixture containing water, biocatalysts and a carbonate compound. The process includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with the absorption mixture to enable dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, thereby producing a CO2-depleted gas and an ion-rich solution, followed by subjecting the ion-rich solution to desorption. The biocatalyst improves absorption of the mixture comprising carbonate compounds and the carbonate compound promotes release of the bicarbonate ions from the ion-rich solution during desorption, producing a CO2 gas stream and an ion-depleted solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: CO2 SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Julie Gingras, Jonathan Carley, Glenn R. Kelly, Olivera Ceperkovic
  • Publication number: 20120122195
    Abstract: A process for capturing CO2 includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with an absorption mixture optionally within a packed reactor is provided. The absorption mixture includes a liquid solution and micro-particles. The micro-particles include a support material and biocatalyst supported by the support material and are sized and provided in a concentration such that the absorption mixture flows through the packed reactor and that the micro-particles are carried with the liquid solution to promote dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The absorption mixture and micro-particles may be provided in an absorption reactor so as to be pumpable. Furthermore, a process for desorbing CO2 gas from an ion-rich aqueous mixture includes providing biocatalytic micro-particles and feeding the mixture to a desorption reactor, to promote transformation of the bicarbonate and hydrogen ions into CO2 gas and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Julie Gingras, Normand Voyer, Jonathan Carley, Glenn R. Kelly, Olivera Ceperkovic
  • Patent number: 8178332
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Akermin, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Gellett, Tracy L. Bucholz, Richard T. Zvosec, Joshua Schumacher, Robert A. Clayton, Robert P. Shirtum
  • Publication number: 20120094339
    Abstract: Disclosed are: a microalga highly capable of producing aliphatic hydrocarbons of 16 to 26 carbon atoms; a process for producing oil, which comprises a step of culturing the microalga; oil collected from the microalga; a fuel produced from the microalga; and a method for fixing carbon dioxide, which comprises a step of culturing the microalga. Specifically disclosed is a microalga belonging to the genus Navicula, which is capable of producing aliphatic hydrocarbons of 16 to 26 carbon atoms. More specifically disclosed is a microalga, Navicula oiliticus strain JPCC DA0580 (FERM BP-11201).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Electric Power Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsufumi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120088292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation for the absorption of CO2, which comprises water, at least one CO2 absorption compound and a carbonic anhydrase as an activator to enhance the absorption capacity of the CO2 absorption compound. The invention also concerns the use of carbonic anhydrase, in a CO2 absorption solution to increase the CO2 absorption rate of such solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CO2 SOLUTION INC.
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Olivera Ceperkovic
  • Publication number: 20120083026
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for removing CO2 from smoke or exhaust gas of a combustion process in a power plant are provided. The exhaust gases comprising CO2 are fed into a tank in which cellular organisms, such as micro algae, are present, converting the CO2 into biomass when nutrients are added. The micro algae and/or the generated biomass have magnetic particles added, which combines with the algae and/or the biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Donat-Peter Häder, Manfred Rührig
  • Patent number: 8137957
    Abstract: An odiferous organic compounds cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cover contains a thermoplastic non-woven layer containing thermoplastic fibers having a contact angle with water greater than about 70°. The cover contains a UV barrier layer contains containing a UV blocking polymer, having a thickness of between one to three times the diameter of the thermoplastic fibers of the non-woven layer, and containing discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness. The cover also contains an odor mitigation layer containing a UV translucent polymer which transmits at least about 60% of UV(C) energy and anatase titanium dioxide. The odor mitigation layer comprises discontinuities forming microchannels through the layer thickness forms the outer surface of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: David E. Wenstrup, Venkatkrishna Raghavendran
  • Publication number: 20120064610
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes the efficient use of a catalyst, an enzyme for example, to provide suitable real cyclic capacity to a solvent otherwise limited by its ability to absorb and maintain a high concentration of CO2 captured from flue gas. This invention can apply to non-promoted as well as promoted solvents and to solvents with a broad range of enthalpy of reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Frederic Vitse, Stephen A. Bedell, Barath Baburao
  • Publication number: 20120058545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating an off-gas stream (80) comprising NH3 and H2S to provide a sulphate stream (910), the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a first off-gas stream (80) comprising NH3, H2S, CO2 and optionally one or more of HCN, COS and CS2; (ii) passing the first off-gas stream (80) to an incinerator (300) to oxidise NH3, H2S, and optionally one or more of HCN, COS and CS2 to provide a second off-gas stream (310) comprising N2, H2O, SO2 and CO2; (iii) scrubbing the second off-gas stream (310) with a first aqueous alkaline stream (380, 876a) in a caustic scrubber (350) to separate SO2 and a part of the CO2 from the second off-gas stream to provide a spent caustic stream (360) comprising carbonate and one or both of sulphite and bisulphite and a caustic scrubber off-gas stream (370) comprising N2 and CO2; and (iv) passing the spent caustic stream (360) to an aerator (900) comprising sulphur-oxidising bacteria in the presence of oxygen to biologically disc sulphite and
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Sandra Schreuder
  • Publication number: 20120034680
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for recycling carbon dioxide emissions from a fossil-fuel power plant into useful carbonated species The process primarily comprises the steps of: a) burning the fossil fuel, thereby generating heat and a hot exhaust gas containing CO2; and b) converting the heat into energy. The process is characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: c) cooling the exhaust gas; and d) biologically transforming the CO2 contained in the cooled exhaust gas into carbonated species, thereby obtaining a low CO2 exhaust gas and producing useful carbonated species. The low CO2 exhaust gas obtained in step d) can be released in the atmosphere without increasing the problem of greenhouse effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: CO2 SOLUTION INC.
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Jean Ruel
  • Publication number: 20120034594
    Abstract: The present disclosures provides isolated or purified compounds, each of which bind to a metal atom. Generally, the compounds are small in size (e.g, molecular weight of less than about 1 kDa) and peptidic in nature, inasmuch as the compounds comprise amino acids. In some embodiments, the compound comprises a structure of Formula I: M1-P1-M2-P2 wherein each of P1 and P2 is a peptide comprising at least two amino acids, M1 is a first metal binding moiety comprising a substituted imidazolone ring, M2 is a second metal binding moiety comprising a substituted oxazolone ring, and wherein M1 and M2 bind to a single metal atom. Also provided are related complexes, conjugates, cells which synthesize the compounds of the present disclosures, substantially homogenous cultures thereof, kits and compositions, and methods of making or using the materials of the present disclosures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Semrau, Warren Gallagher, Sukhwan Yoon, Jeongdae Im, Alan A. DiSpirito, Sung-Woo Lee, Scott Hartsel, Marcus T. McEllistrem
  • Publication number: 20120009653
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ?-class carbonic anhydrase polypeptides having improved properties including increased thermostability and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides formulations and uses of the polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and host cells capable of expressing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CODEXIS, INC.
    Inventor: Oscar Alvizo
  • Publication number: 20120009657
    Abstract: The invention relates a novel hybrid carbonic anhydrase catalyst with the potential to contribute significantly to meeting targeted reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least a portion of a cellulose binding domain (CBD) of a protein is fused to another protein, carbonic anhydrase, (CA) to create a new multifunctional protein which can bind tightly to cellulose while maintaining its native catalytic ability to process CO2. The resulting CA-CBD hybrid polypeptide can be immobilized to a cellulose support and used to cost-effectively capture CO2 from gas streams and other CO2-rich environs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Mohammed . Ataai, Robert Dilmore, Yee Soong, Richard Koepsel, Zhu Liu
  • Publication number: 20120009646
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and soluble compositions, homogenous liquid formulations comprising them. The chemically modified carbonic anhydrase polypeptides have improved properties relative to the same carbonic anhydrase polypeptide that is not chemically modified including the improved properties of increased activity and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides methods of preparing the chemically modified polypeptides and methods of using the chemically modified polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CODEXIS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Novick, Oscar Alvizo
  • Publication number: 20120009652
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to ?-class carbonic anhydrase polypeptides having improved properties including increased thermostability and/or stability in the presence of amine compounds, ammonia, or carbonate ion. The present disclosure also provides formulations and uses of the polypeptides for accelerating the absorption of carbon dioxide from a gas stream into a solution as well as for the release of the absorbed carbon dioxide for further treatment and/or sequestering. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the carbonic anhydrase polypeptides and host cells capable of expressing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CODEXIS, INC.
    Inventor: Oscar Alvizo
  • Patent number: 8083837
    Abstract: A deputation process and corresponding apparatus for purification of the air of a closed environment characterized by indoor pollution, in which, in order to reduce the pollution, a water tank is provided that contains a multiplicity of active biomasses designed to absorb and metabolize the pollutant substances that are contained in the water and come from the air of the closed environment, and elements of water-air contact, designed precisely to transfer the pollutant substances from the closed environment into the water within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ingegneria Ambientale SRL
    Inventors: Uranio Mazzanti, Paolo De Filippis, Marco Scarsella
  • Publication number: 20110287527
    Abstract: A gas treatment appliance and a gas treatment process are provided. The proportion of tar is decreased in a product gas formed on the gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks. The product gas or synthesis gas formed on the gasification of carbonaceous feedstocks is generally highly polluted with tar. This tar-polluted gas is exposed to a solid support substrate which is a support for bacteria which degrade tar. Suitable bacteria are, in particular, bacteria that occur in biogas-generating processes. The bacteria contained in the solid support substrate convert at least some of the tars and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in the product gas into shorter-chain hydrocarbon compounds and methane which are not an industrial problem, and so their proportion is reduced in the product gas leaving the support substrate. In this manner the tar pollution in a synthesis gas or product gas can be reduced in a simple and inexpensive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 8039582
    Abstract: Methods of modulating interfacial characteristics in a self-assembled, force-transmitting peptide network at a fluid-fluid interface are disclosed. The methods involve exposing a peptide capable of participating in a self-assembled, force-transmitting peptide network, either before or after it interacts with other peptides to form the peptide network to a stimulus that alters the chemical and/or physical properties of the peptide. Use of such methods in applications such as emulsions and foams are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventors: Anton Peter Jacob Middelberg, Annette Faith Dexter
  • Publication number: 20110244555
    Abstract: In a method for purifying biogas, components present in the biogas, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds and ammonia, are separated in a plurality of different process stages. The method is characterized by low energy consumption and an increase in methane concentration of at least 10% while keeping methane losses low. In a first purifying step, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other organic water-soluble substances in the raw gas are removed at normal pressure or at overpressure of up to 6 bar in a wash column using fresh water, methane gas having a methane concentration of at least 65% is withdrawn at the head of the wash column. Methane and carbon dioxide dissolved in the washing water are sequentially separated from the contaminated washing water discharged from the washing stage in a first stripping column at normal pressure and subsequently in a second stripping column in a vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: DGE DR.-ING. GUENTHER ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventor: Lothar Günther
  • Patent number: 8026095
    Abstract: Apparatus for biological production of ethanol from waste gases includes a bioreactor including a plurality of tunnels each having inlet and outlet passageways, a gasifier reactor generates a continuous supply of syngas from waste gases into the upper portion of each tunnel. A mixing device provides a continuous supply of fermentation microbes in a liquid directed by pumps and spray misters into the tunnel. Pumps direct the liquid vertically for conversion of the syngas into ethanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Ingo Krieg
  • Publication number: 20110223650
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor and a process suitable for extracting carbon dioxide from carbon dioxide-containing gas stream. The reactor is based on a two module system where absorption occurs in one module and desorption occurs in the other module. The carbon dioxide extraction may be catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Paria Saunders, Sonja Salmon, Martin Borchert, Louis Patrick Lessard
  • Patent number: 8012746
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising a reactor that is operatively connected to: (a) a biogas production unit for converting waste to a biogas stream; and (b) an engine that utilizes the biogas stream from the biogas producing unit to produce energy and an engine exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Biogas & Electric, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Matelich
  • Publication number: 20110201064
    Abstract: Provided are a method for removing and/or absorbing greenhouse gases using aquatic plant and/or algae having a greenhouse gas absorbing performance and resistance to toxic substances, a method for producing bioenergy using predators with high fatty acids, and a method for producing bioenergy including cultivating aquatic plant and/or algae having a greenhouse gas absorbing performance and resistance to toxic substances, while supplying a waste gas mixture to the aquatic plant and/or algae, (S2) cultivating predators having a capability to prey on the aquatic plant and/or algae while supplying the aquatic plant and/or algae to the predators, (S3) harvesting the predators, and (S4) converting the harvested predators into bioenergy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Hae-Jin Jeong, Jae-Yeon Park, Yoeng-Do Yoo, Nam-Seon Kang, Jung-Rhe Rho
  • Patent number: 7998724
    Abstract: A process for the removal of mercury from coal prior to combustion is disclosed. The process is based on use of microorganisms to oxidize iron, sulfur and other species binding mercury within the coal, followed by volatilization of mercury by the microorganisms. The microorganisms are from a class of iron and/or sulfur oxidizing bacteria. The process involves contacting coal with the bacteria in a batch or continuous manner. The mercury is first solubilized from the coal, followed by microbial reduction to elemental mercury, which is stripped off by sparging gas and captured by a mercury recovery unit, giving mercury-free coal. The mercury can be recovered in pure form from the sorbents via additional processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle LLC
    Inventors: Abhijeet P. Borole, Choo Y. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7998714
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Akermin, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Gellett, Tracy L. Bucholz, Richard T. Zvosec, Joshua Schumacher, Robert A. Clayton, Robert P. Shirtum