Abstract: The present invention relates to novel acetyl transferases, nucleic acid sequences coding therefore, expression constructs and vectors comprising these sequences, microorganisms transformed therewith and use thereof.

Abstract: A kit and method for monitoring for the presence of catalyst fines in heavy fuel oil (HFO), including: a) providing a sample of HFO; b) mixing the HFO sample with a diluent composition comprising a non-polar solvent and with an aqueous reagent composition to provide a test sample, wherein the aqueous reagent composition comprises at least one water soluble inorganic salt and at least one water soluble base; c) allowing phase separation to occur in the test sample to provide an aqueous phase and an organic phase; and d) inspecting the aqueous phase of the test sample for the presence of catalyst fines. The diluent composition can consist of a non-polar solvent selected from mineral spirits, kerosene, naphtha, and heavy distillate and a phase transfer agent selected from tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol and butanol.

Abstract: A process for producing mixed esters of fatty acids as biofuel or additive to a petroleum fuel for use in a compression ignition (CI) engine. The process preferably provides a partial transesterification of a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters with at least one alkyl alcohol containing 2 to 8 carbon atoms in the presence of a heterogeneous solid acid catalyst to produce a mixture of the fatty acid methyl esters and alkyl alcohol esters of the fatty acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of biodiesel feedstock and biodiesel. A process for producing a biodiesel utilizing a thraustochytrid is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of converting glycerol into organic reaction products. The method may include mixing glycerol with a monohydric alcohol. The mixture of glycerol and monohydric alcohol is then reacted in the presence of a heterogeneous nano-structured catalyst, wherein the monohydric alcohol is present at subcritical/supercritical temperatures and pressures. This converts the glycerol into one or more reaction products, wherein the reaction products include an oxygenated organic reaction product. Ninety percent or greater of the glycerol is converted.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the use of hydroxyalkanoic acid derivatives as a fuel additive. In particular, the present invention provides the use of lower alkyl esters and/or salts of hydroxyalkanoic acid as biofuels and/or fuel additives. The present invention also provides a fuel composition including at least one fuel and lower alkyl esters and/or salts of hydroxyalkanoic acid.

Abstract: Alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters are produced from a bio-component feed, preferably containing triglycerides. The triglycerides can be reacted with an alcohol in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, which can provide improved low temperature properties and/or improved oxidative stability in petrochemical products, relative to non-alkoxylated versions of the fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to the production and extraction of oils and biodiesel from Noleaginous yeast, such as a new yeast isolate of the genus Pichia. Also disclosed herein are methods for providing fermentation conditions for the production of yeast in high density using inexpensive raw materials including crude glycerol and corn steep liquor.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition is provided containing: (a) a base fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine; (b) a first fuel additive selected from one or more viscosity control agents having: (i) a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 27 cSt or less; and (ii) a NOACK volatility at 250° C. of 100% wt or less; and (c) a second fuel additive selected from one or more friction modifiers. Fuelling such liquid fuel composition in an internal combustion engine improves the fuel economy performance of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Use of a composition comprising a base formulation of one or more alkyl esters of a C6-C16 carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof as a fuel composition is provided. The use of the fuel composition is specifically provided for use as a lamp fuel, a lighter fuel, and/or a fuel for cooking, heating or cooling. Specifically, use of a composition as a lamp fuel is provided, wherein the composition comprises by weight 35-45% C8 methyl esters, 25-35% C10 methyl esters, 15-25% C12 methyl esters, and/or 5-15% C14 methyl esters. Also provided is a method for producing a fuel composition comprising the steps of a) providing a vegetable oil, b) preparing alkyl esters of carboxylic acids comprised in said vegetable oil by esterification and/or transesterification, c) optionally isolating one or more of said alkyl esters of said carboxylic acids, wherein said alkyl esters of carboxylic acids comprised in said vegetable oil and/or said one or more isolated alkyl esters constitute said fuel composition.

Abstract: Methods for deoxygenating treated biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided. The treated biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is exposed to a catalyst having a neutral catalyst support such as a non-alumina metal oxide support, a theta alumina support, or both. The non-alumina metal oxide support may be a titanium oxide (TiO2) support, a silicon oxide support, a zirconia oxide (ZrO2) support, a niobium oxide (Nb2O5) support, or a support having a mixture of non-alumina metal oxides. The catalyst may include a noble metal or a Group VIII non-noble metal and a Group VIB non-noble metal on the neutral catalyst support. The treated biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is introduced into a hydroprocessing reactor in the presence of the catalyst under hydroprocessing conditions to produce low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a 5-substituted 2-(alkoxymethyl)furan (or a mixture of such furans) by reacting a starting material comprising at least a 5-substituted furfural with hydrogen in the presence of an alcohol and a catalyst system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel preparation for use in diesel engines consisting of plant oil mono-alcohol esters and up to 20 weight percent linear and branched paraffins and olefins of chain length C5-C11 and alcohols of chain length C2-C8, whereby the paraffins, olefins and alcohols are obtained by means of gasification of biomass and subsequent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not involving any processing of the Fischer-Tropsch fraction by means of hydrogenating procedures and the preparation has a flash point >55° C. and a density >820 kg/m3.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for the production of a fuel composition from a feedstock that comprises lipid material (e.g., bio-material) and mineral oil. The processes can be carried out without producing a significant mount of undesirable side reactions such as cracking, polymerization, and aromatization, which can be an undesirable consequence of large heats of reaction. As a result, the invention provides for the production of a product that is relatively high in quality, and catalyst used in the processes is not adversely affected to any significant extent.

Abstract: Alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters are produced from a bio-component feed, preferably containing triglycerides. The triglycerides can be reacted with an alcohol in the presence of an acidic catalyst to form alkoxylated fatty acid alkyl esters, which can provide improved low temperature properties and/or improved oxidative stability in petrochemical products, relative to non-alkoxylated versions of the fatty acid alkyl esters.

Abstract: An unleaded gasoline composition comprising: (i) a gasoline base fuel; and (ii) component A, wherein component A is an alkyl alkenoate compound, or a mixture of alkyl alkenoate compounds, selected from compounds of formula I: wherein R1 is a linear alkenyl group containing 3 to 5 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a methyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The gasoline composition of the present invention exhibits good lubricity. The gasoline composition of the invention in another aspect provides increased sensitivity.

Abstract: Gasoline compositions are provided comprising component A, an alkyl alkenoate compound, or a mixture of alkyl alkenoate compounds, selected from compounds of formula I: wherein R1 is a linear alkenyl group containing 3 to 5 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by a methyl group, and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms, with the proviso that component A has a boiling point or boiling point range within the temperature range of from 90 to 200° C., and at least one additional selected component.

Abstract: A diesel fuel composition comprising a (1) sulfur content of less than 10 ppm; (2) a flash point of greater than 50° C.; (3) a UV absorbance, Atotal, of less than 1.5 as determined by the formula comprising Atotal=Ax+10(Ay) wherein Ax is the UV absorbance at 272 nanometers; and wherein Ay is the UV absorbance at 310 nanometers; (4) a naphthene content of greater than 5 percent; (5) a cloud point of less than ?12° C.; (6) a nitrogen content of less than 10 ppm; and (7) a 5% distillation point of greater than 300 F and a 95% distillation point of greater than 600 F.

Abstract: A fuel composition comprises at least a C5 isoprenoid compound or its derivative and a conventional fuel additive. The C5 isoprenoid compound or its derivative can be used as a fuel component or as a fuel additive in the fuel composition. The fuel composition may further comprise a conventional fuel component selected from a diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene or gasoline. Methods of making and using the fuel composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel additive that provides increased fuel efficiency for combustion engines. The fuel additive is a combination of a synthetic oil blend, xylene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate and acetone. In one particular implementation, the amount of acetone is equal to at least 15% of an overall volume of the additive.

Abstract: In a method for producing high carbon content products from biomass, a biomass oil is added to a cracking reactor vessel. The biomass oil is heated to a temperature ranging from about 100° C. to about 800° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to crack the biomass oil. Tar is separated from the cracked biomass oil. The tar is heated to a temperature ranging from about 200° C. to about 1500° C. at a pressure ranging from about vacuum conditions to about 20,700 kPa for a time sufficient to reduce the tar to a high carbon content product containing at least about 50% carbon by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of producing an isoprenyl alkanoate in a genetically modified host cell. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing a genetically modified host cell which expresses an enzyme capable of catalyzing the esterification of an isoprenol and a straight-chain fatty acid, such as an alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT), wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) or lipase, under a suitable condition so that the isoprenyl alkanoate is produced.

Abstract: A fuel additive that provides increased fuel efficiency, while at the same time reduces harmful emissions from combustion engines. The fuel additive is a combination of a synthetic oil blend, ethyl acetate and acetone. In one particular implementation, the amount of acetone is equal to at least 10% of an overall volume of the additive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for decreasing the vapour pressure of a gasoline composition comprising admixing with a gasoline base fuel, from 0.5 to 30 vol. %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of ethyl valerate. The present invention further provides a gasoline composition comprising a gasoline base fuel, from 0.5 to 30 vol. %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of ethyl valerate, and from 0.1 to 10 vol. %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of a C3-4 hydrocarbon component, and a method for controlling the vapour pressure of a gasoline composition comprising admixing with a gasoline base fuel, from 0.5 to 30 vol. %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of ethyl valerate, and from 0.1 to 10 vol. %, based on the overall gasoline composition, of a C3-4 hydrocarbon component.

Abstract: Lamp oil compositions including methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, myristyl alcohol, an alcohol with less than six carbons, preferably ethyl alcohol, and fragrance. Also disclosed herein are lighter fluid compositions which include methyl laurate, methyl stearate, ethyl alcohol and fragrance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid fuel composition of: 10-80 vol % of a first component which includes at least two aliphatic organic non-hydrocarbon compounds; 20-65 vol % of a second component including at least one hydrocarbon and having an aromatic content of less than 15 vol % of the total of the second component; 1-35 vol % of a third component, which includes an oxygenate; and 0.01 to 20 vol % water, wherein at least one compound in the fuel composition is miscible with both water and hydrocarbons to provide a single phase composition. Such fuels have been found to reduce undesirable emissions in the exhaust gases and enable the use of recycled compounds and water in the fuel.

Abstract: An environmentally clean dual fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C1-C20 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, ethyl malate, and butyl malate, and the like, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel.

Abstract: An integrated process is described for producing biodiesel from oleaginous seeds, preferably castor bean seeds. The inventive process includes a transesterification reaction where the seeds themselves react with anhydrous ethyl alcohol in the presence of an alkaline catalyst. The resulting ethyl esters are then separated by decantation and neutralized and used as fuel for diesel engines, co-solvents for diesel and gasoline mixtures with anhydrous or hydrated ethyl alcohol. The solid fractions may be used as fertilizers, for feeding cattle and as a raw material for producing ethyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention also discloses the processes of producing the low pour point palm diesel particularly but not exclusively via esterification of C18, C18:1 and C18:2 mixed fatty acids with methanol or ethanol, or fractional distillation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, or fractional distillation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, followed by crystallisation, or crystallisation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, or crystallisation of methyl or ethyl esters of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil products, followed by fractional distillation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fuel additive and to the additive. It relates particularly to a lubricant additive that is highly suitable for use as an additive in connection with diesel engines. According to the method, saturated fatty acids with a high melting point are separated by cooling from a fatty-acid mixture, the said fraction of fatty acids with a high melting point being esterified and/or aminated to form a mixture of more than three esters and/or amines and the mixture thus obtained being re-mixed with that part of the original fatty-acid mixture from which the fatty acids with a high melting point were separated and the necessary amount of this last-mentioned mixture being mixed with fuel to form a lubricant. The separation of the saturated fatty acids with a high melting point takes place by passing the mixture through a cooling heat-transfer surface, to which the fatty acids adhere, and by removing the fatty acids from the surface by raising its temperature.

Abstract: A fuel composition exhibiting improved anti-static properties, comprises a liquid fuel which contains less than 500 parts per million by weight sulfur; 0.001 to 1 ppm of a hydrocarbyl monoamine or hydrocarbyl-substituted poly(alkyleneamine); and 10 to 500 ppm of at least one fatty acid containing 8 to 24 carbon atoms, or an ester thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid fuel composition comprising: 10-80 vol % of a first component comprising at least two aliphatic organic non-hydrocarbon compounds; 20-65 vol % of a second component comprising at least one hydrocarbon and having an aromatic content of less than 15 vol % of the total of the second component; 1-35 vol % of a third component, which comprises an oxygenate; and 0.01 to 20 vol % water, wherein at least one compound in the fuel composition is miscible with both water and hydrocarbons to provide a single phase composition. Such fuels have been found to reduce undesirable emissions in the exhaust gases and enable the use of recycled compounds and water in the fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel composition which comprises a diesel fuel, a C1-C4 alkyl ester of an &agr;-hydroxymonocarboxylic acid and, if appropriate, a C1-C4 alcohol. The diesel fuel is either obtained from petroleum or from a petroleum fraction, such as middle distillate, or is obtained by conversion of material of biological origin (so-called biodiesel). The fuel composition preferably contains from 3 to 6% by weight of C1-C4 alkyl ester, calculated on the basis of the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: A gasoline is provided that includes a plant oil extract, &bgr;-carotene, and jojoba oil. The gasoline exhibits reduced emissions of undesired components during combustion of the fuel. A method for preparing the gasoline is also provided.

Abstract: An environmentally clean multi-fuel composition for use in an internal combustion engine, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C1-C20 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, ethyl malate, butyl malate, and the like, or diesel in the case where the engine is a diesel engine, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel.

Abstract: An environmentally clean dual fuel for an internal combustion engine, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate and the like, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel. The dual fuel, internal combustion system, which generally utilizes a two-stage process for start-up and operation and can be operated with air- or liquid-cooling, is environmentally clean with hydrocarbon, CO, NO.

Abstract: The lubricity of low sulphur fuels is enhanced by incorporation of a lubricity enhancing additive in combination with a polyoxyalkylene compound.

Abstract: A gas oil composition for motor vehicles, with a sulfur content lower than 0.2% by weight and with a content of aromatic hydrocarbons lower than about 30% by weight, contains, as a lubricity improver agent, an amount of from 100 to 10,000 ppm (parts per million parts by weight) of lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alkyl esters of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty acids, derived from vegetable oleaginous seeds.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for producing esters from a feedstock that includes a fat or an oil. The process includes mixing the feedstock with an alcohol and a catalyst. The catalyst includes a mixture of calcium acetate and barium acetate The reaction mixture is heated at a temperature effective to make esters.

Abstract: Fortified hydrocarbon torch gas is a mixture of a major portion by weight of hydrocarbon base gas and additive selected from 1,2-ethanediol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3 butanediol, glycerol, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethyl acetate, n-propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, sec butyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, propionaldehyde, and butyraldehyde and liquid hydrocarbon fuel fortified with ethylene glycol monomethyl ether or ethyl acetate.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon fuels, especially diesel fuel compositions, contain alpha-ketocarboxylate additives such as methyl pyruvate to reduce particulate emissions therefrom when combusted in an internal combustion engine. The additives are preferably non-aromatic and metals-free.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel and aviation jet fuel are stabilized by insertion of solid porous stabilizing foam into storage tanks. Fuel-insoluble particles resulting from degradation of the fuel which form during prolonged storage are absorbed by the foam. The absorbed particles are removed from the foam by contacting it with a polar solvent. The foam thus regenerated is re-used for continued stabilization of stored liquid hydrocarbon fuels. The polar solvent having fuel-insoluble particles dissolved therein is recovered by distillation for re-use.