Abstract: A device for upgrading a solid organic material into a resulting product comprises a reactor with an organic material inlet, and a flue gas inlet adapted to introduce flue gas into the reactor, an input driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material to the organic material inlet, an output driver adapted to continuously transfer the solid organic material out of the reactor, a gas flow element operatively connected to the flue gas inlet permitting flue gas to mix with the solid organic material but restricting flow of the solid organic material away from the flue gas inlet, and a rapid cooling device operatively connected to the output driver and adapted to apply a heat transfer liquid directly onto the solid organic material and thereby form the resulting product.

Abstract: A process for converting biomass to hydrocarbons and oxygenates that may include providing a biomass feedstock and de-oxygenating the biomass feedstock to form a solid-intermediate. The process may further include liquefaction of the solid intermediate, which may be carried out either by rapid heating followed by condensation or by liquefying by applying high pressure. The liquefaction of the solid intermediate may produce a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenates, which is generally termed as biocrude. Further, the biocrude is processed by one or more refining means for production of hydrocarbons that can be used as fuel.

Abstract: A process for optimizing a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas. The biomass feed, which is preferably a lignocellulosic material, is subjected to controlled torrefaction so that the biomass only undergoes a weight loss of about 10% to 15% on a dry ash free basis. This increases the energy density and friability of the so treated biomass and results in higher efficiency on subsequent gasification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing cell wall properties in plants. The method comprises introducing into the plant, at least one nucleotide construct comprising a nucleic acid molecule operatively linked to a regulatory region active in the plant, wherein said nucleic acid molecule encodes a polypeptide with galactinol synthase (GolS)-like activity and growing the plant under conditions that permit the expression of the nucleic acid, thereby enhancing the cell wall property of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system for the combined purpose of electricity generation and water treatment and biofuel production. The configuration combines complementary sub-systems whereby outputs from one system are used as inputs to another creating a positive feedback mechanism that significantly increases system efficiency and output. Compensatory mechanisms between system components create a natural hedge in energy and water production against temporal variation in solar insolence levels. Secondary benefits of the invention may include carbon abatement, ground water improvements, and land regeneration.

Abstract: Processes for converting organic material into renewable fuel products. A feedstock containing organic material is processed at an elevated pressure and temperature to lyse, decarboxylate, and carbonize cell structures. A portion of the processed slurry may be recirculated and mixed with cool, pressurized feedstock prior to reaching a mechanical mixing device to preheat and reduce the viscosity of the feedstock. The pressure and temperature are reduced, which may occur simultaneously to flash volatile materials, such as ammonia, out of the slurry, thereby reducing the presence of the materials in the final product and allowing recovery of the materials. The processed slurry may be treated with a halide to reduce mercury emissions in the final product. The treated slurry is mechanically and thermally dewatered resulting in a renewable fuel product in dried particulate or pelletized form that is a viable energy source having a positive heating value.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for forming hydrocarbon products from triglycerides are described. In one aspect, the methods involve the thermal decomposition of fatty acids, which can be derived from the hydrolysis of triglycerides. The thermal decomposition products can be combined with low molecular weight olefins, such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis products, and subjected to molecular averaging reactions. Alternatively, the products can be subjected to hydrocracking reactions, isomerization reactions, and the like. The products can be isolated in the gasoline, jet and/or diesel fuel ranges. Thus, vegetable oils and/or animal fats can be converted using water, catalysts, and heat, into conventional products in the gasoline, jet and/or diesel fuel ranges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing industrial products such as hydrocarbon products from non-polar lipids in a vegetative plant part. Preferred industrial products include alkyl esters which may be blended with petroleum based fuels.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.

Abstract: Integrating a biomass pyrolysis and upgrading process into a fluid catalytic cracking unit. The process uses conventional FCC feed and a mixture of a solvent and biomass to produce upgraded fuel products. A slurry stream composed of solid biomass particles and a solvent is fed into an FCC riser through a slurry pump to achieve biomass pyrolysis and in situ pyrolysis oil upgrading. The catalytic cracking of the conventional petroleum feed also occurs in the riser.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 10 ppm by weight or less from feed sources that include up to 10% by weight of a biocomponent feedstock. The mineral hydrocarbon portions of the feed sources can be distillate or heavier feed sources.

Abstract: Described is a method for converting biomass derived pyrolysis oil (bio-oil) into materials that will be more useful for transportation fuels including the following two steps: 1) solubilizing and extracting bio-oil oxygenates, and 2) zeolite catalyzed hydrogenation of the oxygenates into renewable fuel range materials.

Abstract: A method of purifying a gas stream formed from a process wherein a glyceride containing raw material is converted to hydrocarbon paraffins. The gas stream contains hydrogen or carbon dioxide as a major component and at least one sulphurous component selected from sulphide compounds as an impurity. The gas is contacted with an acidic aqueous wash solution of transition metal ions capable of binding to sulphide ions. A significant portion of the sulphide compounds contained in the gas are bound into practically insoluble transition metal sulphide compounds to remove sulphide compounds from the gas to produce a purified gas. The obtained purified gas is recovered. The method efficiently lowers sulphide concentrations to ppm or sub-ppm level and it can be implemented on an industrial scale with low investment costs. The metal can be recovered.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a fatty acyl mixture comprising: (i) a C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 30 wt. % wherein at least 80% of the C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chains are saturated; and (ii) a C18-C22 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 20 wt. % wherein at least 50% of the acyl C18-C22 carbon atom chains contain at least one double bond; hydrolyzing the mixture to yield a quantity of C10-C16 saturated fatty acids and C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids; oligomerizing at least some of the C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids to yield a quantity of C36+ fatty acid oligomers; hydrotreating at least some of the C10-C16 saturated fatty acids and at least some of the C36+ fatty acid oligomers to yield a quantity of diesel fuel blendstock and C36+ alkanes; and separating at least some of the diesel fuel blendstock from the C36+ alkanes.

Abstract: Processes are provided for deoxygenation of a biocomponent feedstock with reduced hydrogen consumption. The biocomponent feedstock can be processed under relatively low hydrogen partial pressures and at a relatively low treat gas ratio compared to the hydrogen need of the feedstock. The relatively low pressure, relatively low treat gas ratio hydroprocessing can result in reduced production of water and carbon monoxide and in increased production of carbon dioxide compared to relatively higher pressure process conditions.

Abstract: A method comprising the steps of providing a fatty acyl mixture comprising: (i) a C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 30 wt. % wherein at least 80% of the C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chains are saturated; and (ii) a C18-C22 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 20 wt. % wherein at least 50% of the acyl C18-C22 carbon atom chains contain at least one olefin; oligomerizing at least some of the mixture to yield a second mixture comprising C36+ oligomers; hydrotreating the second mixture to yield a quantity of diesel fuel blendstock and C36+ alkanes; and separating at least some of the diesel fuel blendstock from the C36+ alkanes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol or animal foodstuff by treating lignocellulosic material by subjecting the material to microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of the lignin to dissociate the lignin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of waste and low-value products to produce useful materials in reliable purities and compositions, at acceptable cost, without producing malodorous emissions, and with high energy efficiency are disclosed. In particular, multi-stage processes are disclosed to convert various feedstocks such as offal, animal manures, municipal sewage sludge, tires, and plastics, that otherwise have little commercial value, to useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. Disclosed processes subject the feedstock to heat and pressure, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components. Various materials produced at different points in the process may be recycled and used to play other roles within the process. Also disclosed are apparatus for performing multi-stage processes of converting waste products into useful materials, and at least one oil product that arises from the process.

Abstract: Liquid suspensions are disclosed comprising a suspending medium, small particles of biomass, and small particles of an inorganic material. The inorganic material stabilizes the suspension, so that it may be transported by pipeline or tank car without developing a sediment. The suspension may be used in manufacturing a bio-fuel.

Abstract: A process for co-production of renewable diesel fuel range hydrocarbons and gasoline fuel range hydrocarbons from biomass-derived oils and fatty materials (e.g. triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids) and biomass-derived polyol (e.g. sorbitol, xylitol, trehalose, sucrose, and sugar alcohol), respectively, in a same refinery hydrotreater with or without co-feeding of diesel fuel range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Technologies to convert biomass to liquid hydrocarbon fuels are currently being developed to decrease our carbon footprint and increase use of renewable fuels. Since sugars/sugar derivatives from biomass have high oxygen content and low hydrogen content, coke becomes an issue during zeolite upgrading to liquid hydrocarbon fuels. A process was designed to reduce the coke by co-feeding sugars/sugar derivatives with a saturated recycle stream containing hydrogenated products.

Abstract: A process for producing paraffinic hydrocarbons from a feedstock comprising triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides and/or fatty acids, the process comprising the following steps: (a) hydrode oxygenating the triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides and/or fatty acids in the feedstock by contacting hydrogen and the feedstock with a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature in the range of from 250 to 380° C.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a solid fuel suitable for thermal power generation by making use of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of a plant which grows in large quantities in nature. [Solution] The solid fuel comprises a composition containing 70 wt % or more, on dry basis, of the fruit seed or press cake thereof of Ricinus communis, Triadica sebifera, Jatropha curcas, Brassica rapa L. var. nippo-oleifera, Plamae, Zea mays or Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquito) and is hot compression molded.

Abstract: A unique, integrated non-obvious pathway to convert biomass to biofuels using integration of chemical processes is described herein. The present invention is simple, direct, and provides for the shortest or minimum path between biomass and transportation fuels with alcohols as intermediates, while avoiding hydrogen use during processing. Furthermore, the present invention allows the manufacture of “drop-in” substitutable fuels to be used as-is without modifications instead of conventional petroleum based fuels. The processing described herein is done under mild conditions, under relatively low pressures and temperatures, and under non-corrosive conditions obviating use of special equipment or materials.

Abstract: A method of catalytically preparing a fluid product from solid carbonaceous material is described. In the method, at least one of the following equilibria is established by one or more catalysts: a) CH3OH=CO+2H2, b) CO+H2O=CO2+H2. In some versions, the solid carbonaceous material is woody biomass. Components of the fluid product can include one or a combination of C5-C9 alcohols. In certain versions, the method can be practiced with substantially all of the carbon in the carbonaceous material being converted to the fluid product. Also, in some versions, the fluid product can be prepared with substantially no char formation. The fluid product of various versions can be used directly as fuel or as a reagent for preparing commodity chemicals without the need for separating the fluid product components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of torrefaction of an optionally predried biomass in a torrefaction reactor such that torrefied biomass and torrefaction gases are obtained, and wherein an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the torrefaction reactor at a first position in the reactor such that oxygen reacts with components of the torrefaction gases under the formation of heat and wherein torrefaction gases are withdrawn from the torrefaction reactor at a second position of the torrefaction reactor and wherein the first position is located downstream of the second position in relation to a biomass transport direction in the torrefaction reactor such that the torrefaction gases moves through the torrefaction reactor countercurrent with the biomass transport and wherein the optionally predried biomass has a temperature of between 30° C. and 230° C., preferably between 50° C. and 200° C., most preferably between 60° C. and 180° C. when entering the torrefaction rector.

Abstract: A method for torrefying biomass comprises using an oxidation catalyst to combust gas produced by torrefaction, and thereby produce combustion flue gas. The method also comprises introducing the combustion flue gas into a torrefaction reactor and/or a cooler.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 10 ppm by weight or less from feed sources that include up to 50% by weight of a biocomponent feedstock. The biocomponent feedstock is co-processed with a heavy oil feed in a severe hydrotreating stage. The product from the severe hydrotreatment stage is fractionated to separate out a diesel boiling range fraction, which is then separately hydrotreated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the production of energy and the reclaimation of carpet waste material. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for storing and using post industrial and post consumer carpet as fuel in an energy generation process and for producing at least one recyclable carpet waste material.

Abstract: A process or a system for converting a solid biomass material is provided, comprising contacting the solid biomass material with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products. The riser reactor contains: a riser reactor pipe, which riser reactor pipe has a diameter that increases in a downstream direction; and a bottom section connected to the riser reactor pipe, which bottom section has a larger diameter than the riser reactor pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are apparatuses for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are systems for upgrading carbonaceous materials. Also disclosed are upgraded carbonaceous materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the production of hydrocarbon based fuel from micro-organisms and algae that comprise algaenan without requiring prior removal of water, as well as the production of hydrocarbon based fuel directly from the algaenan itself. Also disclosed herein are feed material for the processes disclosed herein comprising modified algae and algaenan that selectively produce hydrocarbon of desired chain lengths, along with the process of modifying the algae and algaenan. Also disclosed herein is the production of both hydrocarbon and organic fertilizer from algae without the need to remove the water from the algae prior to processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods (processes) and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils to provide for base oils and transportation fuels, wherein partial oligomerization of fatty acids contained therein provide for an oligomerized mixture from which the base oils and transportation fuels can be extracted. Such methods and systems can involve an initial hydrotreating step or a direct isomerization of the oligomerized mixture.

Abstract: A biochar generator may include a pyrolysis chamber, a heater connected to the pyrolysis chamber and a biochar collection chamber in communication with the pyrolysis chamber. A biochar collection chamber sensor may sense a composition of the biochar collected in the biochar collection chamber to define a sensed composition of the biochar. A controller in electrical communication with the biochar collection chamber sensor may utilize the sensed composition of the biochar to dynamically alter conditions in the pyrolysis chamber to alter the composition of the biochar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurising said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the chemical conversion of mixtures of materials produced from solid and liquid hydrocarbons into gas/vapour mixtures and carbonaceous materials by thermal actions, catalysis and other processes and a device comprising jacket-heated, vertically and horizontally oriented reactors known per se with conveying devices and further apparatus in a process cycle.

Abstract: A liquid fuel production process from Cellulosic biomass and coal comprises providing a mixture of Cellulosic biomass and coal, subjecting the mixture to gasification to obtain synthesis gas and converting the synthesis gas to a liquid fuel under the presence of catalyst. The catalyst includes molybdenum sulfide, alkali metal compound and a component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product, wherein the alkali metal compound is selected from the group of salts of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, the component activating the C—H bond in alkanes product is selected from Mo, V, Os, Re, Ir, Pt, Pd, Co, Rh, Ni and their mixture. Additionally, co-gasification of Cellulosic biomass and coal can reduce the ash fusion temperature of coal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure to produce bio-fuels of natural origin from organic wastes. In particular the present invention concerns a procedure to obtain bio-fuels starting from the organic fraction of waste comprising a phase of extraction with a solvent of said organic fraction and a separation of said bio-fuel from said solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feed stocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles and contain a sorbent. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels. In addition, one or more sorbents can be added to the feed stocks in order to reduce the amount of a variety of pollutants present in traditional fuel and feed stocks, including, but not limited, sulfur and chlorine. Further, these feed stocks with added sorbent can mitigate corrosion, improve fuel conversion, extend power generating plant lifetime, reduce ash slagging, and reduced operating temperature.

Abstract: A solidified biomass consisting of semi-carbonized or pre-semi-carbonized solid matter is pressure-formed from raw biomass material while being heated under a substantially sealed-up condition to allow hemicellulose among the main components of the raw biomass material, i.e. lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose, to be thermally decomposed and to allow a low-temperature reaction to occur between the cellulose and lignin while maintaining their skeletons. The pre-semi-carbonized solid matter or semi-carbonized solid matter has a maximum compressive strength of 60-200 MPa and calorific value of 18-23 MJ/kg.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an auto-combustible log comprising at least one air intake connected to a chimney wherein the log is made of wood, wood particle or wood residues wherein the wood, wood particles or wood residues have been treated to destroy any invasive pests, such as insects and fungi.

Abstract: This invention provides processes to convert biomass into energy-dense biomass for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing energy-dense biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising extracting the feedstock with steam and/or hot water to produce an extract liquor containing hemicellulosic oligomers, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; separating the extract liquor, to produce dewatered cellulose-rich solids; hydrolyzing the dewatered cellulose-rich solids, thereby removing a portion of the cellulose, to produce intermediate solids (with higher energy density) and a hydrolysate; drying the intermediate solids to produce energy-dense biomass; and optionally recovering fermentable sugars from the hydrolysate. The energy-dense biomass may be pelletized into biomass pellets, which may have a similar energy density as torrefied pellets from wood.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of generating hydrogen from a bio-oil, comprising hydrogenating a water-soluble fraction of the bio-oil with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, and reforming the water-soluble fraction by aqueous-phase reforming in the presence of a reforming catalyst, wherein hydrogen is generated by the reforming, and the amount of hydrogen generated is greater than that consumed by the hydrogenating. The method can further comprise hydrocracking or hydrotreating a lignin fraction of the bio-oil with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst wherein the lignin fraction of bio-oil is obtained as a water-insoluble fraction from aqueous extraction of bio-oil. The hydrogen used in the hydrogenating and in the hydrocracking or hydrotreating can be generated by reforming the water-soluble fraction of bio-oil.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A method for converting crude tall oil into high quality diesel fuels include the steps of (a) removal of non-oil contaminants present in the crude tall oil and recovery of valuable organic, (b) heating and removing the volatile fractions of the refined tall oil stream from step (a) and forming a volatiles free oil stream comprising organic components with boiling points of 170° C. and higher, (c) vacuum distilling the volatiles free oil stream of from step (b) to produce a first and second stream the first stream including components with boiling points between 170-400° C. and the second stream comprising components having boiling points greater than 400° C. and (d) passing the first stream into a catalytic reactor wherein hydrogenation and deoxygenation take place to produce a diesel range fuel depleted in oxygen.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting high free fatty acid containing feedstock such as acidulated soapstock into hydrocarbon compound especially fuel range hydrocarbons using amidation as a pretreatment step followed by hydroprocessing.

Abstract: Non-hydrotreated biocomponent feeds can be mixed with mineral feeds and processed under catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions. The catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions can be selected to advantageously also substantially deoxygenate the mixed feed. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.

Abstract: Conversion of renewable hydrocarbons to transportation fuels is required to reduce carbon emission, limit the use of fossil fuels, and develop renewable energy sources. Sorbitol, xylitol and trehelose are polyalcohols generated from the liquefaction of various sugars and carbohydrates in biomass from algae, corn, sugarcane, switchgrasses, and biological wastes. Mixtures of aqueous polyols and fuel feedstocks are catalyzed over metal catalysts to produce hexanes, pentanes, and lighter hydrocarbons. By managing the catalyst, reaction conditions and sulfur content, the octane value of the product fuel is dramatically increased.