From Vegetation Or Refuse Patents (Class 44/605)
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Patent number: 8721794Abstract: Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Susan Marie Hennessey, Rahul B. Kasat
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Patent number: 8721745Abstract: The invention relates to fuel formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Milan Ptacek
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Publication number: 20140123551Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Renewable Fuel Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark Wechsler, Arthur M. Shulenberger
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Patent number: 8709239Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Dennis Stamires, Jacob Adriaan Moulijn
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Publication number: 20140109469Abstract: A process for the production of high quality synthetic coal from biomass or urban waste, while effectively reducing its potential for dioxin production. The feedstock is first sorted to remove recyclable inorganic materials. After size reduction, the feedstock is pyrolyzed at a temperature range of 500 to 600° F. (260-315° C.), in a high capacity, continuous mixer reactor, using in-situ viscous shear heating of the waste materials, to produce a highly uniform, granular synthetic fuel product similar in energy content, storage and handling characteristics to, but much cleaner burning than, natural coal. The process effectively destroys dioxins and other chlorinated hydrocarbons that may be present in the feedstock, while removing and sequestering chlorine as alkali salts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventor: Fred L. Jones
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Patent number: 8702820Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Elite Fuels LLCInventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, Sr.
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Patent number: 8702822Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: Aditya Bhan, Michael Tsapatsis, Lanny D. Schmidt, Paul J. Dauenhauer
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Patent number: 8702991Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventors: Justin S. Kniep, Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8702821Abstract: The present description relates to a method and system for generating a fuel pellet from high sulfur fuel waste materials having a reduced SO2 emission. In one example, the fuel pellet may include petroleum coke, a biomass constituent, and an alkali substituent. Further in another example, the fuel pellet may include iron oxide catalyst increasing the capture of SO2.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Elite Fuels LLCInventors: Donald Ray Blackmon, Gerald Joseph Byrd, Sr.
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Patent number: 8686210Abstract: A process for obtaining gaseous hydrocarbons from a starting material which contains oxygen-containing hydrocarbons. The process includes providing the starting material and contacting the starting material with a porous catalyst at a temperature of 300-850° C. in the absence of oxygen in a converting reactor so as to form a hydrocarbon-containing product gas mixture in which a proportion by weight of gaseous hydrocarbons is greater than a proportion by weight of liquid hydrocarbons in the gas mixture. Additionally, the process includes collecting a hydrocarbon-containing product gas stream of the hydrocarbon-containing product gas mixture and introducing the product gas stream into a separation apparatus in which product fractionation is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.Inventors: Volker Heil, Wolfgang Urban, Axel Kraft, Christoph Unger, Karl Meller, Joachim Danzig, Ulrich Seifert, Anna Fastabend, Silvana Rossow, Andreas Menne
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Patent number: 8686203Abstract: A process for preparing fuels, such as diesel fuels or jet fuels, by hydrotreating vegetable oils or fatty acid derivatives that may be applied to existing equipment for treating fossil fuels. The process comprises feeding hydrotreating a combined oxygenate feed stream, such as FAME, and a hydrocarbon feed stream until not more than 86 wt % of the esters in the oxygenate feed stream are converted to hydrocarbons, and optionally further hydrotreating the product stream within at least a second hydrotreatment reaction zone until at least 90 wt % of the esters in the oxygenate feed stream are converted to hydrocarbons, before removing and separating a hydrocarbon stream suitable for use as fuel.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Patrick L. Hanks, Kathryn Y. Cole, William E. Lewis
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Publication number: 20140088205Abstract: A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Cool Planet Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. CHEIKY, Ronald A. SILLS
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Publication number: 20140075834Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. Some embodiments employ pyrolysis in the presence of an inert gas to generate hot pyrolyzed solids, condensable vapors, and non-condensable gases, followed by separation of vapors and gases, and cooling of the hot pyrolyzed solids in the presence of the inert gas. Additives may be introduced during processing or combined with the reagent, or both. The biogenic reagent may include at least 70 wt %, 80 wt %, 90 wt %, 95 wt %, or more total carbon on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may have an energy content of at least 12,000 Btu/lb, 13,000 Btu/lb, 14,000 Btu/lb, or 14,500 Btu/lb on a dry basis. The biogenic reagent may be formed into fine powders, or structural objects. The structural objects may have a structure and/or strength that derive from the feedstock, heat rate, and additives.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: BIOGENIC REAGENTS LLCInventors: James A. Mennell, Daniel J. Despen
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Publication number: 20140075835Abstract: The disclosed embodiments are operable to produce biochar from a biomass or to dry a biomass through controlled heating. While prior art technologies are stationary enclosures, the embodiments provided herein are based on a portable, flexible laminated blanket that is draped over a biomass (e.g., a wood slash pile). In this way, the blanket functions as a portable and reusable kiln for pyrolyzing biomass into biochar or drying biomass.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for CommercializationInventors: Kenneth B. Faires, Daniel T. Schwartz, Gregory M. Newbloom, Jeffrey J. Richards, Michael S. Noon, Jenny L. Knoth
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Patent number: 8673031Abstract: A product comprising at least one densified biomass particulate of a given mass having no added binder and comprised of a plurality of lignin-coated plant biomass fibers is provided, wherein the at least one densified biomass particulate has an intrinsic density substantially equivalent to a binder-containing densified biomass particulate of the same given mass and h a substantially smooth, non-flakey outer surface. Methods for using and making the product are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Bruce E. Dale, Bryan Ritchie, Derek Marshall
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Patent number: 8674160Abstract: Feeds containing a hydrotreated biocomponent portion, and optionally a mineral portion, can be processed under catalytic conditions for isomerization and/or dewaxing. The sulfur content of the feed for dewaxing can be selected based on the hydrogenation metal used for the catalyst. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Patrick L. Hanks, Timothy L. Hilbert, William J. Novak, Christopher G. Oliveri
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Patent number: 8674151Abstract: The invention describes a two-step process for hydrotreatment of a feed derived from a renewable source, comprising: a) a first step, termed a mild pre-hydrogenation step, operating in the presence of a first, metallic, catalyst comprising an active hydrodehydrogenating phase constituted by at least one metal from group VIII and/or at least one metal from group VIB and an amorphous mineral support; and b) a second step, termed the second treatment step, operating in the presence of a second, sulphurized, catalyst comprising an active hydrodehydrogenating phase constituted by at least one non-noble metal from group VIII and/or at least one metal from group VIB and an amorphous mineral support.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Quentin Debuisschert, Jean Cosyns, Thierry Chapus, Damien Hudebine
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Publication number: 20140069798Abstract: Provided herein is a method, device and installation for devolatizing a solid feedstock, comprising carbon-based waste selected from the group consisting of hazardous material, biomass, animal manure, tires, municipal solid waste and refuse derived fuel. The method comprises treating the solid feedstock to a produce a particle size laying between about 1 cm3 and about 100 cm3. The solid feedstock is passed into a jacketed system. The solid feedstock is contacted with a heated gas, comprising hydrogen, inside the jacketed system at a temperature of about 500° C. to about 1000° C. for a time of about 60 seconds to about 120 seconds, whereby the solid feedstock is converted into a gas stream and a solid stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: D4 ENERGY GROUPInventors: David Earle Hayward, Marvin Ronnie Baker
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Patent number: 8668811Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for producing a pyrolysis liquid, wherein the pyrolysis liquid is formed by means of pyrolysis from a raw material by forming, and a pyrolysis reactor, a gaseous pyrolysis product by pyrolysis and condensing it in a condenser into a pyrolysis liquid, and feeding circulation gas into the pyrolysis reactor. The circulation gas is conducted by a liquid ring compressor into the pyrolysis reactor and purified before being conducted into the pyrolysis reactor, and the pyrolysis liquid is used as the liquid layer in the liquid ring compressor.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Metso Power OyInventors: Sampo Ratinen, Jani Lehto, Mikko Anttila, Tuomo Hilli, Kristin Onarheim, Ismo Hirvonen, Yrjo Solantausta, Markku Raiko
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Patent number: 8653312Abstract: Provided herein is a method for producing a water-insoluble liquefied fuel oil containing a hydrocarbon from biomass. The method includes converting an oxygen-containing compound in a liquefied fuel oil obtained after liquefaction to a hydrocarbon and converting a water-soluble organic substance contained in an aqueous phase to a hydrocarbon, thereby improving the yield of the water-insoluble liquefied fuel oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazushi Tsurutani, Tsutomu Sakai, Mitsuru Kondo
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Publication number: 20140041560Abstract: A method of creating and using a high-carbon spent pot lining (SPL) as a fuel, including delining the high-carbon spent pot lining from an electrolytic cell and combusting the SPL in a furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Francis Caron, Denis Guay, Dany Drapeau
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Patent number: 8647398Abstract: A process and system for separating and upgrading bio-oil into renewable fuels is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into a light fraction and heavy fraction based on their boiling points. The heavy fraction is then subjected to hydrotreatment, while the light fraction is not subjected to hydrotreatment. At least a portion of the un-hydrotreated light fraction and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction are blended with petroleum-derived gasoline to thereby provide a renewable gasoline, and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction is blended with petroleum-derived diesel to thereby provide a renewable diesel.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventors: Maria Magdalena Ramirez Corredores, Vicente Sanchez Iglesias
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Patent number: 8648218Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for preparing a phenolic compound is provided. The method includes providing a lignin depolymerization product, and hydrogenating the lignin depolymerization product under iron oxide and hydrogen gas to prepare a phenolic compound. The prepared phenolic compound is a crude phenolic composition including phenol, methylphenol, dimethylphenol or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chiung-Fang Liu, Chih-Ching Chen, Chih-Hao Chen, Pei-Jung Yu, Ying-Hsi Chang, Hou-Peng Wan, Hom-Ti Lee
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Patent number: 8647399Abstract: The Present Invention is a fire starting device for use as kindling manufactured from pine straw, as the primary component, a vegetable oil, natural resins, and an herbal component. The device is hollow, having at least one vertical channel and at least one horizontal channel drilled from the outer wall of the device to the inner vertical channel. The fire starter device is ignited from the top, and it burns to produce a high, intense flame that ignites other flammable materials having a much greater kindling temperature. The height of the flame and the burn duration are controlled by the overall size of the device and the sizes of the channels. The device burns clean with a minimum of smoke and harmful or noxious fumes. Burning the device minimally creates air pollution. It burns completely with a minimum of ash residue.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: APPTEC, Inc.Inventors: Vilambi Reddy, Anil Torgalkar, Lionel Xavier
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Publication number: 20140033777Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Frederick J. Schendel, Marc von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Steven M. Heilmann, Lindsey R. Jader, Brandon M. Wood
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Patent number: 8641910Abstract: Systems and processes for converting bulky lignocellulosic biomass to high density biomass products, including biofuels, are described. The systems and processes relate to treating freshly harvested plant materials, generally at or in close proximity to sites where the plant materials are harvested, to effect saccharification, alcoholic fermentation, or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, thereby providing a liquefied biomass. The liquefied biomass is extracted to provide liquid extracts comprising biomass-derived water and water soluble biomass saccharification and fermentation products, including fermentable sugars and alcohols. The liquid biomass extracts can be transported via pipeline to other locations for fermentation, further saccharification, and/or purification to provide biofuel. Alternatively, the liquefied biomass can be used to prepare a biomass slurry that can be transported via pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Syngenta Participations AGInventor: Gary Wietgrefe
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Publication number: 20140026791Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for manufacturing a semi-carbonized fuel of a biomass that does not require an external heat source and is capable of suppressing adhesion of tar, condensed water, or the like to a pipe. The device includes a drying device for heating and drying a biomass, a pyrolysis device for decomposing the dried biomass, and a combustion device for supplying heat to the drying device and the pyrolysis device. The pyrolysis device is supplied with a part of a combustion exhaust gas generated in the combustion device, directly mixes the supplied combustion exhaust gas and the biomass to heat and pyrolytically decompose the biomass, and supplies a mixed gas of a generated pyrolysis gas and the combustion exhaust gas to the combustion device. The combustion device is supplied with an air for combustion, combust the supplied mixed gas, and generate the combustion exhaust gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: HITACHI LTDInventors: Hirofumi Okazaki, Akihito Orii, Tetsuma Tatsumi
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Patent number: 8637717Abstract: A municipal solid waste material is converted to a refuse derived fuel then to syngas which is processed to produce a liquid feedstream via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis. The Fischer-Tropsch liquid feedstream is combined with a triglyceride feedstream then hydroprocessed to produce a distillate fuel end product.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Rational Energies, LLCInventors: Ian S. Mackay, Juan F. Pearcy Salinas
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Publication number: 20140020286Abstract: The present document describes a catalyst to initiate microwave pyrolysis of waste, a process for the microwave pyrolysis of waste using the catalyst, as well as a microwave pyrolysis system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Services Kengtek Inc.Inventors: Jocelyn Doucet, Jamal Chaouki, Amr Sobhy
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Publication number: 20140026255Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for reducing reactive oxygen species in plants, yeast, algae or bacteria by transforming a plant, yeast or bacteria with a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a superoxide reductase from an archaeon species. The invention also provides methods for protecting a photosynthetic reaction center, for reducing photorespiration and/or for increasing the photosynthetic efficiency of plants or cyanobacteria as well as methods for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress in plants, yeast or bacteria by transforming a plant, yeast, or bacteria with a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a archaeon superoxide reductase. Methods for delaying senescence, reducing lignin polymerization and increasing accessibility of cell wall cellulose to an enzyme in a plant by transforming the plant with a heterologous polynucleotide encoding an archaeon superoxide reductase are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: AMY MICHELE GRUNDEN, HEIKE INGE ADA SEDEROFF, ROOPA D. YALAMANCHILI
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Patent number: 8628593Abstract: The process described in the instant invention has the steps of dissolving the lipid-containing biomass in an ionic liquid, whereby a lipid phase and a hydrophilic phase are formed. The lipid phase contains primarily triglycerides, which can be converted to biodiesel by transesterification to, e.g., methyl esters. The hydrophilic phase comprises dissolved biopolymers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and protein. The biopolymers are converted in situ to compounds that are insoluble in the molten inorganic salt hydrate. The molten inorganic salt hydrates regenerated by removing insolubles, such as lignin, ash from the biomass, and water.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: BOleCON International Holding N.V.Inventors: Jacob A. Moulijn, Sjoerd Daamen, Paul O'Connor, Rob Van Der Meij
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Patent number: 8629309Abstract: Provided herein is a method for producing a water-insoluble liquefied fuel oil containing a hydrocarbon from biomass. The method includes converting an oxygen-containing compound in a liquefied fuel oil obtained after liquefaction to a hydrocarbon and converting a water-soluble organic substance contained in an aqueous phase to a hydrocarbon, thereby improving the yield of the water-insoluble liquefied fuel oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazushi Tsurutani, Tsutomu Sakai, Mitsuru Kondo
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Publication number: 20140007499Abstract: A composition of matter is disclosed comprising an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. The composition is suitable for conversion to a bio-oil in a pyrolysis reaction. The carbonaceous material acts as a reducing agent during the pyrolysis reaction. The composition of matter produces bio-oil in a greater yield than prior art processes. The bio-oil is of improved quality, as evidenced by its low TAN value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: KiOR, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Stamires, Paul O'Connor
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Patent number: 8624073Abstract: Non-basic and non-acidic homogeneous catalysts organo-metallic compound of the formula: M(OCH3)x wherein M is B, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Al, Sn, Sb, Mo, Ag, and Cd and x is an integer from 2, 3 or 4 can catalyze transesterification of oils and fats having high free fatty acid content and with an acid number from 0.5 to 20, into biodiesel. B(OCH3)3 and Ge(OCH3)4, having low boiling points, are easily recovered from the biodiesel and glycerol phases and recycled for reuse. Continuous biodiesel production with the novel homogenous catalysts is achieved without the complicated and troublesome steps attendant with conventional processes using base or acid homogeneous catalyst. The high purity biodiesel is produced without acid-base neutralization, water wash, filtration, and solid disposal steps for removing the spent catalyst from the product streams associated with prior techniques.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: CPC Corporation, TaiwanInventors: Shih-Chieh Yang, Jen-Ray Chang, Maw-Tien Lee, Tzong-Bin Lin, Fu-Ming Lee, Cheng-Tsung Hong, Jeng-Cheng Lee
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Patent number: 8618341Abstract: A liquid fuel production process from cellulosic biomass comprises the following steps: (1) providing a mixture of cellulose and water; (2) subjecting the obtained mixture to hydrolysis and catalytic hydrogenation under the presence of acid to obtain mono-sugar alcohol and optional solid material lignin, or subjecting the obtained mixture to hydrolysis to obtain monosaccharide; (3) esterifying the obtained mono-sugar with C2-C5 organic acid to obtain a liquid fuel II, or subjecting the obtained mono-sugar alcohol or monosaccharide to dehydration/hydrogenation to obtain an organic liquid fuel I consisting of alkanes. This process avoids the loss of organic carbon atoms during fermentation, and the sugar derived from cellulosic biomass can be converted to organic carbon in the liquid fuel. The lignin produced by the process can be used for preparing aromatics.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: China Fuel (Huaibei) Bioenergy Technology Development Co. LtdInventors: Hongping Yie, Meg M. Sun, Zuolin Zhu
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Patent number: 8617261Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventor: Paul O'Connor
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Publication number: 20130326935Abstract: A system and corresponding process for treating biomass, including by use of a plurality of pyrolysis treatment steps. The process can be used to provide a first pyrolysis product (e.g., intermediate), in the form of a carbon enriched material that contains substantially less hemicellulose content than the initial biomass, while substantially retaining and optionally enriching cellulose and/or lignin content as compared to the initial biomass. The process also includes a second pyrolysis device, adapted to further pyrolyze the first pyrolysis product in order to provide one or more gasses and/or vapors (e.g., providing condensable or non-condensable bio-products) and solid ash byproduct.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Bepex International, LLCInventor: Gregory J. Kimball
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Publication number: 20130333067Abstract: A new synthetic cultivar of prairie cordgrass designated ‘Savoy’ is described. ‘Savoy’ is well adapted to the lower Midwest environment of the United States of America, and has a higher biomass yield potential than presently available commercial prairie cordgrass cultivars, such as ‘Red River’. In particular, compared to ‘Red River’, the cultivar ‘Savoy’ has higher mass per tiller, more leaves per tiller, higher shoot height and longer, wider leaves containing more biomass per leaf.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Dokyoung LEE, Allen PARRISH
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Publication number: 20130330677Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of coal to form a paste that can be used as a fuel or incorporated with other fillers to form pellets or briquettes. The paste is formed from crushed or powdered coal mixed in a liquid fuel and may be used as is or may be mixed with a carrier fuel prior to combustion or it could be mixed with other biomass fillers to produce a solid fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventors: Joel Sterling Douglas, Michael Curtis
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Patent number: 8604261Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for converting biomass-derived streams of hydrocarbon diols into products suitable for use as a biomass-derived fuel additive. These methods involve the condensation of diols comprising five or six carbon atoms to form condensation products containing at least ten carbon atoms. The remaining hydroxyl functional groups of the condensation products are optionally modified to decrease overall polarity of the products, and improve miscibility with liquid hydrocarbon mixtures.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventor: Matthew J. Truit
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Patent number: 8604260Abstract: Disclosed is a process for biomass conversion in a catalytic pyrolysis reactor to convert such to liquid hydrocarbons which includes conditions which favor increased olefin production; wherein the olefins are then upgraded alone or with the produced bio-oil to fuel range hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventor: Andre Ditsch
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Publication number: 20130312471Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a solid fertilizer and biofuel product from sugarcane vinasses and solid fertilizer and biofuel product obtained by means of said method which allows optimum use of resources and high energy efficiency throughout the method, in addition to a solution for managing the residue constituted by vinasse, comprising a step A consisting of concentrating liquid vinasse (1) until obtaining concentrated vinasse (2) with a percentage of solid of at least 50%, a step B consisting of mixing the concentrated vinasse (2) with plant compounds (3), and a step C consisting of granulating the mixture obtained in step B until obtaining a solid granulated product (4) that can be used as fertilizer (4?) and as biofuel (4?).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: HPD PROCESS ENGINEERING, S.A.Inventor: Ignacio Martinez Garmendia
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Publication number: 20130318653Abstract: Provided are methods for decreasing carbon flow into lignin in plants, comprising reducing or eliminating, using mutagenesis and/or recombinant means, expression and/or activity of at least one chloroplast-localized arogenate dehydratase (ADT) sufficient to reduce phenylalanine (Phe) availability for metabolism into Phe-derived phenylpropanoids, wherein the amount, level or distribution of lignin is reduced relative to control plants. In particular aspects, the plant has a plurality of chloroplast-localized ADTs, and reducing or eliminating comprises reducing or eliminating expression and/or activity of at least two of the plurality of ADTs. Also provided are recombinant plants or parts or cells thereof, comprising at least one mutation, genetic alteration or transgene that reduces or eliminates the expression and/or activity of at least one chloroplast-localized ADT, wherein the amount, level or distribution of lignin is reduced relative to normal. Further provided are reduced lignin plant products.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Washington State UniversityInventors: Norman G. Lewis, Laurence B. Davin, Oliver R.A. Corea, Sung-Jin Kim
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Patent number: 8592638Abstract: In the process of the invention, an aliphatic C2-C14 hydrocarbon product is prepared from natural fats or derivatives thereof. The process comprises the steps of: (i) providing a natural fat or derivative thereof, (ii) deoxygenating a natural fat or derivative thereof originating from step (i) to yield an aliphatic C9-C28 hydrocarbon, (iii) hydrocracking an aliphatic C9-C28 hydrocarbon originating from step (ii) to yield a product comprising an aliphatic C2-C14 hydrocarbon, (iv) isomerising an aliphatic C2-C14 hydrocarbon originating from step (iii) into an isomerised aliphatic C2-C14 hydrocarbon, and optionally (v) recovering an isomerised C2-C14 hydrocarbon originating from step (iv) as said C2-C14 hydrocarbon product. Pure and high quality light fuel is easily obtained in sufficient amounts.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Neste Oil OyjInventors: Pekka Aalto, Ville Alopaeus, Elina Harlin, Raimo Linnaila, Leena Rantanen-Kolehmainen
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Patent number: 8591606Abstract: A biofuel that includes a blend of municipal solid waste, selected recyclables, and/or construction and demolition waste including about 40% to 60% wood, about 10% to 20% paper, about 10% to 20% cardboard, about 5% to 10% non-chlorinated plastics, about 5% to 10% rags, about 5% to 10% rugs, and an emission reducing agent, the emission reducing agent being one or more of urea, calcium hydroxide, hydroquinone, anthraquinone, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, and an ammonium compound.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventor: Louis Wagner
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Publication number: 20130305599Abstract: Methods of harvesting algae, and using algae as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are provided. The methods comprise contacting liquid algae suspensions with a filtration media. Depending upon the filtration media, the resulting algae and filtration media admixture is then utilized as a biofuel, livestock feed, food supplements, or for the extraction of algae oil. Admixtures comprising a combustible filtration media, such as coal, are particularly preferred. The methods are suitable for use with any algae species. Compositions for use as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are also provided. These compositions comprise an admixture of algae and a filtration media.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Albert C. Rettenmaier
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Patent number: 8585976Abstract: A device for selectively removing contaminants from a crude product mixture which includes a production reactor for producing a crude oil product mixture, the production reactor includes a lipid reservoir and an alcohol reservoir and a first organic acid removal reactor in fluid communication with the production reactor. The first organic acid removal reactor includes a first housing defining an interior volume the housing configured to receive the crude oil products and disposed within the interior volume of the removal reactor housing is metal oxide media selected from the group consisting of zirconia, alumina, hafnia and titania for removing organic acidic contaminants from the crude oil product to product a purified biodiesel fuel.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: McNeff Research Consultants, Inc.Inventors: Clayton V. McNeff, Larry C. McNeff, Bingwen Yan
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Patent number: 8585785Abstract: A method for production of fuel pellets from a biological material, preferably saw dust, wood or similar, where the method comprises the following steps: supplying the material to a drying step (1) and dry the material to a relative humidity from 40-65 weight-percent to 30-45 weight-percent; supplying the material from the dryer step (1), optionally via an intermediate storage step (2), to a reactor step (3, 3?) and heat the material to 200-300° C. by supply of steam; keeping the material in the reactor at the achieved temperature in sufficient time to soften the material; reducing the pressure of the reactor step (3, 3?) in at least two steps, in order to defibrate the material and release of lignin, and supply the material from the reactor step (3, 3?) to an additional drying step (5), optionally via an intermediate storage step (4), and optionally pelletizing of the material.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Arbaflame Technology AS and Cambi Technology ASInventors: Rune Brusletto, Odd Egil Solheim, Hans Rasmus Holte
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Patent number: 8586805Abstract: 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 C16-C22 carbon atom chains contain at least one double bond; hydrolyzing at least some of 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; separating at least some of the C10-C16 saturated fatty acids from the C36+ fatty acid oligomers.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
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Patent number: 8585787Abstract: The invention relates to the use of engineered fuel feedstocks to control the emission of sulfur-based, chlorine-based, nitrogen-based, or mercury-based pollutants, such as SO2, SO3, H2SO4, NO, NO2, HCl, and Hg that are generated during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal. Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feedstocks, feedstocks produced by the described processes, methods of making the fuel feedstocks, methods of producing energy from the fuel feedstocks, and methods of generating electricity from the fuel feedstocks.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: MPH Energy LLCInventors: Dingrong Bai, Paula Calabrese