From Vegetation Or Refuse Patents (Class 44/605)
  • Publication number: 20130298457
    Abstract: A treatment of biomass comprises supplying biomass which contains an amount of moisture to a torrefaction system. The biomass containing moisture is heated to a torrefaction temperature in the torrefaction system. The biomass containing moisture is substantially completely dried by evaporating the moisture and the dried biomass torrefies at least partially to form torrefied biomass. The torrefaction system comprises a first treatment device and a second treatment device. The biomass is heated to the torrefaction temperature in the first treatment device within a first time period. The at least partially torrefied biomass is removed from the first treatment device after the first time period and the biomass which has been removed from the first treatment device is transferred to the second treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOPELL ENERGY B.V., 2511 CJ
    Inventor: Peter Christiaan Albert Bergman
  • Publication number: 20130298454
    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 as gasification and combustion fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Dingrong BAI
  • Patent number: 8580119
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8579997
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a waste stream at a multi-material processing platform and separating the waste stream to remove non-processable waste and marketable recyclables. The method further includes conveying processable materials to a material classification system and incorporating additives to produce an engineered fuel from the constituents of the waste stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: MPH Energy LLC
    Inventor: Dingrong Bai
  • Patent number: 8581014
    Abstract: Provided is a process for producing, in a single step, hydrocarbon fractions useful as diesel fuel or as a component of diesel fuel, from a mixture of a biological origin containing esters of fatty acids and, optionally, aliquots of free fatty acids. The process comprises the contemporaneous hydrodeoxygenation and hydroisomerization of the mixture of a biological origin, with the formation of linear and branched paraffins. The process is carried out in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising an amorphous carrier of an acidic nature and a metallic component containing one or more metals of group VIII.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., UOP LLC
    Inventors: Carlo Perego, Franco Baldiraghi, Suheil Fares Abdo, Terry Louise Marker, Luigina Maria Flora Sabatino
  • Publication number: 20130291608
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for biomass digestion and products formed thereof. The products include one or more biogases, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Detlev K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8575408
    Abstract: The present invention involves a process for processing an acidic biorenewable feedstock comprising olefins, in which the acidic biorenewable feedstock is diluted with a deoxygenated feed to produce a diluted biorenewable feedstock and then is sent through a guard bed comprising a hydroprocessing catalyst to cause the olefins to be saturated with hydrogen and thereby to produce a treated biorenewable feedstock. This treated biorenewable feedstock can then be treated under standard hydroprocessing condition to produce an upgraded feedstock for transportation fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Terry L. Marker, Timothy A. Brandvold, Charles P. Luebke
  • Patent number: 8568493
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cool Planet Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Ronald A. Sills
  • Patent number: 8558043
    Abstract: A modular biomass treatment unit includes a first module having a pretreater and a first frame for transportation to and operation at a site adjacent to a solid biomass growth source. The pretreater is operable to process solid biomass to produce a plurality of solid biomass particles for conversion into a fuel or specialty chemical. The first frame supports the pretreater during transportation to and operation at the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source. The modular biomass treatment unit can also include additional modules each comprising a reactor, a separator, and a frame for transportation to and operation at a site such as the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Yanik, Paul O'Connor, Robert Bartek
  • Patent number: 8556999
    Abstract: The present invention provides non-petroleum high-octane fuel derived from biomass sources, and a method of producing same. The method of production involves reducing the biomass feedstocks to sugars, fermenting the sugars using microorganisms or mutagens thereof to produce ethanol or acetic acid, converting the acetic acid or ethanol to acetone, and converting the acetone to mesitylene and isopentane, the major components of the renewable engine fuel. Trimerization of acetone can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, iron and manganese. The ethanol can be converted to mesitylene in a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst of zinc oxide/calcium oxide, and unreacted ethanol and water separated from mesitylene by distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Swift Fuels, LLC
    Inventors: John J Rusek, Mary-Louise Rusek, Jonathon D Ziulkowski, Justin D Zink
  • Patent number: 8552233
    Abstract: A composition of matter is described herein that can be subjected to pyrolysis and converted into a bio-oil. The composition comprises an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stamires, Paul O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8549769
    Abstract: A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
  • Patent number: 8552235
    Abstract: A process for hydrodeoxygenation of feeds derived from renewable sources with conversion by decarboxylation/decarbonylation limited to at most 10%, using a bulk or supported catalyst comprising an active phase constituted by at least one element from group VIB and at least one element from group VIII, said elements being in the sulphide form, and the atomic ratio of the metal (or metals) from group VIII to the metal (or metals) from group VIB being strictly more than 0 and less than 0.095, said process being carried out at a temperature in the range 120° C. to 450° C., at a pressure in the range 1 MPa to 10 MPa, at an hourly space velocity in the range 0.1 h?1 to 10 h?1, and in the presence of a total quantity of hydrogen mixed with the feed such that the hydrogen/feed ratio is in the range 50 to 3000 Nm3 of hydrogen/m3 of feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Antoine Daudin, Laurent Bournay, Thierry Chapus
  • Patent number: 8552230
    Abstract: Materials and processes for the conversion of carbohydrates and polyols to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates and polyols are reacted in the presence of modified zeolite catalysts to form a reaction product containing non-aromatic and aromatic gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Jianhua Yao, Edward L. Sughrue, II, Yun Bao, Kristi Fjare, TiePan Shi
  • Patent number: 8552234
    Abstract: Process for producing hydrocarbons from a carboxylic acid by feeding hydrogen and a reaction composition containing a carboxylic acid to a reactor, maintaining reaction conditions such that the hydrogen reacts with the carboxylic acid to produce a C1 compound including CO, CO2 and CH4, and one or more product hydrocarbons derived from the carboxylic acid. The reaction between hydrogen and the carboxylic acid is catalysed. A product stream is removed from the reactor including unreacted hydrogen, at least one C1 compound, and at least one product hydrocarbon. One or more parameters of the reaction are controlled such that the molar ratio of C1 compounds produced by the reaction to the carboxylate groups present in the carboxylic acid in the reaction composition is maintained above a value of 0.37:1, and the mole ratio of carbon dioxide to the sum of carbon monoxide and methane is maintained above a value of 0.58:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas John Gudde
  • Patent number: 8545703
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8546635
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for preparing upgraded pyrolysis oil are provided herein. In an embodiment, a method of preparing upgraded pyrolysis oil includes providing a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream having an original oxygen content. The biomass-derived pyrolysis oil stream is hydrodeoxygenated under catalysis in the presence of hydrogen to form a hydrodeoxygenated pyrolysis oil stream comprising a cyclic paraffin component. At least a portion of the hydrodeoxygenated pyrolysis oil stream is dehydrogenated under catalysis to form the upgraded pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Brandvold, Lance Awender Baird, Stanley Joseph Frey
  • Patent number: 8545702
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Publication number: 20130247458
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel system and to a process for the production of such a fuel system by using urban sewage sludge. Environment protective energetic use of urban sewage sludge and the reduction of fossil Carbon dioxide are the important goals. The fuel system according to the present invention shows a content of fossil carbon which is clearly reduced compared to that of fossil fuels while the fuel-technological properties are the same. Thus the emission of the carbon dioxide based on fossil carbon is notably reduced during the use of the fuel system according to the invention. In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the fuel system according to the invention is provided consisting of different fossil regular fuels and urban sewage sludge as biogenic carbon donor, with biomasses serving as a biogenic carbon donor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Tobias Löhr, Georg Szczendzina
  • Patent number: 8541636
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the catalytic hydrotreatment of a load based on a diesel fuel oil and a biological load based on plant oils and/or animal fats in a hydrotreatment unit. The invention is characterized in that the hydrotreatment unit comprises at least one hydrotreatment reactor operating on a countercurrent. The invention also relates to a hydrotreatment unit for implementing said method, and a corresponding hydrorefining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Marketing
    Inventor: César Vergel
  • Patent number: 8540880
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8540881
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Publication number: 20130244291
    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 fermentable sugars and 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 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: API Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN
  • Patent number: 8536390
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for sequestering carbon dioxide. Biomass is converted into paraffinic hydrocarbons. The paraffinic hydrocarbons are steam cracked into olefins. The olefins are polymerized into non-biodegradable polyolefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation, A Delaware Corporation
    Inventor: Ramin Abhari
  • Publication number: 20130232863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing torrefied lignocellulosic material in a commercially suitable process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: ANDRITZ TECHNOLOGY AND ASSET MANAGEMENT GMBH
    Inventors: Bertil STROMBERG, Joseph Monroe RAWLS
  • Patent number: 8530715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to production of fuels or fuel blendstocks from renewable sources. Various embodiments provide a method of producing a hydrocarbon product by hydrotreating a feedstock including at least one of a renewable triacylglyceride (TAG), renewable free fatty acid (FFA), and renewable fatty acid C1-C5 alkyl ester (C1-C5 FAE) in the presence of a nonsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product including hydrocarbons. In some examples, the first product can be subjected to further chemical transformations such as aromatization, cracking, or isomerization to produce a second product including hydrocarbons. In various embodiments, the first or second hydrocarbon product with minimal or substantially no further processing can be suitable as a liquid transportation fuel or fuel blendstock, including fuels such as gasoline, naptha, kerosene, jet fuel, and diesel fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Joshua R. Strege, Benjamin G. Oster, Paul D. Pansegrau, Chad A. Wocken, Ted R. Aulich, Marc D. Kurz
  • Patent number: 8524960
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for fluid catalytic cracking of oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds such as glycerol and bio-oil. In the process the oxygenated hydrocarbon compounds are contacted with a fluid cracking catalyst material for a period of less than 3 seconds. In a preferred process a crude-oil derived material, such as VGO, is also contacted with the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, George W. Huber, Avelino Corma Camos, Laurent Louis Andre Sauvanaud
  • Patent number: 8523962
    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 as gasification and combustion fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: MPH Energy LLC
    Inventors: James W. Bohlig, Dingrong Bai
  • Publication number: 20130219779
    Abstract: A process and a business method for converting wood waste to charcoal have been invented. Multiple high productive thermo energy simplified bio-cokes furnaces create an outlet discharging the earned volatile gas and the wood tar from the carbonization device. By taking back the gas and the wood tar mixed with the air into the furnace, the present invention produces evenly distributed heat with higher energy productivity. The present invention adopts different Coefficients of Thermal Expansion (CTE) for the top opening zone and the carbonization chamber, to avoid transmittal of oxygen from outside the furnace. Charcoal produced with a reduced energy use by the present invention can replace bio-cokes produced from general waste incineration. Through the creation of higher carbon charcoal, the present invention introduces a source of environment-friendly, cost effective and sustainable heat use. Accordingly, the present invention proposes promising business models both to the suppliers and the consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Natsumi Komatani, Tetsuo Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20130219780
    Abstract: A composition of biomass material is disclosed. The composition includes: (i) a lignocellulosic material; and (ii) at least one member selected from a group comprising of potassium, sodium and chlorides, wherein said at least one member comprising not more than about 0.01% (by weight) of said composition. The composition may not include more than 10% of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Agni Corporation (Cayman Island)
    Inventor: Agni Corporation (Cayman Island)
  • Patent number: 8519205
    Abstract: Low water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing them are provided. The process includes condensing pyrolysis gases including condensable pyrolysis gases and non-condensable gases to separate the condensable pyrolysis gases from the non-condensable gases, the non-condensable gases having a water content, drying the non-condensable pyrolysis gases to reduce the water content of the-non-condensable gases to form reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases, and providing the reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases to a pyrolysis reactor for forming the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ensyn Renewables, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Frey, Douglas A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8518132
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Albert C. Rettenmaier
  • Patent number: 8519203
    Abstract: Low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing them from carbonaceous biomass feedstock are provided. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock is pyrolyzed in the presence of a catalyst comprising base metal-based catalysts, noble metal-based catalysts, treated zeolitic catalysts, or combinations thereof to produce pyrolysis gases. During pyrolysis, the catalyst catalyzes a deoxygenation reaction whereby at least a portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons in the pyrolysis gases are converted into hydrocarbons. The oxygen is removed as carbon oxides and water. A condensable portion (the vapors) of the pyrolysis gases is condensed to low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Richard Marinangeli, Timothy A. Brandvold, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Publication number: 20130212937
    Abstract: Biochar machine includes a sealed container for rice straw bales with two gates. The top gate is for rice straw feeding and the bottom gate for Biochar. The Biochar unit is equipped with a stirrer operated by an electric motor and a speed reduction unit. The Biochar unit is operated indirectly through a combustion chamber with a fuel burner to heat the sealed container from all sides indirectly. The gases produced as a result of heating the rice straw are collected and returned back to the combustion chamber through a blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Rawya Lofty Mansour, Salah Mahmoud El Haggar
  • Patent number: 8506658
    Abstract: A process and system for separating a light fraction, a bio-distillate fraction, and a heavy fraction from a bio-oil, and for producing a renewable distillate including at least in part the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive, is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into light, bio-distillate, and heavy fractions based on their boiling points. At least a portion of the bio-distillate fraction and a stabilizing additive are blended with a petroleum-derived-diesel-range stream, without any prior hydrotreatment, to thereby provide a renewable distillate composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Magdalena Ramirez Corredores, Jennifer Sorrells, Changan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8507738
    Abstract: A co-processing combining a first selective catalytic bed consisting of only one metal element selected from group VIB metals and of at least one conventional hydrotreating bimetallic catalytic bed. The co-processing provides control of the hydroconversion reactions of the triglycerides and/or fatty acids of biomass oil diluted in a refinery stream of petroleum hydrocarbons and minimizes the generation of gaseous products that are undesirable to the process, while maintaining the levels of unsaturated hydrocarbons hydrogenation and of heteroatomic contaminants removal from the refinery stream of petroleum hydrocarbons. The co-processing selectively providing n-paraffins of even number of carbon atoms, generated from the biomass oil, which are incorporated in a hydrotreated liquid product in petroleum refining HDT units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Jefferson Roberto Gomes, José Luiz Zotin, Marcelo Edral Pacheco, Raissa Maria Cotta Ferreira Da Silva
  • Publication number: 20130199087
    Abstract: A method is provided for the treatment of water containing micro-algae wherein the water is contacted with carbonaceous fines to adsorb micro-algae onto particles of the carbonaceous fines. The carbonaceous fines may be coal or charcoal fines or mixtures thereof. The carbonaceous fines may be pre-treated to remove any unsuitable or valuable materials therefrom; or to produce suitable size ranges of particles for one or more purposes selected from facilitating adsorption; handling of the carbonaceous fines both before and after adsorption of the micro-algae; and separation of the carbonaceous fines with adsorbed micro-algae thereon. The method may target the beneficiation of carbonaceous fines and the carbonaceous fines together with the adsorbed microalgae thereon may be subjected to an agglomeration process for the production of agglomerates such as briquettes or pellets. The method may target the upgrading of a polluted water system in a commercial water treatment process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bernard Zeelie, Gary Morris Dugmore
  • Patent number: 8500910
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing biomass particles for thermolytic or enzymatic conversion whereby the biomass particles baying a moisture content of at least 20% are subjected to flash heating. The flash heating may be preceded by one or more adsorption/desorption cycles with water or steam. A swelling aid may be added during the adsorption part of an adsorption/desorption cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brady, Dennis Stamires, Paul O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8502003
    Abstract: A lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the biomass material with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass material from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the biomass material into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the lignocellulose biomass material, so converting the biomass material into liquid transportation fuel precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael Siskin, Glen E. Phillips, Simon R. Kelemen
  • Patent number: 8500829
    Abstract: A pyrolysis oil derived from a lignocellulosic biomass material is converted into precursors for liquid hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with water and carbon monoxide at elevated temperature, typically from 280 to 350° C., an elevated pressure, typically a total system pressure of 12 to 30 MPa and a CO partial pressure from 5 to 10 MPa and a weight ratio of water:biomass oil from 0.5:1 to 5.0:1, to dissolve the oil into the reaction mixture and depolymerize, deoxygenate and hydrogenate the oil, so converting it into liquid transportation fuel precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael Siskin, Glen E. Phillips, Simon R. Kelemen
  • Publication number: 20130192123
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods for the production of biofuels from organic matter, the methods comprising treating the organic matter with an aqueous solvent and at least one additional catalyst under conditions of heat and pressure. The invention also relates to biofuel products obtainable by the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: LICELLA PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Maschmeyer, Leonard James Humphreys
  • Patent number: 8497403
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventor: Matthew J. Truitt
  • Patent number: 8491677
    Abstract: A method of calcining green petroleum coke which includes separating the green coke having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 50 mm into undersized and oversized fractions, pelletizing the undersized fraction with a binder to form pelletized coke, combining the oversized fraction and the pelletized coke to form a feed mixture, and calcining the feed mixture to form calcined coke. The method includes the addition of a pulverization step wherein all the green coke is pulverized before pelletization and the pellets are then calcined to produce a pelletized calcined coke product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Rain CII Carbon LLC
    Inventor: Leslie C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8487148
    Abstract: Biomass based feeds are processed under hydrothermal treatment conditions, e.g., to produce a hydrocarbon liquid product and a solids portion. The hydrothermal treatment can be performed in the presence of heterogeneous catalyst particles that can optionally include a catalyst metal or metal salt. The presence of the heterogeneous catalyst can modify the nature of the hydrocarbon products produced from the hydrothermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Virginia M. Roberts, Michel Daage, Paul D. Oldenburg, James R. Bielenberg, Paul J. Berlowitz, David C. Long, Halou Oumar-Mahamat
  • Patent number: 8480765
    Abstract: Biomass pyrolysis oil is converted into precursors for hydrocarbon transportation fuels by contacting the oil with liquid superheated water or supercritical water to depolymerize and deoxygenate the components of the oil and form the transportation fuel precursors. Temperatures above 200° C. and preferably above 300° C. are preferred with supercritical water at temperatures above 374° C. and pressures above 22 MPA providing the capability for fast conversion rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael Siskin, Glen E. Phillips, Simon R. Kelemen
  • Patent number: 8475544
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for burning comprising a combustible body having an exterior surface and an axis extending between opposed top and bottom surfaces. The body has an interior surface defining a cavity extending from the top surface and a first blind bore extending radially from the cavity to the exterior surface wherein the interior surface includes a plurality of slots extending longitudinally therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Guy Blackmore
  • Publication number: 20130164798
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Thomas Vanhercke, James Robertson Petrie, Anna El Tahchy, Surinder Pal Singh, Qing Liu
  • Publication number: 20130160683
    Abstract: In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SGC ADVISORS, LLC
    Inventor: SGC ADVISORS, LLC
  • Patent number: 8471080
    Abstract: Described is a methodology aiming to the removal of harmful ash constituents from the ash of biomass, such as alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur, prior to is thermochemical conversion, in order to minimize/eliminate the ash-related corrosion, deposition and agglomeration problems, as well as the emissions of alkali metals, chlorine and sulfur. This removal is achieved by a combined pre-treatment which includes prepyrolysis of biomass at temperatures varying in the range of 200-300° C. and for a period of 5 min up to 2 h, followed by the leaching of the biomass materials using water with a solid/water mass ratio varying from 33 g/L up to 300 g/L with water temperature varying from 13° up to 55° C. and residence time varying from 5 min up to 24 h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Thesmorefinery Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Emmanouil Koukios
  • Patent number: 8471081
    Abstract: A process has been developed for producing diesel fuel from crude tall oil. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide a diesel boiling range fuel hydrocarbon product. If desired, the hydrocarbon product can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties. A portion of the hydrocarbon product is recycled to the treatment zone to increase the hydrogen solubility of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. McCall