From Vegetation Or Refuse Patents (Class 44/605)
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Patent number: 8322056Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Terra Green Energy, LLCInventor: Thomas P. Causer
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Patent number: 8318996Abstract: Systems and methods for treating hydrogen recycle gas in a process for converting biorenewable feedstock into green diesel fuel are provided. Sponge oil is provided. Hydrogen recycle gas produced during the process is contacted with the sponge oil. The sponge oil and hydrogen recycle gas are contacted in a contact drum and propane and other light hydrocarbons from the hydrogen recycle gas are absorbed into the sponge oil producing purified recycle gas and propane-rich sponge oil. The purified recycle gas is recycled into the process and the propane-rich sponge oil is fractionated to recover propane. The sponge oil may be sour sponge oil to also sulfide a deoxygenation catalyst used in the process.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Vedula Kasipati Murty, Donald Eizenga, Charles P. Luebke, Samarjit Singh
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Patent number: 8318018Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20120291343Abstract: The invention herein describe a novel process for producing a novel synthetic coal product from fermentation residues, such as, the waste materials from fermentation based ethanol production. The fermentation residue is subject to a hydrothermal carbonization process in an aqueous solution at a temperature and at a pressure sufficient to form a synthetic coal solid and a liquid component. This process does not require drying of the fermentation residue which provides for a more energy efficient method of processing thereof. The synthetic coal solid has a high heat content combustive material. The liquid component has nutrient value so that it can be recycled thereby permitting the sustainable recycling of such nutrients and the water in which those nutrients are dissolved.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Frederick J. Schendel, Marc Von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Lindsey Jader, Steven M. Heilmann
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Patent number: 8314274Abstract: A process for improving cold flow properties of diesel range hydrocarbons produced from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal oils. A renewable feedstock is treated by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide an effluent comprising paraffins followed by isomerizing and selectively hydrocracking at least a portion of the paraffins to generate a diesel range hydrocarbon product. A portion of the diesel range hydrocarbon product is selectively separated and recycled to the isomerization and selective hydrocracking zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Terry L. Marker, Charles P. Luebke
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Patent number: 8313648Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided that includes dewatering 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 hydrodeoxygenating 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. The method further includes supplying the hydrogenation and deoxygenation processes with hydrogen produced from reformed light hydrocarbons or an algae culture.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventors: Aniket Kale, Luca Costantino Zullo, Sandip Shinde
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Patent number: 8313540Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Swift Fuels, LLCInventors: John J Rusek, Mary-Louise Rusek, Jonathon D Ziulkowski, Justin D Zink
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Publication number: 20120285080Abstract: This invention provides processes and systems for converting biomass into high-carbon biogenic reagents that are suitable for a variety of commercial applications. High carbon biogenic reagents are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: BIOGENIC REAGENTS LLCInventors: Daniel J. Despen, James A. Mennell, Steve Filips
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Patent number: 8308949Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8308950Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8309783Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Joshua R. Strege, Benjamin G. Oster, Paul D. Pansegrau, Chad A. Wocken, Ted R. Aulich, Marc D. Kurz
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Patent number: 8308951Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20120282239Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel mannanase variants which have an amino acid sequence that varies from that of the parent/wild type Trichoderma reesei mannanase, and which have one or more advantageous properties like improved thermo stability; temperature/activity profile; pH/activity profile; specific activity; and pH/protease-sensitivity. The novel mannanase variants are useful and used in alcohol fermentations processes and/or productions, for coffee extraction and the processing of coffee waste, as a supplement to food and feed, for enzyme aided bleaching of paper pulps, as bleaching and/or desizing agent in textile industry, for oil and gas well stimulation by hydraulic fracturing, as detergent, as baking ingredients, for removal of biofilms and in delivery systems, for grain processing or for the processing of renewable resources intended for the production of biological fuels, and in the textile, oil drilling, cleaning, laundering, detergent, and cellulose fiber processing industries.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: BASF SEInventor: Oliver Kensch
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Publication number: 20120279115Abstract: The present application relates to a method for the preparation, by torrefaction, of a solid fuel wherein a starting composition is heated indirectly. The present invention also relates to a solid fuel to be obtained by such method. The present application further relates to a method for the removal of one or more metals from or the reduction of the “total chlorine content”, the sulphur content and the trace element content of a solid fuel thus obtained. In addition to that, the present invention relates to a solid fuel, which can be obtained by the carrying out of such a method. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of such solid fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: GERARD HUBERT JOSEPH RUITERS
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Patent number: 8299315Abstract: 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 pressurizing 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Altaca Insaat ve dis Ticaret A.S.Inventors: Steen Brummerstedt Iversen, Karsten Felsvang, Tommy Larsen, Viggo Lüthje
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Patent number: 8299310Abstract: Processes for conversion of lignin to products such as phenolic compounds and biofuels prepared from such phenolic compounds are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Wlodzimierz W. Zmierczak, Jan D. Miller
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Publication number: 20120266530Abstract: Oleaginous microbial biomass is subjected to pyrolysis to make microbial pyrolysis oil for use as a fuel or is otherwise formed into combustible products for the generation of heat and/or light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SOLAZYME, INC.Inventors: Graham Ellis, Robert Florence, Adriano Galvez, Tyler Painter, Sonia Sousa
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Publication number: 20120266531Abstract: A process for pretreating a biomass feedstock for gasification for the production of syngas.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SYNGAS TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventors: Jacqueline R. Hitchingham, Lloyd R. White
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Publication number: 20120266532Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Wenzel Bergmann, Thomas Müller
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Patent number: 8293108Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Heliae Developmet, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8292975Abstract: Processes of converting to feedstocks comprising hydrocarbons to compositions comprising light hydrocarbon products are described herein. Also described are processes and methods of producing and refining compositions comprising terpenes from biomass that can be suitable as a fuel product.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignees: Sapphire Energy, Inc., The University of TulsaInventors: Jason L. Pyle, Alex M. Aravanis, Daniel Crunkleton, Geoffrey L. Price
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Patent number: 8288600Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. to 400° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size between 1 ?m and 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a suspension, wherein the suspension includes from 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a unit selected from the group consisting of a pyrolysis reactor, a fluid catalytic cracking unit, a delayed coker, a fluid coker, a hydroprocessing unit, and a hydrocracking unit, and then at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: KiOR Inc.Inventors: Robert Bartek, Michael Brady, Dennis Stamires, Steve Yanik, Paul O'Connor, Jacobus Cornelius Rasser
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Patent number: 8287723Abstract: This invention relates to biomass pyrolysis through the use of a hot liquid refinery feedstock as a heat transfer medium, preferably a vacuum gas oil feedstock.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventors: Andreas Jess, Dominic Kaufmann, Daren E. Daugaard
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Publication number: 20120247005Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering lithium from a starting material comprising lithium. According to the invention, the starting material is heated with carbon in a reactor by carrying out direct inductive heating of the carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2010Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Hubert Jaeger, Johann Daimer
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Publication number: 20120247165Abstract: A method of integration of concentration-dehydration and aerobic air-drying of sewage sludge comprises the following steps: (a) conditioning by an organic agent (3); (b) gravitationally concentrating (5) the residual sludge conditioned by the organic agent; (c) conditioning by inorganic agents (7); (d) mechanically dehydrating (8); (e) crushing and dispersing (10); and (t) aerobically air-drying (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Guangzhou Pude Environmental Protection Equipment Ltd.Inventors: Huansheng Zhong, Xuewei Wu, Jiacong Wu, Zhimin Sun, Haiying Yang
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Patent number: 8276289Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Terra Green Energy, LLCInventor: Thomas P. Causer
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Patent number: 8277643Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, the mixture may be pyrolyzed at high temperatures (e.g., between 500° C. and 1000° C.). The pyrolysis may be conducted for an amount of time at least partially sufficient for production of discrete, identifiable biofuel compounds. Some embodiments involve heating the mixture of catalyst and hydrocarbonaceous material at high rates (e.g., from about 50° C. per second to about 1000° C. per second). The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: University of MassachusettsInventors: George W. Huber, Yu-Ting Cheng, Torren Carlson, Tushar Vispute, Jungho Jae, Geoff Tompsett
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Publication number: 20120240457Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the removal of inorganic components such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus and heavy metals, from biomass of rural or forest or urban origin or even mixture of different origin biomasses, from low quality coals such as peat, lignite and sub-bituminous/bituminous coals, from urban/industrial origin residues/wastes, which are possible to include as much organic—>5% weight—as inorganic—<95% weight—charge and from sewage treatment plant sludges. The desired goal is achieved with the physicochemical treatment of the raw material. The method can also include the thermal treatment, which can precede or follow the physicochemical one. The application of the thermal treatment depends on the nature and the particular characteristics of each raw material as well as on the feasibility analysis of the whole process in order to determine the optimization point in each case.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventor: Emmanouil Koukios
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Patent number: 8273248Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20120233914Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing a torrefied biomass fuel are disclosed. Moisture is initially extracted from relatively wet biomass fuel to produce a relatively dry biomass fuel. Remaining moisture is then extracted from the relatively dry biomass fuel in a final drying stage, using steam at a temperature of about 900° F. The resulting dried biomass fuel is conveyed downward using gravity and undergoes torrefaction, which produces torrefied biomass fuel and torrefaction gases. A gaseous mixture of steam and torrefaction gases is vented to a heat exchanger, where the gaseous mixture is heated by a flue gas, and the heated gaseous mixture is used to support the extraction of the remaining moisture in the final drying stage and to support the torrefaction of the dried biomass fuel. Embodiments disclosed herein efficiently use available energy resources to the benefit of manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: TERRA GREEN ENERGY, LLCInventor: Thomas P. Causer
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Patent number: 8266821Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.Inventors: Edward Weisselberg, Joseph Bevacqua, Robert Borre
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Patent number: 8262776Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: General AtomicsInventors: David A. Hazlebeck, Eric H. Dunlop
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Patent number: 8252966Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Teal Sales IncorporatedInventors: William B. Teal, Richard J. Gobel, Andrew Johnson
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Patent number: 8247632Abstract: A method of producing a hydrocarbon product by hydrotreating a feedstock comprising triacylglyceride (TAG) and TAG-derived materials such as free fatty acid (FFA) and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in the presence of a nonsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product comprising hydrocarbons. A method of producing a transportation fuel by selecting an undoped feedstock comprising virgin TAG, used TAG, FFA, and FAME or a combination thereof; hydrotreating the undoped feedstock in the presence of an unsulfided hydrotreating catalyst to produce a first product and subjecting the first product to at least one process selected from aromatization, cyclization, and isomerization to produce a second hydrocarbon product selected from gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, and diesel fuels. A method is described by which fatty acids may be converted to hydrocarbons suitable for use as liquid transportation fuels.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Joshua R. Strege, Benjamin G. Oster, Paul D. Pansegrau, Chad A. Wocken, Ted R. Aulich, Marc Kurz
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Publication number: 20120204483Abstract: A process for reclaiming food-contaminated solid waste streams from fast food restaurants, casual dining restaurants, cafeterias, schools, colleges and universities, concession stands, arenas, stadiums, movie theaters, large city street trash bins and other entertainment venues, and other places that offer simple food items for dine in or carry-out that are currently sent to a land fill. The inventive process offers total solid waste reclamation with zero waste water discharge, zero landfill and minor source air emissions, resulting in 100% reclamation and a 100% sustainable process. This process can also be used on solid waste from reclamation centers and manufacturers who currently land fill their waste.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: PC Fibre Technology, LLCInventors: Ronald H. Van den Heuvel, Daniel Platkowski
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Publication number: 20120198756Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: August 9, 2012Applicant: KIOR INC.Inventors: Paul O'Connor, AVELINO CORMA CAMOS, GEORGE W. HUBER, LAURENT LOUIS SAUVANAUD
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Publication number: 20120192485Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a biomass material to produce a torrefied fuel comprising the steps of preheating the biomass material with a hot liquid flowing counter to the direction of travel of the biomass material at a temperature up to 200° C., superheating the preheated biomass material with a liquid flowing counter-current to the direction of travel of the biomass material to a temperature ranging up to 300° C. for a period sufficient to obtain full torrefaction of the biomass material, and cooling the torrefied biomass material with liquid flowing counter to the direction of travel of the torrefied biomass material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Giuliano Grassi, Marco Maltagliati
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Patent number: 8231777Abstract: The present invention comprises a thermocatalytic cracking process for the production of diesel oil from a charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants in refineries possessing at least two FCC reactors. At least one of such reactors processes heavy gas oil or residue under conventional conditions while at least one of such reactors processes the charge of vegetable origin made from seeds of oleaginous plants under conditions suitable, for production of diesel oil. Said process employs the same catalyst utilized in the fluid catalytic cracking process which, simultaneously, processes a conventional charge. The diesel, or biodiesel, oil produced by means of said process is of superior quality having a cetane number exceeding 40 given that the cracking reactions occur at low temperatures and the products obtained are less oxidized and consequently purer than products obtained by means of existing technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.—PetrobrasInventors: Mauro Silva, Andrea de Rezende Pinho, Wilson Kenzo Huziwara, Amilcar Pereira da Silva Neto, Carlos Nagib Khalil, Julio Amilcar Ramos Cabral, Lúcia Cristina Ferreira Leite, Luiz Carlos Casavechia, Raul de Carvalho Silva
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Publication number: 20120190102Abstract: Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2012Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: Organic Energy CorporationInventors: George Gitschel, Larry T. Buckle
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Publication number: 20120159842Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system is provided which enables a continuous torrefaction process that involves the introduction of biomass particles into a rotating reactor drum having a low oxygen environment. The particles are conveyed through the drum by a heated gas stream and simultaneously torrefied thereby. Gas exiting the drum is recirculated back to a heat source for reheating the gas prior to reentering the drum. A method of biomass torrefaction is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: William B. Teal, Richard J. Gobel, Andrew Johnson
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Patent number: 8207385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: KiOR, Inc.Inventors: Paul O'Connor, George W. Huber, Avelino Corma Camos, Laurent Louis Sauvanaud
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Publication number: 20120151835Abstract: A methodology for the removal of the harmful components of the ash of biomass of agro/forest/urban origin and of low-quality coal fuels, as peat, lignite, sub-bituminous and bituminous coals, is invented. The harmful components are alkaline metals, chlorine and sulphur. They are removed before the thermochemical conversion in order to prevent or minimise the corrosion, scaling/deposition, ash agglomeration problems, as well as the alkaline metal, chlorine, sulphur emissions. Furthermore, it aims in the production of materials of low moisture content, low hygroscopicity, which can be easily ground, and mixed with various other materials, easily fed to commercial boilers for energy production, which can be easily pelletised with or without other materials at various proportions and with very low energy requirements. The removal is achieved with pre-pyrolysis/pre-gasification at 250-320° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventor: Emmanouil Koukios
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Publication number: 20120144735Abstract: A method for using Tamarix Erect trees for the production of biomass fuel. Tamarix Erect trees are planted and/or cultivated in an area of land. After growth of biomass of the Tamarisk Erect trees, at least a portion of the biomass is harvested for the biomass fuel. The planting may be performed at a density greater than 6000 Tamarix Erect trees per hectare.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Micha Harari
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Publication number: 20120151620Abstract: The invention provides for identification and use of certain chloroplast transit peptides for efficient processing and localization of dicamba monooxygenase (DMO) enzyme in transgenic plants. Methods for producing dicamba tolerant plants, methods for controlling weed growth, and methods for producing food, feed, and other products are also provided, as well as seed that confers tolerance to dicamba when it is applied pre- or post-emergence.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Paul C.C. Feng, Marianne Malven, Stanislaw Flasinski
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Patent number: 8198493Abstract: Improved, fuel-efficient systems are provided for the processing of biomass, such as wood or crop residues, food waste or animal waste in order to selectively obtain thermally processed final products, such as a combination of torrefied and carbonized final products. The processes involve thermally drying incoming biomass using a dryer employing the hot gas output of a fuel-operated burner. Next, the dried product is torrefied in an indirect torrefaction reactor so as to evolve light volatile organic compounds which are used as a gaseous fuel source for the burner. Some or all of the torrefied product can be recovered, or some or all of the torrefied product is then directed to a separate carbonization reactor coupled with a reactor burner. Carbonization serves to remove most of the remaining VOCs which are used as a gaseous fuel input to the dryer.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Earth Care Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Livingston, Bijoy J. Thomas
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Patent number: 8197691Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventor: Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8198492Abstract: A process has been developed for producing a diesel boiling point range product and an aviation boiling point range product from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction which is then isomerized and selectively cracked to form the diesel boiling point range product and the aviation boiling point range product. A portion of the diesel boiling point range product, aviation boiling point range product, naphtha product, LPG, or any combination thereof can be optionally used as a rectification agent in the selective hot high pressure hydrogen stripper to decrease the amount of product carried in the stripper overhead.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: John P. Brady, Tom N. Kalnes, Terry L. Marker
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Publication number: 20120137575Abstract: A carbonaceous material, also referred to as a carbon alloy, and a process of making the carbonaceous material is provided. A particulate of partially pyrolyzed carbon (PPC) base is formed on heating a carbon-containing feed material and a nucleating agent in the form of a interactive filler is included. The nucleating agent is adhered together to the PPC particles by application of heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Siddhartha GAUR, Vibha BANSAL
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Publication number: 20120144533Abstract: The invention provides isolated fungal endophytes and synthetic combinations thereof with host grass plants. Methods for inoculating grass plant with the endophytes, for propagating the grass-endophyte combinations, and for producing feeds and biofuels from grass-endophyte combinations are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: KELLY CRAVEN
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Patent number: 8193400Abstract: A process has been developed for producing diesel fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and greases. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating i.e. decarboxylating and/or hydrodeoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction useful as a diesel fuel. If desired, the hydrocarbon fraction can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties. A portion of the hydrogenated and deoxygenated feedstock is selectively separated and then recycled to the treatment zone to increase the hydrogen solubility of the reaction mixture. A diesel range stream or a naphtha range stream, or a mixture of the two streams is used as a rectification agent in the selective hot high pressure hydrogen stripper to decrease the amount of product carried in the overhead.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: John P. Brady, Tom N. Kalnes, Terry L. Marker