Abstract: 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 to provide a diesel 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.

Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass and in particular biomass comprises photosynthetic microorganisms. Also disclosure are oleaginous compounds obtained using the disclosed methods.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for biomass torrefaction which includes a serpentine elongated housing, the housing having three generally U-shaped axial portions having first and second axial extremities and an intermediate section, the first and second axial extremities are disposed in normal use at a higher elevation than the first and second axial extremities, the intermediate section being configured for holding a liquid. Other forms of the invention include the method for biomass torrefaction which includes providing a quantity of biomass, providing a liquid heat transfer fluid, providing at least a first housing for holding the heat transfer liquid, elevating the temperature of the liquid heat transfer liquid, heat treating the biomass by passing it through the heat transfer liquid in the first housing at a temperature and duration sufficient to accomplish torrefaction of the wood. In some forms of the method, the process further includes the step of pelletizing the biomass prior to performing the treating step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for converting lignocellulosic material into biofuel. In particular embodiments, the method comprises pre-treating lignocellulosic material by dissolving the material in ionic liquids. The pretreated lignocellulosic material can be isolated, such as by precipitation with a regenerating solvent (e.g., water), and be used directly in the formation of biofuel, including undergoing hydrolysis to form sugar and fermentation to form fuel, such as bioethanol. The ionic liquid can be recycled for further use, such as by evaporation of the water introduced during precipitation, and the recycling provides a route to a hemicellulose rich fraction and an ionic liquid of consistent quality and wood dissolution characteristics. The recovered hemicelluloses are of significant utilization potential toward commodity and specialty applications.

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

Abstract: This invention is about a cracking technology of waste rubber, and the content of this technology is as following: the rubber mass with the catalyst were added in the cracking chamber and the cracking process of the raw material is finished. The main contents and weight percentage of catalyzer are as following: the aluminosilicate is from 35 to 50, the active alumina is from 15 to 30, the zinc oxide is from 10 to 20, the active argil is from 5 to 15, the kaoline is from 5 to 15, the weight ratio of catalyst and rubber is 2-7:1000; The cracking temperature is from 350 to 450° C. The rubber mass crack comparative downright in low temperature by using this combinatorial catalyst, that's because the temperature is controlled between 350 and 450° C., which commendably control the cracking process of the carbon chain of rubber. Moreover, more low carbon chain products can be gained for the symmetrical cracking.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and products for biomass digestion, which includes the production of biogas, 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system of recovering multiple products from industrial-scale production of a biomass of an aquatic species.

Abstract: A process for increasing the energy density of a biomass, which includes establishing a temperature and pressure within a reaction chamber that includes water and is at or above a desired reaction condition wherein the desired reaction condition is sufficient to increase the energy density of a reacted biomass; introducing a biomass into the reaction chamber such that the desired reaction condition is maintained or equilibrates thereto; and subjecting the biomass to the desired reaction condition for an amount of time effective to increase the energy density of the reacted biomass relative to the biomass prior to reaction.

Abstract: A natural algae-based synthetic lubricant derived from harvesting kelp from the ocean, recovering sieve sap from the kelp, drying the sieve sap, and removing salts and oxides to leave a composition having a concentration of polyols (Mannitol about 70% and Mannose about 0.4%) and about 28% by weight of a high molecular weight polymer. The synthetic lubricant may be used as a drag reducing agent and additive for existing lubricants and also further reacted with fatty esters to form a hybrid lubricant that may serve as a total replacement for existing lubricants.

Abstract: A process is described for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass. The process comprises swelling the lignocellulosic biomass with an aqueous liquid. The pretreated lignocellulosic biomass may be used as a feedstock for the enzymatic conversion to ethanol, or in a thermal conversion. process to produce bio-oil. The pretreatment results in a greater yield and, in the case of a thermal conversion process, a better quality of the bio-oil. The pretreatment process may be used to adjust the composition and amount of inorganic material present in the lignocellulosic biomass material.

Abstract: Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up.

Abstract: A method for producing and using a duckweed bio-synthetic fuel suitable for co-firing with gaseous, liquid as well as solid carbon based fuels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used or waste material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing biomass to selectively yield a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and hydrogen as products, wherein some or all of these products can be further utilized for other biomass processing sub-processes, particularly wherein they lead to the generation of biofuels and/or other high-value products.

Abstract: A method for treating an organic waste, in which the organic waste is pressurized and continuously supplied to a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by blowing steam into the organic waste to cause a reaction while heating, pressurizing and agitating. The slurried material is dehydrated to produce a separated liquid product and a separated solid product. The separated solid product includes sufficient combustible content to produce a fuel product. The separated liquid product is purified.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A process for producing a fuel composition from vegetable and/or animal oil comprises hydrodeoxygenating and hydroisomerizing the oil in a single step. The fuel composition has acceptable lubricity and comprises a mixture of C14 to C18 paraffins having a ratio of iso to normal paraffins of 2 to 8 and less than 5 ppm sulfur.

Abstract: Artificial fire logs made from non-petrochemical based, renewable materials are described. These artificial fire logs perform substantially equivalent to existing commercial fire logs. The artificial fire logs are made from cellulosic materials, a lignin containing composition and a non-petroleum based wax where the lignin containing composition comprises lignin and 1,3-propanediol derived from a renewable resource.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to waste to energy systems and methods. The instant invention is further directed to processes and systems for mixing, binding, and stabilizing agents for manufactured refuse driven solid fuel.

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

Abstract: A method of producing a biomass-based fuel pellet, such as a fuel pellet which includes thermoplastic polymeric material and a substantial amount of cellulosic material, e.g. cellulosic material derived from biomass source(s), is provided. The method commonly includes compressing a feed mixture to form a densified material, where the feed mixture includes about 5 to 15 wt. % of the thermoplastic polymeric material and at least about 75 wt. % cellulosic material. Many embodiments of the fuel pellets are suitable for use in a coal-fired furnace and/or in other industrial boiler applications.

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

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

Abstract: Transgenic plants, transgenic plant material, and transgenic plant cells for the improved synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates, preferably poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (also referred to as PHB), have been developed. In one embodiment, carbon flow is modulated to increase production of PHB. Preferred plants that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB include plants that produce a large amount of lignocellulosic biomass that can be converted into biofuels, such as switchgrass, Miscanthus, Sorghum, sugarcane, millets, Napier grass and other forage and turf grasses. An exemplary plant that can be genetically engineered to produce PHB and produces lignocellulosic biomass is switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L. A preferred cultivar of switchgrass is Alamo. Other suitable cultivars of switchgrass include, but are not limited to, Blackwell, Kanlow, Nebraska 28, Pathfinder, Cave-in-Rock, Shelter and Trailblazer.

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.

Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods, systems, and compositions for preparing a solid biomass for fast pyrolysis. The method includes contacting the solid biomass with an inorganic material present in an effective amount for increasing fast pyrolysis yield of an organic liquid product (e.g., bio-oil). In various embodiments, the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, aluminum chloride, aluminum hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for conversion of cellulosic material, such as chopped straw and corn stover, and household waste, to ethanol and other products. The cellulosic material is subjected to continuous hydrothermal pre-treatment without addition of chemicals, and a liquid and a fiber fraction are produced. The fiber fraction is subjected to enzymatic liquefaction and saccharification. The method of the present invention comprises: performing the hydrothermal pre-treatment by subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one soaking operation, and conveying the cellulosic material through at least one pressurized reactor, and subjecting the cellulosic material to at least one pressing operation, creating a fiber fraction and a liquid fraction; selecting the temperature and residence time for the hydrothermal pretreatment, so that the fibrous structure of the feedstock is maintained and at least 80% of the lignin is maintained in the fiber fraction.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.

Abstract: A process for treating biomass comprises providing a material that contains an amount of residual moisture. The material is heated to a torrefying temperature in a low-oxygen atmosphere in a torrefaction reactor to convert it into a torrefied material. The material with the contained residual moisture is essentially fully dried in a drying chamber by evaporation of residual moisture. The torrefaction reactor comprises a torrefying chamber, in which the torrefaction of this dried material is essentially carried out. The material is conveyed through the torrefaction reactor. The drying of the material in the drying chamber is carried out by introducing into it a hot drying gas that flows therethrough cocurrently with the material. The torrefaction of the material in the torrefying chamber of the torrefaction reactor is carried out by introducing into it a hot torrefying gas that flows through the torrefying chamber countercurrently with the material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments of torrefaction systems and methods for producing torrefied products from biomass. Exemplary embodiments include catalytic oxidation and/or reuse of the resultant combustion gases directly in a torrefaction reactor, a cooler, and/or a dryer/preheater.

Abstract: Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for direct conversion of a used healthcare material into a burnable fuel and to burnable fuels derived therefrom.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a hydrothermal process for the preparation of coal-like material from biomass, in which a reaction mixture comprising biomass is heated by contacting with steam, the steam moving counter-currently relative to the reaction mixture, to obtain a reaction mixture comprising activated biomass, and the activated biomass is subsequently polymerized to give a reaction mixture comprising coal-like material. According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a column, preferably a vertically oriented evaporation column, comprising horizontally oriented mass transfer trays, rotor elements mounted on a rotor shaft that is vertically oriented and passes through a rotor shaft opening in the mass transfer trays, and a housing provided with suitable upper and lower inlets and outlets. The column can be used with benefit in the hydrothermal process of the invention.

Abstract: One possible embodiment could be a composition for coffee ground-based fuel comprising: dried, spent coffee grounds by 54% by weight; vegetable shortening by 23% by weight; brown sugar by 20% by weight; and corn syrup by 2% by weight, wherein the vegetable shortening and brown sugar and mixed together and heated slowly until a boil is achieved, then removing resultant mixture from heat, mixing in dried, spent coffee grounds into resultant mixture, then mixing in corn syrup into the resultant mixture, pouring and pressing the resultant mixture into a selected form for final shaping, then when the mixture has cooled to room temperature, removing it from the form for use.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously drying coal and/or torrefying biomass is provided in which coal and/or biomass are passed into a fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature. The dried coal and/or biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit and water is added to further passivate the coal.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to waste to energy systems and methods. The instant invention is further directed to processes and systems for mixing, binding, and stabilizing agents for manufactured refuse driven solid fuel.

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

Abstract: A coal processing method includes adding coal powder, water and catalyst into a series of tandem reactors and processing therein, wherein the coal powder, water and catalyst are added into the first reactor of the series of tandem reactors; and the temperature and pressure of the series reactors is alternatively arranged in sub-critical state and supercritical state of water from the first reactor, the total product from the previous reactor is used as the feed of the next reactor without any further separation.

Abstract: Compositions containing phenolic antioxidant solutions are provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using such compositions as well as compositions that contain both biodiesel and at least one antioxidant concentrate solutions and blended fuel compositions containing biodiesel blended with other fuels.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing products, such as fuel pellets, from lignocellulosic biomass. Lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight is introduced into a reactor. A vacuum of less than about 500 torr is applied to the reactor. Steam having a temperature of between about 180° C. and about 235° C. is injected into the reactor. The biomass is maintained in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes. The treated biomass having a moisture content less than about 30% by weight is removed from the reactor. Treated biomass is formed into a pellet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from waste material. The waste material is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a non-grindable product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: A process for producing fuel from biomass is disclosed herein. The process includes torrefying biomass material at a temperature between 80° C. and 300° C. to form particulated biomass having a mean average particle size from about 1 ?m to about 1000 ?m. The particulated biomass is mixed with a liquid to form a suspension, wherein the liquid comprises bio-oil, wherein the suspension includes between 1 weight percent to 40 weight percent particulated biomass. The suspension is fed into a hydropyrolysis reactor; and at least a portion of the particulated biomass of the suspension is converted into fuel.

Abstract: A process for controlling the concurrent production of both diesel range hydrocarbons and aviation range hydrocarbons from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and animal oils. The process involves determining the required specification of the desired products and the desired relative yields of the product that still meet the required specifications. The necessary isomerization and selective hydrocracking zone conditions are determined in order to create a mixture of paraffins which meet the required product specifications and yields. The necessary fractionation zone conditions are determined to separate the desired products.