Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a particulate solid biomass material to a high quality bio-oil in high yield. The process comprises a pretreatment step and a pyrolysis step. The pretreatment comprises a step of at least partially demineralizing the solid biomass, and improving the accessibility of the solid biomass by opening the texture of the particles of the solid biomass. In a preferred embodiment the liquid pyrolysis product is separated into the bio-oil and an aqueous phase, and the aqueous phase is used as a solvent in the demineralization step and/or in the step of improving the accessibility of the solid biomass by opening the texture of the particles of the solid biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the generation of bio-products from organic matter feedstocks. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of pulping liquors in the hydrothermal/thermochemical conversion of lignocellulosic and/or fossilised organic feedstocks into biofuels (e.g. bio-oils) and/or chemical products (e.g. platform chemicals).

Abstract: A process for making cerium dioxide nanoparticles containing at least one transition metal (M) utilizes a suspension of cerium hydroxide nanoparticles prepared by mechanical shearing of an aqueous mixture containing an oxidant in an amount effective to enable oxidation of cerous ion to ceric ion, thereby forming a product stream that contains transition metal-containing cerium dioxide nanoparticles, Ce1-xMxO2, wherein “x” has a value from about 0.3 to about 0.8. The nanoparticles thus obtained have a cubic fluorite structure, a mean hydrodynamic diameter in the range of about 1 nm to about 10 nm, and a geometric diameter of less than about 4 nm. The transition metal-containing crystalline cerium dioxide nanoparticles can be used to prepare a dispersion of the particles in a nonpolar medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gasoline composition comprising a) 70-86% by volume of ethanol, b) a hydrocarbon component comprising hydrocarbons derived from feedstock comprising tall oil material, where said hydrocarbon component has RON of 50-70 and it comprises 25-60 mass % of naphthenes.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a novel process to create carbon black feed stocks derived from coal by utilizing direct coal liquefaction resulting in an economic process for producing carbon black feedstock. Moreover, relative to the current state of the art (use of FCC slurry oil), the invention process will be significantly more profitable when oil prices increase.

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 process of making a fuel product from spent grain from a beer brewing process. In the brewing process, the grain is pulverized to a particle size whose mean particle size is approximately 0.25 mm to 0.6 mm with less than 1% greater than 2 mm. After the brewing sugars are extracted from the grain, the spent grain is pressed against a filter to reduce moisture below sixty-five percent (65%), and then the grain is dried to further reduce its moisture to less than ten percent (10%). The dried spent grain, after the aforementioned processing, is fed into a combustion chamber for a steam boiler that is used for beer brewing, and the spent grain is separated during combustion by agitation such as spraying of the grain in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a novel process to create carbon black feed stocks derived from coal by utilizing direct coal liquefaction resulting in an economic process for producing carbon black feedstock. Moreover, relative to the current state of the art (use of FCC slurry oil), the invention process will be significantly more profitable when oil prices increase.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials that possess both low adhesion and the ability to absorb water. The material passively absorbs water from the atmosphere and then expels this water upon impact with debris, to create a self-cleaning layer. The lubrication reduces friction and surface adhesion of the debris (such as an insect), which may then slide off the surface. The invention provides a material comprising a continuous matrix including a polymer having a low surface energy (less than 50 mJ/m2) and a plurality of inclusions, dispersed within the matrix, each comprising a hygroscopic material. The continuous matrix and the inclusions form a lubricating surface layer in the presence of humidity. The material optionally contains porous nanostructures that inject water back onto the surface after an impact, absorbing water under pressure and then releasing water when the pressure is removed. The material may be a coating or a surface, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing fuel-in-water emulsions from oil refining residues, in both continuously or in batches, by adding an emulsifying agent to disperse the residual oil in water and facilitate its transportation. This process does not require the use of chemical substances like stabilizers or diluents for its preparation. The vacuum residue is not limited to specific characteristics and the water used, can be distilled, tap water or saltwater (seawater). The process requires low concentration of a non-ionic surfactant; and the emulsions obtained have proportions from 70 to 90% by weight of refining residues, 10 to 30% by weight of water and from 0.1 to 1% by weight of surfactant. The fuel-in-water emulsion is produced from oil refining residues, such as residues of atmospheric and vacuum distillation, heavy fuel oils and similar, and it is formed from 70 to 90% by weight of refining residues, 10 to 30% by weight of water and from 0.1 to 1% by weight of non-ionic surfactant.

Abstract: Reactor assemblies and methods for hydrolytic biomass conversion are disclosed herein. The reactor assemblies employ solely hydrostatic pressure, applied by the liquid biomass slurry, as means of providing pressure necessary to maintain high temperature conditions suitable for hydrolytic biomass conversion resulting in the formation of soluble pentose compounds. In embodiments, the methods employed in conjunction with the reactor assemblies yield soluble C5 carbohydrates in the forms of oligosaccharides and monosaccharides from one or more biomass slurries.

Abstract: A reactor and process for the production of bio-diesel. The reactor includes one or more coiled reaction lines. The lines are positioned within a tank containing a heat transfer media such as molten salt, maintained at about 750° F. A pump circulates the media within the tank. An emulsion of alcohol; refined feed stock, including glycerides and/or fatty acids; and preferably water is pumped through the reaction lines at temperatures and pressures sufficient to maintain the alcohol in a super-critical state. The curvature of the coils, pump pulsing, and the flow rate of the emulsion keep the emulsion in a turbulent state while in the reactor, ensuring thorough mixing of the alcohol and feed stock. The alcohol reacts with the glycerides and fatty acids to form bio-diesel. The reaction is fast, efficient with regard to energy input and waste generation, and requires minimal alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Fuel Supplement comprising of selected plant oils mixed in given proportions, which when added to fuels like petrol and diesel can reduce harmful emissions during combustion of fuel. It can significantly decrease the Sulphur content in fuels and thus protect the environment from harmful pollutants. It improves the fuel lubricity and engine performance. It also increases the flash point of Diesel.

Abstract: A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on ziza-anes have volumetric net heats of combustion up to ca. 18% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, ziza-anes can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition comprising a major amount of a fuel oil and a minor amount of a compound being the product of the 1,4-addition reaction of (i) ammonia, a primary or secondary hydrocarbyl-substituted amine or a mixture thereof to (ii) a species containing one or more ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl groups, wherein the compound includes at least one hydrocarbyl group containing at least 10 carbon atoms. The fuel oil composition has improved low temperature properties.

Abstract: Unleaded aviation gasoline. An aviation gasoline fuel blend includes an unleaded aviation gasoline base fuel, with an effective amount of selected alkyl benzenes to improve the functional engine performance to avoid harmful detonation sufficient to meet or exceed selected standards for detonation performance requirements in full scale aircraft piston spark ignition engines designed for use with Grade 100LL avgas. Selected alkyl benzenes such as 1,3-dimethylbenzene, and/or 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, or other mixtures thereof, may be used. Suitable alkylated benzenes may include a mixture of xylene isomers. Aromatic amines, such as m-toluidine, may also be added to increase MON. Base fuels may be a high quality aviation alkylate, or may be a commercial iso-octane, or a mixture of high quality aviation alkylate enhanced by commercial iso-octane, and may include iso-pentane or butane or both iso-pentane and butane in sufficient quantity to provide appropriate vapor pressure for the final fuel blend.

Abstract: A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on longifolene have volumetric net heats of combustion up to 17% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, longifolene can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

Abstract: A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on barbatene and thujopsene have volumetric energy densities comparable to JP-10 and can be produced from biomass sugars.

Abstract: A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on santalenes have volumetric energy densities greater than JP-5 and F-76 and can be produced from biomass sugars.

Abstract: A novel method of separating bio oil (pyrolysis oil) into oxygenated rich species and lignin/phenolic based species in a highly efficient manner is provided. Lignin and phenolic fractions can be separated from light oxygenates from bio oil by use of reversible ?-hydroxysulfonic acid.