Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for converting biomass into biofuels and biochemicals. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for converting biomass comprising lignocellulosic material into biofuels and biochemicals, such as those comprising fatty acid esters, that contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: A reforming catalyst with improved surface area is provided by using high surface area alumina doped with a stabilizer metal as a catalyst support. The surface area of the catalyst can be higher than a typical reforming catalyst, and the surface area can also be maintained under high temperature operation. This can allow use of the catalyst for reforming in a higher temperature environment while maintaining a higher surface area, which can allow for improved dispersion and/or activity of an active metal such as rhodium on the catalyst support. The catalyst can be suitable for production of syngas from natural gas or other hydrocarbon-containing feeds.

Abstract: Multiphase separators, processes and systems for converting an oxygenate and/or olefin feedstock to a hydrocarbon product are described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for the removal of paraffins. The processes generally include providing a C4 containing stream including isobutylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, n-butane and isobutane, introducing the C4 containing stream into a paraffin removal process to form an olefin rich stream, wherein the paraffin removal process is selected from extractive distillation utilizing a solvent including an organonitrile, passing the C4 containing stream over a semi-permeable membrane and combinations thereof; and recovering the olefin rich stream from the paraffin removal process, wherein the olefin rich stream includes less than 5 wt. % paraffins.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conversion of light paraffinic gases to form liquid products in a process performed in a fixed bed radial-flow reactor. The light paraffins can correspond to C3+ paraffins. Examples of liquid products that can be formed include C6-C12 aromatics, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. The fixed bed radial-flow reactor can allow for improved control over the reaction conditions for paraffin conversion in spite of the fixed bed nature of the reactor. This can allow the process to operate with improved efficiency while reducing or minimizing the complexity of operation relative to non-fixed bed reactor systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the flow and transport of catalyst particles within a reaction system. The flow of catalyst particles can be managed using a rotating disc or wheel that is configured within a roller volume to allow for control over the rate of catalyst flow while reducing or minimizing attrition of the catalyst particles. This can be achieved in part by maintaining a relationship between the center of the rotating disc, the inlet for catalyst particles to the roller volume, and the top wall of the roller volume so that catalyst particles are not exposed to compressive forces and/or abrasion during rotation of the disc. Additionally or alternately, the disc and roller volume surfaces can be configured to reduce or minimize the potential for catalyst particles to become trapped in “dead space” regions within the roller volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the flow and transport of catalyst particles within a reaction system. The flow of catalyst particles can be managed using a rotating disc or wheel that is configured within a roller volume to allow for control over the rate of catalyst flow while reducing or minimizing attrition of the catalyst particles. This can be achieved in part by maintaining a relationship between the center of the rotating disc, the inlet for catalyst particles to the roller volume, and the top wall of the roller volume so that catalyst particles are not exposed to compressive forces and/or abrasion during rotation of the disc. Additionally or alternately, the disc and roller volume surfaces can be configured to reduce or minimize the potential for catalyst particles to become trapped in “dead space” regions within the roller volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conversion of light paraffinic gases to form liquid products in a process performed in a fixed bed radial-flow reactor. The light paraffins can correspond to C3+ paraffins. Examples of liquid products that can be formed include C6-C12 aromatics, such as benzene, toluene, and xylene. The fixed bed radial-flow reactor can allow for improved control over the reaction conditions for paraffin conversion in spite of the fixed bed nature of the reactor. This can allow the process to operate with improved efficiency while reducing or minimizing the complexity of operation relative to non-fixed bed reactor systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for the removal of paraffins. The processes generally include providing a C4 containing stream including isobutylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, n-butane and isobutane, introducing the C4 containing stream into a paraffin removal process to form an olefin rich stream, wherein the paraffin removal process is selected from extractive distillation utilizing a solvent including an organonitrile, passing the C4 containing stream over a semi-permeable membrane and combinations thereof; and recovering the olefin rich stream from the paraffin removal process, wherein the olefin rich stream includes less than 5 wt. % paraffins.

Abstract: Multiphase separators, processes and systems for converting an oxygenate and/or olefin feedstock to a hydrocarbon product are described herein.

Abstract: A reforming catalyst with improved surface area is provided by using high surface area alumina doped with a stabilizer metal as a catalyst support. The surface area of the catalyst can be higher than a typical reforming catalyst, and the surface area can also be maintained under high temperature operation. This can allow use of the catalyst for reforming in a higher temperature environment while maintaining a higher surface area, which can allow for improved dispersion and/or activity of an active metal such as rhodium on the catalyst support. The catalyst can be suitable for production of syngas from natural gas or other hydrocarbon-containing feeds.

Abstract: A device for reacting fluids comprising: a reactor; a first inlet for transporting a first fluid into the reactor; a first tube system contained within the reactor and connected to and communicating with the first inlet for receiving the first fluid from the first inlet, the first tube system comprising at least one first tube in the form of a ring, the at least one first tube comprising outlets for releasing the first fluid into the reactor; a second inlet for transporting a second fluid into the reactor; and a second tube system contained within the reactor and connected to and communicating with the second inlet for receiving the second fluid from the second inlet, the second tube system comprising at least one second tube in the form of a ring, the at least one second tube comprising outlets for releasing the second fluid into the reactor; wherein at least one first tube and at least one second tube are concentric, and the outlets for releasing the first fluid from the at least one first tube and

Abstract: A process for making propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. Propylene, hydrogen, and oxygen are reacted in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent to produce a gaseous product stream and a liquid product stream. The gaseous product stream is contacted with an absorbent to produce a gas effluent and a liquid effluent. The gas effluent is recycled to the reaction step.

Abstract: A process for making propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. Propylene, hydrogen, and oxygen are reacted in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent to produce a gaseous product stream and a liquid product stream. The gaseous product stream is contacted with an absorbent to produce a gas effluent and a liquid effluent. The gas effluent is recycled to the reaction step.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent in a reactor. The gas bubbles in the slurry are in a churn-turbulent flow regime. The process gives improved yield and operational and maintenance advantages.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for reacting an olefin, hydrogen, and oxygen in a slurry comprising a catalyst and a solvent in a reactor having a column and at least one side arm. The column is operated in a churn-turbulent flow regime. The slurry is circulated through the side arm, filtered, and exits the reactor.