Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic method for the preparation of phytosteryl ferulate using ferulic acid and phytosterols (isolated from soybean oil deodorizer distillate) comprising of (a) acetylation of ferulic acid to ferulic acid acetate; (b) esterification of ferulic acid acetate with phytosterols to obtain phytosteryl ferulate acetate; (c) deprotection of phytosteryl ferulate acetate to phytosteryl ferulate. The phytosteryl ferulate was evaluated for hypocholesteremic activity in hamsters in comparison with that of natural oryzanol isolated from rice bran oil soap stock. This study confirmed that the phytosteryl ferulate significantly lowers the elevated cholesterol levels and also interferes with the absorption of cholesterol and the effect is comparable with that of natural oryzanol and is useful as nutraceutical/food supplement. Hence phytosteryl ferulate is a potential substitute for natural oryzanol for several applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel glycerol-based heterogeneous solid acid catalyst by simultaneous partial carbonization and sulfonation of crude glycerol obtained as a by-product during the biodiesel process. Solid acid catalyst with similar activity is also prepared from glycerol pitch (by-product of fat splitting) and technical grade glycerol. These glycerol-based solid acid catalysts are employed for esterification of fatty acids and fatty acid present in the high and low free fatty acid (FFA) containing vegetable oils like rice bran, karanja and jatropha; fatty acid distillate; deodorizer distillate and acid oil which are being used as raw materials for the preparation of biodiesel. These catalysts are highly active, reusable and simplify the biodiesel process particularly for fatty acids or high FFA containing vegetable oils by replacing the traditional homogeneous mineral acid catalysts.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the operating temperature of a catalytic reactor using a closed-loop system that provides for varying the reactor input and other operating parameters in order to maintain the operating temperature of the reactor at or near the initial setpoint temperature for operation of the reactor. In one example, maximum and minimum operating temperatures with a catalytic partial oxidation reactor are controlled, as well as maintaining control over the corresponding minimum required ratio of oxygen atoms to carbon atoms, such that the operating temperature within the reactor is maintained below the material limits but above threshold temperatures for coking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel glycerol-based heterogeneous solid acid catalyst by simultaneous partial carbonization and sulfonation of crude glycerol obtained as a by-product during the biodiesel process. Solid acid catalyst with similar activity is also prepared from glycerol pitch (by-product of fat splitting) and technical grade glycerol. These glycerol-based solid acid catalysts are employed for esterification of fatty acids and fatty acid present in the high and low free fatty acid (FFA) containing vegetable oils like rice bran, karanja and jatropha; fatty acid distillate; deodorizer distillate and acid oil which are being used as raw materials for the preparation of biodiesel. These catalysts are highly active, reusable and simplify the biodiesel process particularly for fatty acids or high FFA containing vegetable oils by replacing the traditional homogeneous mineral acid catalysts.