Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.

Abstract: Processes for microbial digestion of organic material, and preparation of substrates for microbial digestion, suitable for the production of biomethane, from municipal and industrial waste water or from municipal or agricultural waste. In addition, a method for identifying a composition of matter that is suitable for microbial digestion, more particularly anaerobic digestion and/or mixed aerobic and anaerobic digestion. Also, a system and process for detoxifying organic wastes, such as those which may be present in waste water from industrial processes.

Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol from a dilute aqueous solution of ethanol, the technology incorporating vaporization of ethanol coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds, to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed, thus eliminating the energy and shipping costs associated with drying and off-site distribution of the grains portions generated during the rectification process. Scalable technology, as provided herein, is also suitable for recovery of ethanol from processes which use ethanol during manufacture of a product.

Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol, wherein the vaporization of ethanol is coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed. By reducing energy requirements, costs and pollution, the output can be scaled to produce fuel-grade ethanol at quantities of anywhere from about 1000 gallons per year to upwards of hundreds of millions of gallons per year. Particularly beneficial versions utilize a plurality of smaller molecular sieve beds in series and use heat generated during desorption and regeneration of the molecular sieve beds as an energy source to aid in the vaporization step.

Abstract: An energy-efficient cycle for the production of ethanol and optionally natural gas from sunlight and biomass comprising first producing or obtaining biomass, for example by planting and harvesting of either an annual or perennial crop or both, and optionally tilling, fertilizing and obtaining wood wastes or paper wastes on-site or from a secondary site, for example, to supplement the on-site production of biomass, or for use as the sole source of biomass. The biomass is then converted to fermentable sugars through enzymatic conversion, acid hydrolysis, thermal cracking, or other processes that reduce cellulosic and hemi-cellulosic compounds to simple sugars. The reduced product is then fermented, producing ethanol in an intermediate beer product followed by recovery of ethanol from the resulting fermentation beer, wherein liquids are concentrated and recovered as fuel grade product.

Abstract: A continuous, high efficiency process for reducing sterol content in triglyceride oil by the steps providing a shell containing a support surface. The shell further includes an oil inlet of triglyceride oil and an oil outlet receiving oil from the second end of the support surface, as well as a steam inlet, a steam outlet and an upward directed steam flow. The triglyceride oil is driven upward on the support surface with the upward directed steam flow as a rising turbulent film. Then, the sterol is allowed to transfer from the rising turbulent film of triglyceride oil to the flow of steam. Preferably, the support surface is a tube or tubes which are vertically oriented. The triglyceride oil from the process has a sterol content below about 0.030% or even below about 0.018%.

Abstract: Polylactic acid is produced from dimers of lactic acid in an energy saving manner by contacting a lactic acid source via an extraction membrane with an amine carrier solvent to extract lactic acid across the membrane. One or two membranes may be used. After extraction, the aminium lactate salt is crystallized, disassociated and purified.

Abstract: Polylactic acid is produced from dimers of lactic acid in an energy saving manner by contacting a lactic acid source via an extraction membrane with an amine carrier solvent to extract lactic acid across the membrane. One or two membranes may be used. After extraction, the aminium lactate salt is crystallized, disassociated and purified.

Abstract: A frying oil is described which produces fried foods exhibiting a highly preferred flavor profile and flavor stability over the life of the oil. The invention includes a beef tallow fraction containing an effective amount of beef tallow stearin fraction and an effective amount of beef tallow volatiles such that upon heating is produced a flavor profile which is highly preferred in fried foods.