Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol from synthesis gas by reacting the hydrogen and carbon monoxide of the synthesis gas to provide methanol, which then is subjected to dehydration to produce at least one ether, such as dimethyl ether. The ether, such as dimethyl ether, then is subjected to carbonylation with unreacted carbon monoxide from the synthesis gas to provide at least one acetate, such as methyl acetate. The acetate then is subjected to hydrogenolysis to produce ethanol.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one oxygenated compound such as methyl acetate, dimethyl ether, and formaldehyde, by reacting dimethyl carbonate with carbon monoxide in the presence of at least one solid catalyst, such as a zeolite catalyst, suspended in an inert liquid, such as an inert oil.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohols from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce alcohols having at least four carbon atoms such as butanol and isobutanol.

Abstract: Processes for producing synthesis gas from biomass in which char particles, which are formed during the production of synthesis gas from biomass, are employed as catalysts. The char particles may be used as catalysts in a gasifier or in a thermal reformer, whereby gaseous components, formed as a result of the gasification of the biomass, such as methane, light alkyl and aromatic compounds, and phenolics, as well as tar, may be reformed and/or converted into synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for producing alcohols having three carbon atoms from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce alcohols such as n-propanol and isopropanol.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one oxygenated compound, such as methyl acetate, dimethyl ether, and formaldehyde, by reacting dimethyl carbonate and carbon monoxide in the presence of a faujasite zeolite, zeolite Beta, Linde Type L (LTL) zeolite, or MCM-41 zeolite.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for treating a heavy oil which comprises subjecting a heavy oil to cavitation to reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil. The treated heavy oil, which has a reduced viscosity and specific gravity, thus is more pumpable and transportable, which facilitates further processing. The treated heavy oil also can be fractionated with less severity than untreated heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas, or syngas, from biomass. The process comprises contacting biomass with oxygen, or oxygen and steam, in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass and to heat the biomass to a temperature to no greater than 750° C. At least one combustible material also is contacted with oxygen and steam to heat the at least one combustible material to a temperature of at least 1,100° C., to provide a hot gas derived from the oxidized combustible material. The latter maybe residual products derived from the process itself as char, tar, or hydrocarbons. The oxidized biomass then is contacted with the hot flue gas to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 900° C., thereby producing synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is recovered. Such process provides a method of providing heat for producing synthesis gas without consuming a portion of the synthesis gas to provide such heat, thereby providing an increased yield of synthesis gas.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one acetate from acetic acid and at least one alcohol by employing multiple cycles of reacting acetic acid to produce a reaction product including at least one acetate, unreacted acetic acid, unreacted alcohol, and water, followed by drying the reaction product to remove water therefrom. Such process provides for improved yields of acetate.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas from biomass in which biomass is contacted with oxygen and steam, wherein the oxygen is present in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass partially and to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 500° C. and no greater than 750° C. At least a portion of the partially oxidized biomass then is treated with oxygen and steam to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 800° C., thereby producing a synthesis gas, which then is recovered.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A method of producing and treating synthesis gas in which a biomass-rich material is gasified in a gasifier containing a fluidized bed at a temperature that does not exceed 750° C. to produce a crude synthesis gas product. The crude synthesis gas then is quenched, scrubbed, and then subjected to at least one adsorption step to provide a clean synthesis gas. The clean synthesis gas then may be reformed catalytically to provide a synthesis gas with a desired H2:CO ratio, and/or may be employed in the synthesis of desired chemicals.

Abstract: A process for treating a heavy oil which comprises subjecting a heavy oil to cavitation to reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil. The treated heavy oil, which has a reduced viscosity and specific gravity, thus is more pumpable and transportable, which facilitates further processing. The treated heavy oil also can be fractionated with less severity than untreated heavy oil.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A treated oil, such as a treated heavy oil, which has a viscosity which is lower than the viscosity of the oil prior to the treatment thereof (i.e., the initial oil). The temperature at which 80 mass % of the treated oil has boiled is within 25° C. of temperature at which 80 mass % of the oil prior to the treatment thereof has boiled. Thus, the treated oil and the oil prior to the treatment thereof, have distillation curves or boiling point curves which are the same as or approximate to each other.

Abstract: A treated oil, such as a treated heavy oil, which has a viscosity which is lower than the viscosity of the oil prior to the treatment thereof (i.e., the initial oil). The temperature at which 80 mass % of the treated oil has boiled is within 25° C. of temperature at which 80 mass % of the oil prior to the treatment thereof has boiled. Thus, the treated oil and the oil prior to the treatment thereof, have distillation curves or boiling point curves which are the same as or approximate to each other.

Abstract: A process for producing synthesis gas from biomass in which biomass is contacted with oxygen and steam, wherein the oxygen is present in an amount effective to oxidize the biomass partially and to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 500° C. and no greater than 750° C. At least a portion of the partially oxidized biomass then is treated with oxygen and steam to heat the biomass to a temperature of at least 800° C., thereby producing a synthesis gas, which then is recovered.

Abstract: A process for converting wet cellulosic biomass to at least one sugar, such as glucose. The process comprises treating the wet cellulosic biomass with a strong acid at a temperature no greater than 40° C., wherein the acid is present in an amount of at least 10 moles per mole of monomeric sugar present in the wet cellulosic biomass. The acid then is neutralized partially, and the cellulose is hydrolyzed to the at least one sugar at a temperature of at least 60° C. Such process provides improved yields of sugar from cellulose.