Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for soluble compound recovery using supercritical fluid (SCF) are disclosed. An example process involves solvent extraction of a soluble compound using a SCF from a solid or liquid substrate including, but not limited to, microalgae, plant matter, and polymers. The apparatus comprises SCF, an extraction vessel, a pressure exchanger, a separate soluble compound, and solid or liquid compound separators.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an environmental compliance system installed onboard a ship. The environmental compliance system includes a computing device that records and requests authorization for overboard discharge when discharge occurs within a defined geofence. The system receives data from the ship automation system including ship location and operational valve opening commands made to discharge effluent overboard and into the surrounding water. Before the operational valve opening command can be received by the valve, the compliance box confirms ship position and compares against programmed no-discharge geofence or a plurality of geofences. When the ship is inside a no-discharge geofence, the computing device may request a manual override authorization from the responsible duty holder before completing the command so as to prevent an accidental unintended discharge. Data is securely stored by the compliance box and may also be transmitted to external cloud-based data receivers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a ship hull microbubble system used to reduce frictional drag on a ship hull while traveling through water. The microbubble system includes a water pump connected to an ejector which intern draws and compresses air within the ejector body. While in the ejector the compressed air becomes entrained within the pumped liquid as microbubbles creating a multiphase fluid which is then ejected at suitable pressure from the ship hull below the waterline through dedicated hull openings. The ejected air liquid multiphase fluid then creates plurality of microbubbles within the below water boundary layer reducing frictional drag generated by the hull as it travels through water.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a means of separating a gaseous mixture into both a purified stream and reject stream that can each be used for individual purposes. The disclosure will generally be connected to a gas supply such as a wellhead or gas pipe or other source where the gas makes contact with a membrane filter. The gaseous mixture should either have sufficient intrinsic pressure to be optimally filtered by the membrane filter or have the pressure boosted. Means of increasing the pressure includes ejectors, vacuum pumps and where the gas composition allows compressors. The retentave may be discharged into a pipeline, road or rail carriage or be liquefied. The permeate may be combusted through a combustion device to generate electricity and heat. Alternatively, the permeate may be discharged into a pipeline, road or rail carriage or stored for further use. The advantages of this disclosure include reduced capital and operational cost and a reduction in unnecessary environmental emissions.