Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns low energy requiring methods for processing low cellulosic biomass materials into oil, char and liquid components. One method comprises the steps of subjecting the biomass to hydrothermal carbonization under specified reaction conditions for producing a combined char and oil fraction as well as an aqueous fraction, separating the combined oil and char fraction from the aqueous fraction by filtration; separating the combined oil and char fraction into individual oil and char fractions using an organic solvent for forming an oil depleted char fraction and a liquid oil and solvent solution, and separating the liquid oil and solvent solution into individual oil and solvent fractions by distillation.