Abstract: Described is a process comprising a series of steps for the production of renewable oil from woody biomass. This oil can be processed directly by a traditional petroleum refinery producing transportation fuels or other similar downstream petroleum products. The cellulosic fraction, substantially reduced in lignin can be used in various downstream processing. The method involves a series of steps: step one, comminuting woody biomass to pass a #20 screen mesh size; step 2, mixing the pulverized material with ethanol, elevating the temperature of the mixture at atmospheric pressure, then subjecting the mixture to high shear (which comprises a pretreatment step); step 3, elevation of the wood/ethanol mixture to supercritical conditions, while mixing. Step 4, recovers the ethanol for reuse via distillation. The resulting oil contains lignin, solid cellulose, and carbohydrate derivatives.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to practical strategies for inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA) reactions with 1,2,3-triazine 1-oxides. These bench stable N-oxides undergo unprecedented nucleophilic addition with dienophile to form polysubstituted heteroarenes in high yield. Rapid at room temperature, these catalyst free reactions offer a diversity of structural modifications for heterocyclic syntheses.

Abstract: A process for extracting crude oil from a solid, oil bearing diatomaceous earth. In the process includes the step (a) of mixing crude oil-bearing diatomaceous earthwith a heated solvent such as toluene to reduce the size of the oil-bearing diatomaceous earthand release crude oil into the solvent, step (b) of adding water to the size reduced solid and solvent mixture of step (a) to yield a mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced diatomaceous earth, step (c) of passing the mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced diatomaceous earthfrom step (b) through a cyclone separator to remove residual solids and to yield crude oil+solvent; and step (d) of passing the crude oil+solvent mixture of step (c) through a solvent stripper to remove solvent from the crude oil and to yield substantially diatomaceous earthand solvent free crude oil.

Abstract: MIU and metals are removed from Tallow or Seed based oils (feedstock) utilizing water treated by reverse osmosis and specific operating conditions using a very high RCF centrifuge. A relatively small quantity of the RO water (3% to 20% by weight) is added to the feedstock to attract the MIU and metals. The mixture is then centrifuged at an RCF in excess of approximately 6500. Temperature, flow rate to control Residence time and backpressure in the centrifuge are selected. The process separates the RO water with the MIU and metals from the feedstock.

Abstract: A process for extracting crude oil from a solid, oil bearing diatomaceous earth. In the process includes the step (a) of mixing crude oil-bearing diatomaceous earthwith a heated solvent such as toluene to reduce the size of the oil-bearing diatomaceous earthand release crude oil into the solvent, step (b) of adding water to the size reduced solid and solvent mixture of step (a) to yield a mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced diatomaceous earth, step (c) of passing the mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced diatomaceous earthfrom step (b) through a cyclone separator to remove residual solids and to yield crude oil+solvent; and step (d) of passing the crude oil+solvent mixture of step (c) through a solvent stripper to remove solvent from the crude oil and to yield substantially diatomaceous earthand solvent free crude oil.

Abstract: A process for the above ground extraction of crude oil from a solid, oil bearing material. In the process includes the step (a) of mixing a solid, crude oil-bearing material with a solvent to reduce the size of the solid, oil-bearing material and release crude oil into the solvent, step (b) of adding water to the size reduced solid and solvent mixture of step (a) to yield a mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced solids, step (c) of passing the mixture of crude oil+solvent+water+sized reduced solids from step (b) through a cyclone separator to remove residual solids and to yield crude oil+solvent; and step (d) of passing the crude oil+solvent mixture of step (c) through a solvent stripper to remove solvent from the crude oil and to yield substantially solids and solvent free crude oil.

Abstract: A Process for the purification of renewable oils. The process may also be applied to petroleum oils such as used motor oil and the like. The process involves centrifuging the renewable oil in a centrifugal device producing a minimum of 7000 RCF, then contacting the oil with a mixture containing water, a straight chain hydro-treated ester compound, and a phosphate derivative at a minimum temperature of 100° C. for 10 minutes, then raising temperature to approximately between 120° C. and 130° C. to complete reaction. The mixture is then again centrifuged in a centrifugal device producing a minimum of 7000 RCF.

Abstract: A Process for the purification of renewable oils. The process may also be applied to petroleum oils such as used motor oil and the like. The process involves centrifuging the renewable oil in a centrifugal device producing a minimum of 7000 Gs, then contacting the oil with a mixture containing water, a straight chain hydro-treated ester compound, and a phosphate derivative at a minimum temperature of 100° C. for 10 minutes, then raising temperature to approximately between 120° C. and 130° C. to complete reaction. The mixture is then again centrifuged in a centrifugal device producing a minimum of 7000 Gs.

Abstract: Processes and systems for the above ground extraction of crude oil from a mud-water slurry well bore mined from oil rich diatomite formations. The slurry is separated into liquid and solid factions, the liquid faction having oil, water and small sized solids, and the solid faction having larger chunks of solids. The solids faction is processed to form a slurry mixture which is cooked to disassociate oil therefrom and is centrifuged to yield an oil/solvent faction, a water faction, and a lowered oil content solids faction. The oil/solvent faction is further processed to separate the oil and solvent. Alternately, the mud-water slurry is treated to form an emulsion having a neutral pH, with solids being removed and the remaining emulsion processed to break the emulsion by removal of water as a vapor to recovery crude oil, with remaining crude oil in the solids being further processed.

Abstract: Processes and systems for the above ground extraction of crude oil from a mud-water slurry well bore mined from oil rich diatomite formations. The slurry is separated into liquid and solid factions, the liquid faction having oil, water and small sized solids, and the solid faction having larger chunks of solids. The solids faction is processed to form a slurry mixture which is cooked to disassociate oil therefrom and is centrifuged to yield an oil/solvent faction, a water faction, and a lowered oil content solids faction. The oil/solvent faction is further processed to separate the oil and solvent. Alternately, the mud-water slurry is treated to form an emulsion having a neutral pH, with solids being removed and the remaining emulsion processed to break the emulsion by removal of water as a vapor to recovery crude oil, with remaining crude oil in the solids being further processed.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. Also provided are methods for the use of the compositions to reduce the microbial load on the surfaces of foodstuffs, processed food products, and the hard surfaces of food preparation machinery, tools, benches, and the like.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating a surface of a food processing facility which has a first population of microorganisms disposed thereon. The method includes disposing on the surface a biofilm containing a second population of microorganisms or a population of microorganisms that can form a biofilm onto the surface of the food processing facility. The growth of the second microbial population and the formation of a biofilm comprising these microorganisms can then inhibit the growth of the first population of microorganisms.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are provided comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable organic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant. This synergistic combination allows compositions to be formulated at low concentrations that have efficacy in reducing bacterial counts by greater than 3 log within 5 minutes of contact while preserving the organoleptic properties of treated foods, including fresh produce. Also provided are methods for the use of the compositions to reduce the microbial load on the surfaces of foodstuffs, processed food products, and the hard surfaces of food preparation machinery, tools, benches, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and methods for preventing the transmission of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens to farm animals. In accordance with one embodiment, a composition comprising lactic acid and acidic calcium sulfate, and a compound selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, sodium benzoate, butyric acid and chlorine dioxide is provided as an inhibitor of the growth of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens.

Abstract: The combination of the surfactant SDS with levulinic acid produces a synergistic effect in relation to the antimicrobial effectiveness of the individual compounds. Accordingly, this surprising synergy allows the formulation of compositions wherein the active agents are present at concentrations effective to reduce bacterial counts in liquids, including, but not limited to, water and other beverages, especially those having a pH value less than about 7.0 by a factor between 103 and 107 without altering the organoleptic properties of the treated food substance. The active agents are FDA-approved as food additives, and the treated beverages can be any aqueous-based beverage consumable by humans or animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient allylic oxidation of organic molecules, especially olefins and steroids, under aqueous conditions. The invention concerns the use of dirhodium (II,II) “paddlewheel complexes, and in particular, dirhodium carboximate and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as catalysts for the reaction. The use of aqueous conditions is particularly advantageous in the allylic oxidation of 7-keto steroids, which could not be effectively oxidized using anhydrous methods, and in extending allylic oxidation to enamides and enol ethers.

Abstract: A combination of the surfactant SDS with levulinic acid produces a synergistic effect in relation to the antimicrobial effectiveness of the individual compounds, allowing the formulation of compositions wherein the active agents are present at concentrations effective to reduce bacterial and fungal counts in liquids, including, but not limited to, water and other beverages, without altering the organoleptic properties of the treated food substance. The active agents are FDA-approved as food additives, and the treated beverages can be any aqueous-based beverage consumable by humans or animals. The levulinic acid-SDS combination is also suitable for reducing or eliminating the microbial population on the surfaces of water and beverage containers, and the machinery and facilities for the bottling of liquids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and methods for preventing the transmission of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens to farm animals. In accordance with one embodiment, a composition comprising lactic acid and acidic calcium sulfate, and a compound selected from the group consisting of caprylic acid, sodium benzoate, butyric acid and chlorine dioxide is provided as an inhibitor of the growth of enterohemorrhagic E. coli and other foodborne pathogens.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to the use of a novel competitive exclusion bacterial composition to prevent or reduce Salmonella or Campylobacter colonization in poultry.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for achieving the efficient aziridination of organic molecules, especially olefins. More specifically, the invention is directed to a mild, selective, and efficient aziridination protocol that involves catalysis by a mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+). Especially preferred sources for forming such mixed-valent dirhodium(II,III) catalyst (Rh25+) are dirhodium(II) carboxamidates, such as dirhodium(II) caprolactamate, and their derivatives and analogues.