Abstract: A method for recovering bio-oil from an emulsified bio-oil process stream, by adding a chemical additive system to the emulsified bio-oil process stream, wherein the chemical additive system comprises at least one surfactant and at least one hydrophobic particulate not based on silica. Bio-oil recovered from the method. A bio-oil recovery system, including a supply of emulsified bio-oil, a supply of chemical additive, wherein the chemical additive comprises at least one surfactant and at least one hydrophobic particulate not based on silica, a treatment unit for combining the chemical additive system with the emulsified bio-oil, and a centrifuge system for dewatering the treated emulsion and producing a concentrated bio-oil.

Abstract: Hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g., 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and/or their ammonium salts are dehydrated to their corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acids, e.g., acrylic acid, by a process that uses a catalyst comprising ammonium bisulfate. The use of ammonium bisulfate reduces or eliminates the problems associated with processes that use sulfuric acid as a dehydrating catalyst, e.g, excess sulfuric acid consumption and/or recovery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing high purity 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) from an aqueous medium, such as a fermentation broth, are described. Aqueous 3-HP solution can be purified by flash evaporation wherein the 3-HP is vaporized at an elevated temperature without conversion to acrylic acid. This process can be integrated with downstream processes for producing other chemical and consumer products.

Abstract: Hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g., 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and/or their ammonium salts are dehydrated to their corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acids, e.g., acrylic acid, by a process that uses a catalyst comprising ammonium bisulfate. The use of ammonium bisulfate reduces or eliminates the problems associated with processes that use sulfuric acid as a dehydrating catalyst, e.g, excess sulfuric acid consumption and/or recovery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing high purity 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) from an aqueous medium, such as a fermentation broth, are described. Aqueous 3-HP solution can be purified by flash evaporation wherein the 3-HP is vaporized at an elevated temperature without conversion to acrylic acid. This process can be integrated with downstream processes for producing other chemical and consumer products.

Abstract: A process for preparing silicon carbide by carbothermal reduction is disclosed. This process involves rapidly heating a particulate reactive mixture of a silica source and a carbon source to form a product which shows improved uniformity of crystal size. The product of this process can be used to form a densified part.

Abstract: Uniform, fine ceramic powder is prepared using an apparatus comprising (a) a cooled reactant transport member; (b) a reactor chamber; (c) a heating means; and (d) a cooling chamber. The reactant transport member comprises a wall defining a conduit that communicates with the reactor chamber, with a gas-flow space being defined along the perimeter of the transport member and in communication with the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber comprises a wall defining a reaction zone, and the heating means is associated with the reaction zone, and adapted for heating reactants in the reaction zone. The cooling chamber comprises a wall defining a cooling zone that communicates with the reactor chamber. In one embodiment the communication is by means of a cooling inlet, the diameter of the cooling zone being larger than the diameter of the cooling inlet. The temperatures of the reactant transport member, the reactor chamber, and the cooling chamber are independently controllable.

Abstract: A process for preparing silicon carbide by carbothermal reduction which includes transporting, in a gaseous medium, a particulate reactive mixture of a silica source and a carbon source through a reaction zone. The heating rate of the atmosphere within the reaction zone is such that substantially all of the reactive mixture is heated at a heating rate of at least about 100.degree. C./second until an elevated temperature of at least 1800.degree. C. is reached. Either (1) carbon monoxide is added to the reaction zone or (2) a carbon monoxide level in the reaction is achieved in order to provide at least about 30 mole percent of the gases exiting the reaction zone to achieve a higher yield of silicon carbide.

Abstract: Uniform, fine ceramic powder is prepared using an apparatus comprising (a) a cooled reactant transport member; (b) a reactor chamber; (c) a heating element; and (d) a cooling chamber. The reactant transport member comprises a wall defining a conduit that communicates with the reactor chamber, with a gas-flow space being defined along the perimeter of the transport member and in communication with the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber comprises a wall defining a reaction zone, and the heating element is associated with the reaction zone, and adapted for heating reactants in the reaction zone. The cooling chamber has a wall defining a cooling zone that communicates with the reactor chamber. In one embodiment, the communication is through a cooling inlet, the diameter of the cooling zone being larger than the diameter of the cooling inlet. The temperatures of the reactant transport member, the reactor chamber, and the cooling chamber are independently controllable.