Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: A method for harvesting algae according to embodiments of the present invention includes filling a reservoir at least partially with a liquid, submerging a bag at least partially in the liquid, the bag containing media, the media comprising algae, the bag comprising a first end, a second end, a harvesting port located closer to the first end than to the second end, and a gas port, delivering gas into the bag through the gas port, and raising the second end of the bag by accumulating the gas at the second end to flow the media toward the harvesting port.

Abstract: A system for hydraulic hybridization of a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention includes a planetary gear mechanism including a first, second, and third planetary member and planet gears, wherein one of the first, second, and third planetary members is a sun gear, one is a ring gear, and one is a carrier; an engine, the engine including a crank shaft; a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft; and a hydraulic pump/motor, the pump/motor including a pump shaft; and wherein the first planetary member is mechanically coupled to the pump shaft, wherein the second planetary member is mechanically coupled to the crank shaft, wherein the third planetary member is mechanically coupled to the transmission input shaft, and wherein the hydraulic pump/motor is not part of a hydrostatic transmission system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol from terephthalic acid. Terephthalic acid is esterified with (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the terephthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. After removal of the (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol from the crude hydrogenation product, the 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol product can be recovered and purified by a phase separation and distillation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol from isophthalic acid. Isophthalic acid is esterified with (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol and the isophthalate ester hydrogenated to 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol in a 2-stage process. The (3-methylcyclohexyl)methanol that is formed during the hydrogenation step is recycled to the esterification reaction. Also disclosed is a method for purifying and recovering the 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol product.

Abstract: An alkylaromatic hydrocarbon composition prepared by the process which comprises oligomerizing an olefin selected from the group consisting of propylene, n-butene and mixtures thereof over an oligomerization catalyst, to form a oligomerization product comprising at least 95% by weight of mono-olefin oligomers of the empirical formula: CnH2n wherein n is greater than or equal to 10, the mono-olefin oligomers comprise at least 20% by weight of olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms, and the olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms having an average of from 0.8 to 2.0 C1-C3 alkyl branches per carbon chain. Sulfonation of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon product produces an alkylaryl sulfonate mixture that exhibits advantageous properties, such as biodegradability and hard and cold water performance.

Abstract: Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A system for hydraulic hybridization of a motor vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention includes a planetary gear mechanism including a first, second, and third planetary member and planet gears, wherein one of the first, second, and third planetary members is a sun gear, one is a ring gear, and one is a carrier; an engine, the engine including a crank shaft; a transmission, the transmission including a transmission input shaft; and a hydraulic pump/motor, the pump/motor including a pump shaft; and wherein the first planetary member is mechanically coupled to the pump shaft, wherein the second planetary member is mechanically coupled to the crank shaft, wherein the third planetary member is mechanically coupled to the transmission input shaft, and wherein the hydraulic pump/motor is not part of a hydrostatic transmission system.

Abstract: A top reference photobioreactor system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible floating photobioreactor having a buoyancy tube filled with a gas that is less dense, and a ballast tube filled with a substance, such as saltwater, that is more dense, than the liquid in which the photobioreactor floats. A top reference photobioreactor method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes controlling a depth of the top reference photobioreactor by controlling a volume and/or density of ballast in the ballast tube and/or by controlling a volume and/or density of gas in the buoyancy tube.

Abstract: A method for harvesting algae according to embodiments of the present invention includes filling a reservoir at least partially with a liquid, submerging a bag at least partially in the liquid, the bag containing media, the media comprising algae, the bag comprising a first end, a second end, a harvesting port located closer to the first end than to the second end, and a gas port, delivering gas into the bag through the gas port, and raising the second end of the bag by accumulating the gas at the second end to flow the media toward the harvesting port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a terephthalic acid di-ester by the esterification of terephthalic acid with an alcohol at elevated and normal temperature and pressure while the water of the reaction is removed from the reaction mixture via an inert gas or a column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of di-n-butyl terephthalate by the esterification of terephthalic acid with n-butanol in the presence of a strong acid while employing a fractionating column.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the yield of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol di-2-ethylhexanoate (TMPD di-2-ethylhexanoate) from the reaction of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol (TMPD Glycol) and 2-ethylhexanoic acid through the intermediate compound 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol-2-ethylhexanoate (TMPD mono-2-ethylhexanoate) is disclosed. The method involves maintaining a water level in the reactor of at least 0.10 weight %, and preferable above 0.20 weight %, thereby reducing formation of 2,2,4-trimethylpent-3-enyl-2-ethylhexanoate, an undesirable by-product.

Abstract: An alkylaromatic hydrocarbon composition prepared by the process which comprises oligomerizing an olefin selected from the group consisting of propylene, n-butene and mixtures thereof over an oligomerization catalyst, to form a oligomerization product comprising at least 95% by weight of mono-olefin oligomers of the empirical formula: CnH2n wherein n is greater than or equal to 10, the mono-olefin oligomers comprise at least 20% by weight of olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms, and the olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms having an average of from 0.8 to 2.0 C1-C3 alkyl branches per carbon chain. Sulfonation of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon product produces an alkylaryl sulfonate mixture that exhibits advantageous properties, such as biodegradability and hard and cold water performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include photobioreactors with membranes to introduce carbon dioxide into media contained within film photobioreactors. Such membranes can also be used to remove dissolved oxygen from the media. In some embodiments, one or more membrane tubes are welded into a plastic film photobioreactor to make a one-piece reactor. According to some embodiments of the present invention, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using pressure, gas composition, and surface area along with sparging to control the pH in the photobioreactor.

Abstract: In a process for preparing an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon composition an olefinic hydrocarbon mixture and an aromatic compound are contacted under alkylation conditions with an aromatic alkylation catalyst selected from a homogeneous acid catalyst and heterogeneous acid catalyst comprising a molecular sieve having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstroms. The olefinic hydrocarbon mixture comprises at least 5 wt % by weight of mono-olefin oligomers of the empirical formula: CnH2n wherein n is greater than or equal to 10, the mono-olefin oligomers comprising at least 20 percent by weight of olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms, and the olefins having at least 12 carbon atoms having an average of from 0.8 to 2.0 C1-C3 alkyl branches per carbon chain.

Abstract: The design of this shoeing system is specifically produced to ensure the maintenance of the breakover function of the hoof. The breakover built into the shoe is specifically produced to ensure the tip of the pedal bone remains the central point of rotation following the addition of a shoe. The dimension of this breakover can be calculated using the following equation: R=A+(B?b)+C. This equation can be used on all horses, all shoes and all terrains offering the trainer/owner/farrier the opportunity to shoe the horse using the most efficient breakover possible.

Abstract: A selectivated molecular sieve, e.g., ZSM-22 or ZSM-23, is used as olefin oligomerization catalyst to provide product, e.g., octenes and dodecenes from butene, having a low degree of branching and hindered double bonds.