Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of a biomass stream to separate organic extracts/biomolecules (such as proteins, lipids and/or carotenoids) from the biomass stream, wherein the water content of the biomass stream is decreased by bringing the biomass stream into contact with a compressed liquefied gas solvent, to create a low-water content biomass stream and introducing the low-water content biomass stream to an extraction apparatus that recovers one or more organic products with little or no measurable solvent residue.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions comprising fluid hydrocarbon products, and to methods for making fluid hydrocarbon products via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used.

Abstract: A process for the liquefaction of carbonaceous material is described that utilizes a single liquefaction reactor that accepts mixtures of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (syngas) at any ratio and which provides for a water gas shift reaction and a hydrogenation reaction of the carbonaceous material to provide a desired hydrocarbon. The process avoids the use of a separate reactor for the water gas shift reaction and applies to carbonaceous material such as any type of coal and/or biomass containing plant and/or animal matter for conversion to a synthetic fuel.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product, and more specifically, to compositions and methods for fluid hydrocarbon product via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods may involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. In some embodiments, the mixture may be pyrolyzed at high temperatures (e.g., between 500° C. and 1000° C.). The pyrolysis may be conducted for an amount of time at least partially sufficient for production of discrete, identifiable biofuel compounds. Some embodiments involve heating the mixture of catalyst and hydrocarbonaceous material at high rates (e.g., from about 50° C. per second to about 1000° C. per second). The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a novel method and set of operating conditions to efficiently and economically process a potentially very fouling hydrocarbon feedstock. A multi-stage catalytic process for the upgrading of coal pyrolysis oils is developed. Coal Pyrolysis Oils are highly aromatic, olefinic, unstable, contain objectionable sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen contaminants, and may contain coal solids which will plug fixed-bed reactors. The pyrolysis oil is fed with hydrogen to a multi-stage ebullated-bed hydrotreater and hydrocracker containing a hydrogenation or hydrocracking catalyst to first stabilize the feed at low temperature and is then fed to downstream reactor(s) at higher temperatures to further treat and hydrocrack the pyrolysis oils to a more valuable syncrude or to finished distillate products. The relatively high heat of reaction is used to provide the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the subsequent stage thus eliminating the need for additional external heat input.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of copper and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of cobalt and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of zinc at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems and methods for converting solid carbonaceous material to a liquid product, comprising maintaining a solid carbonaceous material in the presence of at least one active source of titanium and at least one active source of a second metal at a reaction temperature of greater than 350° C. and at a pressure in the range of 300 to 5000 psig for a time sufficient to form a liquid product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for staging an investment in hydrocarbon processing are provided. In a first stage, a hydrocarbon feed can be apportioned equally or unequally into first and second portions. The first portion can be mixed with one or more oxidants and gasified to provide a first effluent, at least a portion of which can be combusted to provide steam. The second portion can be mixed with one or more solvents to provide one or more fungible hydrocarbon products, at least a portion of which can be sold to generate capital. In a second stage, the hydrocarbon feed can be mixed with one or more solvents and one or more non-catalytic solids and the resultant mixture thermally cracked to provide one or more hydrocarbon products and coked non-catalytic solids. The coked, non-catalytic solids can be regenerated and recycled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous recycling of hydrocarbon containing used and waste materials such as plastic and polymeric waste including, for example, polyurethane, rubber wastes and the like, and in particular scrap rubber tires, are disclosed. The process is carried out under moderate temperatures and atmospheric pressure in the presence of air and a feed of liquid(s) containing oxygen. The method is characterized by the low residence time.

Abstract: A continuous, efficient surface method for thermal recovery of hydrocarbons from a solid feedstock is described that includes a self-contained process that produces hydrogen for upgrading the hydrocarbons to produce motor fuel. The hydrogen also is used as a clean burning fuel for the thermal processing. The hydrogen is produced as a component of synthesis gas formed by gasification of coal. The synthesis gas is processed to remove and dispose of carbon dioxide and by-product sulfur. Combustion of the hydrogen to provide indirect heating of the solid feedstock maximizes hydrocarbons that can be upgraded and reduces or eliminates the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for recovering hydrocarbons from coal or oil shale is disclosed. The process involves the steps of forming a pulp of finely divided coal or oil shale in a first reaction bed, adding concentrated sulphuric acid to the first reaction bed, controlling the temperature of the first reaction bed to produce a hydrocarbon mixture, and deacidifying the hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for coal liquefaction in which minute particles of coal in intimate contact with a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen are reacted for a very short time at a temperature in excess of 400.degree. C. at a pressure of at least 250 psi to yield over 50% liquids with a liquid to gaseous hydrocarbon ratio in excess of 8:1.

Abstract: A method for converting solid carbonaceous materials to liquid products. The solid carbonaceous material is first treated with a aqueous composition of a metal carbonate or bicarbonate. This results in the metal being atomically dispersed in the carbonaceous material. The treated solid carbonaceous material is then subjected to liquefaction conditions. The preferred metal is iron.

Abstract: A continuously operable combustion-type retort apparatus includes an insulated retort. A preheater is preferably associated with the retort for preheating incoming material, and means are preferably provided for injecting acetic acid and steam into the incoming material. Heat is supplied from a combustion zone arranged near the bottom of the retort, wherein means are provided for combusting spent shale to provide the heat necessary for retorting. Means for injecting acetic acid and water are arranged above the combustion zone for preventing the combustion from spreading into the material being retorted. The invention also comprises a method of retorting to produce a very high quality oil from shale and having a 7:1 ratio of carbon to hydrogen, along with the production of valuable nitrogen related chemicals, activated lignin and cement.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a staged process for producing liquids from coal or similar carbonaceous feeds combining a pretreatment stage and a liquefaction stage. In the process, the feed is reacted with carbon monoxide and water at an elevated temperature and pressure. The so pretreated coal is sent to a liquefaction reactor, wherein the coal is reacted at a somewhat higher temperature in the presence of hydrogen and catalyst to produce valuable liquid fuels or feedstocks.

Abstract: A process for pretreating oil shale prior to retorting by contacting with an organic acid, such as formic and acetic acids, at temperatures below about 100.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to react at least a portion of the oil shale carbonates and separating the shale from the organic acid solution containing at least a major portion of the reaction products of the carbonates and organic acid. The process is preferably carried out in an aqueous solution of organic acid having a pH of 3 and less for a time of about 1/2 to about 4 hours and at ambient temperatures about 20.degree. to about 30.degree. C. Pretreatment of oil shale by this process prior to retorting results in higher liquid and aromatic product fractions being produced by conventional retorting.

Abstract: An improved, low severity coal liquefaction process is disclosed. In accordance with the process, coal is first decarboxylated and demineralized with hot sulfurous acid. The decarboxylated coal is then liquefied in the presence of an alcohol and an alkali metal hydroxide. In several embodiments, alkali metal-containing materials are reclaimed to produce alkali metal hydroxide for the liquefaction step. In other embodiments, the liquefaction is conducted in the presence of a relatively high-boiling diluent such as a coal-derived liquid.

Abstract: An improved multistep liquefaction process for organic carbonaceous mater which produces a virtually completely solvent-soluble carbonaceous liquid product. The solubilized product may be more amenable to further processing than liquid products produced by current methods. In the initial processing step, the finely divided organic carbonaceous material is treated with a hydrocarbonaceous pasting solvent containing from 10% and 100% by weight process-derived phenolic species at a temperature within the range of 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for typically from 2 minutes to 120 minutes in the presence of a carbon monoxide reductant and an optional hydrogen sulfide reaction promoter in an amount ranging from 0 to 10% by weight of the moisture- and ash-free organic carbonaceous material fed to the system. As a result, hydrogen is generated via the water/gas shift reaction at a rate necessary to prevent condensation reactions. In a second step, the reaction product of the first step is hydrogenated.

Abstract: A process for producing enhanced quality adsorbent carbons and environmentally acceptable materials for energy production from coal includes an initial step of physically cleaning the coal to remove organic sulfur and mineral tailings. Next, a coal slurry of feedstock and water is prepared. Phosphoric acid is then mixed into the water of the coal slurry to provide by volume 15-85% and more preferably 50-85% phosphoric acid. The slurry is then heated and held in a temperature range between 85.degree. and 230.degree. C. for a period of at least five minutes to allow the phosphoric acid to penetrate deeply into the coal. Then the coal slurry is carbonized at a temperature of between 200.degree.-700.degree. C. for at least five to sixty minutes. The processing produces unique products including a low ash content, low sulfur content carbon solid, a tar with a sulfur content of less than 0.05% of the original feedstock and a gas product having a hydrogen to methane ratio of at least 4:1.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to refining coal by fluidized hydrocracking employing short residence time volatilization and decomposition of the coal feedstock, with subsequent selective condensation and hydrostabilization without utilization of external hydrogen, that is, hydrogen other than that contained in the coal feedstock, to maximize oil yield and minimize char and gas production. The invention more particularly relates to an improved method of economically producing uniform, fluidic, oil-type transportable fuel systems and fuel compositions and a slate of "value-added" co-products by a coal refining process employing short residence time hydrodisproportionation (SRT-HDP).

Abstract: This invention is directed to a staged process for producing liquids from coal or similar carbonaceous feeds combining a pretreatment stage and a liquefaction stage. In the process, the feed is dispersed in an organic solvent and reacted with carbon monoxide at an elevated temperature and pressure. The so pretreated coal is sent to a liquefaction reactor, wherein the coal is reacted in the presence of hydrogen and catalyst to produce valuable liquid fuels or feedstocks.

Abstract: In a process for producing distillates from coal by a first stage thermal liquefaction followed by a catalytic hydrogenation, liquefaction solvent is added at points spaced over the length of the thermal liquefaction heater.Coal may be co-processed with petroleum oil by adding pre-hydrogenated oil to the first stage or unhydrogenated oil to the second stage.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydroconversion of coal comprising pretreating coal in an aqueous carbon monoxide-containing environment, followed by extracting a soluble hydrocarbon material from the coal, and subsequently hydroconverting the extracted material in a hydroconversion reactor. The extracted material consists of a relatively hydrogen-rich material which is readily converted to valuable liquid products in high yield. The residue from the extraction stage is relatively hydrogen deficient material which can be gasified to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide for the hydroconversion and pretreatment stages, respectively.

Abstract: A coal hydrogenation and liquefaction process in which particulate coal feed is pressurized to an intermediate pressure of at least 500 psig and slurried with CO.sub.2 liquid to provide a flowable coal/CO.sub.2 slurry feedstream, which is further pressurized to at least 1000 psig and fed into a catalytic reactor. The coal particle size is 50-375 mesh (U.S. Sieve Series) and provides 50-80 W % coal in the coal/CO.sub.2 slurry feedstream. Catalytic reaction conditions are maintained at 650.degree.-850.degree. F. temperature, 1000-4000 psig hydrogen partial pressure and coal feed rate of 10-100 lb coal/hr ft.sup.3 reactor volume to produce hydrocarbon gas and liquid products. The hydrogen and CO.sub.2 are recovered from the reactor effluent gaseous fraction, hydrogen is recycled to the catalytic reactor, and CO.sub.2 is liquefied and recycled to the coal slurrying step. If desired, two catalytic reaction stages close coupled together in series relation can be used.

Abstract: An intercommunication device mounted between the two oppositely-facing open ends of two coupled railway cars is constituted by a series of rings of generally rectangular shape consisting alternately of rigid rings and flexible rings suitably attached to each other so as to constitute a flexible intercommunication tunnel, the open ends of which are attached respectively to the open ends of the railway cars. The tunnel permits free and unrestricted movement of passengers from one car or vehicle to another in all types of coupled wheeled units such as railway trains, articulated road vehicles, airport passenger bridges and the like.

Abstract: Increased yields of liquid hydrocarbon are obtained from a carbonaceous material (e.g., coal) by a two-stage process comprising pretreatment of the carbonaceous material with an appropriate gas in a first stage, followed by pyrolysis of the pretreated carbonaceous material, in a second stage.

Abstract: Fine particles of solid fossil fuels are pyrolyzed by passage in a thin layer through a heating zone at successively higher temperatures in a non-oxidizing atmosphere while rapidly separating and removing volatile pyrolysis products. The resulting char may be first treated with mineral acid or employed directly in the hydroprocessing of additional solid fossil fuel to liquid fuels. Alternatively, the acid-washed char may be hydrotreated to afford an improved char product having a low sulfur and mineral content.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this application is a process for the production of a premium grade needle coke which is historically feedstock dependent. The selected feedstock for this process is a hydrotreated SRC material (solvent refined coal) which produces a premium grade needle coke having a low ash, low sulfur and low solids content. The hydrotreating of the SRC material, before conversion to the premium grade needle coke, changes the molecular structure of the product by putting hydrogen therein and results in a different arrangement of the aromatic molecules in the resultant premium grade needle coke.

Abstract: A novel process for the low-temperature depolymerization and liquefaction of coal wherein the coal is subjected to sequential processing steps for the cleavage of different types of intercluster lnikages during each processing step. A metal chloride catalyst is intercalated in finely crushed coal and the coal is partially depolymerized under mild hydrotreating conditions during the first processing step. In the second processing step the product from the first step is subjected to base-catalyzed depolymerization with an alcoholic solution of an alkali hydroxide, yielding an almost fully depolymerized coal, which is then hydroprocessed with a sulfided cobalt molybdenum catalyst in a third processing step to obtain a hydrocarbon oil as the final product.

Abstract: Process for pretreatment at atmospheric pressure or a pressure close to atmospheric pressure by alkaline wetting and holding at temperature of natural materials whose gangue comprises argillaceous compounds capable of forming a stable plastic suspension in the presence of water and containing at least one combustible element which can be put into useful form wherein, in order to permit subsequent easy operations for separation of the liquid aqueous and solid phases of the gangue:(a) the natural material which was possibly been subjected to a preliminary drying operation is brought into intimate contact with at least 4 kg expressed in terms of OH.sup.- of at least one alkaline agent per ton of clay contained in said material, the total volume of liquid present in the natural material after the contacting operation being such that the ratio L/S of said volume expressed in terms of cubic meters to the weight of solid expressed in tons of dry ore is at most equal to 0.

Abstract: An improved process for thermal solvent refining or hydroliquefaction of non-anthracitic coal at elevated temperatures under hydrogen pressure in a hydrogen donor solvent comprises pretreating the coal with a binary mixture of an aromatic hydrocarbon and an aliphatic alcohol at a temperature below 300.degree. C. before the hydroliquefaction step. This treatment generally increases both conversion of coal and yields of oil.

Abstract: A coal or similar carbonaceous fuel is selectively freed of sodium by water washing it and ion exchanging the washed coal with a strong aqueous electrolyte solution which is substantially free of sodium ions and contains a kind and concentration of ions which are correlated with the composition of the coal to cause a selective removal of ion-exchangeable sodium from the coal.