Abstract: Disclosed are biodiesel fuels with improved oxidative stability. Disclosed are biodiesel fuels which comprise two or more antioxidants which increase the oxidative stability of the biodiesel fuel.

Abstract: In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.

Abstract: Aviation-grade kerosene comprising a first blendstock derived from non-petroleum feedstock and comprising primarily hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of isoparaffins and normal paraffins, and a second blendstock comprising primarily hydrocarbons selected from the group consisting of cycloalkanes and aromatics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of biodiesel are provided. The methods involve converting a fatty acid rich material to biodiesel using a homogeneous catalyst, followed by electrodialysis of the resulting product to remove the catalyst.

Abstract: Fuel formulations may be produced from vegetable oil without the need to remove glycerin from the vegetable oil prior to use. The fuel formulations may be used in diesel fuel vehicles and/or as a home heating oil. The fuel formulations may include vegetable oil, kerosene, a fuel stabilizer, and a cetane boost additive.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Microorganisms disclosed herein contain an exogenous gene encoding lipid pathway modification or hydrocarbon modification enzymes, and can be cultivated using glycerol, including glycerol waste from biodiesel production, as a feedstock.

Abstract: Methods and reactors for producing a fuel are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method uses a biomass feedstock and alkane and/or alcohol feedstock, which can be contacted with a metal-containing catalyst to form products including a bio-oil. In some embodiments, oxygen-containing functional groups can be removed from a bio-oil using one or more zeolite thin films.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the catalytic hydrotreating of a feedstock of petroleum origin of diesel fuel type and of a feedstock of biological origin based on vegetable oils and/or animal fats in a stationary bed catalytic hydrotreating unit, the said process being characterized in that the feedstock of petroleum origin is introduced into the said reactor upstream of the feedstock of biological origin. It also relates to a catalytic hydrotreating unit for the implementation of the said process and to a corresponding hydrorefining unit.

Abstract: A method of coloring a substrate is disclosed that includes the steps of dissolving a vegetable oil ester based solvent wherein the ester is selected from a group consisting of esters having carbon chain length of C-1 to C-18 in a liquid solvent dye to form a low-sulfur containing dye formulation such that the vegetable oil ester is present in an amount of between about 5 and 80 percent by weight of the dye formulation, and mixing sufficient amounts of the dye formulation with the substrate to produce mixtures of predetermined color in which the levels of toxic substrate are substantially less than in otherwise equivalent mixtures that include hydrocarbon-based solvents.

Abstract: A suspension may include an aqueous liquid and suspended particles. The particles may include a nonpolar and/or hydrophobic substance (e.g., a lipid) substantially contained within polar and/or hydrophilic exterior layers. A method for extracting the suspended lipids may include adding a nonpolar solvent to the suspension and disrupting the exterior layers to expose the lipids to the nonpolar solvent. In some cases, particles may also include interior hydrophilic portions (e.g., intracellular water), which may be exposed to the aqueous liquid via disruption of the exteriors. The mixture may be accelerated to segregate the mixture into first and second products. The first product may have a majority of the nonpolar and/or hydrophobic substances. The second product may have a majority of the polar substances.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase and/or glucoamylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of polysaccharide, oligosaccharide or starch into sugars. In one aspect, the invention provides delayed release compositions comprising an desired ingredient coated by a latex polymer coating. In alternative embodiments, enzymes are used to make biofuels, e.g., ethanol, butanol, propanol, or a gasoline-ethanol mix, including a bioethanol, biopropanol, biobutanol, or a biodiesel, or for any form of fuel or biomass processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining diesel fuel from vegetable or animal oils through the addition of hydrogen in the presence of catalysts under suitable temperature and pressure conditions. The method is different from other similar methods in that it involves the use of space velocities of between 5.1 h-1 and 9 h-1, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the reactor and in hydrogen consumption, as well as lowering construction and operating costs. The invention also relates to the products obtained using said method, which have demonstrated that in additions, even below 10%, they improve the performance of diesel engines, thereby lowering fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method for producing biomass and sequestering greenhouse gas includes providing a greenhouse gas, providing light energy, and growing algae in a growth container with the greenhouse gas and the light energy. The algae can be processed into a biomass feedstock. The biomass feedstock can be converted into a fuel or specialty chemical. At least a portion of the algae can be used as a fertilizer for a biomass growth source.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the growth and biomass of algae and algae lipids by growing the algae in the presence of a polycationic substance such as soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of harvesting algae from an aqueous environment by growing the algae in aggregated clumps and/or mats (formed by the inclusion of soluble or insoluble chitosan and/or chitin or other polycationic or cationic substances) that can be easily removed from the aqueous environment either by filtration, surface skimming, and/or growing in a porous containment device, such as a natural or synthetic fabric, and removing the fabric from the aqueous environment containing the aggregated algae. The methods disclosed have direct applications in biofuel and energy production, agricultural feedstock production, nutrient production, greenhouse gas reduction, removal of microconstituents from water, and water reclamation.

Abstract: A biodiesel generation system incorporates acid esterification through a hydro-cavitation based nano reactor. A feed material is a mixture of approximately 30 percent Palm Fatty Acid Distillate (PFAD) mixed with Para Toluene Sulfonic Acid (PTSA) as an acid catalyst and methanol as a reagent. The PFAD is approximately 90 percent Free Fatty Acid (FFA) resulting in the feed material being approximately 27 percent FFA. The acid catalyst in the feed material facilitates an esterification process to produce biodiesel. The feed material is pumped through the hydro-cavitation based nano reactor and forced through a nano orifice where, by a phenomenon of hydro cavitation, collapsing nano liquid molecules can generate instantaneous temperatures of 1000 degrees centigrade resulting in quick reaction taking place at the surface of collapsing nano molecules. Partially reacted feed material may be recycled through the nano reactor several times to complete the reaction.

Abstract: This invention is intended to be used to search for a transcription factor having novel functions of increasing the weight of an individual plant, increasing the weight of a given tissue per individual plant, or improving the productivity of a given substance per individual plant and to improve such properties in the plant. The weight of an individual plant is increased, the weight of a given tissue per individual plant is increased, the productivity of a given substance per individual plant is improved, or the content of a given substance per given tissue of a plant is increased via expression of a transcription factor that has been modified to suppress transcription accelerating activity.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in plants by down-regulation of the NST transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of NST are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise reduced lignin content. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: Heavy oil emulsions, comprising decant oils and No. 6, No. 5 and No. 4 oils, and water are stabilized by adding certain saccharide-based esters. Preferably, the saccharide-based esters are naturally-occurring saccharide esters such as gallotannins, saponin, red gum, and the like.

Abstract: A biofuel product comprises a slurry of pulverized combustible solid biomass material in a combustible liquid product of vegetable origin. In accordance with the invention, the product of vegetable origin is glycerol, and a mixture ratio between the glycerol and the pulverized solid biomass material is such, that the slurry at least upon heating to around 90° C. has a low viscosity and is pumpable.The glycerol utilized is obtained as a byproduct in the production of biodiesel fuel or soap, fatty acids, fatty alcohols or alkyl esters, and the pulverized combustible solid biomass material preferably is lignin powder, and/or wood powder and/or other pulverized vegetable solid biomass material, such as peat,and/or powder of carbon from vegetable material. The biofuel product may be used as a replacement for heavy fuel oil, for example.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 15 wppm or less (e.g., 10 wppm or less) from feed sources that include a biocomponent feedstock. The biocomponent feedstock can be initially co-processed with a mineral feed in a fluidized bed stage, such as an ebullating bed processing stage. Ebullating bed processing can mitigate the impact of the biocomponent feed on other hydrotreatment aspects of a diesel boiling range feed. Challenged biocomponent feeds can be handled by introducing the biocomponent feed into the ebullating bed reactor in a manner that reduces the fouling impact of the feed.

Abstract: Systems and processes for converting bulky lignocellulosic biomass to high density biomass products, including biofuels, are described. The systems and processes relate to treating freshly harvested plant materials, generally at or in close proximity to sites where the plant materials are harvested, to effect saccharification, alcoholic fermentation, or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, thereby providing a liquefied biomass. The liquefied biomass is extracted to provide liquid extracts comprising biomass-derived water and water soluble biomass saccharification and fermentation products, including fermentable sugars and alcohols. The liquid biomass extracts can be transported via pipeline to other locations for fermentation, further saccharification, and/or purification to provide biofuel. Alternatively, the liquefied biomass can be used to prepare a biomass slurry that can be transported via pipeline.

Abstract: A method for treating waste cooking oil is disclosed, the method comprising subjecting the waste cooking oil to a first separation comprising a settling treatment at ambient temperatures to produce an oil fraction and a sludge fraction; and subjecting the oil fraction so recovered to a second separation comprising filtration. An apparatus for refining waste cooking oil comprises a settling system for separating the waste cooking oil into an oil fraction and a sludge fraction; a filtration system for filtering the oil fraction. The oil fraction recovered is particularly suitable for use as a fuel for an internal combustion engine and as a replacement for diesel in operating diesel engines.

Abstract: A process for converting lignocellulosic materials which are field residues such as cotton stalks and corn stover, process residues such as sugarcane bagasse and sweet sorghum bagasse, woody parts of energy crops such as switchgrass and miscanthus, forest residues or byproducts of the wood processing industries such as sawdust from sawmills to a liquid biofuel by a series of processing steps wherein the feed materials are hydrolysed in three stages and withdrawn as three product streams each consisting of solubilized fragments of one of the three major components of the feed materials and a set of concurrently operating processing steps wherein each of the three product streams is transformed through chemical or biochemical processes into products, such as pure lignin and ethanol, that have a high calorific value and process wherein these products with high calorific value are combined to form a liquid biofuel.

Abstract: Methods for recovery of concentrates of lubricating compounds from vegetable and animal oils, fats and greases that allow separation of triglycerides, from components with higher lubricity or enrichment protocols that increase the concentration of high lubricity compounds in the triglyceride. The triglycerides are transesterified with a lower alcohol to produce alkyl esters. Following the conversion process the esters are separated from high molecular weight high lubricity compounds by distillation. The esters have some lubricity and may be sold as pollution reducing fuel components. The high boiling point compounds that are the residues of distillation, however, can contribute significant lubricity and may be used widely in lubricant applications or added to petroleum fuels to decrease friction.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A nanocatalyst, dual catalyst and methods for improving the efficiency and output of a biomass gasification process are provided where the catalysts comprise a volatile organometallic compound(s) and/or a nanoalloy catalyst. By the catalyst and method, a very high biomass gasification conversion efficiency of over 85% can be achieved. The subject nanocatalyst cracks and gasifies lignin, which is generally inert in conventional gasification, at relatively low gasification temperatures. The subject disclosure also provides a means to increase gas yields and lower lignin content in the resulting product relative to conventional gasification. Alternatively, oil production may be increased, if desired. Moreover, the resulting gas may achieve a Fischer-Tropsch reactor favorable H2:CO ratio of about 9:1. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.

Abstract: A reactive distillation process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. In the process a slurry of aquatic biomass is contacted with a particulate inorganic material. The mixture is heated to or above its boiling point. During the heating step biomass is converted to bio-oil. In a preferred embodiment water vapors emanating from the slurry are collected and condensed. The fresh water obtained may be used for irrigation, in human domestic uses, and for human consumption.

Abstract: A novel plant created as an interspecific hybrid of the genus Jatropha designated as Nandan-4 is disclosed. The plant was created by the hybridization of the uncultivated Jatropha gossypifolia with the cultivated Jatropha curcas species. The new interspecific hybrid plant thus invented is found to have unique traits that differed from either parent. This invention relates to the Jatropha interspecific hybrid Nandan-4 plant, the plants generated by any means from a plant part selected from the group consisting of leaves, pollen, embryos, cotyledons, hypocotyls, meristematic cells, roots, root tips, pistils, anthers, flowers, inflorescence, and stems from Nandan-4.

Abstract: A modular biomass treatment unit includes a first module having a pretreater and a first frame for transportation to and operation at a site adjacent to a solid biomass growth source. The pretreater is operable to process solid biomass to produce a plurality of solid biomass particles for conversion into a fuel or specialty chemical. The first frame supports the pretreater during transportation to and operation at the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source. The modular biomass treatment unit can also include additional modules each comprising a reactor, a separator, and a frame for transportation to and operation at a site such as the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated MSU Line E0028, the plants and seeds of MSU Line E0028, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety E0028 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety E0028 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety E0028. The present technology also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from MSU Line E0028 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include methods of recovering bio-oil products, fuels, diesel fuels, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel oil composition comprising a fuel oil of mineral origin and a fuel oil of vegetable and/or animal origin and as a cold additive, the constituents, at least one copolymer composed of ethylene and 8-21 mol % of at least one acrylic and vinyl ester having a C1-C18 alkyl radical and at least one comb polymer containing structural units composed of at least one olefin as monomer 1 which bears at least one C8-C18 alkyl radical on the olefinic double bond, and at least one ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid as monomer 2 which bears at least one C8-C16 alkyl radical bonded via an amide and/or imide moiety.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a high free fatty acid grease feedstock to biodiesel. The process comprises a glycerolysis reaction to convert free fatty acids to glycerides and a base catalyzed transesterification reaction to produce fatty acid methyl esters and glycerin in the absence of solvents. In preferred embodiments, both glycerin and methanol are recycled. The process can process a feedstock containing up to 100 percent free fatty acid content to produce biodiesel and glycerin with minimal waste generation.

Abstract: A tank infrastructure that is installed on space that is covered with human development, and used to grow blue green algae or other algae. This includes application over roads, tracks, buildings, parking lots, and any other space that is viewed from space as being any color other than green due to human development destroying photosynthetic life. It can also be utilized in desert landscapes and other areas such as in or over oceans. The algae produced will act as a large carbon sink to aid in curbing global warming, and will be used in the production of alternative fuels as well as for human or animal consumption and in industry.

Abstract: A continuous flow, RD reactor system, that comprises, in combination a reaction column, first means feeding vegetable oil, liquid methanol and catalyst to the upper interior of the column, a condenser reclining methanol vapor for the upper interior of the column, and for producing condensed methanol recycled to the column upper interior, and for delivering a stream of refluxed methanol liquid to the upper interior of the column, and several means for receiving product biodiesel and liquid methanol for the lower interior of the column, and for separating Biodiesel in a primary product stream and returning methanol vapor to the column.

Abstract: Processes are provided for producing a diesel fuel product having a sulfur content of 10 ppm by weight or less from feed sources that include up to 50% by weight of a biocomponent feedstock. The biocomponent feedstock is co-processed with a heavy oil feed in a severe hydrotreating stage. The product from the severe hydrotreatment stage is fractionated to separate out a diesel boiling range fraction, which is then separately hydrotreated.

Abstract: A method of creating a multi-phase fuel wherein said fuel comprises a gas, a solid, a liquid solvent phase and an aqueous phase from animal waste comprising the combination of the animal waste, a solvent, and a water/alcohol solution into a fluid mixture, placing the mixture into a closed reactor, heating said reactor between about 245° C. and 385° C. for between about 5 and 70 minutes and cooling said resulting multi-phase fuel. The animal waste may be manure, mortalities, municipal waste, or chicken litter. The preferred solvent is petroleum with the preferred petroleum being diesel fuel. The final multi-phase fuel can be separated into four separate fuels: a solid fuel, an emulsified solid in the liquid solvent phase by blending the solid, the solvent and a surfactant, an aqueous phase, and the recovered liquid solvent phase. Petroleum is the preferred solvent and the separation may be any conventional means. The mixture preferably consists of 1 part by weight animal waste, about 1.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to novel biodiesel fuel compositions having enhanced low-temperature properties. The present invention is additionally directed to methods (i.e., processes) for making such enhanced biodiesel fuels by improving the low-temperature properties of ester-based biodiesel fuels via in situ enhancement and/or additive enhancement.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a fuel based on a plant oil, comprising at least one plant oil purified by a process comprising at least one step of adsorbing peroxidized molecules, phospholipids and water molecules (onto a solid aluminosilicate). The invention also relates to the use of this agri-fuel in combustion installations without modifying the burners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a plant for biofuel production, such as with biogasoline and/or biodiesel. The process includes the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a remainder. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to a biofuel material and using the remainder for generation of power or further downstream conversion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process, a plant, and a biofuel for integrated biofuel production, such as with biogasoline, biodiesel, and/or sugar product. The integrated process includes the step of removing hexose from a feedstock to form a lignocellulosic material. The process also includes the step of converting the hexose to a biogasoline and/or a biodiesel material, and the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a residue. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to a biogasoline and/or a biodiesel material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process, a plant, and a biofuel for integrated biofuel production, such as with butanol, biodiesel, and/or sugar product. The integrated process includes the step of removing hexose from a feedstock to form a lignocellulosic material. The process also includes the step of converting the hexose to butanol and/or a biodiesel material, and the step of depolymerizing lignocellulosic material to form pentose and a residue. The process also includes the step of converting the pentose to butanol and/or a biodiesel material.

Abstract: Novel dehydrin promoters isolated from Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus macarthurii are cold-inducible and can be used for driving CBF genes in plants, including trees, to enhance tolerance to freezing temperatures or water stress and reduce undesirable effects associated with CBF gene expression.

Abstract: A triglyceride-to-fuel conversion process including the steps of (a) preconditioning unsaturated triglycerides by catalytic conjugation, cyclization, and cross-link steps; (b) contacting the modified triglycerides with hot-compressed water containing a catalyst, wherein cracking, hydrolysis, decarboxylation, dehydration, aromatization, or isomerization, or any combination thereof, of the modified triglycerides produce a crude hydrocarbon oil and an aqueous phase containing glycerol and lower molecular weight molecules, and (c) refining the crude hydrocarbon oil to produce various grades of biofuels.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to novel fuel compositions and to methods (i.e., processes) for enhancing the combustion efficiency and/or other properties of diesel fuels, particularly wherein such diesel fuels are, or comprise, biodiesel, such biodiesel typically having poorer low-temperature properties than traditional (petroleum) diesel. Generally, such fuel compositions are provided by the creation and inclusion of a quantity of one or more epoxy-ester species, such species serving as combustion improvers for the fuel composition of which they are part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fuel from vegetable oil in order to operate of diesel internal combustion engines. In said method, the oleaginous fruit is pressed, and the dripping oil is filtered. According to the invention, the dripping vegetable oil containing the cloudy matter is mixed with a clay material in a first step before being filtered and is filtered in a second step.

Abstract: Raw MSW is delivered through an organic digester (12) within which an organic fraction of the MSW is broken down by a combination of aerobic microbial activity and mechanical action and converted into a solid bio fuel material. Treated waste material comprising a mixture of the solid bio fuel material and insert inorganic waste material is discharged from the digester (12). The treated material is delivered through a separator (20) for removal of the inorganic fraction. A substantially homogenous solid bio fuel material is discharged from the separator (20), and passed through a dryer (26) and into a gasifier (30). Within the gasifier (30) the homogenous solid bio fuel material is heated in a depleted oxygen atmosphere to generate a bio fuel gas rich in methane, hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The bio fuel gas is delivered through a cleaner (35) and then collected in a storage tank. Bio fuel gas is fed as required from the storage tank to a power plant (50) for generating electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a plant growth medium comprising the following steps: a) providing an amount of bioorganic matter; b) contacting the bioorganic matter with one or more microbial agents capable of degrading the bioorganic matter to produce a decomposition product; and c) treating the decomposition product produced in step (b) to inhibit the degradation process prior to its completion. The invention further provides a bioreactor and a kit for performing that method, and a plant growth medium. In an embodiment, the plant growth medium is a peat-substitute material.

Abstract: Methods for solubilizing algae or algal material are provided to facilitate the recovery of oil or lipids, as well as hydrocarbons and carbohydrates, from algae or algal material. The methods involve contacting algae or algal material with an oxoacid ester or thioacid ester of phosphorus or a mixture of an oxoacid of phosphorus and/or an alcohol to form a mixture thereof under conditions effective to solubilize the algae or algal material. These methods optionally further comprise bioconversion of the solubilized algae or algal material to form a composition suitable for recovery of oils and non-oil chemicals.