Plant Or Animal Extract Mixtures Or Extracts Of Indeterminate Structure Containing Patents (Class 44/307)
  • Patent number: 8628589
    Abstract: More stable and valuable bio-oil produced from biomasses are provided. More specifically, more stable and valuable bio-oil useful as heating oil is provided. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide for a bio-oil having sufficient heating value and stability to be useful as heating oil without the need to hydrotreat the bio-oil or use a similar deoxygenating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Magdalena Ramirez Corredores, Vicente Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8629308
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons from biomass is provided. The method involves supplying a feed stream; supplying a heated hydrocarbon solvent; combining the feed stream and the heated hydrocarbon solvent to produce a reactor feed, and hydrodeoxygenating the reactor feed to produce hydrocarbons; where the feed stream includes a synthetic polymer as well as biomass having fatty acids, glycerides, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Ramin Abhari, E. Gary Roth, Peter Z. Havlik, H. Lynn Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20140007493
    Abstract: The invention relates to catalyst compositions and components thereof for use in a catalytic process, and more particularly in a catalytic pyrolysis process or gasification of solid biomass material. In one aspect, a catalyst component is provided. The catalyst component includes a hybrid silica-alumina having a controlled Lewis acidity, and having a controlled porosity providing optimized accessibility for reactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine M. Henry, Stephen Schuylen, Jerry J. Springs, Dennis Stamires, Zongchao Zhang, Ling Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140007492
    Abstract: Methods to convert a cellulosic material into a bio-oil. In one embodiment, the method comprises (a) contacting the cellulosic material with a liquid solvent in an inert atmosphere at a reaction temperature in the range from equal to or more than about 260° C. to equal to or less than about 400° C. to produce a product mixture; (b) separating a middle fraction from the product mixture to produce a product mixture middle fraction. A first portion of the product mixture middle fraction can be recycled as part of the liquid solvent in step a). A second portion of the product mixture middle fraction can be used to produce a bio-oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventor: Shell Oil Company
  • Publication number: 20140007494
    Abstract: A composition contains an additive for assisting with regeneration of the PF in the form of an organic dispersion of iron particles in crystallized form and a detergent including a quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Lauriane D'Alencon, Michael Lallemand, Virginie Harle, David J. Moreton, Malcolm G. J. MacDuff, Magali Pudlarz
  • Patent number: 8623102
    Abstract: A process for direct hydroliquefaction of biomass selected from algae, lignocellulosic biomass and/or of one or more constituents of lignocellulosic biomass selected from the group comprising cellulose, hemicellulose and/or lignin for producing fuel bases comprising two successive hydroconversion stages under high hydrogen pressure in ebullating bed reactors. Hydroconversion takes place in the presence of a supported catalyst of the type for hydroconversion of petroleum residue and a suspension composed of the biomass and a solvent, preferably a hydrogen donor solvent and preferably recycled from the process. The biomass can undergo a pretreatment of drying and/or roasting and/or grinding and/or demineralization prior to hydroliquefaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: IFP Energies nouvelles
    Inventors: Alain Quignard, Wilfried Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140000154
    Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with integrated catalytic reduction during digestion to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product. Such integrated catalytic reduction may be conducted using a slurry catalyst. Biomass conversion systems for performing integrated catalytic reduction can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit that contains a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; an optional hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the hydrothermal digestion unit; and a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit, the catalytic reduction reactor unit also containing the slurry catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Broun POWELL
  • Publication number: 20140007267
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transgenic soybean comprising event MON87712 that exhibits increased yield. The invention also provides cells, plant parts, seeds, plants, commodity products related to the event, and DNA molecules that are unique to the event and were created by the insertion of transgenic DNA into the genome of a soybean plant. The invention further provides methods for detecting the presence of said soybean event nucleotide sequences in a sample, probes and primers for use in detecting nucleotide sequences that are diagnostic for the presence of said soybean event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Robert H. Cole, John A. Korte, John R. LeDeaux, Melissa Compton Spears, Kunsheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20140000153
    Abstract: Digestion of cellulosic biomass solids to form a hydrolysate may be conducted with integrated catalytic reduction during digestion to transform soluble carbohydrates in the hydrolysate into a more stable reaction product. Such integrated catalytic reduction may be conducted using a slurry catalyst. Biomass conversion systems for performing integrated catalytic reduction can comprise: a hydrothermal digestion unit that contains a slurry catalyst capable of activating molecular hydrogen; an optional hydrogen feed line that is operatively connected to the hydrothermal digestion unit; a fluid circulation loop comprising the hydrothermal digestion unit and a catalytic reduction reactor unit, the catalytic reduction reactor unit also containing the slurry catalyst; a pretreatment digestion unit that is not part of the fluid circulation loop and does not contain the slurry catalyst; and a solids transport mechanism operatively connecting the pretreatment digestion unit to the hydrothermal digestion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Broun POWELL
  • Publication number: 20140000155
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for biodiesel purification comprising the step of percolating biodiesel through a percolation system that comprises at least one percolation column comprising thermally activated bauxite and/or chemically activated bauxite. The present invention is further directed to a biodiesel obtained by said process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Arnaldo Curimbaba
  • Patent number: 8617261
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130340324
    Abstract: A fuel system (10) comprising a fluid blender (14) in fluid communication with a source of a first fuel composition and a source of a second fuel composition via at least one inlet (32, 34). The blender (14) is operable to receive at least the first fuel composition and/or second fuel composition via the at least one inlet (32, 34), and output a resultant fuel composition comprising the received fuel compositions via at least one outlet (36). The at least one outlet (36) is in fluid communication with an engine fuel injection device (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Peter SWANN
  • Publication number: 20130333649
    Abstract: A fuel composition for a fuel injected diesel engine, a method for improving performance of fuel injectors and a method for cleaning fuel injectors for a diesel engine. The fuel composition includes a major amount of fuel and a minor effective amount of a reaction product of (i) a hydrocarbyl substituted compound containing at least one tertiary amino group and (ii) a halogen substituted C2-C8 carboxylic acid, ester, amide, or salt thereof, wherein the reaction product as made is substantially devoid of free anion species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AFTON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xinggao FANG, Scott D. SCHWAB
  • Publication number: 20130333278
    Abstract: Low water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and processes for producing them are provided. The process (200) includes condensing (204) pyrolysis gases including condensable pyrolysis gases and non-condensable gases to separate the condensable pyrolysis gases from the non-condensable gases, the non-condensable gases having a water content, drying (206) the non-condensable pyrolysis gases to reduce the water content of the-non-condensable gases to form reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases, and providing (208) the reduced-water non-condensable pyrolysis gases to a pyrolysis reactor for forming the biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ENSYN RENEWABLES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley J. Frey, Douglas A. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8608812
    Abstract: A process is described for producing hydrocarbon fractions which can be used as diesel fuel or as components of diesel fuel, starting from a mixture of a biological origin containing esters of fatty acids possibly with amounts of free fatty acids, which comprises the following steps: 1) hydrodeoxygenation of the mixture of a biological origin; 2) hydroisomerization of the mixture resulting from step (1), after possible purification treatment, said hydroisomerization being effected in the presence of a catalytic system which comprises: a) a carrier of acid nature comprising a completely amorphous micro-mesoporous silico-alumina having a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio ranging from 30 to 500, a surface area greater than 500 m2/g, a pore volume ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 ml/g, an average pore diameter lower than 40 ?, b) a metallic component containing one or more metals of group VIII, possibly mixed with one or more metals of group VIB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., UOP LLC
    Inventors: Carlo Perego, Luigina Maria Flora Sabatino, Franco Baldiraghi, Giovanni Faraci
  • Publication number: 20130326934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for preparing transportation fuel and optionally a middle distillate, a diesel fuel, a heating oil, a jet fuel, a kerosene, an aviation gasoline, a gasoline fuel, or a lubricant base oil. The process includes the steps of (a) producing a naturally occurring aqueous fluid containing greater than 1 wt. % soluble carboxylic acids; (b) isolating at least a portion of the organic acids from the naturally occurring aqueous fluid; and (c) upgrading the isolated carboxylic acids. The step of upgrading the isolated carboxylic acids can include at least one of hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, esterification and FCC cracking. The aqueous fluid can then be used in processes for recovery of a mobile kerogen based product. Also disclosed herein is a process for preparing a biofuel comprising the organic acids isolated from naturally occurring aqueous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Marcus Oliver Wigand, Robert Martin CARLSON, Mark Dean LOONEY
  • Publication number: 20130326935
    Abstract: A system and corresponding process for treating biomass, including by use of a plurality of pyrolysis treatment steps. The process can be used to provide a first pyrolysis product (e.g., intermediate), in the form of a carbon enriched material that contains substantially less hemicellulose content than the initial biomass, while substantially retaining and optionally enriching cellulose and/or lignin content as compared to the initial biomass. The process also includes a second pyrolysis device, adapted to further pyrolyze the first pyrolysis product in order to provide one or more gasses and/or vapors (e.g., providing condensable or non-condensable bio-products) and solid ash byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Bepex International, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory J. Kimball
  • Publication number: 20130331623
    Abstract: A combined hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) and catalytic hydrothermal gasification (CHG) system and process are described that convert various biomass-containing sources into separable bio-oils and aqueous effluents that contain residual organics. Bio-oils may be converted to useful bio-based fuels and other chemical feedstocks. Residual organics in HTL aqueous effluents may be gasified and converted into medium-BTU product gases and directly used for process heating or to provide energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Douglas C. Elliott, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Todd R. Hart
  • Patent number: 8603199
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device to produce esterified, olefinated/esterified, or thermochemolytic reacted bio-oils as fuels. The olefinated/esterified product may be utilized as a biocrude for input to a refinery, either alone or in combination with petroleum crude oils. The bio-oil esterification reaction is catalyzed by addition of alcohol and acid catalyst. The olefination/esterification reaction is catalyzed by addition of resin acid or other heterogeneous catalyst to catalyze olefins added to previously etherified bio-oil; the olefins and alcohol may also be simultaneously combined and catalyzed by addition of resin acid or other heterogeneous catalyst to produce the olefinated/esterified product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: Philip H. Steele, Charles U. Pittman, Jr., Leonard L. Ingram, Jr., Sanjeev Gajjela, Zhijun Zhang, Priyanka Bhattacharya
  • Patent number: 8604260
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for biomass conversion in a catalytic pyrolysis reactor to convert such to liquid hydrocarbons which includes conditions which favor increased olefin production; wherein the olefins are then upgraded alone or with the produced bio-oil to fuel range hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Ditsch
  • Patent number: 8603198
    Abstract: A method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters from biolipids through transesterification and/or esterification reactions uses a flow-through cavitation device for generating cavitation bubbles in a fluidic reaction medium. The fluidic medium is passed through sequential compartments in the cavitation device having varying diameters and inner surface features to create localized reductions in fluid pressure thus vaporizing volatile alcohols and creating an increased surface area and optimized conditions for the reaction to occur at the gas-liquid interface around the bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Varvara Grichko
  • Publication number: 20130318863
    Abstract: A core-shell magnetic composite is disclosed, which includes: a magnetic core; a shell containing a protective layer and a porous layer, wherein the protective layer is coated on a surface of the magnetic core and the porous layer is the outmost layer of the shell; and a hydrophobic functional group grafted to the shell. In addition, the core-shell magnetic composite can be bound to a lipase to act as a transesterification catalyst. The present invention also relates to a method for producing biodiesel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jo-Shu CHANG, Dang-Thuan TRAN, Chien-Chang HUANG, Ching-Ling CHEN
  • Patent number: 8597599
    Abstract: Presented are one or more aspects and/or one or more embodiments of catalysts, methods of preparation of catalyst, methods of deoxygenation, and methods of fuel production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Energia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishniah Parimi, Thien Duyen Thi Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130312318
    Abstract: Use of a reaction product of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic mono- or polycarboxylic acids with aliphatic polyamines for improving or boosting the separation of water from fuel oils which comprise additives with detergent action. A Fuel additive concentrate comprising the said reaction product, certain additives with detergent action and optionally dehazers, cetane number improvers and solvents or diluents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Maxim PERETOLCHIN, Guenter OETTER, Harald BOEHNKE, Markus HANSCH, Ludwig VOELKEL
  • Patent number: 8591605
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing biofuel from a feedstock that includes one or more coffee sources, such as green coffee beans, whole roasted coffee beans, ground coffee, or spent coffee grounds. Triglycerides and other materials, such as antioxidants, are extracted from the coffee source. In some example, the triglycerides are then transesterified to produce a fatty acid ester biofuel product. In further examples, the method includes obtaining spent coffee grounds from one or more sources, such as residences or businesses that generate spent coffee grounds. The present disclosure also provides biofuels produced using the disclosed method, including mixtures of such biofuels with other fuels, such as other biofuels or petroleum based fuels. Materials obtained from the disclosed method may be put to other uses, such as cosmetics, medicinal products, food products, or combustible materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventors: Manoranjan Misra, Susanta Kumar Mohapatra, Narasimharao V. Kondamudi
  • Publication number: 20130305592
    Abstract: The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a by-product of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Ohana Investments Works LLC
    Inventor: Masatoshi Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8586515
    Abstract: A process for producing biofuels and biolubricants from lipid material includes reacting lipid material with a motive fluid in a reactor. The reactor may be configured to cause a high energy collision between the motive fluid and the lipid material that facilitates the reactions that result in biofuels and biolubricants. A heavy fraction of the effluent may be repeatedly recycled back through the reactor until most, if not all, of the lipid material has been converted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Armando Salazar-Guillen, Mahendra Joshi
  • Publication number: 20130298274
    Abstract: Methods and composition for the production of sorghum hybrids with selected and different flowering times are provided. In accordance with the invention, a substantially continual and high-yield harvest of sorghum is provided. Improved methods of seed production are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: John E. Mullet, William L. Rooney
  • Patent number: 8575409
    Abstract: A process for producing a hydrocarbon from biomass. A feed stream containing biomass having fatty acids, mono-, di-, and/or triglycerides, and a phosphorus content of between about 1 wppm and about 1,000 wppm is provided. A heated hydrocarbon solvent and a hydrogen-rich gas are provided. The feed stream, the heated hydrocarbon solvent, and the hydrogen-rich gas are combined in the presence of a low activity hydrogenation catalyst. A spent low activity hydrogenation catalyst is recovered at the end of a run wherein the spent low activity hydrogenation catalyst contains at least 3% by weight phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Syntroleum Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Havlik, Ramin Abhari, Gary Roth, H. Lynn Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20130283674
    Abstract: A fuel additive composition that produces a potentiator as a chemical agent that alters the molecular makeup of fuel and causes a change in the burn cycle so that fuel is burned sooner, while at the same time reduce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide, comprised of Copper Naphthenate, Manganese Naphthenate, Magnesium Peroxide, Citrus essential oils, and mineral oils, dissolved and blended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Julian Martin Gaspar Vasquez
  • Publication number: 20130276360
    Abstract: A process for converting a solid biomass material, comprising contacting the solid biomass material and a hydrocarbon co-feed with a catalytic cracking catalyst at a temperature of more than 400° C. in a riser reactor to produce one or more cracked products, wherein the solid biomass material is introduced to the riser reactor at a location downstream of the location where the hydrocarbon co-feed is introduced to the riser reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Andries Quirin Maria BOON, Johan Willem GOSSELINK, John William HARRIS, Andries Hendrik JANSSEN, Martin Jean Pierre Cornelis NIESKENS, Easwar Santhosh RANGANATHAN, Colin John SCHAVERIEN, Nicolaas Wilhelmus Joseph WAY
  • Publication number: 20130276361
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of fuel production. More specifically, the invention relates to biofuel production from high temperature oil-based processing of organic matter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicants: LICELLA PTY LTD, IGNITE ENERGY RESOURCES LIMITED
    Inventor: Thomas Maschmeyer
  • Patent number: 8562697
    Abstract: The invention discloses a process for hydrolyzed reforming of the ligneous cellulose biomass to produce bio-gasoline, which directly transfers the hydrolyzed-material liquid obtained from ligneous cellulose biomass through hydrolyzing into aqueous catalytic reforming system, the feed subjects to aqueous catalytic reforming reaction in low-temperature reforming reactor filled with catalyst Ni/SiO2—Al2O3 and in high-temperature reforming reactor filled with catalyst Ni/HZSM-5 in turn, the reactant is condensed and phase-separated: uncondensed bio-gasoline is absorbed by absorption liquid-C6 alkane, condensed liquid is phase-separated through phase-separator, bio-gasoline is obtained in the upper layer of the phase-separator. The invention creates a new process for producing high-quality liquid fuel oil using biomass as feedstock, which can automatically layer and separate, omitting the step of rectifying and purifying product. The feedstock is cheap and broadly available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Longlong Ma, Tiejun Wang, Zhenhong Yuan, Xinghua Zhang, Xinshu Zhuang, Chuangzhi Wu, Ting Jiang, Qing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130269240
    Abstract: Fuel compositions based on biodiesel, lower alcohols and plant oil for feeding Diesel cycle engines, enabling more perfect burning, less emission of pollutants and less formation of internal deposits of impurities onto the inner surface of engines. Since the blends exhibit density similar to that of diesel oil, as well as chemical affinity for the latter (since it contains biodiesel, which performs the function of co-solvent), the present invention also relates to compositions of quaternary blends, that is, junction of the ternary blends proposed (biodiesel, lower alcohol and vegetable oil) with petroleum diesel in the most varied proportions. The preferred embodiment of this invention provides the replacement of fuel of non-renewable source (diesel oil) by others of renewable source, which are natural, non-toxic, biodegradable and that have excellent technical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Márcio Turra De Ávila
  • Patent number: 8556999
    Abstract: The present invention provides non-petroleum high-octane fuel derived from biomass sources, and a method of producing same. The method of production involves reducing the biomass feedstocks to sugars, fermenting the sugars using microorganisms or mutagens thereof to produce ethanol or acetic acid, converting the acetic acid or ethanol to acetone, and converting the acetone to mesitylene and isopentane, the major components of the renewable engine fuel. Trimerization of acetone can be carried out in the presence of a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of niobium, iron and manganese. The ethanol can be converted to mesitylene in a dehydration reaction in the presence of a catalyst of zinc oxide/calcium oxide, and unreacted ethanol and water separated from mesitylene by distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Swift Fuels, LLC
    Inventors: John J Rusek, Mary-Louise Rusek, Jonathon D Ziulkowski, Justin D Zink
  • Patent number: 8557000
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lignoil Technologies Private Limited
    Inventor: Pradyot A. Agaskar
  • Patent number: 8552234
    Abstract: Process for producing hydrocarbons from a carboxylic acid by feeding hydrogen and a reaction composition containing a carboxylic acid to a reactor, maintaining reaction conditions such that the hydrogen reacts with the carboxylic acid to produce a C1 compound including CO, CO2 and CH4, and one or more product hydrocarbons derived from the carboxylic acid. The reaction between hydrogen and the carboxylic acid is catalysed. A product stream is removed from the reactor including unreacted hydrogen, at least one C1 compound, and at least one product hydrocarbon. One or more parameters of the reaction are controlled such that the molar ratio of C1 compounds produced by the reaction to the carboxylate groups present in the carboxylic acid in the reaction composition is maintained above a value of 0.37:1, and the mole ratio of carbon dioxide to the sum of carbon monoxide and methane is maintained above a value of 0.58:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: BP Oil International Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas John Gudde
  • Publication number: 20130255139
    Abstract: Modified alkylphenol-aldehyde resins include one or more alkylamines, having preferably at least one primary amine type group as well as their use for improving the flow properties of motor fuels and hydrocarbon fuels, such as in particular jet fuel, gas oil, fuel oil domestic, heavy fuel oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
    Inventors: Nelly Dolmazon, Géraldine Papin, Frédéric Tort
  • Publication number: 20130255138
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of pyrolysis oil and also to a process for upgrading of pyrolysis oil implementing said HDO process, and also to processing of the aqueous phase resulting from the HDO by steam pre-reforming and then steam reforming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING
    Inventors: Vincent Mayeur, Alexandre Preau
  • Publication number: 20130255136
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for washing a spent ion exchange bed and for treating biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided herein. An exemplary process for washing a spent ion exchange bed employed in purification of biomass-derived pyrolysis oil includes the step of providing a ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream having an original oxygen content. The ion-depleted pyrolysis oil stream is partially hydrotreated to reduce the oxygen content thereof, thereby producing a partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream having a residual oxygen content that is less than the original oxygen content. At least a portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream is passed through the spent ion exchange bed. Water is passed through the spent ion exchange bed after passing at least the portion of the partially hydrotreated pyrolysis oil stream therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lance Awender Baird, Timothy A. Brandvold
  • Publication number: 20130255137
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and apparatus for mixing additives into a fluid fuel at a predictable concentration. The method comprises: taking a sample of the fuel; mixing the additive into the sample in metered proportions; testing the sample to determine that the correct amount of additive is present; storing the remaining fuel until it is time for the fuel to be used; and mixing the additive into the remainder of the fuel in the same metered proportions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Fogarty, David Hope, Dave Thompson, Bob Birchmore
  • Patent number: 8545702
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8545703
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Publication number: 20130247449
    Abstract: Methods to convert a cellulosic material into a bio-oil. In one embodiment, the method comprises (a) contacting the cellulosic material with a liquid solvent in an inert atmosphere at a reaction temperature in the range from equal to or more than about 260° C. to equal to or less than about 400° C. to produce a product mixture; (b) separating a middle fraction from the product mixture to produce a product mixture middle fraction. A first portion of the product mixture middle fraction can be recycled as part of the liquid solvent in step a). At least part of the product mixture is hydrotreated before at least a portion of a middle fraction of the treated product mixture is recycled as part of the liquid solvent in step a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SHELL OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Maria CASTELLVÍ BARNÉS, Sascha Reinier Aldegonda KERSTEN, Shushil KUMAR, Jean-Paul LANGE, Wei ZHAO
  • Publication number: 20130254936
    Abstract: A method for increasing cuticular wax biosynthesis of plant includes transforming a plant cell with the recombinant vector containing MYB96 (myb domain protein 96) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. A method for producing a transgenic plant with increased cuticular wax biosynthesis includes transforming a plant cell with the recombinant vector containing the MYB96 gene, and regenerating the transformed plant cell into the transgenic plant. A plant and a seed with increased cuticular wax biosynthesis are produced by the method. A method for producing a biofuel using a cuticular wax includes separating and purifying a cuticular wax from the plant. A composition for increasing cuticular wax biosynthesis of plant includes the MYB96 gene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Chung Mo Park, Pil Joon Seo
  • Publication number: 20130247448
    Abstract: Generation of a liquid fuel product in an integrated multiple zone plant is discussed. Syngas components are supplied to a methanol (CH3OH) synthesis reactor from outputs of a first zone containing a torrefaction unit and a second zone containing a biomass gasifier that are combined in parallel and that thermally decompose biomass at different operating temperatures. Char particles of the biomass generated in the first zone are fed to the biomass gasifier in the second zone. Gasoline is produced via a methanol to gasoline process in a third zone, which receives its methanol derived from the syngas components fed to the methanol synthesis reactor. The gasoline derived from biomass is blended with condensable volatile materials including C5+ hydrocarbons collected during the pyrolyzation of the biomass in the torrefaction unit in the first zone in order to increase an octane rating of the blended gasoline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SUNDROP FUELS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Ampulski, Timothy E. Laska, John T. Turner, Sidney P. White
  • Patent number: 8540881
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8540880
    Abstract: Process and steps for the production of biodiesel and/or glycerin from feedstock are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Menlo Energy Management, LLC
    Inventors: Gaurav Shah, Sunil Suri
  • Patent number: 8540784
    Abstract: The present invention provides hybrid diesel fuels and methods for manufacturing hybrid diesel fuels. In embodiments, fuel compositions comprise at least one petrochemical fuel, at least one biosynthetic oil and at least one stabilizer mixture. The percentage by volume of the petrochemical fuel can be greater than 0% and less than 100%, and the percentage by volume of the stabilizer mixture can be between about 0.001% and about 0.5%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tellus Renewables LLC
    Inventors: Brent Siemssen, Joel Edmonds
  • Publication number: 20130239461
    Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises one or more modular environmental photobioreactor arrays, each array containing two or more photobioreactors, wherein the system is adapted to monitor each of the photobioreactors and/or modulate the conditions with each of the photobioreactors. The photobioreactors are also adapted for measurement of multiple physiological parameters of a biomass contained therein. Various methods for selecting and characterizing biomass are also provided. In one embodiment, the biomass is algae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: David Kramer, Robert Zegarac, Ben F. Lucker, Christopher Hall, Casey Abernathy, Joel Carpenter, Jeffrey Cruz