Abstract: The processes and systems herein described enable the use of CO2 to handle heavy oil fractions. A significant reduction in the requisite energy to maintain such a fuel in fluid form is attained. The energy reduction from herein described residue handling systems facilitate increased combustion plant efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions. The residue handling system is useful in refineries, power generation plants and other processes utilizing heavy oil residues as a feed.

Abstract: Fuel compositions are provided comprising a hydrogenation product of a monocyclic sesquiterpene (e.g., hydrogenated bisabolene) and a fuel additive. Methods of making and using the fuel compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid lignocellulosic fuel composition is produced from combining the syrup co-product of a lignocellulosic biomass fermentation process and an additional fuel component. The syrup is an excellent binder for a powdery fuel material that is not readily handled. The fuel composition is further processed to form briquettes, pellets and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurising said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: Additive composition for use in a fuel or lubricant formulation, comprising an active substance in an inclusion complex with a modified cyclodextrin of formula (I): wherein n is an integer from 6 to 20, and R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl and carbonyl, provided that R1, R2 and R3 are not all hydrogen. Also provided is a fuel or lubricant formulation comprising the additive composition, a premix for use in preparing the additive composition, and the use of a modified cyclodextrin (I) as a vehicle for an active substance in an additive composition or in a fuel or lubricant formulation.

Abstract: Processes for converting lignocellulose to feedstock and downstream products are disclosed. The processes may include acid treatment of lignocellulose to produce a fermentation feedstock. In various instances, the processes include recovery or recycling of acid, such as recovery of hydrochloric acid from concentrated and/or dilute streams. Downstream products may include acrylic acid-based products such as diapers, paper and paper-based products, ethanol, biofuels such as biodiesel and fuel additives, and detergents.

Abstract: Materials and processes for the conversion of carbohydrates and polyols to gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons. Carbohydrates and polyols are reacted in the presence of modified zeolite catalysts to form a reaction product containing non-aromatic and aromatic gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Lactone/alkylene oxide polymers are useful as additives to inhibit or prevent the deposition of paraffin in hydrocarbon fluids, particularly crude oil produced from a subterranean formation. These polymers are random or block polymers made from addition reactions of a hydroxyl- and/or amine-containing base compound with at least one lactone monomer and at least one alkylene oxide monomer. In one non-limiting embodiment the lactone monomer is optional.

Abstract: A composition is provided that contains a major amount of a hydrocarbon base fluid having a viscosity of up to 600 cST at 40° C. and (b) a minor amount of a micronized methyl cellulose having a particle size distribution on average of less than 30 microns. The compositions reduce and control the friction coefficient and anti-wear film of lubricant.

Abstract: Micronized polymers suitable for use in fuels and lubricants having a particle size distribution of less than 30 microns obtained from water-soluble solid organic polymers is provided. A water-soluble solid organic polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of 1000 to 200,000 is subjected to a molecular segmentation in a polar solvent in a polymer to solvent ratio in the range of 1:1 to 1:10 to produce a micronized polymer having a particle size distribution of less than 30 microns.

Abstract: Systems for converting aldose sugars to ketose sugars and separating and/or concentrating these sugars using differences in the sugars' abilities to bind to specific affinity ligands are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for intensifying the energy content of an organic material by converting the material into hydrocarbons and the resulting product thereof. A method for converting an organic material into hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of pressurizing said organic material being in a fluid to a pressure above 225 bar, heating said organic material in said fluid to a temperature above 200 C in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IA of the periodic table of elements. The disclosed method further comprises the steps of contacting said organic material in said fluid with a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a compound of at least one element of group IVB of the periodic table and/or alpha-alumina assuring that said fluid has initially a pH value of above 7.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells and microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use. The products are particularly useful as biofuels.

Abstract: The product Biofuel is presented as a motor fuel consisting of levoglucosone pure or mixed with ethanol and or hydrocarbons. Its production process from cellulose or starch uses in the first step, as a solvent and catalyst, a mixture of an alkyl alcohol, the ionic liquid N-alkyl imidazole hydrochloride and a small quantity of 37% concentrated hydrochloric acid. In the second step, levoglucosone is extracted with butanol. As butanol also extracts some N-alkyl imidazole, this is washed out by extraction with hydrochloric acid. Levoglucosone was identified by elemental analysis, NMR C13 and H and GC-MS.

Abstract: a solid fuel is disclosed comprising predominantly, or consisting essentially of, at least one carbohydrate component, and wherein at least said carbohydrate component is in the form of a powder whose average particle diameter and median particle diameter are greater than or equal to 150 ?m. The solid fuel can be used as such or as a blend with usual fuel to replace any fuel currently in use, such as gasoline and pulverized coal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil from carbonaceous biomass feedstock. In an embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced in the presence of a low temperature reforming catalyst from hemicellulose extracted from the carbonaceous biomass feedstock. The carbonaceous biomass feedstock, both whole and hemicellulose-depleted, is pyrolyzed in the presence of a pyrolysis upgrading catalyst to produce char and pyrolysis gases comprising oxygenated hydrocarbons and steam. A portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons are converted into hydrocarbons. A residual portion of the oxygenated hydrocarbons of the pyrolysis gases is deoxygenated with the hydrogen and optionally, additional hydrogen gas. A condensable portion of the pyrolysis gases is condensed into low oxygen biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.

Abstract: Biofuel containing mixtures of isomers of alkyl glucose in the linear form, pyran or furan forms, as well as their hydrogenation products. Methyl cellulose may contain one to four methyl groups substituting hydrogen atoms in the original hydroxyl groups contained in glucose, the monomer of cellulose. Its production process from cellulose or starch uses in the first step, as a solvent, a mixture of alkyl alcohol, an ionic liquid immiscible with water like trioctyl amine, tributylamine or their mixtures as hydrochlorides and hydrochloric acid. In the second step, after the methanolysis of cellulose and the methylation of glucose catalysed by the acid, the methyl glucose molecules are separated by extraction with water. Water is evaporated and the biofuel, alkyl cellulose, is obtained and identified by elemental analysis, NMR and FT-IR. As an option, alkyl glucose is hydrogenated and converted in dimethyl tetrahydrofuran, which is a gasoline component.

Abstract: The invention provides an additive for lowering the minimum usable temperature of a biodiesel fuel or a diesel/biodiesel blend. The additive comprises at least one saccharide ester and a polymer having a comb structure. In some instances there is only one saccharide ester present. In this case the saccharide ester comprises at least one saturated ester group and at least one unsaturated ester group. In other instances, there is more than one saccharide ester is present. In these cases the additive comprises a first saccharide ester comprising at least one saturated ester group and a second saccharide ester comprising at least one unsaturated ester group.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agent for increasing the octane number of a gasoline automotive fuel, which agent is a combination of alcohol and a product of reaction between a carbonyl compound and a compound containing at least two hydroxyl groups enabling to form cycles with carbonyl compounds, or is the mixtures of the above mentioned products. In the preferred variant, mono- or oligosaccharides or diatomic, triatomic or polyatomic alcohols are used as the compounds containing at least two hydroxyl groups enabling to form cycles with carbonyl compounds. Pentoses, preferably xylose or arabinose or hexose, substantially glucose, and the mixtures thereof are used as the monosaccharides. Glycols, for example, ethylene glycol are used as diatomic alcohols, glycerin is used as triatomic alcohols and erythritols, for example, pentaerythritol are used as polyatomic alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters as well as cellulosic simplified sugars, shortened protein polymers, amino acids, or combination thereof resulting from the simultaneous esterification and hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or both of algae and other oil containing materials containing phospholipids, free fatty acids (FFA), glycerides, or combination thereof as well as polysaccharides, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignocellulose, protein polymers, or combination thereof in the presence of an alcohol and an optional acid catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating cellulose to make it more accessible for enzymatic or chemical modification. The invention includes treating cellulose with an alkali in an alcohol/water co-solvent system. The treatment decrystallizes or deaggregates the cellulosic material. The methods and systems increase the efficiency of enzymatic or chemical modifications of cellulose for use as biofuels or cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dissolving charged nucleic acids in an organic first liquid which is immiscible with water. The method comprises the following steps: a) providing a solution of the nucleic acids in an aqueous second liquid, b) precipitating the nucleic acids by adding a complexing agent to the second liquid, the complexing agent forming complexes with the nucleic acids that are insoluble in the second liquid, c) removing the complexes from the second liquid, d) dissolving the complexes in a third liquid which consists of an amphiphilic compound or which contains an amphiphilic compound, and e) mixing the third liquid with the first liquid.

Abstract: New fuels and fuel components comprising starch are provided, as well as novel methods for operating a combustor such as a boiler or an internal combustion engine by feeding a starch fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells and microorganisms are provided that produce products from the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway (fatty acid derivatives), as well as methods of their use. The products are particularly useful as biofuels.

Abstract: A selective pyrolysis process for the production of bio-oils enriched in pyrolytic sugars and phenols and conversion of these compounds into second generation bio-fuels is disclosed herein. One embodiment of the process comprises pre-treating a biomass with superheated steam or gases in a selected range of temperatures, followed by fast pyrolysis using synthesis gas as a carrier, and a two-step condensation operation. The aqueous phase from the second condenser can then be reformed to produce hydrogen or can be gasified together with the charcoal to produce syngas.

Abstract: The present invention depicts a reciprocating engine actuated by means of anaerobic fuel comprising at least one piston reversibly actuated inside a cylinder in an N-stroke operation, the piston being in communication with a crank; a feeding means adapted to introduce the anaerobic fuel to a cylinder head accommodating at least one piston and cylinder, in at least one event of each of said N-stroke; an ignition means igniting the anaerobic fuel in or adjacent to the cylinder head, whereat the piston is in at least one predetermined location in the cylinder along each of the N-strokes, so that in each stroke, a predetermined deflagration of the anaerobic fuel is actuating the crank. The invention also teaches a vehicle powered by a reciprocating engine with anaerobic fuel.

Abstract: Biomass from ethanol whole stillage and processes for making same are disclosed. The process overcomes the challenge of dewatering the stillage through the use of a press aid or a mixture of the stillage and unfermented biomass. The invention further provides a system and method for producing distillers peels pellets from fermented citrus waste. The invention allows the composition characteristics of the animal feed or bio fuel to be varied and optimized by controlling the mix proportions of the feedstock.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides production processes that can include exposing a carbon-based material to liquid media to form hydrocarbon fuel. Waste to fuel conversion processes as well as waste material processing reactors are provided that can be configured to convert waste to fuel. Heat exchangers, power generation processes and combustion turbine exhaust apparatus are also provided. Fuel generation processes and generation systems are provided. Reaction media conduit systems as well as processes for servicing reactant media pumps coupled to both inlet and outlet conduits containing reactant media, are also provided.

Abstract: A method of heat generation comprising reacting carbohydrate with a concentrated acid in a reaction vessel in an exothermic reaction, and removing the heat generated by the reaction through a heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: New fuels and fuel components comprising starch are provided, as well as novel methods for operating a combustor such as a boiler or an internal combustion engine by feeding a starch fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing water slurry of SDA asphaltene by dispersing residue resulting from solvent deasphalting of petroleum vacuum residue produced in refineries, which has low viscosity even at a high solid concentration and is stable for a long period of time, in industrial scale under stable operation. The method comprises a grinding step of grinding the SDA asphaltene with water in a grinding apparatus in the presence of a dispersing agent, followed by a stabilizing step of stirring the resulting slurry to stabilize it. In the grinding step a suitable amount of a thickener such as carboxymethyl cellulose is added. Grinding is preferably carried out at a temperature not higher than 80.degree. C. Jacketed ball mills are conveniently used. In the stabilizing step a stabilizer such as Attapulgus clay is added after stirring the slurry to decrease viscosity thereof and stirring is continued.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combustible heavy hydrocarbon-in-water emulsion comprising: a. a nitrogen base neutralized phosphate-ester emulsifier in about 0.2 to about 1.0 wt. % amount; b. a water-soluble emulsion stabilizer comprising a high molecular weight water-soluble thickener in about 0.02 to about 0.2 wt. % amount; c. water in about 25 to 50 wt. % amount; and d. a high-softening point hydrocarbon material in an amount to make 100 wt. % emulsion wherein said hydrocarbon material is present in said emulsion in the form of substantially spherical particles having a median diameter in the range of 1 to 30 microns. Also disclosed and claimed is a combustible slurry fuel made from said emulsion which contains carbonaceous solids, particularly petroleum coke. The process for making the emulsion and slurry fuel is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel composition in the form of a stable water-in-oil microemulsion comprises a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, a glycolipid surfactant and a vicinal aliphatic diol co-surfactant. The hydrocarbon fuel can be a liquid fuel for autotraction such as gasoline or diesel fuel, or a liquid hydrocarbon fuel for domestic or industrial heating, such as gas oil, naphtha, kerosene and fuel oils in general.

Abstract: A novel ignition promoter; a process for preparing the ignition promoter which comprises removing cellulose from biomass, such as wood, bagasse, corncobs, straw, hay, or newspaper, and thereafter nitrating the remainder after treatment with an oxirane; and a fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine, such as a Diesel engine, containing an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, and said ignition promoter. Cellulose can be removed from the biomass by treating it with an aqueous nitric acid solution. The material remaining after cellulose removal can be nitrated using an aqueous solution of nitric acid. Nitration is carried out by reacting the material after cellulose removal with an oxirane, such as ethylene oxide, and thereafter nitrating the resulting product using aqueous nitric acid in combination with a dehydrating agent, such as sulfuric acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for making a solid alcohol fuel which comprises: (1) forming an aqueous slurry of an alcohol with a cellulosic derivative having a hydration inhibiting coating and (2) then adding an effective amount sufficient to increase the pH level above 8, of a caustic material so as to affect hydration and solidification. The preferred alcohols are ethanol and methanol, however alcohols having from one carbon to ten carbon atoms may be used. The caustic material is preferably sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The cellulosic derivative is typically a cellulose ether such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. The hydration inhibiting coating on the cellulosic derivative is an acid coating or a glyoxylated surface. The composition further contains a smoke suppressant such as aluminium oxide trihydrate.