Abstract: The instant invention pertains to the use of formic acid in new processes for treating feedstocks comprising holocellulose, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. The processes may comprise first mixing the feedstock with an aqueous acid solution comprising formic acid and then producing a hydrolysis product comprising monosaccharides and water-soluble oligosaccharides. The compositions typically comprise a feedstock comprising holocellulose and an aqueous acid solution comprising formic acid. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels.

Abstract: Balanced unleaded fuel compositions exhibiting: a pump octane rating of greater than 93; a T50 (maximum) of 104.4° C. (220° F.) and a T90 (maximum) of 165.6° C. (330° F.), as required under the CARB Phase 3 model; and, producing a higher average torque and/or higher average power output than commercially available fuels stated to meet the CARB Phase 3 model.

Abstract: A clean, high efficient and environmentally friendly gasoline product with main fractions of C6-C11 has a low octane rating and a low spontaneous ignition temperature. It can be compressively ignited within an internal combustion engine with a compression ratio of 16-19. Small amount of ethanol or dimethyl ether can be added into the gasoline product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present application discloses methods to selectively synthesize higher alcohols and hydrocarbons useful as fuels and industrial chemicals from syngas and biomass. Ketene and ketonization chemistry along with hydrogenation reactions are used to synthesize fuels and chemicals. In another embodiment, ketene used to form fuels and chemicals may be manufactured from acetic acid which in turn can be synthesized from synthesis gas which is produced from coal, biomass, natural gas, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.

Abstract: A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered.

Abstract: A fuel additive concentrate comprises a friction modifier selected from the group consisting of an alkoxylated fatty amine, a fatty acid or derivative thereof, and mixture thereof; an alcohol; and a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of a low molecular weight carboxylic acid or anhydride or derivative there of, glycol ether, alkylated phenol, and a mixtures thereof wherein the fuel additive concentrate remains fluid at ?80 C or lower wherein the solvent has enough aromatic content to permit the fuel additive concentrate to be a fluid at minus 80 C. A fuel composition comprises fuel and the fuel additive concentrate. A method of operating a gasoline internal combustion engine comprises fueling the engine with the fuel composition and is effective in reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to a fuel composition, for example, that may be used as a fire starter for igniting barbecue charcoal, firewood, campfires, pellet stoves, and the like, and/or as a fuel material, e.g., for heating or cooking. A fuel composition is described in some embodiments that includes corn cob particles and/or other plant-derived particles in which a liquid fuel has been absorbed. The fuel composition may be used as a fuel material and/or to initiate combustion of a regular fuel material such as charcoal, firewood and pellet stove fuel.

Abstract: A fuel composition contains at least 74% by volume of C4 to C14 isoalkanes and, pursuant to the determination of the distillation characteristics according to DIN EN ISO 3405, at least 25% by volume of the fuel composition evaporate at temperatures above 110° C. The fuel composition can also contain oxygen-containing organic compounds, aromatic compounds, olefins, and naphthenes.

Abstract: Compositions and solvent mixtures include at least one organic solvent and at least one terpene. In some embodiments, the terpene is a monoterpene. In some embodiments, the terpene is pure gum turpentine, oil of turpentine, a component of turpentine, or a combination of these. In some embodiments, the organic solvent is acetone or a green solvent. Addition of a minimal amount of terpene to the organic solvent or organic solution raises the flash point of the mixture, preferably to a predetermined value. The predetermined value is preferably in the range of 110 to 120° F. The amount of terpene is preferably in the range about 0.05 to about 5 percent by total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, the compositions are used as coatings, such as paints or adhesives. In some embodiments, at least one terpene is added to a lubrication formulation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing stress corrosion cracking in steel vessels used for storing and/or transporting ethanol-containing fluids. Additives including oxygen scavengers and film-forming additives can be employed together in such ethanol-containing fluids (e.g., fuel grade ethanol) to mitigate stress corrosion cracking in steel vessels, such as pipelines, storage tanks, rail cars, and/or tanker trucks.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus, and materials are disclosed for generating multi-purpose liquid fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a liquid fuel includes forming a gaseous fuel (e.g., by dissociating biomass waste using waste heat recovered from an external heat source). Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process can be harvested and reacted with the gaseous fuel to generate the liquid fuel. A hazardous contaminant can be dissolved in the liquid fuel, with the liquid fuel operating as a solvent or continuous phase for a solution or colloid that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant can include at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed that achieve a high conversion of lignin to aromatic hydrocarbons, and that may be carried out without the addition of a base. Depolymerization and deoxygenation, the desired lignin convention steps to yield aromatic hydrocarbons, are carried by contacting a mixture of lignin and a solvent (e.g., a lignin slurry) with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. A preferred solvent is a hydrogen transfer solvent such as a single-ring or fused-ring aromatic compound that beneficially facilitates depolymerization and hinders coke formation. These advantages result in favorable overall process economics for obtaining fuel components and/or chemicals from renewable sources.

Abstract: Botanically derived compositions of fuel oxygenates are provided, as well as methods of making the same. The compositions are produced from extracts of plant tissues, and unexpectedly contain aliphatic ethers and alcohols in useful concentrations. These compositions represent sources of oxygenates such as MTBE, ETBE, DIPE, TAME, ETBE and TBA from non-mineral sources, allowing them to be produced domestically in countries without mineral hydrocarbon resources and allowing them to be combusted without any net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of raising the flash point of a green solvent includes adding from about 0.05 to 5.0 wt. % of at least one terpene alcohol, based on the weight of the at least one terpene alcohol and the green solvent. Green solvents are derived from organic matter, such as plants. They are not the product of petroleum feed stocks. Preferably, two terpene alcohols are added to the green solvent. Further, the addition of at least one terpene alcohol improves both the freeze resistance and the shelf life of the final green solvent solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for making a liquid fuel from a compound having carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, such cellulosic biomass, which includes cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, and combinations thereof. The compound is combined with water to produce a wet form of the compound, which is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the wet form of the compound dissociate and react. One reaction product is the liquid fuel.

Abstract: A method for producing hemicellulase and cellulase for use in processing cellulosic materials for biofuel production. The method involves transforming algal feedstock to express hemicellulase and cellulase and then collecting hemicellulase and cellulase that has been secreted into a culture medium by the algae. The method may further involve transforming the algal feedstock to express other recombinant products and/or processing the alga feedstock to produce biofuels.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition is provided containing: (a) a base fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine; (b) a first fuel additive selected from one or more viscosity control agents having: (i) a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 27 cSt or less; and (ii) a NOACK volatility at 250° C. of 100% wt or less; and (c) a second fuel additive selected from one or more friction modifiers. Fuelling such liquid fuel composition in an internal combustion engine improves the fuel economy performance of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling the manufacture and certification of an oxygenated gasoline product is carried out by manufacturing a gasoline Basestock for Oxygenate Blending (BOB) at a refinery site in accordance with an empirical relationship, valid for at that site under typical manufacturing conditions, between (i) a property value of the BOB stream such as octane as determined by an on-site online process analyzer and (ii) the corresponding instantaneous value or FPAPV property value as determined by the test method mandated by the product specification for the final gasoline stream when blended with the required proportion of oxygenate. The quality of fit of this empirical relationship is calculated according to the standard deviation of the residuals of the relationship and a confidence level is fixed so that the final oxygenated gasoline formulated with the BOB will meet the required property specification when measured by the test method mandated by the specification.

Abstract: A fuel processing system for converting a logistical fuel and air into a liquid product comprising methanol. One such system comprises a fuel injection system configured to combine a logistical fuel and ambient air to produce a logistical fuel and air mixture, a synthesis gas production system configured to convert the logistical fuel and air mixture to synthesis gas, and a methanol synthesis system configured to convert the synthesis gas to a crude methanol liquid. Related methods are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel composition having a boiling range of between 95 to 440 degrees Fahrenheit containing (a) a saturates content below 55 vol %; (b) a RON of from about 88 to about 91; (c) an olefins content of from about 0 to about 5 vol %; (d) an aromatics content of from about 32 to about 40 vol %; (e) an ethanol content of from about 8 to about 16 vol %; (f) an octane sensitivity of from about 8 to about 11; and the fuel composition is used in an HCCI engine.

Abstract: The present invention is a solution or colloid of fullerene, SWNTs, or graphene in cyclic terpenes, lactones, terpene-alcohol, fatty-acid alcohols, and lactones following ultrasonication and ultracentrifugation processing, for oil-energy, biological, electrical-thermal applications. The compositions are useful as fuel/oil/grease/gels (synthetic included), oil/fuel/additives/propellants, identification dyes, and heat-transfer fluids. Other functions are phase-change fluids for solar energy power plants, antifreeze, electronic dyes, electrolytic fluid/solvent, electrically-thermally conductive material for electrochemical, dielectric, filler/adhesive for semiconductor, eletro-optical, and liquid crystal substrates/coatings for touch sensitive transmissive or reflective displays. When combined with gelatin the formulations can function as dichroic-optical coatings for thin-films/waveguides/holograms.

Abstract: The invention relates to butanol compositions for fuel blending and fuel blends comprising such compositions. The compositions and fuel blends of the invention have desirable performance characteristics and can serve as alternatives to ethanol-containing fuel blends. The invention also relates to methods for producing such butanol compositions and fuel blends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition, comprising: an unsaturated functionalized monomer of from about 5 to about 30 carbon atoms, which is: (a) polymerized to form a functionalized polymer; (b) copolymerized with a comonomer to form a functionalized copolymer; or (c) reacted with an enophilic reagent to form a polyfunctionalized monomer. The polyfunctionalized monomer may be polymerized to form a polyfunctionalized polymer which may be further reacted with one or more additional reagents. The invention relates to lubricants, functional fluids, fuels, dispersants, detergents and polymeric resins.

Abstract: The present invention is related to hydrocarbon compositions comprising butanol that have substantially the same or improved performance properties than comparable hydrocarbon compositions comprising ethanol and to methods for identifying such compositions.

Abstract: A process of producing a universal synthetic based gasoline fuel additive that cleans the fuel system including valves surface, lubricates the fuel pump, injectors and valves while allowing for a clean and more efficient burn. A major portion will consist of (a) Alfa-Olefins, (b) 2-propanol (c) Hydroisomerized High VI HT Base Oils, (d) Dimethyl Ketones, (e) Low Flash Mineral Spirits, (f) Low Aromatic Solvent, (g) Isomer Reformate, (h) Solvent Activated Dye. In a preferred embodiment, this universal synthetic gasoline conditioner additive for improving lubrication comprises: alpha-olefins comprising from 5 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; low odor aromatic solvents comprising from 3 to 27 percent thereof, by weight; 2-Propanol comprising of 3 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; and at least one a base oil comprising from 0.50 to 15 percent thereof, by weight; wherein: the percentages by weight are specified in relative proportion to one another.

Abstract: The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent layer that can act as an moisture sensitive fuel shut-off valve, absorbent, adsorbant or reactant. The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent fabric or layer made of a superabsorbent particle or fiber. The web can comprise a nanofiber layer having dispersed within the nanofiber layer a super absorbent particulate and optionally a second particulate material that can act as an absorbent, adsorbant or reactant. Fluid, gas or liquid, that flows through or by the assemblies of the invention can have any gas, liquid or solid material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid interact with the super absorbent particulate. If needed these materials can also react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for modifying the volatility of petroleum prior to ethanol addition. The methods can include (a) providing (i) a supply of gasoline, (ii) an ethanol standard, and (iii) a supply of butane; (b) analyzing the volatility of a sample formed by mixing the gasoline and ethanol standard; (c) calculating from the volatility a ratio of butane that can be blended into the sample without causing the sample to pass the one or more fixed volatility limits; and (d) blending butane from the butane supply with gasoline from the gasoline supply at or below the ratio calculated in step (c).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reactor systems and catalysts for converting biomass and biomass-derived feedstocks to C8+ hydrocarbons using heterogenous catalysts. The product stream may be separated and further processed for use in chemical applications, or as a neat fuel or a blending component in jet fuel and diesel fuel, or as heavy oils for lubricant and/or fuel oil applications.

Abstract: Enhanced fuel combustion within the combustion chamber of internal combustion engines which results in improved fuel economy is obtained by adding fuel additives to the gasoline or diesel. Consequently, the fuel additives reduce pollution of hydrocarbon in environment. The fuel additives are combination of aliphatic oxygenates, monocyclic aromatic compound, and petroleum ether. The aliphatic oxygenates may be methanol, acetone, or a mixture of methanol and acetone. The monocyclic aromatic compounds may be toluene, xylene, or a mixture of toluene and xylene. This invention further relates to the method that manufactures the fuel additives.

Abstract: For producing a liquefied material from a glycerin-based solid material, a glycerin-based solid material is allowed to be efficiently liquefied to produce a liquefied material that can be used as, for example, a fuel or the like. A glycerin-based solid material, such as a glycerin-based solid material produced as a byproduct in the production of a biodiesel fuel from a plant oil, is mixed with at least one oil selected from the group consisting of a mineral oil, an animal oil, and a plant oil; and an acid to produce a liquefied material, the acid being mixed in such that the pH of the liquefied material is 3 to 12.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating multi-purpose H2-dense fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a renewable multi-purpose biomaterial for isolating a hazardous contaminant from an environment and storing energy includes dissociating biomass waste using a thermochemical reaction to produce at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol by applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source. The method includes dissociating the at least one of hydrocarbon and alcohol to generate carbon and hydrogen. Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process is harvested and reacted with the hydrogen to generate the hydrogen-dense fuel. A hazardous contaminant is dissolved in the hydrogen-dense fuel operating as a solvent to generate a liquid mixture that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant includes at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: Fuel compositions exhibiting reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on a lifecycle assessment from the time of cultivation of feedstocks (in the case of plant materials) or extraction of feedstocks (in the case of fossil fuels) required for the compositions (up to and including the ultimate combustion of the fuel composition by the end user) are disclosed. The reduced level of emissions (“carbon footprint”) is achieved by incorporating a pyrolysis derived component having a higher heating value than ethanol and meeting other applicable standards for fossil fuel (e.g., petroleum) derived components conventionally used for the same purpose, such as transportation fuels. Advantageously, fuel compositions comprising pyrolysis derived gasoline can exhibit lower GHG emissions than gasoline derived solely from petroleum, or even conventional blends of petroleum derived gasoline and ethanol.

Abstract: A gasoline blend and a method for producing a gasoline blend containing low concentrations of a butanol isomer and having good cold start and warm-up driveability characteristics are disclosed.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for producing a biofuel while minimizing fossil fuel derived carbon dioxide emissions. The process can include providing a renewable feed to an ester degradation zone to produce a first stream including one or more alcohols and a second stream including one or more acids, providing the first stream to a treatment zone for removing one or more salts and to obtain a treated stream, providing the treated stream to a reforming zone to obtain an effluent including hydrogen, and providing the second stream and at least a portion of the effluent to a refining zone for producing the biofuel.

Abstract: Gasoline blends and methods for producing gasoline blends containing high concentrations of a butanol isomer and having good cold start and warm-up driveability characteristics are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel for fuel cells which contains at least one organic compound selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether and formic acid, and 1-200 ppm of a hydrocarbon compound in terms of a single component as determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Also disclosed are a fuel cartridge for fuel cells and a fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for modifying the volatility of petroleum prior to ethanol addition. The methods can include (a) providing (i) a supply of gasoline, (ii) an ethanol standard, and (iii) a supply of butane; (b) analyzing the volatility of a sample formed by mixing the gasoline and ethanol standard; (c) calculating from the volatility a ratio of butane that can be blended into the sample without causing the sample to pass the one or more fixed volatility limits; and (d) blending butane from the butane supply with gasoline from the gasoline supply at or below the ratio calculated in step (c).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fuel composition for diesel engines. The fuel composition comprises 0.1-99% by weight of a component or a mixture of components produced from biological raw material originating from plants and/or animals and/or fish. The fuel composition comprises 0-20% of components containing oxygen. Both components are mixed with diesel components based on crude oil and/or fractions from Fischer-Tropsch process.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide compositions comprising organic compounds useful as a chemical industrial material or a fuel composition with the use of an alcohol such as ethanol as a material. It is a method for producing compositions using alcohol as a starting material and comprising: allowing alcohol to contact with an alcohol conversion catalyst such as hydroxyapatite (first step) and conducting a hydrogenation reaction respectively for all reaction products consisting of a liquid phase including alcohols, water and hydrocarbons of 4-12 carbons and a gas phase which is light gas containing paraffins, alcohols and olefins; all liquid phase reaction products consisting of all reaction products from which light gas has been removed; a liquid phase dehydration reaction products consisting of all reaction products from which light gas, unreacted alcohol and product water have been removed; and light gas (second step).

Abstract: A fuel composition contains a liquid fuel and nano-sized zinc oxide particles. The nano-sized zinc oxide particles can be used to either improve cold start performance of internal combustion engines or lower a flash point temperature of a liquid fuel.

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthetic low sulphur diesel fuel and a low soot emission aviation fuel is disclosed. The process includes fractionation of a Low Temperature Fischer-Tropsch feedstock into a light kerosene fraction and a heavier diesel fraction in a volumetric ratio of at least 1:2 to form the light kerosene fraction having a smoke point greater than 50 mm, a freezing point of below ?47° C., a BOCLE lubricity wear scar less than 0.85 mm, and an anti-oxidant additiveless thermal stability tube deposit rating at 260° C. of less than 1 useable as a low soot emission aviation fuel and/or an aviation fuel blend stock, and the heavier diesel fraction having CFPP according to IP309 of below ?5° C., a density@20° C. of at least 0.78 kg/l, and a viscosity@40° C. of above 2 cSt useable as a synthetic low sulphur diesel fuel and/or a diesel fuel blend stock.

Abstract: An additive mixture for fuels including a) at least one N-formal, b) at least one antioxidant and c) at least one corrosion inhibitor. The additive mixture ensures that the additized fuels and lubricants have biocidal and corrosion-inhibiting additization, especially when they include proportions of renewable raw materials, such as biodiesel, and when they are in contact with copper-containing surfaces.

Abstract: A fuel composition for a homogenous charge compression ignition engine includes a combination of a gasoline fuel and a diesel fuel, the combination having a derived cetane number of from about 19.9 to 45 as determined in accordance with ASTM method D6890. A method for making the fuel composition provides for blending presently available gasoline fuel and diesel fuel together in a ratio to obtain the desired fuel composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for producing a diesel range material having improved cold flow properties are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a waxy diesel range feedstock, producing an intermediary product stream containing a predetermined amount of oxygenated organocompounds from the waxy diesel range feedstock, and contacting the intermediary product stream with a dewaxing catalyst under process conditions at which the oxygenated organocompounds chemically interact with the dewaxing catalyst to convert a portion of the n-paraffins within the intermediary product stream to iso-paraffins while minimizing cracking of the diesel range material.

Abstract: Systems for producing fuel compositions with predetermined desirable properties are disclosed. Feedback control can be employed to meter precise amounts of fuel composition components while monitoring fuel composition properties to obtain fuel compositions having specifically defined properties.

Abstract: Processes of converting to feedstocks comprising hydrocarbons to compositions comprising light hydrocarbon products are described herein. Also described are processes and methods of producing and refining compositions comprising terpenes from biomass that can be suitable as a fuel product.

Abstract: A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve: determining a specification for a fuel volatility characteristic so that a fuel complying with the specification meets an applicable regulatory requirement for volatility with or without the addition of ethanol; and utilizing a fuel blending mechanism to blend a plurality of different fuel components in a manner meeting the specification. A different aspect involves a computer-readable medium storing a computer program that, when executed: determines a specification for a fuel volatility characteristic so that a fuel complying with the specification meets an applicable regulatory requirement for volatility with or without the addition of ethanol; and causes a fuel blending mechanism to blend a plurality of different fuel components in a manner meeting the specification.