Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods and systems for processing a high-concentration protein product from a microcrop (e.g., aquatic species, Lemna) and compositions thereof. According to some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of processing a biomass comprising a microcrop (e.g., Lemna), where the method may include: blanching a first portion of the biomass in a blanching solution to form a wet protein concentrate; separating the first wet protein concentrate from a separated solution (e.g., using a screw press, using a vibratory screen); and drying the first wet protein concentrate to form at least one of a first protein concentrate flake and a first protein concentrate granule. In some embodiments at least one of the first protein concentrate flake and the first protein concentrate granule may comprise at least 45% protein and a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) value of at least 0.88.

Abstract: A method of processing enhanced biosolids from a wastewater treatment plant to produce an output mixture. The method includes providing one or more volumes of an input mixture that has an input mixture viscosity. The input mixture includes the enhanced biosolids, which have been subjected to shear forces and mixed in a mixing vessel. The enhanced biosolids are partially hydrolyzed biosolids with an input solids content between 4% and 16% by weight of the input mixture. The input mixture also includes sufficient process liquid to result in the output mixture having an output solids content between 3% and 13% by weight of the output mixture. The input mixture is stored in a storage vessel in which the input mixture is subjected to anaerobic conditions and hydrolysis over a predetermined tie period, to form the output mixture having an output mixture viscosity that is less than the input mixture viscosity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method that includes pyrolyzing a biomass to produce a pyrolysis oil and upgrading the pyrolysis oil to yield a first upgraded pyrolysis oil, where the pyrolysis oil is in at least one of a liquid phase and/or a vapor phase, the pyrolyzing is performed in a pyrolysis reactor at a first temperature between 400° C. and 600° C., the biomass has a residence time of less than five seconds in the pyrolysis reactor, the upgrading is performed in a fluidized bed reactor, and the upgrading is catalyzed using a zeolite.

Abstract: An improved biodiesel production process includes the steps of processing a feedstock to produce biodiesel, cooling the biodiesel so as to form sediment, and filtering the biodiesel to remove the sediment. The resulting biodiesel from the cold filtration process avoids problems of sediment formation during storage and transportation.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to make coke, graphite, graphene and other materials from biomass derived bio-oil.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus for use in microwave-assisted pyrolysis includes a microwave, a pyrolysis reactor, a microwave-absorbent bed, and a condenser. The pyrolysis reactor is located within the microwave and configured to receive a liquid input stream and to output a vapor. The microwave-absorbent bed is located within the pyrolysis reactor that converts microwave energy provided by the microwave to thermal energy to initiate pyrolysis within the pyrolysis reactor, wherein the pyrolysis reactor provides a vapor output. The condenser is configured to receive the vapor output of the pyrolysis reactor and to cool and condense the vapor into a recoverable product.

Abstract: Methods of separating and purifying products from the catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass are described. In a preferred method, a portion of the products from a pyrolysis reactor are recovered and purified using a hydrotreating step that reduces the content of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen components, and hydrogenates olefins to produce aromatic products that meet commercial quality specifications.

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: Provided are an ester composition preparation system, including an integrated reactor, a gas-liquid separation column, a purification unit, an alcohol storage tank, and a mixed alcohol separation column, which is an efficient, economical, and simplified ester composition preparation system, and an ester composition preparation method using the same. The ester composition preparation system is a simplified system which can reduce facility space, drastically remove reaction equipment, and reduce transfer time through the introduction of the integrated reactor in which the reaction preparing an ester compound and the reaction preparing an ester composition are carried out in one space, the mixed alcohol separation column and the gas-liquid separation column.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbon products from a biomass-containing feedstock and/or a biomass-derived feedstock is provided. The process comprises: a) contacting the feedstock with a hydropyrolysis catalyst composition and molecular hydrogen in a hydropyrolysis reactor vessel to produce a product stream comprising a deoxygenated hydrocarbon product, H2O, H2, CO2, CO, C1-C3 gases, char and catalyst fines; b) removing char and catalyst fines from said product stream; c) cooling the remaining product stream to a temperature of no more than 300° C.; and d) hydroconverting all or a portion of said deoxygenated hydrocarbon product in a hydroconversion reactor in the presence of one or more catalyst compositions suitable for the aromatic saturation of the deoxygenated hydrocarbon product and of the H2O, CO2, CO, H2, and C1-C3 gas generated in step a), to produce a product comprising C4+ hydrocarbon product, H2O, CO, CO2, and C1-C3 gases.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid hydrocarbon products from a biomass-containing feedstock and/or a biomass-derived feedstock is provided. The process comprises: a) contacting the feedstock with a hydropyrolysis catalyst composition and molecular hydrogen in a hydropyrolysis reactor vessel to produce a product stream comprising a partially deoxygenated hydrocarbon product, H2O, H2, CO2, CO, C1-C3 gases, char and catalyst fines; b) removing char and catalyst fines from said product stream; c) cooling the remaining product stream to a temperature in the range of from 150 to 400° C.; and d) hydroconverting said partially deoxygenated hydrocarbon product in a hydroconversion reactor in the presence of one or more catalyst compositions suitable for hydrodeoxygenation and aromatic saturation of the partially deoxygenated hydrocarbon product in the presence of H2O, CO2, CO, H2, and C1-C3 gas generated in step a), to produce a vapour phase product comprising a C4+ hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying renewable feedstock comprising triglycerides, said process comprising the steps, where the renewable feedstock comprising triglycerides, comprising at least one plant oil originating from a plant of the family Brassicaceae, is treated with an aqueous medium to obtain a mixture, and a first stream comprising water and a second stream comprising triglycerides are separated from said mixture, and the second stream is obtained as purified renewable feedstock.

Abstract: Systems and methods of producing a solid fuel composition are disclosed. In particular, systems and methods for producing a solid fuel composition by heating and mixing a solid waste mixture to a maximum temperature sufficient to melt the mixed plastics within the solid waste mixture is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cooling hot torrefied biomass, which process comprises the steps of a) applying water onto the hot torrefied biomass, resulting in steam with entrained dust and organic volatiles, and cooled torrefied biomass comprising water; b) condensing the steam with entrained dust and organic volatiles to form a condensate comprising dust and organic volatiles; and c) recycling the condensate comprising dust and organic volatiles to step a). The invention also relates to a cooling device for cooling hot torrefied biomass enabling the cooling process according to the invention, and a system for producing torrefied biomass comprising such a cooling device.

Abstract: Products from a high pressure processing system are separated and purified. The processing system is adapted for pressurizing and heating a feed mixture comprising carbonaceous material(-s) in the presence of homogeneous catalysts and liquid organic compounds to produce a converted feed mixture. The converted feed mixture is cooled and depressurized, and then separated into: a gas phase, an oil phase, and a water phase comprising liquid organic compounds and dissolved homogeneous catalysts comprising potassium and/or sodium. The liquid organic compounds and dissolved homogenous catalysts are at least partly recovered from said water phase, thereby producing a first water phase stream enriched in liquid organic compounds and homogeneous catalysts and a second water phase stream depleted in liquid organic compounds and homogeneous catalysts. The first water phase is at least partly recycled to the feed mixture, with a bleed stream being withdrawn therefrom prior to recycling.

Abstract: Rice straw and chaff that are discharged as agricultural waste in large amounts are effectively utilized. The present invention has been completed on the basis of the finding that silica can be recovered with high efficiency by bringing heated titanium oxide into contact with a silica-containing plant body.

Abstract: This invention relates to metabolically engineered microorganism strains, such as bacterial strains, in which there is an increased utilization of malonyl-CoA for production of a fatty acid or fatty acid derived product, wherein the modified microorganism produces fatty acyl-CoA intermediates via a malonyl-CoA dependent but malonyl-ACP independent mechanism.

Abstract: In the method of obtaining liquid biohydrocarbons from oils of natural origin, in the first step, the oil and/or waste oil is/are heated in the presence of a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst in the form of a metal oxide selected from a group comprising CoO, NiO, MoO3, ZrO2, or a mixture of such metal oxides, on an oxide support selected from a group comprising SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, whereupon the product of the first step is contacted with hydrogen gas or with a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a metallic catalyst selected from a group comprising Pd, Pt, Co/Mo, Ni/Mo, Zr on an oxide support selected from a group comprising SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, P2O5, ZrO2 or on a mixture of such oxides.

Abstract: During hydrothermal carbonization, biomass is converted to biocoal. The reaction yield depends on the reaction conditions, including duration of the carbonization reaction or time period within which the slurry composed of water and biomass remains in the reaction tank and is exposed to pressure and temperature. These conditions should be selected so that the greatest possible dry residue of carbonized material remains in the slurry. It has been shown that the dry residue amount changes during the carbonization reaction with a curve that is similar, to a great extent, to that of the slurry pH value. Because determining the dry residue is difficult during the ongoing reaction, but determining the pH value can be easy during the entire reaction period, the reaction is terminated at a maximum of the pH value corresponding to a maximum of the biocoal dry residue, to the greatest possible extent.

Abstract: A plant activator composition increases the concentration of terpenes a terpinoids in aromatic plant oils, and hence resulting in an increased concentration of terpene and terpinoids in the harvested dried plant or fruit. The composition contains one of more bio-active compounds that are optionally extracted from plants selected from one or more of the group consisting of mango, citrus (including grapefruit), Catharanthus roseus and Pelargonium odoratissimum, but alternatively may include one or more synthetic compounds selected from the group consisting of geranyl acetate, geraniol, beta-sitosterol, alpha-amyrin, beta amyrin, carotenoid, geranyl acetate, alpha-humulene, mevalonate kinase and geranyl. Depending on the type of plant being treated, the formulation is added during watering and feeding in optimum doses during the vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit set and/or swell stages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for heating a biomass moving along an industrial treatment line including an inlet (1) for the incoming biomass, a heating unit (4), and a treatment station (5). A fraction of the biomass heated by the heating unit (4) is returned along a return branch (R) to a mixing station (2) upstream of the heating unit (4) so as to form, together with the incoming biomass, a mixture having a temperature above the temperature of the incoming biomass, the heated biomass fraction being removed at an outlet (51) of the treatment station (5).

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system that has a patient interface between the eye and the laser system relying on suction to hold the interface to the eye. The patient interface may be a liquid-filled interface, with liquid used as a transmission medium for the laser. During a laser procedure various inputs are monitored to detect a leak. The inputs may include a video feed of the eye looking for air bubbles in the liquid medium, the force sensors on the patient interface that detect patient movement, and vacuum sensors directly sensing the level of suction between the patient interface and the eye. The method may include combining three monitoring activities with a Bayesian algorithm that computes the probabilities of an imminent vacuum loss event.

Abstract: Naphtha compositions with enhanced reformability are provided. The naphtha compositions can be derived from biomass, can exhibit improved N+2A values, and can be used as a reformer feedstock with little or no processing.

Abstract: The present invention presents an alternative to the direct implementation of an industrial scale second generation bioethanol process with the integration of the second generation into the existing first generation bioethanol processes, which aims to reduce the current barriers to process change/investments. In particular, the present invention relates to an integrated second generation process for producing bioethanol comprising at least one fungal cultivation stage for producing ethanol and fungal biomass. The present invention also relates to a novel fungal biomass, rich in protein and essential amino acids, which is produced with said integrated second generation process for producing bioethanol for use as a nutritious substitute for human and domestic animal use.

Abstract: Within the scope of hydrothermal carbonization, biomass is converted to bio-coal and other products. Because biomass occurs at irregular intervals at different locations and also, in part, only individual method steps are required at different locations, however, an apparatus for treatment of biomass is integrated into a variable, mobile container, and mobile containers adapted to the individual steps of the method are provided, which can be transported in compact manner and can be adapted, in terms of size, in the setup situation. This arrangement allows effective equipping of the individual containers, which can be expanded into a setup situation on location.

Abstract: A method of increasing the yield of renewable aviation fuel is described. A renewable feedstock rich in fatty acids having between 8 and 14 carbon atoms is selected, and the selected feedstock is hydrogenated and deoxygenated in a first reaction zone to provide an effluent rich in normal paraffins having between 9 and 15 carbon atoms. The normal paraffins are isomerized in a second reaction zone to isomerize at least a portion of the normal paraffins. The isomerization reaction mixture may be separated into a product stream comprising a product rich in branched paraffins having between 9 and 15 carbon atoms, which has a higher yield than a product stream made using a renewable feedstock rich in fatty acids having more than 15 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An organic fuel additive for improving the combustion of a bioenergy solid fuel product, the organic fuel additive comprising a mixture of combustible organic fines and a polymer material, wherein the polymer material encapsulates the combustible organic fines in solid form, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for pretreating municipal solid waste (MSW) and other biomass-containing feedstocks that may be of a poorer quality and consequently more difficult, or even impossible, to convert to higher value liquid products (e.g., transportation fuels) using conventional processes. Such conventional processes may otherwise be satisfactory for the conversion of the biomass portion of the feedstock alone. The pretreatment of biomass-containing feedstocks may generally include steps carried out prior to a hydropyrolysis step and optionally further steps, in order to change one or more characteristics of the feedstock, rendering it more easily upgradable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biodegradable fuel additive composition derived from at least one animal or plant source, and a fuel composition containing a biodegradable fuel additive composition derived from at least one animal or plant source useful for reducing the formation of engine deposits and for improving fuel economy of a vehicle combusting the fuel composition.

Abstract: The aviation fuel oil base of the present invention is obtained by hydrotreating an oil to be treated containing an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon compound derived from an animal or vegetable oils and fat and a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon compound and then hydroisomerizing the resultant hydrotreated oil, wherein a yield of a fraction having a boiling range of 140 to 300° C. is 70 mass % or more; an isoparaffin content is 80 mass % or more; a content of isoparaffin having 2 or more branches is 17 mass % or more; an aromatic content is less than 0.1 vol %; an olefin content is less than 0.1 vol %; a sulfur content is less than 1 mass ppm; and an oxygen content is less than 0.1 mass %.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and systems for hydrocarbon synthesis and methods regarding the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for creating a hydrocarbon product stream comprising reacting a reaction mixture in the presence of a catalyst inside of a reaction vessel to form a product mixture, the reaction mixture comprising a carbon source and water. The temperature inside the reaction vessel can be between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius and the pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. In an embodiment, the invention includes an extrusion reactor system for creating a hydrocarbon product stream. The temperature inside the extrusion reactor housing between 450 degrees Celsius and 600 degrees Celsius. Pressure inside the reaction vessel can be above supercritical pressure for water. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: System and method for determining total inventory of batch and continuous biomass inventories in a biofuel production process. Measured biomass inventory values are received, including batch inventories from multiple batch fermenters and at least one continuous beer well inventory. The values are premised on a controlled vapor pressure of the batch fermenters and beer well(s), where the pressure fluctuates in an uncontrolled manner. A measured vapor pressure for the batch fermenters and beerwell(s) is received, and pressure compensated inventory values determined based on the measured inventory and pressure values. Measured biomass input flow to the batch fermenters and output flow from the beerwell(s) are received, and are premised on a constant biomass temperature and density, where biomass temperature and density fluctuate in an uncontrolled manner. The total inventory of batch and continuous inventories is determined based on the measured flows and the pressure compensated inventory values, and stored.

Abstract: A process for converting triacylglycerides-containing oils into crude oil precursors and/or distillate hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The process may include: reacting a triacylglycerides-containing oil-water-hydrogen mixture at a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 525° C. and a pressure greater than about 75 bar to convert at least a portion of the triacylglycerides and recovering a reaction effluent comprising water and one or more of isoolefins, isoparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics; hydrotreating the reaction effluent to form a hydrotreated effluent.

Abstract: An assembly for processing green biomass material for pelletizing into a fuel pellet includes a heating assembly, a drying assembly and a cooling assembly. The heating assembly heats a thermal fluid to a temperature within the range of 200° F. to 550° F. The drying assembly includes a rotating dryer drum that has a plurality of thermal fluid tubes therein. Material that is dried in the dryer drum is conveyed to a rotating cooling drum that has a cooling tube extending along the interior thereof. A nozzle is mounted on the end of the cooling tube to discharge cooling fluid on the material therein, and a plurality of flights are mounted on the interior of the cooling drum and arranged to direct material from the inlet to the discharge outlet as the cooling drum is rotated.

Abstract: An improved biodiesel production process includes the steps of processing a feedstock to produce biodiesel, cooling the biodiesel so as to form sediment, and filtering the biodiesel to remove the sediment. The resulting biodiesel from the cold filtration process avoids problems of sediment formation during storage and transportation.

Abstract: A process for torrefaction of biomass is provided in which biomass are passed into a fluidized bed or a non-fluidized bed reactor and heated to a predetermined temperature in an oxidizing environment. The dried biomass is then fed to a cooler where the temperature of the product is reduced to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to the field of plant propagation. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the propagation of vegetatively reproducing plants and plants and plant parts produced by such methods. The invention also provides encapsulated propagules. The invention also provides various end uses for the encapsulated propagules and for plants grown from the same. The invention also provides a method for the modification of the architecture of rhizomes and rhizomes having modified architecture and a method for the modification of the architecture of stem cuttings and stem cuttings having modified architecture. The invention also provides a coating for a propagule and a propagule coated therewith.

Abstract: A method for the torrefaction of biomass comprises receiving biomass having a given moisture content. The biomass is heated in a generally inert environment by indirect contact. The biomass is subsequently torrefied by exposing the biomass to a flow of combustion gases in the generally inert environment. The biomass is outlet with a reduced moisture content.

Abstract: A process is provided comprising subjecting a quantity of plant biomass fibers to a pretreatment to cause at least a portion of lignin contained within each fiber to move to an outer surface of said fiber, wherein a quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers is produced; and densifying the quantity of pretreated tacky plant biomass fibers to produce one or more densified biomass particulates, wherein said biomass fibers are densified without using added binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated WB7618. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar WB7618. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar WB7618 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar WB7618 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

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 byproduct 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.

Abstract: A fuel production method and a fuel production apparatus, for producing fuel by which the fuel efficiency can be improved and the generation of hazardous substances can be easily suppressed and which is stable, and fuel oil produced by such a method and apparatus are provided. This improves the satisfaction of users, and contributes to the prevention of environmental destruction. A fuel production method for producing fuel oil by mixing and reacting enzyme water with petroleum-based hydrocarbon oil is provided, the enzyme water being produced by mixing a natural plant enzyme, containing at least lipase, in water. The natural plant enzyme further contains cellulase. The enzyme water further contains methanol.

Abstract: A process for converting triacylglycerides-containing oils into crude oil precursors and/or distillate hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The process may include reacting a triacylglycerides-containing oil-carbon dioxide mixture at a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 525° C. and a pressure greater than about 75 bar to convert at least a portion of the triacylglycerides to a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons comprising one or more of isoolefins, isoparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe an apparatus and method to control the conversion of carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources, into a high performance solid fuel. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a process having a control system that enables the system to produce a fuel of uniform quality, even with a change in biomass supply.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including co-firing with coal and as substitutes for coal.

Abstract: A multi-stage reactor system for preparing biodiesel is used to increase efficiency and yield and reduce impurities. A three-stage transesterification reaction for preparing biodiesel can include one high-shear cavitation reactor and two low-shear cavitation reactors, preferably in series, and optionally one or more separation vessels for removing waste and recycling triglyceride feedstock, catalyst and alcohol to the high-shear cavitation reactor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing engineered fuels from municipal solid waste material are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes combining a first waste stream that includes at least one of hard plastic, soft plastic and mixed plastic with a sorbent and increasing the temperature of the combined first waste stream and sorbent to a temperature of at least about 200° C. The method further includes combining the thermally treated first waste stream and sorbent with a second waste stream that includes fiber, and compressing the combined first waste stream, sorbent, and second waste stream to form a densified engineered fuel feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel engineered fuel feed stocks, feed stocks produced by the described processes, and methods of making the fuel feed stocks. Components derived from processed MSW waste streams can be used to make such feed stocks which are substantially free of glass, metals, grit and noncombustibles. These feed stocks are useful for a variety of purposes including as gasification and combustion fuels.