Abstract: A method of producing a granulated product from photopolymer printing plate materials. The method includes the steps of (a) sorting the photopolymer printing plate materials based on an identifiable property, wherein the photopolymer printing plate materials comprise one or more photopolymer layers; (b) grinding the photopolymer printing plate materials to particles; and (c) screening the particles to remove particles above a certain size and create the granulated product.

Abstract: A fire starting strip 10 for igniting a bed of charcoal or for lighting a log fire, without the need for any one or more of: kindling, lighter fluid or newspaper, the fire starting strip 10 comprising an elongate body 12 which is covered or impregnated with fuel, the elongate body 12 having a length substantially in the range of 15 to 100 cm and being substantially at least five times longer than it is wide.

Abstract: The insect repelling recycled fire log is a manufactured fuel product that is configured for use as a fuel in a recreational combustion activity such as a bonfire or a campfire. The insect repelling recycled fire log releases an insect repellent that encourages insects to move away from the immediate areas surrounding the recreational combustion activity area during the said activities. The natural insect repellent is an airborne repellent that is released by the combustion of the insect repelling recycled fire log. The insect repelling recycled fire log comprises a fuel, an accelerant, and an ignition apparatus.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a fuel gasification system includes optimizing a conversion of solid components in the fuel to gaseous fuel components, controlling the flux of solids entrained in the product gas through equipment downstream of the gasifier, and maximizing the overall efficiencies of processes utilizing gasification. A combination of models, when utilized together, can be integrated with existing plant control systems and operating procedures and employed to develop new control systems and operating procedures. Such an approach is further applicable to gasification systems that utilize both dry feed and slurry feed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for coal liquefaction and obtaining a mesophase pitch. A method of obtaining a quinoline insoluble-free and ash-free mesophase pitch may include exposing a coal to a hydrogenated vegetable oil in the presence of a coal-derived solvent to form a slurry, elevating the temperature of the slurry to facilitate liquefying the coal and liberating a volatile matter, separating the insoluble components from the slurry to obtain a de-ashed coal extract that is quinoline insoluble-free, and distilling the coal extract under vacuum to obtain a mesophase pitch with a softening point in the range of 25 degrees Celsius to 160 degrees Celsius, wherein the mesophase pitch can be coked to obtain an anisotropic coke. A quinoline insoluble-free and ash-free pitch may be obtained by the method.

Abstract: Methods of producing clean (e.g., low sulfur and metal ion content, and free of fermentation inhibitors) sugar and lignin-rich streams, and downstream conversion products, from lignocellulosic biomass, may include obtaining non-chemically pretreated, milled lignocellulosic biomass, reacting the milled lignocellulosic biomass with an enzymatic agent to produce a slurry that includes converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and lignin-rich residuals, and separating the slurry into a sugar stream that includes the converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and a lignin-rich stream that includes the lignin-rich residuals. The sugar stream, not including water, includes at least 75% monomeric lignocellulosic sugar, less than 0.20% sulfur, and less than 3.0% metal ion content, and the lignin-rich stream includes at least 35% lignin and less than 0.50% sulfur.

Abstract: A process and system for separating and upgrading bio-oil into renewable fuels is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into a light fraction, an optional intermediate fraction, and heavy fraction based on their boiling points. The light fraction and optional intermediate fraction can be upgraded via hydrotreatment to produce a renewable gasoline and a renewable diesel, which may be combined with their petroleum-derived counterparts. The heavy fraction may be subjected to cracking and further separated into light, intermediate, and heavy fractions in order to increase the yield of renewable gasoline and renewable diesel.

Abstract: A method for efficiently reducing water content of an object to be treated that contains water without requiring a high-temperature environment such as one exceeding the boiling point of water, and a method for efficiently extracting an oil-soluble substance from an object to be treated that contains water and the oil-soluble substance. A method for reducing water content of an object to be treated and/or extracting an oil-soluble substance in the object to be treated into oil is performed by mixing the object to be treated containing water or water and the oil-soluble substance with an oil at a temperature that is lower than the boiling point of water, at which temperature the oil is a liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided for reducing noxious emissions from the combustion of coal or other solid fuels wherein a suspension and/or a dispersing agent is combined with a catalyst having a high surface area to mass ratio so as to optimize the reduction of emissions such as NOx. In addition, the agent and/or catalyst is applied on the surface of the fuel in an evenly distributed manner so as to maximize the contact between the agent and/or catalyst and combustion gases and further maximize reduction of emissions.

Abstract: A process and system for separating and upgrading bio-oil into renewable fuels is provided. The process comprises separating bio-oil into a light fraction and heavy fraction based on their boiling points. The heavy fraction is then subjected to hydrotreatment, while the light fraction is not subjected to hydrotreatment. At least a portion of the un-hydrotreated light fraction and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction are blended with petroleum-derived gasoline to thereby provide a renewable gasoline, and at least a portion of the hydrotreated heavy fraction is blended with petroleum-derived diesel to thereby provide a renewable diesel.

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: 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: Methods for forming glass compositions from cullet include providing the cullet to a submerged combustion melter and melting the cullet with the aid of heat generated upon the combustion of a hydrocarbon from landfill gas and, in some cases, a polymeric material, in the presence of an oxidant. The melted cullet is then directed to a fiberization unit to generate a glass composition, such as vitreous fiber. The glass composition can be used to form various structural components, such as glass fiber insulation. Methods and systems provided herein can be used to form low global warming potential products.

Abstract: Methods of harvesting algae, and using algae as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are provided. The methods comprise contacting liquid algae suspensions with a filtration media. Depending upon the filtration media, the resulting algae and filtration media admixture is then utilized as a biofuel, livestock feed, food supplements, or for the extraction of algae oil. Admixtures comprising a combustible filtration media, such as coal, are particularly preferred. The methods are suitable for use with any algae species. Compositions for use as a biofuel, livestock feed, or food supplement are also provided. These compositions comprise an admixture of algae and a filtration media.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon composition is provided containing a total Ni/Fe/V content of at least 200 wtppm; a residue content of at least 0.2 grams per gram of hydrocarbon composition; a distillate content of at least 0.2 grams per gram of hydrocarbon composition; a sulfur content of at least 0.04 grams per gram of hydrocarbon composition; and a micro-carbon residue content of at least 0.06 grams per gram of hydrocarbon composition; and wherein the hydrocarbon composition has a viscosity of at most 100 cSt at 37.8° C.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon composition is described herein. The hydrocarbon composition has a relatively low viscosity and a relatively low oxygen content while having a relatively high vanadium, nickel, and iron metals content, and a relatively high distillate, residue, and micro-carbon residue content.

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: Carbon nanostructures such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes are formed from electrolyzed coal char. The electrolyzed coal char is formed by forming a slurry of coal particles, metal catalyst and water and subjecting this to electrolysis, which generates carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This forms a coating on the particles which includes metal catalysts. These particles can be used as is for formation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes using a pyrolysis method or other method without the addition of any catalyst. The gelatinous coating can be separated from the char and used as a fuel or as a carbon source to form carbon nanostructures.

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

Abstract: Method of contacting a hydrocarbon feed with a catalyst that includes one or more metals from Column 6 of the Periodic Table and/or one or more compounds of one or more metals from Column 6 of the Periodic Table and a support. The support comprises from 0.01 grams to 0.2 gram of silica and from 0.80 grams to 0.99 grams of alumina per gram of support. The catalyst has a surface area of at least 340 m2/g, a pore size distribution with a median pore diameter of at most 100 ?, and at least 80% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter of at most 300 ? or the catalyst exhibits one or more peaks between 35 degrees and 70 degrees, and at least one of the peaks has a base width of at least 10 degrees, as determined by x-ray diffraction at 2-theta.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing thermoset, water repellent binders particularly effective for forming combustible composite materials. The binders include a mixture of an alkaline protein hydrolyzate and a bio-oil or an acidic protein hydrolyzate and a lignin compound. Desirably, the binders and the resulting combustible composite materials are substantially free of formaldehyde.

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

Abstract: A method of producing a crude product from a hydrocarbon feed is provided. A hydrocarbon feed is contacted with a catalyst containing a Col. 6-10 metal or compound thereof to produce the crude product, where the catalyst has a pore size distribution with a median pore diameter ranging from 105 ? to 150 ?, with 60% of the total number of pores in the pore size distribution having a pore diameter within 60 ? of the median pore diameter, with at least 50% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter of at most 600 ?, and between 5% and 25% of its pore volume in pores having a pore diameter between 1000 ? and 5000 ?.

Abstract: A thermostable glycosidase enzymes derived from various Thermococcus, Staphylothermus and Pyrococcus organisms is disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized in the food processing industry, pharmaceutical industry and in the textile industry, detergent industry and in the baking industry.

Abstract: This invention relates to functionalized monomers. The functionalized monomer may be reacted with an enophilic reagent (e.g., maleic anhydride) to form an enophilic reagent modified functionalized monomer. The invention relates to lubricants, functional fluids, fuels, dispersants, detergents, functional compositions (e.g., food products, cleaners, etc.), and the like.

Abstract: A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an isothiazolinone-based biocide, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.

Abstract: Sorbent compositions containing halogen and calcium are added to coal to mitigate the release of sulfur and/or other harmful elements, including mercury, into the environment during combustion of coal containing natural levels of mercury.

Abstract: A method for producing and using a duckweed bio-synthetic fuel suitable for co-firing with gaseous, liquid as well as solid carbon based fuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from waste material. The waste material is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a non-grindable product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: A process for providing fast pyrolysis or gasification of feed material, such as biomass, by mixing it with inert inorganic hot solids in a fluidized mixer/reactor and utilizing released gas from the resulting reaction to transport the mixture from the mixer/reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one hydrophobin or of a derivative thereof as a defoamer in additive compositions or fuels, to a process for defoaming fuels, to an additive and fuel composition comprising at least one hydrophobin or derivative thereof and at least one further fuel additive, and to a process for preparing at least one fuel composition.

Abstract: There is provided a gas generating composition having a low combustion temperature and a high burning rate. The gas generating composition comprises fuel and an oxidizing agent, and as necessary a binder and additives, the gas generating composition comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of glycine and a derivative thereof as the fuel. A combination of glycine as the fuel, basic copper nitrate as the oxidizing agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof as the binder is preferable.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of smokeless (low CO2—CO emitting) boiler fuels which have been obtained by careful temperature control and the addition of waste, trash or other carbonaceous material during carbonization of various coal materials such as tar sands, bituminous coal, peat lignite, and oil shale.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nano-granule fuel oil, which substantially contains no granule greater than 10 nm. This nano-granule fuel oil can be obtained by treating conventional fuel oils under a magnetic field with a air gap magnetic field intensity of at least 8000 Gauss and a magnetic field gradient of at least 1.5 tesla/cm. The nano-granule fuel oil of the present invention significantly improves the combustion degree of fuel oil as compared with the conventional fuel oils. Its application can considerably economize fuel oil and reduce the emissions of CO and the like in tail gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from fluff. The fluff is added to a solvent having a predetermined cycle starting solvent volume. An energy source is introduced into the solvent for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature and pressure to form a product. The energy source is removed and the product is cooled to a predetermined temperature to produce the fuel. The invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the process described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economic process which utilizes biodiesel and other high boiling esters containing short alkyl groups to produce liquid fuels from polymeric materials such as, for example, used tires. In a first embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed in biodiesel upon heating to form a product containing between about 10% and about 35% by weight of polymeric material. At least some of the biodiesel is recovered and reused to dissolve/suspend/disperse additional polymeric material to form additional product. After a predetermined number of cycles, the accumulated product is used as a fuel. In a second embodiment, polymeric material is dissolved/suspended/dispersed upon heating in biodiesel to form a mixture containing between about 30% and about 90% by weight of the polymeric material to be used as heavy fuel oil to be burned as is or bulk refined. The present invention also encompasses the fuel formed by the processes described.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting sludges, wastes or a combination thereof to biosolids, including a) at least one heated air system, b) at least one trough arrangement, c) at least one auger system, wherein the at least one auger system is situated in the at least one trough arrangement to form a conveyor system, and d) at least one heat box enclosing at least part of the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical change reagent which is used as an additive to coal to enhance the complete combustion of the coal after turning it into a synthetic fuel. The composition is a chemical change agent in that it converts the coal/composition mix into a different material which, when burned, results in lower NOx emissions. The composition includes a wax, a base for ph adjustment and water and is mixed with the coal prior to combustion.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: A method for using recycled lubricating oil as a fuel source includes receiving prepared recycled lubricating oil, filtering the recycled lubricating oil through a first filter. The recycled oil is pumped into the top of a first holding tank. The recycled oil is circulated from the bottom of the first holding tank through the first filter to the top of the first tank. The recycled oil is pumped from the bottom of the first holding tank through the first filter to the top of a second holding tank. The recycled oil may then be pumped or pulled through a second filter to a preheater to lower the viscosity of the recycled oil to a predetermined level. From the pre-heater the heated recycled oil may be fed to a burner for heat generation or may be fed back to a storage tank. The apparatus for using recycled lubricating oil as fuel includes a storage system having one or more holding tanks along with a filtration system having a first filter for initial contaminant removal.

Abstract: A method for producing a supercritical cryogenic fuel (SCCF) includes dissolving a hydrogen gas in fuel value proportions into a supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. The method is performed by placing a hydrogen gas and a hydrocarbon fluid at a pressure greater than the critical pressure of the hydrocarbon, placing the hydrogen gas and the hydrocarbon fluid at a temperature below or approximately equal to the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon forming the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid, and then mixing to dissolve the hydrogen gas into the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. A system for performing the method includes a vortex mixer configured to turbulently mix the hydrogen gas and the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid. The supercritical cryogenic fuel (SCCF) produced by the method and the system includes the supercritical hydrocarbon fluid with a selected mole fraction of the hydrogen gas dissolved therein.

Abstract: Fuel additive packages and fuel compositions, suitable for use with solid fuels, having environmentally compatible characteristics as defined by European Council Directive 67/548/EEC is disclosed. Such additive packages and compositions may include components selected from non-persistent materials, non-bioaccumulative materials, and/or or non-toxic materials.

Abstract: Fuel composition which combusts instantaneously, comprising from 40 to 95% by weight of an instantaneously combusting fossil fuel and from 60 to 5% by weight of a non-fossil solid fuel chosen from the group comprising urban solid waste, elastomeric and non-elastomeric polymer materials and mixtures thereof, this fuel being suitably treated so as to be instantaneously combustible. Method and plant for the instantaneous combustion of the said composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide and to fuel production, and more specifically, to carbonaceous fuel production by means of utilization of atmospheric carbon dioxide and water by “artificial photosynthesis”, as defined herein and methods of operation thereof.

Abstract: Devices and improved methods are provided for operation of ultrasonic transducers and horns.

Abstract: A method of making a liquid fuel from agricultural waste which may be animal manure, includes admixing agricultural waste with at least one material selected from the group consisting of hydrogen gas and water, at elevated pressure heating a mixture to about 300° C. to 400° C. for a predetermined time, subsequently cooling the mixture, and subsequently separating gas from liquid. The process produces a liquid fuel having a high heating BTU value per pound of fuel. The water preferably functions as both a solvent and the hydrogen donor for said agricultural waste. Corresponding apparatus is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line blending of biodiesel and diesel fuels in cold weather environments include diluting heated B100 into a portion of heated diesel prior to blending into a cold diesel stream.

Abstract: Fuels used may be derived from existing waste streams such as animal wastes and streams of discarded or unwanted animal byproducts generated at animal slaughterhouses. A method of processing organic waste products into fuel includes homogenizing the waste products. The waste products are heated and pressurized. Water is removed from the waste products. Selected constituent of the waste products are separated from the waste products into a waste stream. The waste stream is blended with a fuel to form a bio-fuel mixture.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treatment of brown grease, where the brown grease comprises water, food solids and free-oil. This process starts with the collection of the brown grease into a container. The brown grease's pH is adjusted with a chemical treatment to produce an adjusted brown grease phase. To the adjusted brown grease phase an anionic copolymer treatment mixture is added along with a cationic copolymer to form a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture reacts for a period of time, and during this time wastewater is discharged from the reaction mixture to produce resulting solids. The resulting solids are then transferred from the container for disposal or are processed further into a fuel or soil additive.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage fuel compositions and devices comprising a mixture of at least one chemical hydride compound and at least one proton source, and methods for thermally initiated hydrogen generation from fuel compositions are disclosed. The fuel compositions comprise an excess of hydridic hydrogens relative to protic hydrogens. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.