Abstract: To reduce acetal and/or ester concentrations when separating ethanol from a crude product in one or more distillation column, at least one of the columns is operated at a higher pressure to increase the equilibrium constant that favors hydrolysis of the acetal. The crude product may comprise ethanol, acetaldehyde, water, ethyl acetate and one or more acetals, such as diethyl acetal. The acetal and/or ester concentration may be reduced thus reducing the need to separate acetal and/or ester from the crude product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nano-sized Cu based catalyst and a method of preparing the same including dissolving, in an aqueous solution, a first component comprising a Cu precursor, a second component precursor comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of a transition metal, an alkaline earth metal and a Group IIIb metal, and a third component precursor comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, silica-alumina, magnesia, titania, zirconia and carbon and then performing stirring; precipitating the stirred mixture solution using Na2CO3 and NaOH to form a catalyst precursor precipitate; and washing and filtering the formed catalyst precursor precipitate. Also a method of preparing alcohol is provided, including reacting hydrogen with carboxylic acid including a single acid or an acid mixture of two or more acids derived from a microorganism fermented solution, using the nano-sized Cu based catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the selective and direct formation of ethanol from acetic acid comprising contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen in vapor form at an elevated temperature with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising molybdenum carbide and one or more promoter metals selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, potassium, tin and tungsten on a catalyst support.

Abstract: Esters and lactones can be respectively reduced to alcohols and diols in the presence of the Group 8 (VIII) transition metal complex, base and hydrogen gas (H2). An extremely practical reduction method can be provided by preferable combinations of the Group 8 (VIII) transition metal complex, the base, a used amount of the base, a pressure of hydrogen gas and a reaction temperature. This method is used in place of hydride reduction and is a useful method by which design of highly active catalysts can be relatively easily made while a high productivity can be expected.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of alcohols including ethanol, propanol and butanol starting with lower molecular weight alcohol, which is reacted with carbon monoxide to give an organic acid that in turn is reduced with hydrogen to form the product.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. The catalyst comprises palladium and chromium on a support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for producing alcohols from carboxylic acids by hydrogenation, containing Co metal as an essential component and one or more elements selected from Zr, Y, La, Ce, Si, Al, Sc, V and Mo as a first co-catalyst component, and having 20% or more of cubic phase in the crystal phase of the Co metal, the method for producing the catalyst, and the method for producing an alcohol from a carboxylic acid as a raw material by hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: Process for converting a hydrocarbon feedstock into alcohol(s), wherein the hydrocarbons are first converted into syngas, which is subsequently converted into alcohols. The process comprises the consecutive steps of 1) converting a hydrocarbon feedstock, in a syngas reactor, into a stream A, comprising essentially of a mixture of carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen, 2) converting at least part of stream A, in the presence of a catalyst in a oxygenate synthesis reactor under a temperature comprised between 150 and 400° C.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove acetal impurities.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves separating the crude ethanol product using an extractive distillation column that employs an extraction agent, such as a recycled stream comprising water.

Abstract: Recycle streams in an ethanol production process are hydrolyzed to reduce ethyl acetate concentration. In the process, acetic acid is hydrogenated to form a crude ethanol product, which undergoes a separation or purification process. Ethyl acetate is formed as a byproduct of the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The hydrolysis of recycle steams from the separation process can reduce the concentration of ethyl acetate, converting some or all of the ethyl acetate to acetic acid and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention is related to processes for the separation of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns. A reboiler is used following one or more of the columns for reducing ester formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to purification and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of a crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, the process involves one or more sidestreams to regulate C3+ alcohols concentration in the recovered ethanol.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol and, in particular, to a process for reducing the concentration of acetic acid in a crude ethanol product by esterifying unreacted acetic acid with an alcohol.

Abstract: A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

Abstract: A process for purifying an ethanol stream that comprises byproduct, such as aldehyde, acetals, and/or esters, but withdrawing a sidestream comprising ethanol from a distillation column. The sidestream may have a reduced concentration of aldehyde that reduces the formation of acetals in subsequent purification of the ethanol stream.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol and, in particular, to a process for reducing the concentration of acetic acid in a crude ethanol product by esterifying unreacted acetic acid with an alcohol.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Acetic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst in a hydrogenation reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns to recover ethanol. In some embodiments, less than 10 wt. % ethanol is recycled to the hydrogenation reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing ethanol and recovering methyl iodide, the process comprising the steps of carbonylating methanol in a carbonylation system in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst under conditions effective to form acetic acid; hydrogenating the acetic acid in a hydrogenation system in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water; and separating the crude ethanol product to form an ethanol stream and a water stream.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns. At least one of the columns is operated at a controlled pressure to enhance separation of ethanol and organics. In one embodiment, there are at least two columns that operate at controlled pressures.

Abstract: A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid and water. Acetal byproduct can be reduced or removed through configurations of hydrolysis secondary reactors. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for selectively producing ethanol from syngas. In some variations, the process comprises converting biomass-derived syngas to dimethyl ether, carbonylating the dimethyl ether to methyl acetate, hydrogenating the methyl acetate to methanol and ethanol, and recovering the ethanol product. The methanol is preferably recycled by converting to hydrogen and carbon monoxide for introduction back into the process at distinct points. In certain variations of this invention, fresh syngas feed is introduced downstream of the first unit operation in the sequence. High yields of ethanol from biomass can be achieved according to the disclosed processes.

Abstract: A process for the selective and direct formation of ethanol from acetic acid comprising contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen in vapor form at an elevated temperature with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising molybdenum carbide and one or more promoter metals selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, platinum, titanium, zinc, chromium, rhenium, potassium, tin and tungsten on a catalyst support

Abstract: A process for the co-production of a stream of a fatty alcohol having first carbon chain lengths and a stream of a fatty alcohol having second carbon chain lengths, said second carbon chain lengths being longer than said first carbon chain lengths.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol is disclosed, comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product, separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a column into a first distillate comprising ethanol and a first residue comprising acetic acid and water, wherein a substantial portion of the water in the crude ethanol product that is fed to the column is removed in the first residue, and separating a portion of the ethanol mixture stream to the second distillation column to yield an ethanol product sidedraw, second residue comprising water and a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate. The water content of the ethanol product sidedraw may be further reduced to yield a stream having reduced water content.

Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves the esterification of acetic acid in a column used for recovering the ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention produces ethanol in a reactor that comprises a catalyst composition and a feed stream comprising acetic acid and a recycled liquid stream comprising ethyl acetate. The catalyst composition comprises a first catalyst comprising platinum, cobalt, and/or tin and a second catalyst comprising copper. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing fatty acid alkyl esters from fats/oils and a C1 to C5 lower alcohol as reaction starting materials with a solid catalyst, wherein the starting materials and reaction products in a reaction system where the degree of conversion of fats/oils is 50 mol % or more are reacted in such a state as to be in one-liquid phase, or the starting materials and reaction products in a reaction system at a stage with the highest degree of conversion of fats/oils are reacted in such a state as to be in one-liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing product comprising ethanol which comprises contacting a feedstock comprising acetic acid and hydrogen in a reaction zone at hydrogenation conditions with a catalyst composition comprising platinum, palladium and tin on a support, wherein the catalyst has an excess amount of platinum relative to the amount of palladium based on weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a fatty alkyl ester and glycerin, including step 1 of reacting fats and oils with C1 to C5 lower alcohols, step 2 of removing the lower alcohols discharged from the outlet of a rector in step 1 until the lower alcohol content is reduced to 8 wt % or less, step 3 of separating the product obtained in step 2 into oil and aqueous phases, step 4 of reacting the oil phase obtained in step 3 with lower alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst, and step 5 of separating the product discharged from the outlet of a reactor in step 4 into oil and aqueous phases thereby giving fatty acid alkyl esters and glycerin, as well as a process for producing fatty alcohols from hydrogen and the fatty acid alkyl esters obtained in the above process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol with a high selectivity and high efficiency using a specific catalyst, as well as to a catalyst for hydrogenolysis of a polyhydric alcohol used in the process. The process for producing a hydrogenolysis product of a polyhydric alcohol includes bringing the polyhydric alcohol into contact with hydrogen in the presence of (A) a catalyst containing at least one metal component selected from among platinum, palladium, and ruthenium, and (B) a catalyst containing a rhenium component. The catalyst for hydrogenolysis of a polyhydric alcohol is used in the process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a water stream comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid to form a crude ethanol product and separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in at least one column of a plurality of columns into a distillate comprising ethanol and a residue comprising the water stream. The water stream preferably is essentially free of organic impurities other than acetic acid and ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention produces ethanol in a reactor that comprises a catalyst comprising from 40 to 70 wt. % copper and 15 to 40 wt. % zinc and a support material. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered.

Abstract: An efficient and environmentally beneficial method of recycling and producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by chemical or electrochemical reduction seconardy treatment to produce essentially methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products.

Abstract: The present invention produces ethanol in a stacked bed reactor that comprises a first catalyst and a second catalyst, wherein the first and second catalysts comprise at least one group VIII metal, and wherein the second catalyst is substantially free of copper. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered.

Abstract: The present invention produces ethanol in a stacked bed reactor that comprises a first catalyst comprising platinum and tin and a second catalyst comprising copper or an oxide thereof. The crude ethanol product may be separated and ethanol recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the reduction by hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a substrate containing one or two esters, or lactones, functional groups into the corresponding alcohol, or diol, with the process being carried out in the presence of a base and at least one catalyst or pre-catalyst in the form of a ruthenium complex, wherein the ruthenium is coordinated by a diphosphine bidentate ligand (PP ligand) and a diamino bidentate ligand (NN ligand) that includes at least one substituted ?-carbon and one primary amine as one of the coordinating atoms.

Abstract: A catalyst for hydrogenating aldehydes to alcohols includes a combination of copper oxide and zinc oxide and promoters including one or more alkaline earth metal promoters and/or one or more transition metal promoters. The promoters may be combined with copper oxide and zinc oxide after formation of a copper/zinc precursor material.

Abstract: Provided are hydrogenation catalysts for processing esters into fatty alcohols. More particularly, the catalysts are for vapor-phase hydrogenation of methyl esters to fatty alcohols under fixed-bed conditions, where conditions are typically in a temperature range of 200 to 250° C. and a pressure range of 30 to 50 bar. Methods of making and using the same are also provided. These catalysts comprise a copper chromite, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component, and an inorganic matrix component, which are processed together to form the catalyst. The alkali metal component can comprise sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), or combinations thereof. The alkaline earth metal can comprise magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Renewable resources comprising bagasse, corn stover, wood sawdust and switch grass are subject to direct catalytic conversion or bio-fermentation processes producing ethanol and organic by products leaving complex lignin compounds as waste for disposal. Chemical conversion of lignin compounds to aromatic lignin acids followed by reductive hydrogenation to cresol and substituted creosol compounds prepares these natural resources for chemical conversion to a form of gasoline and valued industrial compounds. The process disclosed herein is also applicable to organic carboxylic acid compounds such as natural oils producing valued liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing fatty alcohols, in which a stream comprising at least one fatty acid triglyceride is provided and this stream is subjected to a hydrogenation in the presence of a heterogeneous copper catalyst.

Abstract: A method for producing ethanol by which ethanol can be synthesized from less fermentable biomass materials such as plant-derived materials and rice straws and industrial waste biomass materials such as wooden building materials and pulp and which can therefore broaden the range of raw materials for the production of ethanol. Specifically, a method for producing ethanol including reacting a raw material gas obtained by a thermochemical gasification reaction of biomass in the presence of a catalyst containing rhodium, at least one transition metal, and at least one element selected from lithium, magnesium and zinc.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol, comprising the step of providing from a distillation column in a carbonylation process a purified acetic acid stream comprising up to 25 wt. % water. The process further comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid of the purified acetic acid stream in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water. Ethanol is recovered from the crude ethanol product.