Abstract: A process and apparatus for recycling municipal domestic waste comprises subjecting the waste to steam at 150° C.-200°. After steam treatment, the resultant material is separated into constituent parts and biomass and/or plastics subjected to further treatment. The further treatment preferably produces bioethanol from the biomass and diesel from the plastics. As an alternative, some or all of the biomass may be gasified in order to produce hydrogen which may, in turn be fed to a fuel cell to produce an electrical output. The bio diesel or bioalcohol can also be used to produce electricity.

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: The present invention provides fractional condensation apparatuses, systems and methods that can recover volatile products from highly diluted liquid and vapor feed mixtures with high purity and recovery yield, both in batch and continuous distillation, while being also designed to achieve low-cost and efficient recovery processes. Single apparatuses and columns can be connected to each other to expand or shrink the column length for desired separation. The apparatuses, systems and methods can be applied to separate mixtures with both narrow and wide boiling point ranges.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an alcohol which can produce a target alcohol containing a remarkably low content of the sulfur compound(s), and the present invention provides a method for producing an alcohol comprising a separation process which reduces the content of sulfur compound(s) in a crude alcohol containing at least the sulfur compound(s) through desulfurization treatment in which the crude alcohol is contacted with a separation membrane based on a pervaporation method, thereby a content of the sulfur composition in the crude alcohol is decreased.

Abstract: A process for obtaining algae extracts, includes at least the following stages: a) pretreatment of an algal sample, b) rapid heating, c) application of pressure that is greater than or equal to 1 bar, d) instantaneous expansion to a pressure that is less than or equal to 1 bar, and e) recovery of the products that are obtained in d) in liquid, solid and/or gaseous form. The use of algae extract products obtained by the implementation of this process is also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allow recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering dichlorohydrins from a mixture comprising dichlorohydrins, one or more compounds selected from esters of dichlorohydrins, monochlorohydrins and/or esters thereof, and multihydroxylated-aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds and/or esters thereof, and optionally one or more substances comprising water, chlorinating agents, catalysts and/or esters of catalysts is disclosed. The mixture is distilled or fractionated to separate a lower boiling fraction comprising dichlorohydrin(s) from the mixture to form a higher boiling fraction comprising the residue of the distillation or fractionation. The higher boiling fraction is distilled or fractionated to separate remaining dichlorohydrin(s) from the above mixture to form an even higher boiling fraction comprising the residue of the distillation or fractionation. At least some of the lower boiling fraction and the dichlorohydrin(s) are recovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for separation of diols from a mixture comprising diols and polyols, for example, from a reaction mixture obtained from hydrogenolysis of sorbitol. In particular, the present invention relates to separation of diols from the mixture using a combination of a wiped-film evaporator and a molecular evaporator to obtain diols in a high yield.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in plants by down-regulation of the NST transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of NST are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise reduced lignin content. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method for separating and collecting at least alcohol with a high purity from an azeotropic mixture of olefin and alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.

Abstract: A method and device is presented for separating liquid mixtures using ultrasonic atomization and without subjecting the mixture to heat or thermal distillation. The process of ultrasonic separation does not involve liquid heating and saves up to 75% of the energy required as compared to thermal distillation. The method involves high throughput fixed bed atomizers with a specially designed carrier gas flow for aerosolization, extraction, and transport of mist. The mist richer in the desired component is then collected and condensed by electrostatic or other de-misting means. Repeated processes can achieve high separation efficiency. The efficiency of separation can be controlled by varying the ultrasonic frequency, power, and number of arrays, liquid surface tension and interfacial tension of mixtures.

Abstract: A method for producing an alcohol of the present invention provides an alcohol having the total sulfur content of 10 ppm by weight or less, by subjecting an alcohol having the total sulfur content of 30 ppm by weight or more and the propanols content of 200 ppm to at least one desulfurization treatment selected from at least one of a desulfurization treatment by a reaction process, a desulfurization treatment with a physical adsorbent, and a desulfurization treatment with a chemical adsorbent.

Abstract: We disclose a method of extracting an alcohol or furan from a predominantly liquid stream comprising the alcohol or furan, comprising removing cations from the predominantly liquid stream comprising the alcohol or furan, using a cation-exchange resin; removing anions from the predominantly liquid stream comprising the alcohol or furan, using an anion-exchange resin; and recovering alcohol or furan from the predominantly liquid stream comprising the alcohol or furan, using either a vapor permeation membrane, a perevaporation process, or both.

Abstract: Systems and processes for dehydration of a process stream in the production of motor fuel grade ethanol (MFGE) can include temperature controlled adsorption of water in the process stream, and heat pumping of the associated heat of adsorption. The process includes providing a process stream including ethanol and water to a first temperature controlled adsorber where water is removed by adsorption to produce a MFGE product stream and an associated heat of adsorption. A cooling fluid is provided to the first temperature controlled adsorber to remove heat of adsorption and produce a heated cooling fluid. Heat from the heated cooling fluid is provided to a heat sink. A multiple step regeneration cycle is provided that allows for increased recovery of MFGE product.

Abstract: A process for use in equilibrium exothermic gas phase reactions comprising the steps of (a) providing a recycle stream with the addition of make-up gas, to form a feed gas stream; (b) heating the feed gas stream; (c) passing the heated feed gas stream to a first reactor containing a catalyst for the exothermic gas phase reactions at conditions suitable for the reaction; (d) removing a product stream comprising product and unreacted gases from the first reactor; (e) cooling and partially condensing the product stream to form a gas phase and a liquid phase; (f) separating the liquid phase containing the desired product from the product stream and removing said liquid phase; (g) separating the gas phase from the product stream to form a gas stream; (h) optionally mixing the gas stream from the product stream with additional make-up gas; (i) heating the gas stream; (j) passing the heated gas stream to a final reactor containing a catalyst for the exothermic gas phase reactions at conditions suitable for the react

Abstract: A preparation method for an ethanol extract of the fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata (EEAC) is provided. The preparation method includes steps of: (a) providing the fruiting body of A. camphorata (AC); (b) extracting the fruiting bodies with a first ethanol solution; and (c) obtaining EEAC. EEAC further can be sequentially extracted or fractioned by n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol, and an n-hexane fraction (FC), an ethyl acetate fraction (FA) and an ethanol fraction (FB) respectively are generated. The growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of leukemia cell line HL 60 are effectively mediated by FA product, in which zhankuic acid A is the bioactive marker. The amount of triterpenoid in the fruiting body of AC can be determined by NMR and HPLC analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a eukaryotic cell capable of producing butanol and ethanol at a ratio butanol:ethanol of between 1:2 to 1:100. The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of butanol and ethanol comprising fermenting a eukaryotic cell in a suitable fermentation broth, wherein butanol and ethanol are produced at a ratio butanol:hethanol of between 1:2 to 1:100 and a process for the recovery of butanol and ethanol from an aqueous solution comprising butanol and ethanol wherein the ratio butanol:ethanol is between 1:2 to 1:100 comprising, separating an ethanol/butanol/water mixture from the aqueous solution; separating an ethanol/water mixture from the ethanol/butanol/water mixture; separating a butanol/water mixture from the ethanol/butanol/water mixture; and recovering of butanol and ethanol.

Abstract: A method for distilling ethanol from a mash includes feeding a fluid to a first distillation column. The fluid and a distillate of the first distillation column are delivered to a second distillation column. The fed fluid and/or distillate of the second distillation column is/are purified in a first and/or last step of the method by a membrane separation process.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of methanol comprises: (a) passing a synthesis gas mixture comprising a loop gas and a make-up gas through a first synthesis reactor containing a methanol synthesis catalyst, said reactor cooled by boiling water under pressure, to form a mixed gas containing methanol, (b) cooling the mixed gas containing methanol, (c) passing said cooled mixed gas containing methanol through a second synthesis reactor containing a methanol synthesis catalyst in which further methanol is synthesised to form a product gas stream, (d) cooling said product gas to condense methanol, (e) recovering said methanol and returning unreacted gas as the loop gas to said first synthesis reactor, wherein the mixed gas containing methanol from the first synthesis reactor is cooled in heat exchange with either said loop gas or said make up gas.

Abstract: A process for obtaining oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers from a methanolic crude product which contains polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymers and is obtained in the transesterification of the mono- and/or diesters of polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymers with methanol, which includes a) removing the majority of the methanol from the crude product in a first distillation stage, b) separating the resulting bottom product by distillation into a top fraction containing the oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers, and polytetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran copolymer, and c) condensing the oligomers of polytetrahydrofuran or of tetrahydrofuran copolymers out of the top fraction from stage b).

Abstract: A variety type of sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas, that was grown in such a manner to maximize the tonnage of storage roots produced. These types of sweetpotato can accumulate from 28% to 40% dry matter in the root which is mostly carbohydrate. By combining high levels of carbohydrate (mostly starch and some sugars) with high tonnage of roots per acre, this type of sweetpotato produces some of the highest levels of ethanol per acre found in any temperate crop. This type of sweetpotato with its uniquely high dry matter, high starch content, and mealy texture can also be used to produce sweetpotato chips and fries that have significantly less oil than commercially available low dry matter sweetpotato varieties and have an excellent, distinctive, texture and flavor.

Abstract: Acetals are formed from a mixture comprising alcohols and aldehydes and the product is distilled to yield purified alcohols and/or acetals and/or unsaturated ethers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution comprising (1) extracting ethanol from an ethanol-water solution with a first solvent comprising an esterified fatty acid, wherein the esterified fatty acid comprises a hydroxylated fatty acid component and an alcohol component such that the alcohol component is a C3-6 alcohol, such that the distribution coefficient for ethanol in the mixture of the ethanol-water solution and the first solvent is at least 0.02 favoring the transfer of ethanol from the ethanol-water solution to the first solvent, thereby extracting the ethanol from the ethanol-water solution into the first solvent, and (2) extracting the ethanol-enriched first solvent with carbon dioxide, such that the carbon dioxide is at a liquid or near supercritical phase, wherein the distribution coefficient for ethanol in a mixture of the first solvent and the carbon dioxide is at least 0.

Abstract: Process for distillatively separating a mixture containing a vinyl ether of the general formula (I) R1—O—CH?CH2??(I) and alcohol of the general formula (II) R2—OH??(II) in which R1 and R2 are each independently a saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic radical having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, and in which the alcohol (II) has a boiling point which is at least 1° C. higher, measured at or extrapolated to 0.1 MPa abs, than the vinyl ether (I), by a) passing the mixture into a first distillation column and withdrawing, as a top product, an azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) and, as a bottom product, a stream enriched with the alcohol (II); b) passing the azeotrope containing vinyl ether (I) and alcohol (II) from the first distillation column into a second distillation column which is operated at a pressure which is from 0.

Abstract: The invention is a process for the purification of ethanol. In one embodiment the process includes boiling a degassed beer feed (106) in a pre-boiler (110) to provide a vapor by-pass fraction (112) that by-passes the conventional beer column and is fed into the rectifier column (124). The process allows free capacity in the rectifier column of new or established plants to be filled by ethanol-water vapor and/or condensate streams that do not originate from the beer column.

Abstract: A method comprising applying a controlled flow cavitation apparatus to an alcohol production process in order to increase alcohol yield. A grain-based liquid medium comprising grain and a liquid carrier can be passed through a controlled flow cavitation apparatus at a velocity capable of generating a hydrodynamic cavitation zone where the grain size can be reduced. One or more controlled flow cavitation apparatuses can be applied at various points of an alcohol production process, such as a starch-to-ethanol production process.

Abstract: A high-pressure liquefied extract of marine algae for producing bioethanol and a method of producing the liquid extract from marine algae under high pressure, and a method of producing the bioethanol from the high-pressure liquid extract by fermentation with yeast are disclosed. According to the production method of bioethanol using marine algae, the high-pressure liquefied extract can be obtained in high yield and fermentation time can be also reduced. Consequently, the yield of bioethanol is increased. Furthermore, the method gives economical and environmentally friendly values from natural marine algae.

Abstract: 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) substantially free of 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (TFA) can be separated from a mixture containing both compounds by A) catalytic reduction with hydrogen followed by fractional distillation; B) cooling to a temperature at which HFIP freezes and TFA remains liquid; C) forming a high boiling complex comprising HF and TFA followed by fractional distillation; or D) producing HF-free conditions to yield a HFIP/TFA azeotrope followed by fractional distillation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method of making butanol from at least one fermentable carbon source that overcomes the issues of toxicity resulting in an increase in the effective titer, the effective rate, and the effective yield of butanol production by fermentation utilizing a recombinant microbial host wherein the butanol is extracted into specific organic extractants during fermentation

Abstract: A method for concentrating a water-soluble organic material wherein a mixture of the water-soluble organic material with water is distilled in a distillation column (11), and the fraction from the top (11a) of the distillation column (11) is separated by the use of a membrane separator (14) into a permeated vapor (F2) and a non-permeated vapor (F3), which comprises once condensing the fraction to form a condensate, heating the condensate in an evaporator (13) to generate a vapor (F1) having a pressure higher than the operation pressure for the distillation column (11), and introducing the vapor (F1) to the membrane separator (14), thereby separating water from the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple reaction set for the production of chemicals by equilibrium limited reactions utilizing plate-type or extended surface heat exchangers. The heat exchangers effectively cool the reaction products in order to condense the methanol contained within the reaction products for separation, and also to warm incoming feed reactants prior to entrance of the reactants into a reactor utilized for the production of methanol. The various reactors, heat exchangers, and separators can be formed as separated zones within the enclosed vessels, thereby eliminating the need for separately constructed reactors, heat exchangers, and separators. Multi-stream plate-type of extended surface heat exchangers can be utilized to allow efficient cooling and methanol separation.

Abstract: A process is described for the recovery of substantially pure ethyl acetate from a feedstock including ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. The process includes supplying the feedstock to a first distillation zone maintained under first distillation conditions effective for distilling from the feedstock a first distillate including ethyl acetate, ethanol, and less than about 10 mol % water. The first distillate is recovered from the first distillation zone and is supplied to a second distillation zone maintained under second distillation conditions, which include use of a higher pressure than that of the first distillation zone. The second distillation conditions are effective for distilling from the first distillate a second distillate including ethanol, water, and a minor proportion of ethyl acetate and yielding a substantially pure ethyl acetate bottom product, which is recovered. The second distillate is returned to the first distillation zone.

Abstract: Methods for purifying glycerin contaminated with one or more lower boiling alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, straight, branched or cyclic C3-C6 alcohols, and the like. The methods are particularly useful for purifying crude glycerin phases recovered from the synthesis of biofuels. The present invention uses distillation techniques to strip alcohol contaminants from glycerin. In contrast to conventional methods that carry out distillation either under substantially anhydrous or very wet conditions, the present invention carries out distillation in the presence of a limited amount of water, e.g., from about 0.8 to about 5 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight of contaminated glycerin to be purified.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: Process for the continuously operated purification by distillation of the methanol used as solvent in the synthesis of propylene oxide by reaction of a hydroperoxide with propylene, with the methoxypropanols being separated off simultaneously, wherein the solvent mixture obtained in the synthesis is separated in a dividing wall column into a low-boiling fraction including methanol, an intermediate-boiling fraction containing the methoxypropanols as azeotrope with water and a high-boiling fraction including water and propylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of iso-propanol by liquid phase hydrogenation of acetone to iso-propanol in at least two hydrogenation reaction stages, each reaction stage comprising a hydrogenation reaction zone, wherein the hydrogenation reaction product leaving the reaction zone of the first reaction stage contains unreacted acetone and a product stream comprising acetone and iso-propanol is transferred to the reaction zone of a subsequent reaction stage said product stream having at the inlet to the reaction zone of said subsequent reaction stage a temperature of 60 to 100° C., wherein the temperature of the product stream leaving the reaction zone of said subsequent reaction stage at the outlet from said reaction zone is at most 40° C. higher than the temperature of the product stream entering said reaction zone at the inlet to said reaction zone and the temperature in said subsequent reaction zone does not exceed 125° C.

Abstract: A method for purification of crude glycerol, especially crude glycerol derived from biodiesel production using alkaline catalysts. The method comprises combining the crude glycerol with acid, separating a glycerol layer, and treating the glycerol layer to decolorize it.

Abstract: A process for preparing ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) using low-water ethanol obtained by membrane dewatering at least two streams of relatively water-rich ethanol that have a different water content. by dewatering at membranes.

Abstract: Processes for recovering oil from thin stillage produced during a fractionation-based dry milling process. The thin stillage can be heated or heated in combination with centrifuging to separate and recover oil from the thin stillage. Optionally, the thin stillage may be concentrated prior to recovering the oil.

Abstract: Byproduct solids produced in the processing of carbohydrate material to produce ethanol are dried in a recirculating stream of gaseous carbon dioxide into which carbon dioxide produced in that processing is fed. Organic contaminants and water vapor report to the recirculating carbon dioxide stream and are removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for purification of glycerol, especially crude glycerol from biodiesel production. The method uses gel-type acidic ion exchange resin beads to separate fatty acid salts and inorganic salts from the crude glycerol.

Abstract: Acetals are formed from a mixture comprising alcohols and aldehydes and the product is distilled to yield purified alcohols and/or acetals and/or unsaturated ethers.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfates such as hydrogen sulfate, sodium sulfate, and chloride from an ethanol stream by contacting the ethanol stream with a clay material to thereby remove at least a portion of the sulfates.

Abstract: A process for preparing low-water ethanol from at least two streams of relatively water-rich ethanol that have a different water content by dewatering at membranes. The low-water ethanol can be used to prepare ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2-butanol by enzymatic-catalyzed reduction of 2-butanone with a carbonyl reductase and a coenzyme and is characterized in that an aqueous phase, which contains the carbonyl reductase and the coenzyme, is contacted with an alcoholic phase, which is not miscible with the aqueous phase and contains 2-butanone, in order to reduce the 2-butanone, with the proviso that the alcohol present in the alcoholic phase is a secondary alcohol capable of regenerating the coenzyme and exhibiting a boiling point which lies above that of water, whereupon the 2-butanol formed is separated.

Abstract: E and Z isomers of alkene alcohols and/or alkene alcohol derivatives are separated by substantially continuously contacting an ion exchange medium which is ion exchanged with silver and/or copper ions with the feed stream comprising the E and Z isomers of at least one alkene alcohol and/or at least one alkene alcohol derivative, then removing a product stream having a higher concentration of the E or Z isomer of at least one alkene alcohol or derivative of the alkene alcohol relative to the concentration of the E or Z isomer of the alkene alcohol or derivative of the alkene alcohol in the feed stream.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.

Abstract: A method of isolating, purifying and recrystallizing substantially pure lutein, preferably from saponified marigold oleoresin in its pure free form, apart from chemical impurities and other carotenoids. Lutein may be used as an analytical standard or in cancer prevention trials and as a safe and effective color additive for human food.