Abstract:
The present invention provides methods to maintain selectivity to ethanol from syngas during mixed-alcohol synthesis when methanol is being recycled. In some variations, syngas is fed to an alcohol-synthesis reactor that contains a sulfided metal catalyst, and methanol is separated from ethanol to form a methanol recycle stream that contains sulfur-containing compounds. Recycling the methanol stream back to the alcohol-synthesis reactor allows for adding sulfur to, or reducing sulfur loss from, the sulfided metal catalyst. Optionally, additional sulfur compounds may be introduced to maintain sulfur levels in sulfided metal catalysts. Preferred sulfiding agents, concentrations, and recycle strategies are disclosed herein.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a process for producing gasoline components from syngas. Syngas is converted to one or more of methanol, ethanol, mixed alcohols, and dimethyl ether, followed by various combinations of separations and reactions to produce gasoline components with oxygenates, such as alcohols. The syngas is preferably derived from biomass or another renewable carbon-containing feedstock, thereby providing a biorefining process for the production of renewable gasoline.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a process for producing polyolefins by one or more homogeneous or colloidal polymerization catalyst wherein residual catalyst is removed by using a solid sorbent.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a process for the preparation of lubricant base stocks by contacting alphaolefin feedstocks with single-site metallocene catalysts and recycling unconverted monomers, characterized by a purge step in the recycle.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in a first reaction zone, and residual syngas from the first reaction zone is then catalytically converted to ethanol in a second reaction zone. Also, in some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in high yield in a first reaction zone, and the methanol is then converted (optionally, with additional syngas) to ethanol in a second reaction zone.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for producing alcohols from syngas are disclosed herein. In some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in a first reaction zone, and residual syngas from the first reaction zone is then catalytically converted to ethanol in a second reaction zone. Also, in some variations, syngas is catalytically converted to methanol in high yield in a first reaction zone, and the methanol is then converted (optionally, with additional syngas) to ethanol in a second reaction zone.
Abstract:
This invention discloses an improved process which employs mixed alpha-olefms as feed over activated metallocene catalyst systems to provide essentially random liquid polymers particularly useful in lubricant components or as functional fluids.
Abstract:
Improvements to biodiesel compositions, and methods for making those compositions more efficiently, are provided. Some variations of this invention provide processes for producing biodiesel and at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol. Other variations provide certain biodiesel compositions containing C2+ alkyl esters. In some embodiments, biodiesel compositions are produced entirely from renewable resources.
Abstract:
This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
Abstract:
This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.