U.S. patent application number 12/931433 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-02 for composition of matter comprising of the creation of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon fluid exhibiting mainly oligomerized pentenes mainly comprised of 2-methyl-2-butene subunits as well as related plant isoprenoids composed of 2-methyl-1-butene subunits and other hydrocarbons from euphorbia tiruca.
Invention is credited to Stephen Daniel Matthews.
Application Number | 20120197052 12/931433 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46577871 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120197052 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matthews; Stephen Daniel |
August 2, 2012 |
Composition of matter comprising of the creation of a low molecular
weight hydrocarbon fluid exhibiting mainly oligomerized pentenes
mainly comprised of 2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as related
plant isoprenoids composed of 2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits and other
hydrocarbons from Euphorbia tirucalli biomass and a process for the
extraction and refinement in making the same composition through
the creation of solvent permeable batting mat and a multi-phase
solvent extraction
Abstract
A composition of matter with of the creation of low molecular
weight hydrocarbon fluid called Phytoleum from Euphorbia tirucalli
biomass and a process for the extraction and refinement in making
the same composition through the creation of a batting mat and
multi-phase solvent extraction. A preferred embodiment includes the
steps of manufacturing a fibrous batting mat from the raw biomass,
crushing the biomass, shearing the biomass with a rotating knives
blade array, compressing the biomass by passing the biomass through
press rollers, amalgonating the biomass into a Batting Mat,
subjecting the Batting Mat to a phased multi-wash solvent system,
extracting the solvents and oils liquid solution for recovery,
subjecting the liquid solution to a centrifugation system to
extract the Phytoleum hydrocarbon oil from the other components,
and refining the final product to yield Phytoleum which is a
composition of matter including Tirucallene A and Tirucallene B and
other oligomerized pentenes.
Inventors: |
Matthews; Stephen Daniel;
(Navarre, FL) |
Family ID: |
46577871 |
Appl. No.: |
12/931433 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
585/240 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C10G 1/02 20130101; C10L
1/232 20130101; C10G 1/04 20130101; Y02P 30/20 20151101; C10L
2200/0469 20130101; C10L 1/04 20130101; C10L 2290/30 20130101; C10G
1/042 20130101; C10G 2300/1014 20130101; C10G 2300/4012 20130101;
C10G 2300/44 20130101; C10G 2400/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
585/240 |
International
Class: |
C10G 1/00 20060101
C10G001/00 |
Claims
1. A composition of matter comprising of the creation of a low
molecular weight hydrocarbon fluid exhibiting mainly oligomerized
pentenes mainly comprised of 2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as
related plant isoprenoids composed of 2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits
and other hydrocarbons from Euphorbia tirucalli biomass prepared by
the steps of a process for the extraction and refinement in making
the same composition through the creation of solvent permeable
batting mat and a multi-phase solvent extraction
2. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 1 further comprising
the step(s) of the manufacture of a fibrous batting mat from the
raw biomass of Euphorbia tirucalli by applying compressive and
shearing forces to the biomass to create a material that is
conducive and efficient for solvent flow and extraction through a 3
step process: (a) the reduction of particle size achieved by
application of a hammermill crushing of the fresh biomass of
Euphorbia tirucalli; then, (b) the crushed raw biomass of Euphorbia
tirucalli is subjected to shearing forces from a rotating knife
blade array to orient the fibrous strands in a parallel
arrangement; and then, (c) the strands of the sheared Euphorbia
tirucalli are compressed by passing the hammered and sheared
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass through a series of sets of press
rollers to expectorate fluids and prepare the biomass mat for
batting;
3. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 2 wherein said
Euphorbia tirucalli processed biomass is amalgonated by the Batt
Maker into a Batting Mat comprised of multiple individual layers of
the claim 2 processed biomass mat layered one atop another to
create a fairly uniform biomass layer from the raw biomass;
4. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 3 wherein said
Batting Mat material is subjected to a phased multi-wash solvent
system preferably using hexane or other non-polar solvent solutions
sequentially selected for removal of hydrocarbon oil
constituents;
5. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 4 wherein said
phased multi-wash system is refined by a continuous system of
washing solvents through the Batting Mat using gravity or
pressurized solvent flows to achieve the most economical level of
gradient of solvent/oil mixture for extraction;
6. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 5 further comprising
the steps of processing the solvent saturated batting mat through
an expectoration system of roller presses to prepare the Batting
Mat material to be sequentially resubmitted to the phased
multi-wash solvent system as claimed in claim 5;
7. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 6 further comprising
the steps of completion of the expectoration and extraction of the
hydrocarbon oils from the batting mat by subjecting the material
processed under claim 6 to physical and thermal processes to fully
extract and drive off the solvents for recovery;
8. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 7 wherein said waste
biomass bagasse mat would be brought into an evaporator/boiler
chamber where the remaining solvent would be driven off from the
batting mat using heat and or negative pressure;
9. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 8 further comprising
the steps of subjecting the liquid solution extracted in the
process to a centrifugation system comprised of an array of
centrifuges to separate and extract the Phytoleum hydrocarbon oil
from the other components; and
10. A composition of matter as claimed in claim 9 further
comprising the steps of refining the final product by the
application of pressure and thermal processes to remove any
remaining components from the Phytoleum hydrocarbon oil yielding
Phytoleum including Tirucallene A and Tirucallene B and other
oligomerized pentenes.
11. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter
comprising of the creation of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon
fluid exhibiting mainly oligomerized pentenes mainly comprised of
2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as related plant isoprenoids
composed of 2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits and other hydrocarbons from
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass through the process of the extraction
and refinement in making the same composition through the creation
of a solvent permeable batting mat and a multi-phase solvent
extraction comprising the steps of:
12. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 11 further comprising the step(s) of the
manufacture of a fibrous batting mat from the fresh biomass of
Euphorbia tirucalli by applying compressive and shearing forces to
the biomass to create a material that is conducive and efficient
for solvent flow and extraction through a three (3) step process:
(a) the raw biomass of Euphorbia tirucalli is processed for the
reduction of particle size achieved by application of a hammermill
crushing of the fresh biomass of Euphorbia tirucalli; then, (b) the
crushed raw biomass of Euphorbia tirucalli is subjected to shearing
forces from a rotating knives blade array to orient the fibrous
strands in a parallel arrangement; then, (c) the strands of the
sheared Euphorbia tirucalli are compressed by passing the hammered
and sheared Euphorbia tirucalli biomass through a series of sets of
press rollers to expectorate fluids and prepare the biomass mat for
batting;
13. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 12 wherein said Euphorbia tirucalli processed
biomass is amalgonated by the Batt Maker into a Batting Mat
comprised of multiple individual layers of the claim 12 processed
biomass mat layered one atop another to create a fairly uniform
biomass layer from the raw biomass;
14. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 13 wherein said Batting Mat material is subjected
to a phased multi-wash solvent system preferably using hexane or
other non-polar solvent solutions sequentially selected for removal
of hydrocarbon oil constituents;
15. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 14 wherein said phased multi-wash system is
refined by a continuous system of washing solvents through the
Batting Mat using gravity or pressurized solvent flows to achieve
the most economical level of gradient of solvent/Phytoleum oil
mixture for extraction;
16. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 15 further comprising the steps of processing the
solvent saturated batting mat through an expectoration system of
roller presses to prepare the Batting Mat material to be
sequentially resubmitted to the phased multi-wash solvent system as
claimed in claim 15;
17. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 16 further comprising the step(s) of completion of
the expectoration and extraction of the hydrocarbon oils from the
batting mat by subjecting the material processed under claim 16 to
physical and thermal processes to fully extract and drive off the
solvents for recovery;
18. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 17 wherein said waste biomass bagasse mat would be
brought into an evaporator/boiler chamber where the remaining
solvent would be driven off from the batting mat using heat and or
negative pressure;
19. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 18 further comprising the steps of subjecting the
liquid solution extracted in the process to a centrifugation system
comprised of an array of centrifuges to separate and extract the
Phytoleum hydrocarbon oil from the other components; and
20. A process for producing Phytoleum--a composition of matter as
claimed in claim 19 further comprising the steps of refining the
final product by the application of pressure and thermal processes
to remove any remaining components from the Phytoleum hydrocarbon
oil yielding Phytoleum including Tirucallene A and Tirucallene B
and other oligomerized pentenes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to the field of the
manufacture of hydrocarbon fuels and more specifically to a
composition of matter comprising of the creation of a low molecular
weight hydrocarbon fluid exhibiting mainly oligomerized pentenes
mainly comprised of 2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as related
plant isoprenoids composed of other isoprene derived
2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits and other hydrocarbons from Euphorbia
tirucalli biomass and a process for the extraction and refinement
in making the same composition through the creation of solvent
permeable batting mat and a multi-phase solvent extraction
methodology.
[0005] Hydrocarbons are the source of many fuel and chemical
feedstocks used for industry and commerce in the world. Petroleum
is the predominant source of these hydrocarbons. This petroleum is
sourced from geological deposits located beneath the earth. These
hydrocarbons are then refined and reformed and used as source
chemicals for fuels and feedstocks. Traditionally these
hydrocarbons are sourced from geological resources. However,
hydrocarbons can be found in most living organisms. As hydrocarbons
are produced by living organisms, these organisms can be cultivated
and processed for use as source hydrocarbons. The ideal organisms
for use as petroleum substitutes use the power of the Sun to fully
reduce carbon dioxide into source hydrocarbons.
[0006] Higher plants produce hydrocarbon compounds composed
primarily of isoprenoids. These are often in the form of terpenes
made from pentene subunits. Most plants produce these isoprenoid
terpenes in small amounts and utilize them to form more complex
biochemicals. But some plants produce terpenes as a major metabolic
product that can form a plurality of total dry biomass. A prominent
example is Euphorbia tirucalli. The biochemicals in this species
are very low in molecular weight and are mainly hydrocarbon. Plants
that isolate and concentrate large amounts of hydrocarbons can be
found often in the Pinaceae, Myrtaceae, Styraceae and Euphorbiaceae
families. These are more commonly known as the pine, myrtle, styrax
and spurge families. Pines from antiquity to early modern times had
their hydrocarbons used as tar for naval stores, or terpentine for
cleaning solvents. Myrtles and styraxes generally yield more
oxygenated and pleasant smelling hydrocarbons that are used in
cough drops and vapor rubs containing Eucalyptus. Spurges are so
named because their hydrocarbon products are often poisonous and
cause the body to purge itself of "toxins" that were thought to
cause disease before the discovery of bacteria. Euphorbia tirucalli
itself is sometimes utilized as an herbal remedy in it's native
ranges of Africa and the subject of modern cancer research.
[0007] Some members of the family Euphorbiaceae, Pinaceae, and
Myrtlaceae in particular have very high levels of hydrocarbon
present within tissues. Higher plants, such as Euphorbia tirucalli,
produce hydrocarbons primarily from isoprene derived pentenes,
2-Methyl-2-Butene, and 2-Methyl-1-Butene. These pentenes are then
constructed via cellular metabolism into other chemicals such as
hormones, energy stores, or defense chemicals. Another unique
isoprene derived class of molecules are rubbers. Rubbers are diene
polymers composed of long poly-isoprene chains and can have a wide
range of molecular weights depending on the number of isoprene
monomers. Euphorbia tirucalli has a relatively low molecular weight
group of oligomerized pentene metabolites, made of a few monomers,
and the invention actually facilitates and selects for lower
molecular weight hydrocarbons via batt solvent action. Herbaceous
hydrocarbon bearing plants that produce large amounts of liquid
terpenes are ideal for use in this invention. This invention
focuses on Euphorbia tirucalli as the preferred plant for use in
this invention due to its unique botanical structure and agronomic
characteristics.
[0008] Attempts in the prior art have focused on enzyme and
pyrolysis based assistance in elevating levels of hydrocarbon
recovered per unit biomass of other plants with similar botanical
and hydrocarbon bearing characteristics. The prior art suffered
from inefficiencies due to the energy costs required to achieve
pyrolysis, the heat generated in the process, and the costs to
derive the enzymes required for processing the biomass and
extracting hydrocarbons. The prior art also suffered from
inefficient and unpredictable yields of hydrocarbons from the raw
biomass feedstocks. These early inventions existed in an
environment of low oil prices coupled with less knowledge of plant
agronomy and biochemistry. Today oil prices are much higher, making
the benefit of these inventions per unit of biomass less
economically attractive.
[0009] The use of plant hydrocarbons is not new, but a novelty of
this invention deals with a process isolating and selecting for
petroleum-like hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon bearing
plants--particularly Euphorbia tirucalli--for the creation of a
composition of matter to be used as a petroleum substitute. The
nature of this invention includes a process for preparing and
executing a low temperature solvent extraction of plant
hydrocarbon. This invention develops a simpler and more economic
way of yielding a composition of matter suitable as a petroleum
substitute, Phytoleum, from plant biomass in a continuous process
focusing on Euphorbia tirucalli as the preferred plant for use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The primary object of the invention is to provide for the
creation of a new hydrocarbon fluid fuel source to be called
Phytoleum.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide for the
creation of a renewable hydrocarbon fluid fuel source that is
carbon neutral.
[0012] A further object of the invention is to provide for the
creation of a hydrocarbon fluid fuel source that is compatible with
existing means of distribution and augmentation of existing
petroleum-based fuels.
[0013] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide for
the creation of a plant based source for hydrocarbon fluid fuel
that is sufficiently high yielding to be economically viable.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a process for
the efficient extraction and refinement of naturally occurring
hydrocarbon elements in plant based organic material.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a process for
the utilization of solvents in the extraction and refinement of
naturally occurring hydrocarbon elements in plant based organic
material.
[0016] A further object of the invention is to identify Euphorbia
tirucalli biomass in the process of the extraction and refinement
of a new hydrocarbon fluid fuel source.
[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is
disclosed.
[0018] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed the creation of a composition of matter
comprising of a low molecular weight hydrocarbon fluid comprised
mainly of oligomerized pentenes chief among those being
2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as related plant isoprenoids
composed of 2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits and other hydrocarbons from
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass and a process for the extraction and
refinement in making the same composition through the creation of
solvent permeable batting mat and a multi-phase solvent
extraction.
[0019] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention,
there is disclosed a process for producing Phytoleum--a composition
of matter comprising of the creation of a low molecular weight
hydrocarbon fluid comprised mainly of oligomerized pentenes chief
among those being 2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits as well as related
plant isoprenoids composed of 2-Methyl-1-Butene subunits and other
hydrocarbons from Euphorbia tirucalli biomass through the process
of the extraction and refinement in making the same composition
through the creation of a solvent permeable batting mat and a
multi-phase solvent extraction comprising the steps of subjecting
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass to compressive and shear forces forms a
solvent permeable mat of biomass, producing from Euphorbia
tirucalli biomass a fibrous solvent permeable batting mat,
subjecting the batting mat to a multiple phased solvent wash
system, and refining the end product for isolation of the Phytoleum
end product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and
include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some
instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated
or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a depiction of Euphorbia tirucalli biomass.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a high-level flow chart schematic diagram of the
overall process of converting raw biomass into Phytoleum, water,
water solubles, and bagasse.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a illustrated block diagram of the batt making
process, consisting of two parts; FIG. 3 Part 1 and FIG. 3 Part
2.
[0024] FIG. 3 Part 1 is a illustrated block diagram of the initial
biomass handling in the batt making process and consists of FIG. 3,
Part 1 A, B, C and D.
[0025] FIG. 3, Part 1(A) is a depiction of raw biomass entering the
process chain.
[0026] FIG. 3, Part 1(B) is a depiction of a hammermill pulverizing
biomass.
[0027] FIG. 3, Part 1(C) is a depiction of biomass after a
reduction on volume.
[0028] FIG. 3, Part 1(D) is a depiction of a rotating knives blade
array shredding the biomass and ginning the fibers.
[0029] FIG. 3 Part 2 is a illustrated block diagram of the batt
making process after initial handling; consisting of FIG. 3, Part 2
E, F, G and H.
[0030] FIG. 3, Part 2(E) is a depiction of crushed and cut
biomass.
[0031] FIG. 3, Part 2(F) is a depiction of a press roller and
manifold.
[0032] FIG. 3, Part 2(G) is a depiction of aligning the biomass
vertically to produce a batt with parallel grain.
[0033] FIG. 3, Part 2(H) is a depiction of the final batt.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view representation of a single solvent
multiphase wash unit
[0035] FIG. 5 is a side view representation of a batt solvent
recovery system.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a illustrated block diagram of the liquid fraction
handling and lipophyllic and hydrophyllic fraction separation,
consisting of three parts.
[0037] FIG. 6 includes a depiction of a liquid fraction collection
holding tank.
[0038] FIG. 6 includes a depiction of a clarifying process to
remove contaminants.
[0039] FIG. 6 includes a depiction of a centrifuge unit separating
lipophyllic and hydrophyllic fractions.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a high-level schematic of a simple distillation
and solvent recovery unit.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a depiction of the major chemical subunits found
in Phytoleum.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a depiction of chemicals found in the Phytoleum
naphtha fraction; 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-butadiene or "Tirucallene A",
and 2,7-dimethyl-2,6-butadiene or "Tirucallene B", as well as an
example monoterpene limonene.
[0043] FIG. 10 is a depiction of chemicals found in the Phytoleum
grease fraction; farnesene, phytane, and squalene.
[0044] FIG. 11 is a depiction of example chemicals found in the
Phytoleum tar fraction; consisting of Parts 1 and 2.
[0045] FIG. 11 Part 1 is a depiction of chlorophyll a.
[0046] FIG. 11 Part 2 is a depiction of beta carotene and
lupenone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
[0048] The invention relates to a process by which a composition of
matter being a liquid hydrocarbon mixture is extracted from
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass via pulverization of said biomass then
a multiple phased solvent wash and recovery is employed to purify
the material and recover the solvent from the plant hydrocarbon.
The composition of matter yielded as a hydrocarbon material is
suitable for use as a fuel or chemical feedstock.
[0049] A schematic representation of the overall process is shown
in FIG. 2.
[0050] The first step in the process is the formation of a fibrous
batting mat from the fresh biomass of Euphorbia tirucalli (see FIG.
3 Part 1(A)) which will allow for efficient flow of solvent through
the material to remove hydrocarbon oils. This is achieved by
applying compressive and shearing forces to the biomass to create a
material that is conducive and efficient for solvent flow and
extraction. The preferred methodology for the pulverizing of
Euphorbia tirucalli involves three main steps. First is the
particle reduction size achieved by a hammermill (see FIG. 3 Part
1(B)). Next the Euphorbia tirucalli should be subjected to shearing
forces from a rotating knives blade array (see FIG. 3 Part 1(D)).
This orients the strands much like a cotton gin to a parallel
arrangement and readies them for ball making (see FIG. 3 Part
2(E)). Finally a run through a set of press rollers expectorates
juice and prepares the biomass for batting (see FIG. 3 Part 2(F)).
Expectoration makes batting easier and will later facilitate
solvent flow.
[0051] The material is then amalgonated into a batting. The
individual layers of the biomass mat are layered one atop another
to create a fairly uniform biomass layer from the raw biomass,
which necessary for efficient processing due to its biological
origins in the field raw biomass has a high degree of physical
variability. This batt making is key for creating a biomass product
of fairly uniform mechanical properties for the solvent wash
machinery. A schematic of the batt maker overall process is shown
in both FIG. 3 Part 1(A, B, C, and D) together with FIG. 3 Part
2(E,F,G, and H).
[0052] The batt maker takes the material from the pulverization
unit and arranges it into multiple layers. This is done by moving
the pulverized material into separate streams via a manifold and
reorienting the layers one on top of another vertically to form a
continuous batt of material with a similar consistency for the
solvent wash (see FIG. 3 Part 2(H)). The preferred methodology for
preparation the batt is for the batt to be constructed in layers of
parallel strand orientation. This is best for solvent flow and the
material fibers when processed to a width of one-quarter inch or
less in order to have sufficient "cross cling" to allow for
strength during processing. The number of layers in the bat will be
determined by the volume of throughput of the solvent extractor in
the next phase. The batt manufacture is important to maximize
Phytoleum yield, because the consistency of the mat will allow for
predictable levels of solvent flow for optimum oil extraction.
[0053] In the dry milling of this biomass, meaning no additional
process water is added during milling, an aqueous solution will
also be produced. This aqueous portion arising from the milling
will be recovered and added into the solvent extraction stream or
juice as shown in FIG. 3, Part 2(F).
[0054] The overall resulting product from this first series of
steps is a solvent permeable fibrous mat of material suitable for
solvent extraction (see FIG. 3, Part 2(H)) and a liquid aqueous
solution representing lysed cellular contents and vascular water
that was in the fresh biomass that will be defined as press water
or "juice" (see FIG. 3, Part 2(H)).
[0055] The next step is to subject the batt material to a phased
multi-wash solvent system. The solvent of preferable use in the
methodology is hexane however other non-polar solvent solutions can
be used in this process. The multi-wash solvent system also is
conducive to multiple types of solvent solutions if a sequentially
selected removal of hydrocarbon oil constituents is desired.
[0056] The multi phase wash system is defined by a continuous
system of washing solvent through the mat to where a gradient of
solvent/oil mixture is achieved. The preferable method would be to
use gravity, however other systems using pressure and mechanical
forces could be used to achieve a similar effect. The solvent/oil
gradient is crucial to this aspect of the invention as this allows
for the most economical level of solvent to be used to extract the
oil. This correlates with lower volumes of solvent needed to
extract the hydrocarbon oil to minimize solvent loss and decrease
the per unit energy needed to recover the solvent after extraction.
The schematic representation of the overall unit is shown in FIG.
4.
[0057] Once the solvent has flowed through the mat it is collected
at the loading end of the unit as washer outflow as shown in FIG.
4. Also an expectorating system consisting of a roll press is used
to expectorate solvent from within the mat before exiting the unit
as batt outflow as shown in FIG. 4. The preferred methodology for
efficient operation of the expectoration system for processing of
Euphorbia tirucalli biomass consists of expectorator rollers
oriented upward against gravity as shown in the FIG. 4. This is to
allow for the expectorated juice and solvent solution to be removed
from the mat before it is able to be reabsorbed through capillary
action of the batting mat itself. An alternative or supplemental
methodology is to use a pressure scheme or roller sequence to
accomplish the same objective of removing the liquid while not
allowing its re-uptake into the mat. The mat would then enter
another solvent wash unit. The number of units utilized in
production would differ based on plant hydrocarbon content,
throughput speed of the plant, and the number and types of
different solvents utilized.
[0058] After the mat has transited though all solvent wash units,
it would move to a solvent recovery unit to recover the solvent
remaining in the mat for collection and reuse. The mat would be
heated to drive off solvent until the levels remaining in the mat
are suitable for system discharge.
[0059] In this manner, the waste biomass bagasse mat would be
brought into an evaporator/boiler chamber as shown in FIG. 5. The
remains of the solvent would be driven off from the batting mat
using heat with or without negative pressure. This is done to
recover solvent for economical processing, as well as reduce waste
chemical discharge to the environment to levels compliant with
governmental regulations. The size and operating conditions of the
unit would correspond to throughput and the levels and type of
solvent remaining in the batting mat depending on substrate.
[0060] The solution decanted from the washer units will consist of
a mixture of water, water solubles, and a solvent/Phytoleum
mixture. The press water or juice from the matting step would also
be added to the stream as the juice will contain some oil solubles
in its raw state. This stream of liquids and solubles would be
subjected to a clarification process to remove any dirt or foreign
objects that may still be in the liquids from the washer units.
Water and oil solubles need to be separated from the stream and
this is best achieved via centrifugation. The schematic
representations for these steps for separation of the oils and
water are shown in FIG. 6 although other separation schemes such as
a gravity driven separation system could be utilized, albeit more
slowly. To yield a continuous system, an array of centrifuges would
be employed. In this manner, the juice/solvent/Phytoleum mixture is
brought into a centrifugal array.
[0061] The mixture to be centrifuged exists in two phases--One
lipophyllic, the solvent/Phytoleum solution, and one hydrophillic,
the juice. After centrifugation, the solvent/Phytoleum oil mixture
would head to an evaporator or distillation column to remove the
solvent as shown in FIG. 7. The solvent could be recovered and
reused. The mixed solution of Phytoleum and solvent are brought to
a boil, where the hexane is being removed from the solution. This
can be achieved at fairly low temperatures of about 70 to 80
degrees Celsius for hexane and pressures at around 1 atmosphere
while most other non-polar solvents will require 80 to 90 degrees
Celsius at around 1 atmosphere. This decreases the necessary
complexity of the system, which would translate to lower costs and
ease of adoption of the technology. Alternative methodologies
utilize different pressure and temperature combinations which would
also result in the removal of solvent including vacuum
distillation. The simple distillation schematic as shown in FIG. 7
could then be followed by a fractional distillation to further
process and refine the resulting Phytoleum into its constituent
fractions.
[0062] The Phytoleum itself has fairly unique characteristics
compared to vegetable oils, fats, and other more well known
lipophyllic biological derivatives. In particular the Euphorbia
tirucalli Phytoleum is comprised of terpenes, chlorophyll,
carotenes, as well as some other until now less defined and less
well known materials. These metabolites which make up a plurality
of the Euphorbia tirucalli Phytoleum are primarily of oligomerized
pentenes. These metabolites that comprise the Phytoleum oil have
large portions of 2-Methyl-2-Butene subunits. These are low
molecular weight hydrocarbons with very desirable properties for
the petroleum industry. They are sometimes manufactured as gasoline
additives and plastic polymer precursors. They can be directly
distilled and utilized as a fuel or in combination with the other
Phytoleum constituents be refined into a suite of light
petrochemical products. The Building Blocks of the composition are
shown in FIG. 8 and are comprised of Isoprene, 2-Methyl-2-Butene,
and 2-Methyl-1-Butene.
[0063] In the preferred exercise of the invention the process
yields a composition of matter, Phytoleum (see FIG. 9, FIG. 10,
FIG. 11, Part 1, and FIG. 11, Part 2), of which the bulk is
biologically synthesized from pentenes such that the number of
carbons in Phytoleum chemicals is almost always a multiple of five.
In Euphorbia tirucalii derived Phytoleum the number of carbons is
also usually a multiple of ten. Given that the number of carbons in
a molecule is usually one of the greatest factors determining
hydrocarbon characteristics, and that pentene derived hydrocarbons
are usually only liquid up to C30, the Phytoleum can be separated
after extraction into three distinct fractions; naphtha, grease,
and tar (see FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, Part 1, and FIG. 11, Part
2).
[0064] The lightest and ideally most abundant fraction is the
Phytoleum naphtha fraction (C10, rarer C5, C15) as shown in FIG. 9.
This is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a high vapor pressure
and a boiling point from 30 to 200 degrees Celsius exhibiting a
boiling point of mainly 170 to 180 degrees Celsius. The naptha
fraction is comprised mainly of 2,6-dimethyl-2,6-butadiene and
2,7-dimethyl-2,6-butadiene (Tirucallene A and Tirucallene B), with
lesser concentrations of farnesene and any other monoterpenes such
as Limonene (see FIG. 9). The second fraction is a Phytoleum grease
(C20, mainly C30, rarer C15, C25) as shown in FIG. 10. This is a
light to golden brown liquid comprised mainly of squalene with
lesser concentrations of farnesene geranylgeranene and the related
phytanes. This fraction will also hold any diterpenes that may be
present in the Phytoleum. The third fraction is a Phytoleum tar
(C35 and up, some C30, also non pentene hydrocarbons) some examples
of which are shown in FIG. 11, Part 1 and in FIG. 11, Part 2. This
fraction holds all the solid and semisolid hydrocarbons and is
usually dark green due to the presence of chlorophyll. This
fraction is comprised of rubbers, carotenes, chlorophyll, and
larger terpenoid molecules. Ketone groups are also present in this
fraction in sterols and chlorophyll itself. However there are
little to no alcohols.
[0065] While the invention has been described in connection with a
preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it
is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims. Although the present
invention has been described in considerable detail with reference
to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not
be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained
therein. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state
"means for" performing a specified function, or "step for"
performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a
"means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112
Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of the "step of" in the claims
is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Section 112
Paragraph 6.
[0066] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and
documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and
which are open to public inspection with this specification, and
the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated
herein by reference. All features disclosed in this specification
(including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be
replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or
similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Unless
expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example
only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
* * * * *