Title: Methods and systems for generating polyols

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source.

Inventors:

Cortright, Randy D.

Issue Date:

2012-06-12

Research Org.:

Virent, Inc., Madison, WI (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1531839

Patent Number(s):

8198486

Application Number:

13/170,757

Assignee:

Virent, Inc. (Madison, WI)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01J - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B01 - PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL B01J - CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY

B01J23/8906 - {Iron and noble metals}

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

C01B2203/0233 - the reforming step being a steam reforming step
C01B2203/06 - Integration with other chemical processes
C01B2203/1047 - Group VIII metal catalysts
C01B2203/1052 - Nickel or cobalt catalysts
C01B2203/1058 - Nickel catalysts
C01B2203/1064 - Platinum group metal catalysts
C01B2203/107 - Platinum catalysts
C01B2203/1076 - Copper or zinc-based catalysts
C01B2203/1211 - Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
C01B2203/1217 - Alcohols
C01B3/323 - {Catalytic reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds other than hydrocarbons with gasifying agents}

C - CHEMISTRY C07 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY C07C - ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS

C07C27/06 - by hydrogenation of oxides of carbon
C07C29/60 - by elimination of -OH groups, e.g. by dehydration
C07C31/205 - {1,3-Propanediol

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02P - CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS

Y02P20/52 - using catalysts, e.g. selective catalysts
Y02P30/20 - Bio-feedstock

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DOE Contract Number:  

FG36-05GO15046

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2011-06-28

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

09 BIOMASS FUELS; 08 HYDROGEN; 37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY