Systems and methods are provided for co-processing of pyrolysis tar with pre-pyrolysis flash bottoms. In some aspects, the co-processing can correspond to solvent-assisted hydroprocessing. By combining pyrolysis tar and flash bottoms with a solvent, various difficulties associated with hydroprocessing of the fractions can be reduced or minimized, such as difficulties associated with hydroprocessing of high viscosity feeds and/or high sulfur feeds. Optionally, separate solvents and/or fluxes can be used for the pyrolysis tar and the flash bottoms. The resulting upgraded products can be suitable, for example, for inclusion in low sulfur fuel oils (LSFO).

Systems and methods are provided for co-processing of pyrolysis tar with pre-pyrolysis flash bottoms. In some aspects, the co-processing can correspond to solvent-assisted hydroprocessing. By combining pyrolysis tar and flash bottoms with a solvent, various difficulties associated with hydroprocessing of the fractions can be reduced or minimized, such as difficulties associated with hydroprocessing of high viscosity feeds and/or high sulfur feeds. Optionally, separate solvents and/or fluxes can be used for the pyrolysis tar and the flash bottoms. The resulting upgraded products can be suitable, for example, for inclusion in low sulfur fuel oils (LSFO).

A method of synthesizing fuel from an aqueous solution includes pumping the aqueous solution, containing dissolved inorganic carbon, from a body of water into a carbon extraction unit. The method further includes extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution to create CO.sub.2 by changing a pH of the aqueous solution in the carbon extraction unit. The CO.sub.2 derived in the carbon extraction unit is received by a fuel synthesis unit, and the CO.sub.2 is converted into fuel including at least one of a hydrocarbon, an ether, or an alcohol using the fuel synthesis unit.

A method of synthesizing fuel from an aqueous solution includes pumping the aqueous solution, containing dissolved inorganic carbon, from a body of water into a carbon extraction unit. The method further includes extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution to create CO.sub.2 by changing a pH of the aqueous solution in the carbon extraction unit. The CO.sub.2 derived in the carbon extraction unit is received by a fuel synthesis unit, and the CO.sub.2 is converted into fuel including at least one of a hydrocarbon, an ether, or an alcohol using the fuel synthesis unit.

The process is for thermally treating a feed material. The process comprises at least one step performed in a rotating kiln operating under positive pressure with a pressure control system and wherein in the process a sweep gas, that is an inert gas or a substantially non-reactive gas, is injected into the rotating kiln or in the feed stream entering the rotating operating kiln; or at least one step performed in a rotating kiln operating under positive pressure managing system; or at least one step performed in a rotating kiln wherein a sweep gas is injected in the rotating kiln or in the feed stream entering the rotating operating kiln. In step a), or in b) or in step c), the conditions of the thermal treatment are managed in order that the exit stream, after cooling, result in at least one liquid phase that is preferably essentially an oily liquid phase.

The process is for thermally treating a feed material. The process comprises at least one step performed in a rotating kiln operating under positive pressure with a pressure control system and wherein in the process a sweep gas, that is an inert gas or a substantially non-reactive gas, is injected into the rotating kiln or in the feed stream entering the rotating operating kiln; or at least one step performed in a rotating kiln operating under positive pressure managing system; or at least one step performed in a rotating kiln wherein a sweep gas is injected in the rotating kiln or in the feed stream entering the rotating operating kiln. In step a), or in b) or in step c), the conditions of the thermal treatment are managed in order that the exit stream, after cooling, result in at least one liquid phase that is preferably essentially an oily liquid phase.

A method of reducing a C—O bond to the corresponding C—H bond in a substrate, which could be a benzylic alcohol, allylic alcohol, ester or an ether bond beta to a hydroxyl group or alpha to a carbonyl group using a recyclable metal catalyst system. The recyclable catalyst system is also applicable to reducing a C═O bond to the corresponding C—OH bond and then C—H bond. These methodologies can be linked in one-pot to selective oxidation and depolymerizations of aromatic polyols such as lignin.

A method of reducing a C—O bond to the corresponding C—H bond in a substrate, which could be a benzylic alcohol, allylic alcohol, ester or an ether bond beta to a hydroxyl group or alpha to a carbonyl group using a recyclable metal catalyst system. The recyclable catalyst system is also applicable to reducing a C═O bond to the corresponding C—OH bond and then C—H bond. These methodologies can be linked in one-pot to selective oxidation and depolymerizations of aromatic polyols such as lignin.

Provided herein are methods for producing ketone(s) from the condensation of methyl ketone(s) and alcohol(s) in the presence of an amine catalyst and a metal catalyst. Such amine catalysts may be supported, for example, on a silica-alumina support. Such ketones may be suitable for use in producing fuels, gasoline additives, and/or lubricants, or precursors thereof. The methyl ketone(s) and/or alcohol(s) may be obtained from renewable sources, such as by fermentation of biomass.

Processes for converting lignocellulose to feedstock and downstream products are disclosed. The processes may include acid treatment of lignocellulose to produce a fermentation feedstock. In various instances, the processes include recovery or recycling of acid, such as recovery of hydrochloric acid from concentrated and/or dilute streams. Downstream products may include acrylic acid-based products such as diapers, paper and paper-based products, ethanol, biofuels such as biodiesel and fuel additives, and detergents.