Nicholas N Nagle

US Patent:

6737258, May 18, 2004

Filed:

Jan 11, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/031216

Inventors:

Bonnie R. Hames - Westminster CO
Amie D. Sluiter - Arvada CO
Tammy K. Hayward - Broomfield CO
Nicholas J. Nagle - Broomfield CO

Assignee:

Midwest Research Institute - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

C12P 706

US Classification:

435161, 435162, 435163, 435165, 4352521, 4352529, 4352536, 4352551, 4352552, 43525521

Abstract:

A process of making a fuel or chemical from a biomass hydrolyzate is provided which comprises the steps of providing a biomass hydrolyzate, adjusting the pH of the hydrolyzate, contacting a metal oxide having an affinity for guaiacyl or syringyl functional groups, or both and the hydrolyzate for a time sufficient to form an adsorption complex; removing the complex wherein a sugar fraction is provided, and converting the sugar fraction to fuels or chemicals using a microorganism.

US Patent:

57858527, Jul 28, 1998

Filed:

Apr 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/418592

Inventors:

Christopher J. Rivard - Lakewood CO
Nicholas J. Nagle - Broomfield CO

Assignee:

Midwest Research Institute - Kansas City MI

International Classification:

C02F 1118

US Classification:

210613

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for pretreating microbial sludges in order to enhance secondary anaerobic digestion. The pretreatment process involves disrupting the cellular integrity of municipal sewage sludge through a combination of thermal, explosive decompression and shear forces. The sludge is pressurized and pumped to a pretreatment reactor where it is mixed with steam to heat and soften the sludge. The pressure of the sludge is suddenly reduced and explosive decompression forces are imparted which partially disrupt the cellular integrity of the sludge. Shear forces are then applied to the sludge to further disrupt the cellular integrity of the sludge. Disrupting cellular integrity releases both soluble and insoluble organic constituents and thereby renders municipal sewage sludge more amenable to secondary anaerobic digestion.

US Patent:

53804457, Jan 10, 1995

Filed:

Oct 22, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/139840

Inventors:

Christopher J. Rivard - Lakewood CO
Nicholas J. Nagle - Louisville CO

Assignee:

Midwest Research Institute - Kansas City MO

International Classification:

C02F 136

US Classification:

210748

Abstract:

Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.