Patent ID: 8124572
Filing Date: 2012-02-28
Classification: C10G,C10L,C10M,C10N,C11C,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for integrated production of a biolubricant and a transportation fuel product from a common biomass feedstock, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a quantity of biologically-derived oil, said oil comprising triglycerides; b) processing the biologically-derived oil so as to hydrolyze at least some of the triglycerides contained therein so as to form free fatty acids therefrom, wherein the processing step comprises acid- or base-catalyzed hydrolysis, and wherein the fatty acids are of a type selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof; c) separating the fatty acids by type, such that at least the monounsaturated fatty acids are substantially isolated from the saturated fatty acids and the polyunsaturated fatty acids; d) modifying at least some of the monounsaturated fatty acids to form an ester product comprising triester species, wherein said ester product is suitable for use as a lubricant or component thereof, and wherein said modifying comprises the following substeps: e) esterifying at least some of the saturated fatty acids with a quantity of at least one alcohol species so as to yield a monoester product comprising a quantity of monoesters; and f) utilizing the monoester product as a transportation fuel or component thereof.