Patent ID: 7815694

Claim:
A method comprising the steps of: a) providing a quantity of biologically-derived 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 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; and e) hydrotreating at least some of the fatty acids selected from the group consisting of saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and combinations thereof, so as to yield alkanes.