×

Methods for co-production of ethanol and silica from equisetum

  • US 8,026,086 B2
  • Filed: 03/20/2008
  • Issued: 09/27/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2007
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for the co-production of silica and at least one other useful industrial chemical product, comprising the steps of:

  • a) pre-treating siliceous plant matter to create a feedstock having exposed cellulose, wherein the siliceous plant matter is derived from members of the genus Equisetum;

    b) placing the feedstock in a reactor containing a biological agent effective to break down the cellulose into at least one useful organic chemical reaction product and a silica-containing co-product, wherein the biological agent comprises a culture of anaerobic thermophyllic bacteria, and wherein the useful organic chemical reaction product is selected from the group comprising ethanol, methane and hydrogen;

    c) separating the at least one useful organic chemical product from the reactor;

    d) separating the silica-containing co-product from the reactor; and

    e) refining the silica-containing co-product into silica or other industrially useful silicon-containing products.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×