WO2011044267A1 - Environmentallly-friendly kelp-based energy saving lubricants, biofuels, and other industrial products - Google Patents

Environmentallly-friendly kelp-based energy saving lubricants, biofuels, and other industrial products Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011044267A1
WO2011044267A1 PCT/US2010/051672 US2010051672W WO2011044267A1 WO 2011044267 A1 WO2011044267 A1 WO 2011044267A1 US 2010051672 W US2010051672 W US 2010051672W WO 2011044267 A1 WO2011044267 A1 WO 2011044267A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
kelp
macroalgae
marine
composition
lubricant
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PCT/US2010/051672
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
E. Anthony Copp
Prashant G Joshi
Dale Glantz
Lawrence J. Aniol
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Oceanfuels, Inc.
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Publication of WO2011044267A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011044267A1/en

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L5/00—Solid fuels
    • C10L5/40—Solid fuels essentially based on materials of non-mineral origin
    • C10L5/44—Solid fuels essentially based on materials of non-mineral origin on vegetable substances
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L5/00—Solid fuels
    • C10L5/02—Solid fuels such as briquettes consisting mainly of carbonaceous materials of mineral or non-mineral origin
    • C10L5/34—Other details of the shaped fuels, e.g. briquettes
    • C10L5/36—Shape
    • C10L5/361—Briquettes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
    • C10L5/00—Solid fuels
    • C10L5/02—Solid fuels such as briquettes consisting mainly of carbonaceous materials of mineral or non-mineral origin
    • C10L5/34—Other details of the shaped fuels, e.g. briquettes
    • C10L5/36—Shape
    • C10L5/363—Pellets or granulates
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M111/00—Lubrication compositions characterised by the base-material being a mixture of two or more compounds covered by more than one of the main groups C10M101/00 - C10M109/00, each of these compounds being essential
    • C10M111/04—Lubrication compositions characterised by the base-material being a mixture of two or more compounds covered by more than one of the main groups C10M101/00 - C10M109/00, each of these compounds being essential at least one of them being a macromolecular organic compound
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M159/00—Lubricating compositions characterised by the additive being of unknown or incompletely defined constitution
    • C10M159/02—Natural products
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M177/00—Special methods of preparation of lubricating compositions; Chemical modification by after-treatment of components or of the whole of a lubricating composition, not covered by other classes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2207/00—Organic non-macromolecular hydrocarbon compounds containing hydrogen, carbon and oxygen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2207/02—Hydroxy compounds
    • C10M2207/021—Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to acyclic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms
    • C10M2207/022—Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to acyclic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms containing at least two hydroxy groups
    • C10M2207/0225—Hydroxy compounds having hydroxy groups bound to acyclic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms containing at least two hydroxy groups used as base material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2209/00—Organic macromolecular compounds containing oxygen as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2209/10—Macromolecular compoundss obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • C10M2209/1003—Macromolecular compoundss obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds used as base material
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/30—Refrigerators lubricants or compressors lubricants
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2070/00—Specific manufacturing methods for lubricant compositions
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E50/00—Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
    • Y02E50/10—Biofuels, e.g. bio-diesel
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E50/00—Technologies for the production of fuel of non-fossil origin
    • Y02E50/30—Fuel from waste, e.g. synthetic alcohol or diesel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to new and useful kelp-based products and methods for acquiring, processing, refining and using these novel products. More particularly, the present invention relates to environmentally-friendly methods and means for harvesting kelp and processing it for use in various industrial applications including environmentally-friendly and energy saving lubricants, lubricant additives, biofuels, bio-based chemicals, oil remediation dispersants and sorbents, non-toxic health supplements, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products/ingredients, horticultural and aquacultural feed or supplements, and a recoverable source of trace elements.
  • this emerging technology is based on the cultivation of algae in large, man-made and operated ponds, to capture the by-products (carbon dioxide) of the algae's respiration to use as a power source.
  • This technology suffers from several drawbacks that have made it unattractive and unpalatable for most jurisdictions.
  • the ponds must be close to the production facility and end-users to be viable.
  • the present invention overcomes the practical problems described above, satisfies the long-felt, yet unresolved needs in the art, and offers new advantages as well.
  • the present inventors have found a clean, environmentally-friendly kelp technology that provides numerous new and useful products never thought possible by prior artisans.
  • the present inventors have discovered new and useful kelp-based products in conjunction with environmentally-friendly methods for acquiring, processing, refining and using these novel products.
  • the present inventors have come up with environmentally-friendly methods and means for harvesting kelp and processing it for use in various industrial applications including environmentally-friendly and energy saving lubricants, lubricant additives, biofuels, bio-based chemicals, oil remediation dispersants and sorbents, non-toxic health supplements, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical product ingredients, horticultural and aquacultural feed or supplements, and a recoverable source of trace elements.
  • the starting material, kelp, or "marine macroalgae,” is classified into three broad groups (1 ) based on pigmentation and other characteristics: (1 ) Green - Chlorophyceae, (2) Brown -Phaeophyceae and (3) Red - Rhodophyceae.
  • Red macroalgae come in a variety of shades of red due to additional red protein pigments. The red color is not uniform and some species are purple, mauve, orange or even yellow. These pigments allow the red algae to grow at far greater depths than the green and brown algae. Red algae can occur down to 200 metres. Green macroalgae get their colors from the photosynthetic chlorophyll pigments.
  • Green algae come in a variety of shapes including flat sheets, cylinders, strings of beads, spheres, or hair-like filaments.
  • Green algae are common in the intertidal zones and shallow waters as well as some freshwater habitats where light is plentiful. Brown macroalgae have additional pigments which mask the green chlorophyll. These pigments allow the brown algae to extend their range down into deeper waters because the pigments are more efficient than green chlorophyll in absorbing the sunlight below the ocean's surface.
  • Brown algae includes Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida, Macrocystis pyrifera, Alaria Fistulosa, Alaria Marginata, Fucus Evanescens, Laminaria Cichorioides, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria Hyperboria, Saccharina Latissima, Fucus Vesiculosus and Ascophyllum Nodosum.
  • these brown algae are the seaweeds of the colder Northern Hemisphere waters. Kelps, a member of this group, have 30 different genera and are the largest seaweeds known so far.
  • Green algae includes Monostroma and Enteromorpha; while red algae includes Porphyra, Eucheuma, Kappaphycus and Gracilaria. Red seaweeds contain around 550 species of algae making them the largest group, including the Porphyra species and Pterocladia lucida known for their use in agar production.
  • the world's top cultivated seaweed genera during the year 2000 were reported to be Laminaria (4.6 Million tons), Porphyra (1 .01 Million tons), Undaria (0.3 Million tons), Eucheuma and Kappaphycus (0.63 Million tons) and Gracilaria (12.5 kilo tons).
  • kelp can be harvested' 3 ' as a source of potash, algin, and more recently food additives.
  • Giant bladder kelp or Macrocystis pyrifera is the easiest to harvest because it is found in deep water habitats, thereby allowing large harvesting boats to operate more easily; and its surface canopy lends itself to harvesting several times a year without disturbing the submerged vegetative and reproductive parts which are located below the harvesting levels, thereby ensuring the kelp will continue to reproduce and the surface canopy will be regenerated by the younger fronds growing below the surface.
  • Macro algae can reach sizes of over 60 meters in length, unlike microalgae which are very small plant like organisms which can be seen through a microscope. In size, brown macro algae such as Macrocystis pyrifera are ofter referred to as the "Seqouia of the Seas" being the largest algaes in the world.
  • kelp is the primary source of algin.
  • Algin is a highly efficient thickening, stabilizing, suspending and gelling agent. Algin is regularly used as an emulsifier to bind oily and watery fluids together and is used for this purpose to prevent salad dressings from separating in containers. It is also used as a "suspender” to keep pigment particles mixed with the carrier as in paints, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Also, algin aids in controlling viscosity and smoothing liquid and gel products.
  • giant kelp In addition to algin production, giant kelp has also been used as a food supplement for many years because it contains iodine, potassium, other essential vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates. In Asia, for decades, various lower quality kelps have been harvested for use with other ingredients for dietary supplements. There are a number of scientific studies using mice to test the health benefits of kelp for a variety of ailments. However, to date, these studies have not resulted in clinical trials of any significance.
  • the present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that kelp-slime extracted from kelp provides the surprising and unexpected qualities of a superior, energy saving lubricant/drag reducing agent, and other by products, such as an oil dispersant for oil spill remediation (and wherein dried kelp may serve as a complimentary or stand alone oil sorbent).
  • the present invention is also based, in part, on the discovery that kelp harvested and treated to extract slime, may be further treated and/or used in other useful industrial applications.
  • dried kelp may be fed, or extruded into kelp nuggets (biomass) then fed, into an energy conversion plant gasifier to produce biofuels such as synthetic diesel, jet fuel and naphtha.
  • kelp may be used as a feedstock for a biorefinery using a pyrolysis method.
  • dried kelp and/or kelp- slime by-products will be treated and used as a source of Fucoidan for personal healthcare (e.g., foodstuffs, additives, supplements, cosmeceuticals, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals) and a source of organic farming growth nutrients (e.g., feed) for shrimp farms and livestock (animal/equine feed).
  • the ash/residue from the energy conversion process may be treated to extrude trace elements such as arsenic for use in other products such as pesticides or herbicides.
  • An object of some embodiments of the invention is to harvest kelp in its natural environment without the use of man-made or operated ponds.
  • a related object of the invention is to provide a method of harvesting kelp without adversely affecting the existing habitat.
  • An object of some embodiments of the invention is to extract slime/sieve sap from harvested kelp for use as, blending with, or the addition to lubricants for various industrial uses including refrigeration.
  • a related object of the invention is to use kelp slime for its superior drag reducing properties.
  • Other embodiments include use in cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals for inter-personal hygiene uses and medicated lubricants, and as inhibitory agents in virus protection.
  • An object of some embodiments of the invention is to harvest and treat kelp to extract Fucoidan for use in foodstuffs, additives, supplements, cosmeceuticals, nutriceuticals, pharmaceuticals in the personal healthcare and medical industries.
  • An object of some embodiments of the invention is to harvest and treat kelp to provide a cheap, clean source of organic farming growth nutrients (e.g., feed) for shrimp farmers and livestock owners.
  • organic farming growth nutrients e.g., feed
  • Another object of the invention is to use kelp as a feedstock for a biorefinery for the production of biofuels, chemicals and bio-char using a pyrolysis method.
  • Kelp (or macroalgae) can be pyrolyzed by itself or in combination with any of the following non-limiting added constituents: polymers, rubbers, crude oil and other feedstocks.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to efficiently sequester various trace elements and metals in kelp as part of bio-char product from the pyrolysis of kelp.
  • the bio-char is used as soil amendment or fertilizer base. Optionally, some of the trace metals can be extracted for individual applications.
  • Another object of some embodiments of the invention is to use kelp as a feedstock for a biorefinery for the production of biofuels such as synthetic diesel, jet fuel and naphtha.
  • a related object of yet other embodiments of the invention is to provide methods of washing, drying, extracting the chlorine and alkali from the dried kelp, and extruding kelp into nuggets for use in an energy conversion plant gasifier.
  • the kelp feedstock is mixed with a higher fixed carbon containing feedstock to improve energy efficiency.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to recover the ash/residue of the biorefinery for extracting arsenic and other trace elements for use in other industrial products and applications such as pesticides or herbicides.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to use kelp (or macroalgae) in an anaerobic digestion or fermentation process, wherein micro-organisms feed on kelp residue and produce gaseous products that can be used as biofuels, e.g. biogas, methane and hydrogen.
  • kelp or macroalgae
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram generically illustrating the steps of a presently preferred prophetic embodiment of the invention showing the steps for using kelp according to various embodiments of the invention from harvesting the kelp through recovery of trace metals from its waste products.
  • Figure 2 is a more detailed block diagram illustrating the steps of a presently preferred prophetic embodiment of the invention showing the steps in the multi-use kelp application of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a presently preferred prophetic embodiment of the invention depicting the use of kelp in various industrial applications.
  • Figure 4 is a process flow diagram illustrating a presently preferred prophetic embodiment of the invention depicting the use of kelp in biofuel production.
  • Figure 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating a presently preferred prophetic embodiment of the invention depicting the use of kelp in lubricant production.
  • kelp e.g., macro algae
  • kelp e.g., macro algae
  • the present inventors have discovered the unexpected and advantageous features of using kelp, its constituents, and its waste or by-products as a starting material, additive or component used in a plurality of varied industrial uses.
  • the kelp and kelp products of the present invention satisfy the long-felt, yet unresolved needs in the arts for a renewable, non-depleatable energy source as well as an environmentally friendly mutli-use product with little or no waste product.
  • kelp slime/sieve sap aspect of Applicants' invention is the antithesis of traditional kelp technology in that kelp slime/sieve sap is not only collected at harvesting, but residual slime/sieve sap is also collected during the on-shore draining and drying process.
  • the collected kelp slime/sieve sap is then used as a lubricant or constituent of a lubricant composition as describe in more detail herein, despite the incredulity in the art that kelp slime/sieve sap has any redeeming value.
  • the lubricants of the present invention not only possess unexpectedly superior lubricant properties, but also provide residual and unexpected benefits when used in various systems, consumer products, and other applications.
  • kelp and in particular, macro brown algae, Macrocystis pyrifera, and other brown algae, such as Laminaria japonica (and two other Laminaria algae) are not only a great source of Fucoidan, but also capable of being processed to a purity of between 85-90%, or even medical grade purity. These purities, never thought achievable, allow the kelp of the present invention to serve as the starting material for Fucoidan powders and the like to be used in medicinal and therapeutic products , as dietary supplements, and as ingredients for cosmeceutical and nutriceutical applications.
  • Figure 1 Various aspects of the present invention and its various new and novel features are depicted for reference generally in the exemplary and non-limiting flow diagram of Figure 1 . While provided for ease of comprehension and reference, Figure 1 should not be construed as limiting the present invention to a particular process or order of steps, nor should it be construed as a limitation of the invention as requiring all of the steps and processes to be performed. In addition, the inclusion of Figure 1 is not an admission that all of the steps and processes are necessary to depart novelty to the present invention or an indication that each step, product, or process is not distinctly patentable in isolation.
  • an advantageous aspect of the present invention involves the extraction of brown algae sieve sap, or brown algae "slime,” from the harvesting process of brown algae.
  • the kelp is harvested using kelp harvester boats, preferably followed by extraction of any chlorine content (although not required), to produce a new form of lubricant that can be used as a drag reducing agent and/or as a natural algae “synthetic" lubricant alternative (“NASL").
  • NSL natural algae "synthetic" lubricant alternative
  • the lubricant may comprise 100% pure sieve sap (NASL) as the sole lubricant ingredient, or alternatively, be used in various concentrations to yield multiple blends by scaling down the NASL content to any effective percentage (as low as 1 % sap) for the intended use.
  • NSL pure sieve sap
  • the lubricants are preferably used in two distinct and separate applications: 1 ) use with existing and new refrigerants used today for compressors to replace the R22 standard, such as Polyol Esters, (POE) Polyalkyl glycols (PAG), Polyalkyl benzenes (PAB), Polyalphaolefins (PAO) and Polyvinyl ethers (PVE) to enhance their performance in compressors in any industrial application, and 2) used as a component mixed in any ratio from about 1 % or higher, for use with refrigerants such as R410a or the like for any of the full spectrum of global refrigerants and heating systems.
  • refrigerants such as R410a or the like for any of the full spectrum of global refrigerants and heating systems.
  • the new NASL may also be blended with mineral oil or similar compounds for use in older systems being phased out today to perform the same lubrication and drag reducing functions of other embodiments of the invention.
  • the non-toxic and potentially therapeutic nature of the new NASL may be used in the personal lubricant, massage gel, and lifestyle/therapeutic oil market and products. While the advantages of the organic nature of the lubricant and its safety are new readily appreciated, the potential additional therapeutic benefits of the Fucoidan content are also noteworthy. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, kelp, trepang, seaweed, and the like are harvested and dried to extract
  • Fucoidan While not accepted in all scientific circles, Fucoidan is known to have the unexplained phenomena of providing numerous health benefits ranging from being a source of food nutrients, to healing/protecting the organs of the body, to curing cancer, and to have anti-aging, skin protecting qualities, including use as an anticoagulant, and encouraging thermogenisis. According to this aspect of the invention, one particularly advantages feature of the lubricant of the present invention is its antiviral properties and its deployment with condoms to protect against the transmission of viruses such as herpes and HIV.
  • kelp slime as an oil dispersant and dried kelp or kelp residue as an oil sorbent in oil remediation operations.
  • the methods, means, and processes require the harvesting and treatment of the kelp is a safe and efficient manner as discussed in more detail below.
  • the invention involves the initial step of harvesting of kelp 10 (macro algae brown, red or green) with the dual/joint collection of the algae and its sieve sap for commercial use in a plurality of separate products.
  • kelp 10 macro algae brown, red or green
  • both the sieve sap and wet brown algae solid matter are jointly harvested, with separation of both products occurring aboard customized kelp harvesting vessels having a separate sieve sap receptacle for unloading on docking.
  • this technology captures the sieve sap from the harvested core macro algae.
  • kelp When kelp is harvested, it is typically cut and taken aboard in 20 to 50 foot strands. Once on land, the kelp is preferably cut into smaller more manageable pieces in a chopping/milling step 20. Typically, the kelp is chopped into one to two foot segments. However, for various applications, it is milled into 3 or 4 inch squares.
  • an additional sieve sap separation step 30 of the wet brown algae occurs before, after, or during unloading and chopping/milling of the harvested core macro algae (to create smaller sizes of the wet algae as described above).
  • the chopped algae product is preferably then stored in a second stage drain to collect any additional sieve sap to insure an optimal/maximum amount of sieve sap is collected from each shipload.
  • the removal of chlorine step 40 and alkali may occur, if at all, elsewhere in the process, but preferably before drying.
  • the combined sieve sap or brown algae "slinne,” in this embodiment the brown algae Macrocystis pyrifera sieve sap of kelp growing offshore the Pacific Ocean
  • the physical macrocystis pyrifera are preferably both further processed to extract any chlorine or alkali.
  • the removal of chlorine and alkali, while not critical, is generally deemed important because these materials may corrode stills, parts, and machinery exposed to the untreated kelp. This is particularly true when dried kelp is to be used as a feedstock for a biorefinery. Chlorine, alkali and there corrosive affects are detrimental to the biorefinery and to be completely avoided to the extent possible. Slime Collected, Combined and Sent for Further Processing.
  • Both sources of sieve sap are preferably combined in a pre-processing step 50 as depicted in Figure 1 . It is expected that 1 ,000 gallons of brown algae sieve sap can be recovered per vessel per trip - 500 gallons from the initial on-board separation and an additional 500 gallons during the land-based chopping, milling and residual draining.
  • the collated sieve sap is trucked, shipped, piped or otherwise sent for use as the starting material or additive for industrial lubricants and oils.
  • the solid wet plant (preferably after chopping and/or milling), in this example, Macrocystis pyrifera, is then sent to a land drying location for the drying step 60.
  • wet kelp is shipped in trucks to a drying area and air dried on concrete slabs. After drying, it may be further processed to extract chlorine and alkali or residual chlorine and alkali left from a first extraction. Post extraction and drying, the dried kelp is then scooped up by a machine and bagged or otherwise gathered for processing or use in other industrial applications.
  • dried kelp may be sent to a facility and processed into Fucoidan 70.
  • the Fucoidan of the present invention is processed into a purity of between 85-90% or better (e.g., medicinal grade), and serves as the precursor to powders, additives, and capsules for personal health and medicinal products. Fucoidan of this purity is generally recognized as unnecessary and unachievable.
  • the present inventors contemplate high- purity Fucoidan for atypical uses (met with incredulity in the art) and uses which allow its waste or by-products to be mined for other or downstream uses.
  • dry kelp not used for Fucoidan may be used as a biofuel feedstock 80.
  • Chopped/milled kelp may be fed to the biorefinery, or alternatively, dried kelp may be extruded into 3 inch, low moisture nuggets to form it into an optimal biofuel feedstock for use in the process of making diesel, jet fuel, naphtha and/or electricity.
  • the residue/waste of the kelp feedstock may be recovered and processed to recover trace elements, such as arsenic, for use in other products such as pesticides or herbicides.
  • the residues/waste products may be processed or recovered for other uses in a "recovery step" 100 (for lack of a better phrase).
  • the resultant ash from use of kelp as a feedstock of a biorefinery may be harvested and separated to recover trace elements 101 such as arsenic for use in the manufacturing of pesticides and the like.
  • the residue from Fucoidan manufacturing may be recovered and sold for use in the horticultural industry 1023.
  • FIG 4 there is depicted a process flow diagram for a presently preferred embodiment of the invention for using kelp as a biofuel source.
  • the kelp may be used in a gasification process and/or a pyrolysis process to achieve the biofuel and related aspects of the invention.
  • Kelp or Macroalgae based Biofuels - Pyrolysis and Gasification
  • Figure 6 delineates the process steps for kelp (or macroalgae) to be used to manufacture biofuels and a range of other useful products (e.g. electricity, bio based chemicals, bio-char).
  • kelp or macroalgae
  • Laminaria japonica was determined to be the optimum substrate for hydrogen production.
  • Suzuki and Iwata (1990) used a non-destructive photon activation analysis technique (8) on two brown algae, Laminaria religiosa and Sargassum horneri, and one red alga, Heterosiphoia japonica. Elemental abundances of nine elements including arsenic and phosphorous were determined. Zhou et al.
  • bio-oil was a complex mixture of ketones, aldehydes, phenols, alkenes, fatty acids, esters, aromatics, and nitrogen- containing heterocyclic compounds.
  • Acetic acid was the main component of the water-soluble products.
  • the pre-treatment schemes investigated can remove a significant proportion of the mineral matter and halogens although they also selectively extract polymeric material. There appears to be potential for the production of fuels and chemicals from brown algae by pyrolysis although the reduction of mineral matter and halogens by pre-treatment is advantageous.
  • TGA thermogravimetry
  • pyrolysis-gc-ms Combustion behavior is investigated using TGA in an oxidising atmosphere.
  • Ash chemistry restricts the use of macroalgae for direct combustion and gasification.
  • Pyrolysis produces a range of pentosans and a significant proportion of nitrogen containing compounds. High char yields are produced.
  • Li et al. evaluated the pyrolytic and kinetic characteristics of two macro-algae (Laminaria japonica and Sargassum pallidum) and sodium alginate. (12) The results indicated that three stages appeared during pyrolysis, moisture evaporation, primary devolatilization and residual decomposition. Calculation of the most probable mechanism function of zone I of the two macro-algae indicated that alginate was mainly decomposed during zone I.
  • thermochemical liquefaction and the extraction using supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2).
  • sc-CO2 requires dry material and uses moderate temperature and pressure so that it can be useful for the extraction of thermolabile compounds which may decompose at the temperature at which thermal methods are carried out.
  • thermolabile compounds which may decompose at the temperature at which thermal methods are carried out.
  • the extracted oil was characterized quantitatively and qualitatively.
  • the novelty of the work is that in the literature the use of macroalgae for the production of biodiesel has not so far been described, while they are used mainly as food or other purposes. Pyrolysis Technology ⁇ '
  • NREL National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • the principal technical requirement is to impart a very high heating rate with a corresponding high heat flux to the biomass.
  • the reactor designs capable of achieving this requirement are the Fluidized beds (both bubbling and circulating), Ablative (biomass particle moves across hot surface like butter on a hot skillet), Vacuum and Transported beds without a carrier gas. Of these designs, the fluidized and transported beds appear to have gained acceptance as the designs of choice for being reliable thermal reaction devices capable of producing bio-oil in high yields.
  • the gaseous fraction contained mainly H 2 , CH 4 , CO and CO 2 (typically 25 wt% at 500°C).
  • the bio-oil contained a complex mixture of hydrocarbons including toluene, pyrroles, styrene, ethanone, benzenes, phenols, cresols, nitriles, indoles and long chain alkanes. It was also observed that high levels of alkali earth metals promote higher char yields.
  • Biomass pyrolysis oil is a greenhouse-gas-neutral, renewable resource that is produced when biomass is rapidly heated in the absence of oxygen.
  • the oil can be combusted in industrial burners and furnaces for power and heating or further refined into transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
  • transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel and jet fuel.
  • the oil is acidic (corrosive) and its viscosity increases over time making the substance unstable, which limits storage and transportation options, as well as its compatibility with some industrial equipment (16) .
  • the stability of the bio-oil product is critical to the design of end use devices such as burners, internal combustion (IC) engines, and turbines.
  • IC internal combustion
  • specialized catalytic reactor technology and catalytic de- oxygenation methods may need further advances to convert bio-oil to drop-in gasoline, diesel or jet fuel and to make the processes robust and viable in large scale (17) .
  • Natural Macroalgae on a dry basis contain approximately 58% Carbohydrates (Cellulose, Sugars and Starch), 12% Proteins, 3% Lipids and 27% Ash (with Minerals and trace metals).
  • the cell walls of brown algae contain cellulose, alginates, sulfated fucans, and protein. Alginates form the dominant structural compounds of the cell wall and the intercellular matrix. With minor amounts of lipid contents, Marine algae do not contain any lignin.
  • One of the few exceptions is Calliarthron cheilosporioides. Martone et al.
  • Table 1 shows proximate and ultimate analyses of air dried (As received) and dry kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera). Typically, harvested wet kelp has a high water content that can be reduced to desired levels (5-10%) by drying it on land (step 60, Figure 1 ).
  • Kelp contains -5% fixed carbon, which is low and distinctly different than the fixed carbon content of land based biomass (typically >15%).
  • Fixed carbon is the partially or completely oxidizable carbon that does not volatilize when simply heated. A higher fixed carbon content is more favorable for gasification since it provides exothermic heat from partial oxidation to the process and a lower fixed carbon with a higher volatiles percentage is more favorable for pyrolysis.
  • kelp is the hydrogen to carbon (H/C) ratio in Kelp. This ratio (-0.13) is higher than average H/C for land based biomass (-0.12) by approximately 5%. Average data on H/C ratios and fixed carbon for land based biomass were taken from the DOE website: http://www1 .eere.energy.gov/biomass/feedstock databases.html. Since hydrogen as a fuel has the highest energy content per unit weight, even a 5% excess H/C ratio can result in a higher energy content product (vapors or gases) with a smaller carbon footprint.
  • Another advantageous aspect of kelp is the absence of lignin.
  • lignaceous components of biomass are difficult to gasify or pyrolyze.
  • gasesification although they can partially oxidize and provide sustaining heat for the process, they predominantly affect tar formation and substantial process modifications (or additional unit operations) are needed to reduce or eliminate tars.
  • lignins do not crack effectively unless substantial process modifications (e.g. very slow pyrolysis) are made.
  • the absence of lignin makes kelp an ideal feedstock for pyrolysis.
  • Yet another advantage of kelp feedstock during pyrolysis is the ease in handling of ash, minerals and recovery of trace elements. During pyrolysis, trace elements and metals are effectively sequestered within the bio-char product.
  • the bio-char can be directly used as soil amendment or fertilizer or individual trace metals can be extracted for their applications. If extracted, based on the elemental analysis of kelp ash - for every 1000 tons of kelp processed, there is a potential to recover 37 Kg of Arsenic, 12 Kg of Barium and 13 Kg of Chromium and similar quantities of Cadmium and Lead.
  • Table 2 Elemental Analysis of Kelp Ash and Metal concentration
  • KCI, NaCI salts
  • the high volatile content combined with low fixed carbon and optimization on process conditions provide for easy separation of ash (including minerals, oxides and trace metals) from the organic content during pyrolysis and sequestered as part of bio-char.
  • FIG. 5 there is depicted a process flow diagram for a presently preferred embodiment of the invention for harvesting and using kelp-slime as a lubricant, lubricant additive, or drag reducing agent.
  • the kelp slime is used in the lubricant making step 200.
  • the unexpected and superior ability of kelp slime for use in, or as, a lubricant is an advantageous discovery of the present inventors that achieves many of the needs, and overcomes many of the drawbacks, in the art.
  • the present inventors believe that kelp slime's unexpected and advantageous properties as a lubricant are highlighted by its natural occurrence, its abundance around the globe, its ease of harvesting and replenishment, and its advantageous and heretofore untapped physical attributes.
  • kelp slime is composed of organic and inorganic compounds.
  • the main purpose of a lubricant is to lubricate the compressor, reduce friction, prevent wear and act as seal between high and low pressure sides.
  • the ability of the lubricant to provide good lubrication to the internal moving parts within the compressor and be compatible with the working refrigerant is crucial for both the system performance and long-term durability.
  • hydrodynamic lubrication (HD) where contact surfaces conform geometrically, only the lubricant viscosity governs friction and lubricant film thickness. In this region, which is typical of many bearing and piston surfaces, the contact surfaces are completely separated by the lubricant film and nominal contact pressures are low ( ⁇ 50 MPa).
  • the lubricant film thickness varies with the same dependence on operating parameters, such as speed, shear rate, and applied force, as the viscosity for this region. This makes the correct choice of lubricant viscosity become an important issue in the HD region. Low viscosity may lead to solid contact, while too high viscosity leads to an increase in frictional losses resulting in increase motor loading and higher power consumption. In regions of elastrohydrodynamic lubrication (EHD), such as bearings or gears with high-pressures loadings, additional lubricant properties such as pressure-viscosity coefficient and limiting shear stress come into play. Temperature plays a critical role in both the HD and EHD regions because of its strong effect on the viscosity of a lubricant.
  • EHD elastrohydrodynamic lubrication
  • thermophysical properties of the lubricant that become important are molecular conformability and resistance to physical degradation. Detailed theoretical calculations predict that energy efficiency performance of most compressor types will be dominated by losses arising from lubricant transport and friction losses, and that the most significant impact on energy efficiency would be obtained by reducing the lubricant viscosity.
  • kelp slime as a drag reducing agent that locates itself in the boundary layer to minimize the frictional losses while at the same time allow the bulk lubricant to have high enough viscosity (and elasticity) to provide effective lubrication and separation of metal surfaces.
  • the lubricant structure plays a much more important role for the well being of rolling elements in refrigeration compressors.
  • the extent of wear depends on whether the lubricant chains are branched, contain short acid chains or long linear acids, but the wear process is believed to be caused by thermal decomposition of the lubricant in the presence of steel (corrosive decomposition products attacking the bearing steel). 21
  • the kelp slime drag reducing agent of the present invention is expected to minimize the local heat build-up and prolong the wear life of all metal components the lubricant is in contact with.
  • US Patent 5,773,391 discloses polyol ester compositions derived from polyols and aliphatic monocarboxylic acid mixtures derived from natural vegetable oils wherein the acid mixtures comprise atleast about 72% by weight of oleic acid that can lead to high oxidative stability.
  • lubricants aspect of the present invention are embodiments that use the polyol components of kelp slime (viz. mannitol, mannose, glucose, etc.) to provide physical strength to the polyol ester lubricant molecules via hydrogen bonding.
  • One of the benefits of hydrogen bonding is creation of temporary bonds that break during an intense stress load and re-bond under stress cessation, thereby protecting scission of main chain lubricants and thus increasing the life of the lubricant.
  • these polyol molecules provide an effective anti-oxidation mechanism with the abundance of hydroxyl groups on them which improves the oxidative degradation stability and wear performance of the lubrication system.
  • a further benefit of the polyols includes an improved overall hydrolysis resistance of the lubricant.
  • US Patent 5,716,916 24 discloses a polyol ester based lubricant include structural modifications to the acid residue that is reacted to the polyol. This resulting lubricant is claimed to be highly compatible with hydrofluorocarbons substitutes such as R-407C and R-410A, has excellent hydrolysis resistance and low pour point.
  • Patent application US 2004/0235679 A1 25 discloses an improved biodegradable lubricant based on natural or synthetic base oils and other biodegradable additives that are suitable for marine applications.
  • Patent application US 2005/0049153 A1 26 discloses a biodegradable lubricant composition containing a complex polyol ester having a polyfunctional alcohol residue and a saturated or unsaturated dicarboxylic acid residue with improved performance.
  • lubricant aspect of the present invention are embodiments that use, in addition to the drag reducing component and polyol based hydrogen bonding/anti-oxidative benefits, a novel biodegradable lubricant synthesized using the polyols (Mannitol, Mannose, etc.) from kelp slime and reacting them with a variety of fatty-acid esters to create hybrid lubricant structures.
  • a novel biodegradable lubricant synthesized using the polyols Merannitol, Mannose, etc.
  • “Industrial Lubricants” broadly include general industrial oils (hydraulic oils, gear oils, compressor oils, refrigeration oils, turbine oils, other general industrial oils, metalworking fluids (removal oil, forming oils, treating oils, protecting oils), Industrial engine oils (natural gas engine oils, aviation piston engine oils, marine oils, railroad oils, stationary engine oils) and Industrial greases.
  • Consumer and commercial automotive lubricants include vehicle engine oil, hydraulic and transmission fluid, gear oil and greases.
  • automotive lubricants constituted 53% of the total lubricants, industrial lubricants 32%, marine oils 5% and process oils 10%. Of the total industrial lubricants, 37% were hydraulic oils, 7% industrial gear oils, 31 % other industrial oils, 16% metalworking fluids, and 9% greases.
  • Turbine oils contain special paraffinic base oils with good viscosity-temperature characteristics as well as antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors.
  • the demands on turbine oils are defined by the turbines themselves and their specific operating conditions.
  • the oil in the lubricating and control circuits of steam and gas turbines is required to provide hydrodynamic lubrication of all bearings and the lubrication of gear boxes, heat dissipation and avoid friction and wear on gear tooth flanks in turbine gearboxes.
  • Jet Engine Lubricants :
  • a jet engine is a reaction engine that discharges a fast moving jet of fluid to generate thrust by jet propulsion and in accordance with Newton's laws of motion.
  • This broad definition of jet engines includes turbojets, turbofans, rockets, ramjets, pulse jets and pump-jets.
  • most jet engines are internal combustion engines.
  • the lubrication system on a typical jet engine provides oil to the main bearings that support the engine's "spools" (a spool consists of a turbine and a compressor or fan, and the shaft that connects the two). These main bearings withstand extremely high forces, especially during tactical maneuvers with military jets 21 .
  • the engine's lubrication system also provides oil to the power-take off assembly that drives the fuel pump, alternator, and the oil pump itself.
  • Wind turbines endure severe mechanical and environmental pressures.
  • the bearings in the wind turbine gearbox must support high loads, with diverse bearing performance criteria throughout the gearbox. For instance, situations may vary from medium loads at low speeds to lower loads at higher speeds.
  • Motor oil is a lubricant used in internal combustion engines. These include motor or road vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, heavier vehicles such as buses and commercial vehicles, non-road vehicles such as go-karts, snowmobiles, boats (fixed engine installations and outboards), lawn mowers, large agricultural and construction equipment, locomotives and aircraft, and static engines such as electrical generators. In engines, there are parts which move against each other causing friction which wastes otherwise useful power by converting the energy to heat. Contact between moving surfaces also wears away those parts, which could lead to lower efficiency and degradation of the engine. This increases fuel consumption and decreases power output and can, in extreme cases, lead to engine failure.
  • Hydraulic fluids transfer energy and signals through fluids, and are based on mineral oils and synthetic fluids.
  • An aircraft catapult is a device used to launch aircraft from ships— in particular aircraft carriers— as a form of assisted take off. It consists of a track built into the flight deck, below which is a large piston or shuttle that is attached through the track to the nose gear of the aircraft. Drilling Fluids:
  • drilling fluid is a fluid used to drill boreholes into the earth. Often used while drilling oil and natural gas wells and on exploration drilling rigs, drilling fluids are also used for much simpler boreholes, such as water wells. Liquid drilling fluid is often called drilling mud.
  • the main functions of drilling fluids include providing hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering into the well bore, keeping the drill bit cool and clean during drilling, carrying out drill cuttings, and suspending the drill cuttings while drilling is paused and when the drilling assembly is brought in and out of the hole.
  • the drilling fluid used for a particular job is selected to avoid formation damage and to limit corrosion.
  • grease is used to describe semisolid lubricants. Although the word grease is also used to describe rendered fat of animals, in the context of lubricants, it typically applies to a material consisting of a soap emulsified with mineral or vegetable oil.
  • the characteristic feature of greases is that they possess a high initial viscosity, which drops to give the effect of an oil-lubricated bearing of approximately the same viscosity as the base oil used in the grease. This change is called thixotropy.
  • Grease is sometimes used to describe lubricating materials that are soft solids or high viscosity liquids at room temperature, but they may not exhibit the shear-thinning (thixotropic) properties typical of the oil/soap grease.
  • Lubricating food- handling equipment For example, petroleum jellies, such as Vaseline which are commonly used for lubricating food- handling equipment, are not generally classified as greases. Greases are used where a mechanism can only be lubricated infrequently and where a lubricating oil would not stay in position. They also act as sealants to prevent ingress of water and incompressible materials. Grease-lubricated bearings have greater frictional characteristics due to their high viscosity.
  • the vacuum-dried kelp sap residue was oven-dried at 65°C overnight to remove residual moisture and analyzed for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and ash content. Oxygen was determined by difference.
  • the ultimate analytical results for the vacuum-dried, oven-dried, and as-received kelp sap are presented in Table 1 .
  • the kelp sap condensate and residue fractions were analyzed for organic compounds. Using UV, multi-angle light-scattering, and refractometry GPC-MALS data, mannitol as one of the components in the kelp residue. Four other smaller peaks were also observed and thought to be low-molecular-weight sugars. In addition, low levels of a high-molecular weight material (greater than 300,000) were also detected. The amount of mannitol in the residue was later quantified at 25.15 wt% of the kelp residue. This is equivalent to 1 .65% mannitol in the as-received kelp sap.
  • a sample of kelp sap was centrifuged into two fractions, a supernate and solids. The solids were then hydrolyzed with H 2 SO 4 as previously described. Duplicate hydrolysate and supernate samples were analyzed for cellobiose, glucose, xylose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, and mannitol. A sample of the neat kelp sap was also analyzed for the six sugars and mannitol. The kelp sap was filtered through a 0.45-micrometer filter to remove solids and analyzed. The sample was not hydrolyzed.
  • the concentration of mannitol on an as-received kelp sap basis was 2.62 wt%. Only one sugar was detected in the supernate, mannose at 0.013 wt%. Similarly, only mannose was detected in the centrifuged supernate sample. Mannitol and mannose concentrations in the filtered kelp sap and the centrifuged supernate were in good agreement. Table 3 summarizes the sugar and mannitol results for the two cases. Table 3. Kelp sap sugar and Mannitol results
  • the GC work found an unidentified organic compound in the kelp sap with an estimated molecular weight of 300,000. Mass balance calculations indicate the unidentified compound accounts for about 1 % of the kelp sap mass. This polymer material was determined to have C/H and C/O molar ratios of approximately 0.677 and 1 .313. Further work to identify and quantify these polymers is underway.
  • NASL Natural Algae Based Synthetic Lubricant base material derived from kelp slime.
  • the process of obtaining NASL from macroalgae involves the steps of collecting kelp slime from kelp via draining after harvesting as depicted and described in connection with Figure 1 , further collecting slime after chopping/milling, and/or collecting slime with other suitable means at other suitable times in the overall process.
  • the collected slime is then dried or evaporated to remove substantially all moisture.
  • the dried product/suprenatant is treated to remove ash (mainly salts and oxides) remaining after drying via dialysis or other techniques known in the relevant art.
  • the remaining material after ash removal which the inventors refer to as the NASL base, comprises a substantial portion of Mannitol and a high molecular weight (MW) polymer, meaning a polymer having a molecular weight so much higher than a typical lubricant base so as to provide drag reduction properties when used, e.g., a molecular weight above 100,000 and preferably above 200,000 and even more preferably above 300,000..
  • MW molecular weight
  • the NASL base comprises two polyols, Mannitol and Mannose, wherein Mannitol is the primary polyols found in a percentage by weight of up to about 65-75% (Mannose is present in less than .5% by weight); and a high molecular weight polymer having a MW of around 300,000 and present in a percentage by weight of up to about 30%.
  • Mannitol is the primary polyols found in a percentage by weight of up to about 65-75% (Mannose is present in less than .5% by weight); and a high molecular weight polymer having a MW of around 300,000 and present in a percentage by weight of up to about 30%.
  • the table below shows the actual composition of a sample of NASL derived from Macrosystis pyrifera:
  • NASL nitride-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene, sodium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styrene-styren
  • the present inventors contend that the high molecular weight polymer portion of the NASL base provides unexpected and superior drag reducing properties in view of its long and flexible chains in conjunction with its chemical compatability with the bulk fluid to which it is introduced (e.g., polyol based lubricants, POE, PAE, and the like).
  • the bulk fluid to which it is introduced e.g., polyol based lubricants, POE, PAE, and the like.
  • NASL additive consisting of the polyols Mannitol and Mannose (“NASL Polyols”) and a mixture of polymers.
  • the polymers consist of a high molecular weight polymer (greater that 300,000 containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and optionally nitrogen) and at least three other polymers that include a glucose polymer, a galactose polymer and an arabinose polymer.
  • the polymer with a molecular weight greater than 300,000 acts as a drag reducing agent and potentially the remaining three polymers may also provide a drag reducing benefit.
  • the polyols (Mannitol and Mannose) in the NASL act as hydrogen bonding agents to protect the lubricant base under high stress conditions, improve hydrolysis stability of the lubricant and provide a means for oxidative stability. They may be used independently or together with the NASL drag reducing polymers described above in lubricant formulations at loading levels of anywhere from a few parts per million to about 30%.
  • the polymers in the NASL include the known high molecular weight polymer
  • They while being compatible with the lubricant, preferentially locate in the boundary layer of lubrication and reduce drag. They may be used independently or together with the NASL polyols in lubricant fornnulations at loading levels of anywhere from a few parts per million to about 30%.
  • a base lubricant may be selected from a petroleum-based oil, a synthetic oil, a mineral oil, a silicone oil, a hydraulic fluid, a transmission fluid, or any other like material.
  • Representative lubricants in refrigeration compressors include synthetic oils, viz. Polyol esters (POE oil), Polyalkyl glycols (PAG), Polyalkyl benzenes (PAB), Polyalphaolefins (PAO), Polyvinyl ethers (PVE) and mineral based oils (MO).
  • Polyol ester oils or lubricants are the most preferred base lubricants for use with the NASL and NASL formulations of the present invention.
  • the energy saving lubricant/NASL mixtures may be used with refrigerants including, but not limited to, those known by the ASHRAE code numbers R-100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 series.
  • refrigerants including, but not limited to, those known by the ASHRAE code numbers R-100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 series.
  • Some specific examples include R-22, R-12, R-1 1 , R-134a, R- 245fa, R-407C (mixture of R-125/R-32/R-134a), R-41 OA (mixture of R-125/R-32), R- 417A (mixture of R-125/R-134a/R-600), R-401A/B (mixture of R-22/R-152a/R-124), R-409A (mixture of R-22/R-124/R-142b), R-402A/B (mixture of R-22/R-125/R-290), R-408A (mixture of R-22/R
  • NASL energy saving lubricant additives of the present invention may also be used in other lubricant applications including, but not limited to, turbines, jet engines, aviation piston engines, aircraft catapults, marine engines, railroad oils, wind turbines, hydraulic and transmission fluids, drilling fluids, gears, shock absorbers, motor oils and greases.
  • a “hybrid" polyol ester based lubricant made by reacting the polyols in NASL (e.g., Mannitol and to a lesser extent Mannose) with a mixture of fatty acid esters.
  • NASL e.g., Mannitol and to a lesser extent Mannose
  • the hybrid polyol ester based energy saving lubricants described above may also include the drag reducing polymers (also discussed above) to enhance drag reduction during lubrication application.
  • the hybrid polyol ester based energy saving lubricants described above may be used as base lubricant in the lubricant applications described herein.
  • the hybrid lubricant is preferably able to serve as a partial or total replacement for existing lubricants in most typical applications.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the environmental benefits of the availability of such a hybrid lubricant and will be able to determine its suitability for any intended use through routine experimentation.
  • the NASL is derived from the kelp slime of Macrocystis pyrifera.
  • the NASL is derived from any of any other suitable macroalgae, including but not limited to brown macroalgae: Lamonaria Japonica, Fucus Vesiculosis, Undaria Pinnatifida; red macroalgae: Porphyra, Eucheuma, Kappaphycus and Gracilaria; and green macroalgae including Monostroma and Enteromorpha.
  • brown macroalgae Lamonaria Japonica, Fucus Vesiculosis, Undaria Pinnatifida
  • red macroalgae Porphyra, Eucheuma, Kappaphycus and Gracilaria
  • green macroalgae including Monostroma and Enteromorpha.
  • Kelp-based products and methods for acquiring, processing, refining and using these novel products are provided.
  • the present invention provides for environmentally- friendly methods and means for harvesting kelp and processing it for use in various industrial applications including environmentally-friendly and energy saving lubricants, lubricant additives, biofuels, bio-based chemicals, oil remediation dispersants and sorbents, non-toxic health supplements, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical products/ingredients, horticultural and aquacultural feed or supplements, and a recoverable source of trace elements.

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