Patent Number: 6855838
Docket Number: 302
Serial Number: 10337604
Date Patented: 02/15/2005

Technology Description: Agricultural Research Service scientists have developed a cost-effective method to produce biodiesel, a renewable fuel for diesel engines, which is made from fats and oils. The purpose of this technology is to facilitate the production of free fatty acid and fatty acid ester preparations from inexpensive feedstocks (soapstock). Soapstock is an item of commerce and a coproduct of refined edible oils. No prior technology has allowed the cost-effective production of biodiesel from soapstock. This method involves using simple equipment, which is already being used by industry. It is based on technologies familiar to those associated with soapstock processing, and operates at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Biodiesel production using this method has not yet begun; however, it has been implemented industrially for the large scale production of a high free fatty acid product. Biodiesel producers, and those producing or processing soapstock, will find this invention useful for the production of biodiesel or of preparation containing very high levels of free fatty acids. Reference: Please refer to USPN 6,855,838 (Docket #0003.02), ?Lipid Rich Compositions, Production of Lipid Rich Compositions, Production of Fatty Acid Alkyl Esters from Heterogeneous Lipid Mixtures,? which issued on February 15, 2005. Foreign rights are not available. Inventors: Michael J. Haas Fats, Oils and Animal Coproducts Research Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598 (215) 233-6459 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 mhaas@arserrc.gov Karen M. Scott  (Same as first inventor) (215) 233-6518 / Fax: (215) 233-6795 kscott@arserrc.gov Paul J. Michalski 248 Winchester Drive Horsham, PA 19044 (215) 233-6585 Stan Runyon  Runyon Industries 4300 Millington Road Memphis, TN 38127 (901) 353-4484 / Fax: (901) 357-4174