emulsion

Abstract

The emulsion comprises an oil phase and an aqueous phase, and the emulsion comprises from about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of a surfactant, and from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of a C5 carbohydrate, and / or from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of a C6 carbohydrate, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to emulsions, fuel compositions comprising or consisting of emulsions, a process for preparing emulsions, emulsions obtained by / produced by / formed from this process, and uses of said emulsions. [Background technology]

[0002] Significant changes in the range and use of fuels worldwide over the past few years have influenced and transformed the way energy-intensive industries procure their requirements and operate. These industrial trends have been heavily influenced by the growing need to improve fuel economy, diversification, and availability, as well as environmental performance. Higher prices have led to a shift from traditional oil-based fuels to cheaper alternatives with reduced environmental impact. While several viable primary energy alternatives to petroleum exist in onshore industries, some markets (such as shipping markets) still rely primarily on oil-based products, particularly heavy fuel oil-based products, and are likely to remain so for the foreseeable future.

[0003] Heavy fuel oil is typically produced by blending viscous refinery residues with higher-value distillate fuels to provide the lower viscosity characteristics necessary for acceptable fuel processing and combustion performance. Direct use of high-viscosity refinery residues requires high-temperature storage and handling, which limits and complicates their potential use and, as a result, reduces their value. Instead of blending refinery residues for fuel oil production, further processing of the residues (e.g., coking, hydrocracking, etc.) can be applied at the refinery to obtain additional distillate fuels. However, this strategy requires large capital investments by the oil refinery, produces several low-value products, generates by-products that are difficult to market, and results in increased emissions (including greenhouse gases and acid gases), all of which may serve to limit the economic benefits of this approach.

[0004] Alternative fuel products are becoming available in certain markets. For example, biofuels and bio-oils have been considered possible alternatives to the use of petroleum products derived exclusively from fossil fuels. In some specific instances, the use of biofuels or bio-oils may be considered environmentally beneficial or "green." However, the use of such alternative fuel products comes with distinct drawbacks. For example, many engines are not designed to run exclusively on such products, and therefore, machines and vehicles must be modified to use the products, which imposes significant costs on users. Attempts to minimize such costs include blending alternative fuel products with conventional oils, but the results of these efforts are often problematic because the resulting compositions are often unstable and difficult to handle and store for long periods of time. Furthermore, blending the alternative fuel products may require large-scale processing plants, the provision of which imposes additional costs on users.

[0005] In many industries, existing infrastructure is not equipped to handle alternative fuel products, and therefore, transporting the products to their intended use sites can be costly. Furthermore, many of these alternative fuel products are difficult to produce. For example, the precursors needed to make the products can be difficult to obtain or transport. Therefore, they can be expensive to produce and, moreover, typically cannot be produced near their intended use sites. Therefore, there remains a need for alternative fuel products in many industries, particularly in the maritime industry. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, an emulsion comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the emulsion comprising: about 0.05% by weight to about 1% by weight of a surfactant; about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, and / or about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C6 carbohydrates; An emulsion is provided in which the total of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0007] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, cyclic forms thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, and cyclic forms thereof is individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents.

[0008] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives, optionally each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives individually selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0009] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more degradation or dehydration products of hemicellulose.

[0010] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate solvents, optionally each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate solvents individually selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

[0011] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, glucose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, cyclic forms thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, and any of their cyclic forms are individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents.

[0012] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives, optionally each of the one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C6 carbohydrate solvents, optionally each of the one or more C6 carbohydrate solvents individually selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

[0014] In some embodiments, C5 carbohydrates are contained in the oil phase, the water phase, or both the oil and water phases, and / or C6 carbohydrates are contained in the oil phase, the water phase, or both the oil and water phases.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkyl amines, quaternary fatty alkyl amines, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises water in an amount of about 1% to about 95% by weight, and the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount of about 1% to about 99% by weight, and the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oil phase comprises: (i) Hydrocarbon residues derived from one or more of the following processes: processed heavy crude oil or natural bitumen; refinery atmospheric distillation; refinery vacuum distillation; refinery visbreaking, thermal cracking, or steam cracking; refinery catalytic cracking; refinery hydroprocessing and hydrocracking; and deasphalting processes; or combinations thereof; (ii) a hydrocarbon residue selected from those having Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Numbers 8052-42-4, 64741-45-3, 64741-56-6, 64741-67-9, 64741-75-9, 64741-80-6, 64742-07-0, 64742-78-5, 64742-85-4, 68748-13-7, 68783-13-1, 70913-85-8, 91995-23-2, or 92062-05-0, or a combination thereof; (iii) heavy fuel oil, residual fuel oil, or a combination thereof; (iv) biofuels, bio-oils, or combinations thereof; and / or (v) any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), and / or (iv). It comprises or consists of:

[0018] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises alcohol in an amount of about 0.05% to about 70% by weight, with the total of the ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0019] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises a polymeric stabilizer in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, the sum of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0020] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, the sum of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight, and optionally the acid is selected from organic acids, inorganic acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the oil phase is dispersed in the aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase.

[0022] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D50) of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm, hi some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D90) of about 0.1 μm to about 200 μm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a dynamic viscosity of up to 1000 mPas at 50° C. and 100 s, where the dynamic viscosity is measured as described herein. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a dynamic viscosity of up to 500 mPas at 50° C. and 100 s, where the dynamic viscosity is measured as described herein.

[0024] In one aspect, there is provided a fuel composition comprising or consisting of the emulsion described herein, optionally wherein the fuel is diesel fuel, marine fuel, or fuel oil for heat and power applications.

[0025] In one aspect, a process for preparing an emulsion is provided, the process comprising providing an oil, mixing water and a surfactant to form an aqueous solution, providing a C5 carbohydrate and / or a C6 carbohydrate, and blending the oil and aqueous solution with the C5 carbohydrate and / or C6 carbohydrate under conditions sufficient to form an emulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsion is an emulsion as described herein.

[0026] In one aspect, there is provided an emulsion obtained by / produced by / formed from the process described herein.

[0027] In one aspect, there is provided the use of an emulsion as defined herein as a fuel.

[0028] In one aspect, there is provided a process for preparing a fuel using the emulsion defined herein.

[0029] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for producing the emulsions described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a process for producing the emulsions described herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a process for producing the emulsions described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an exemplary laboratory-scale colloid mill emulsification system for the production of test formulation samples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present invention relates to emulsions, fuel compositions comprising or consisting of emulsions, a process for preparing emulsions, emulsions obtained by / produced by / formed from this process, and uses of said emulsions.

[0032] The inventors have surprisingly found that it is possible to produce emulsions containing an oil phase and an aqueous phase, further comprising C5 and / or C6 carbohydrates. The resulting emulsions are stable and can be used as fuels. This is particularly important because C5 and C6 carbohydrates can be easily obtained from commonly available sources (e.g., lignin-containing biomass). Such sources can be easily processed to provide C5 and / or C6 carbohydrates, which can then be incorporated into the emulsions described herein. The inventors have shown that such C5 and C6 carbohydrates can be incorporated into emulsions that can be used as fuels. The C5 and / or C6 carbohydrates act as heat-generating components of fuels that are less expensive than traditional fuel components. The C5 and / or C6 carbohydrates can be easily produced near any point of use (particularly important for the shipping industry, which often needs to produce fuel on demand near bunkering stations located around the world).

[0033] The inventors have also found that the C5 and C6 carbohydrates formed as described herein can be produced as part of C5 carbohydrate-containing components and C6 carbohydrate-containing components, each of which can contain components in addition to the C5 and C6 carbohydrates, thereby improving the quality and / or cost-effectiveness of emulsions produced therefrom.

[0034] Thus, in one aspect, there is provided an emulsion comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase, the emulsion comprising: about 0.05% by weight to about 1% by weight of a surfactant; about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, and / or about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C6 carbohydrates; An emulsion is provided in which the total weight of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100g.

[0035] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is a C5 monosaccharide, i.e., a carbohydrate / monosaccharide containing five carbon atoms. For example, the C5 carbohydrate can be a pentose or a pentose derivative. The C5 carbohydrate can include one or more C5 carbohydrates.

[0036] Each C5 carbohydrate can be individually in its linear form, its cyclic form, or a mixture thereof.For example, C5 carbohydrate can have 5 carbon atoms in its linear carbon skeleton.For example, C5 carbohydrate can have 5 carbon atoms in its cyclic carbon ring (i.e., C5 carbohydrate is pyranose-based carbohydrate).Alternatively, C5 carbohydrate can have 4 carbon atoms in its cyclic carbon ring (i.e., C5 carbohydrate is furanose-based carbohydrate) and one carbon atom directly bonded to the carbon atom of the carbon ring structure (i.e., there is no intermediate atom between them).When C5 carbohydrate is furanose-based carbohydrate, non-ring-forming carbon atoms can be directly bonded to any of the 4 ring-forming carbon atoms.

[0037] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, cyclic forms thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, and cyclic forms thereof is individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents. The cyclic forms of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylulose, ribulose, and xylulose are arabinopyranose, arabinofuranose, lyxopyranose, lyxofuranose, ribopyranose, ribofuranose, xylopyranose, xylofuranose, ribupyranose, ribufuranose, xylpyranose, and xylfuranose, respectively. Each of the cyclic forms may be D or L enantiomeric forms. Each of the cyclic forms may have α or β stereochemistry.

[0038] C5 carbohydrates can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents. If one or more substituents contain one or more carbon atoms, the resulting C5 carbohydrate will contain more than five carbon atoms. In this regard, the C5 of C5 carbohydrate refers to the number of carbon atoms (5) in the unsubstituted C5 carbohydrate. For example, if a C5 carbohydrate is substituted with one methyl group as described herein, the C5 carbohydrate will contain a total of six carbon atoms.

[0039] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate may be substituted with one, two, three, four, or five substituents, optionally one, two, or three substituents. Preferably, the C5 carbohydrate is substituted with one or two substituents. Preferably, the C5 carbohydrate is substituted with one substituent.

[0040] When the C5 carbohydrate is a C5 carbohydrate substituted with one or more substituents, each of the one or more substituents can be individually selected from the group consisting of C1-10 alkyl, acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano. Preferably, each of the one or more substituents is individually selected from the group consisting of C1-5 alkyl, acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano. Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C1-10 alkyl group. For example, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C1 alkyl group, a C2 alkyl group, a C3 alkyl group, or a C4 alkyl group. Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (1-propyl or 2-propyl), and acetyl.

[0041] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is substituted with one or two substituents, each of which is individually selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (1-propyl or 2-propyl), and acetyl.

[0042] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is a C5 carbohydrate substituted with one or more substituents, wherein each of the one or more substituents does not comprise an ester group.

[0043] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of methyl-pentopyranoside, methyl-D-xylopyranoside, methyl 3-O-acetylpentopyranoside, and mixtures thereof.

[0044] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is a C5 oligosaccharide. The C5 carbohydrate may comprise one or more C5 oligosaccharides. When the C5 carbohydrate comprises one or more C5 oligosaccharides, each C5 oligosaccharide may individually comprise two or more C5 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds (O-glycosidic bonds). Optionally, each C5 oligosaccharide may individually comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 C5 monosaccharide units. Preferably, each C5 oligosaccharide comprises two or three monosaccharide units (i.e., each C5 oligosaccharide is a dimer or trimer). Each of the one or more C5 monosaccharide units may be as individually described herein for a C5 monosaccharide. In some embodiments, each of the one or more C5 oligosaccharides is a water-soluble C5 oligosaccharide.

[0045] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate comprises one or more C5 oligosaccharides and one or more C5 monosaccharides described herein.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the C5 carbohydrate comprises or consists of two or more C5 carbohydrates as described herein.For example, the C5 carbohydrate may comprise one or more (preferably one or two) C5 monosaccharides as described herein and one or more (preferably one or two) C5 oligosaccharides as described herein.Preferably, the C5 monosaccharides are selected from those described herein, and the C5 oligosaccharides are C5 dimers or trimers.

[0047] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is an oligomer. The C5 carbohydrate may comprise one or more oligomers. When the C5 carbohydrate comprises one or more oligomers, each oligomer may individually comprise two or more C5 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds (O-glycosidic bonds). Optionally, each oligomer may individually comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 C5 monosaccharide units. Each of the one or more C5 monosaccharide units may be as individually described herein for a C5 monosaccharide. In some embodiments, each of the one or more oligomers is a water-soluble oligomer.

[0048] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate comprises one or more C5 oligomers and one or more C5 monosaccharides described herein.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the C5 carbohydrate comprises or consists of two or more C5 carbohydrates as described herein.For example, the C5 carbohydrate may comprise one or more (preferably one or two) C5 monosaccharides as described herein and one or more (preferably one or two) C5 oligomers as described herein.Preferably, the C5 monosaccharides are selected from those described herein, and the C5 oligomers are C5 dimers or trimers.

[0050] Oligomers and oligosaccharides differ from polymers in that polymers have more repeating units (usually more repeating units). Those skilled in the art understand the difference between oligomers / oligosaccharides and polymers.

[0051] The emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 75% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 70% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 65% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 40% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, or about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0052] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives. For example, the emulsion may comprise one or more compounds derived from or structurally similar to C5 carbohydrates. Optionally, each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof. Optionally, each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of deoxy C5 carbohydrates, where C5 carbohydrates are as defined herein.

[0053] The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 70% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 40% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 35% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 30% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 20% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 10% by weight of C5 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0054] In some embodiments, the emulsion contains one or more degradation products of hemicellulose or dehydration products of hemicellulose. That is, the emulsion contains products (compounds) produced in the degradation of hemicellulose and / or products (compounds) produced in the dehydration of hemicellulose. Optionally, the emulsion contains one or more lignin monomers or lignin oligomers. Optionally, the emulsion contains one or more selected from the group consisting of uronic acid, propionic acid, methoxylic acid, formic acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, and ferulic acid. Optionally, the emulsion contains one or more selected from the group consisting of formic acid, levulinic acid, acetic acid, and ferulic acid. Preferably, the emulsion contains formic acid and / or levulinic acid. For example, the emulsion contains formic acid and levulinic acid.

[0055] The emulsion may contain from about 1% to about 10% by weight of hemicellulose degradation products, hemicellulose dehydration products, or mixtures thereof, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0056] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate, one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives, or one or more degradation products of hemicellulose or dehydration products of hemicellulose are formed from an acid solvolysis process, for example, the C5 carbohydrate, one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives, or one or more degradation products of hemicellulose or dehydration products of hemicellulose are formed from a process in which a lignocellulose-containing feedstock is subjected to an acid solvolysis process.

[0057] Preferably, the C5 carbohydrates are formed from an acid solvolysis process, for example, the C5 carbohydrates are formed from a process in which a lignocellulose containing feedstock is subjected to an acid solvolysis process.

[0058] The acid in the acid solvolysis process can be any acid suitable for producing a C5 carbohydrate, one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives, or one or more degradation or dehydration products of hemicellulose. For example, the acid can be selected from the group consisting of organic acids, inorganic acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0059] The organic acid contains at least one C-H bond, and examples thereof include uronic acid, propionic acid, methoxylic acid, ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, and benzoic acid. Preferred organic acids include ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one (and sometimes all) of the acids is selected from formic acid and methanesulfonic acid.

[0060] Inorganic acids include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid.

[0061] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate solvents, optionally each of which is individually selected from the group consisting of an organic solvent, an inorganic solvent, and a mixture thereof. The C5 carbohydrate solvent solvates the C5 carbohydrates described herein (i.e., it is a solvent in which the C5 carbohydrates described herein dissolve to form a solution). Optionally, the C5 carbohydrate solvent is an organic solvent, optionally a polar organic solvent. For example, the C5 carbohydrate solvent may be selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropanol, n-propanol, glycerol, water, ethanol, butanol, methanol, and a mixture thereof. When the emulsion comprises a C5 carbohydrate solvent that is an inorganic solvent, the inorganic solvent may be water.

[0062] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate solvent is a biosolvent / bio-based solvent (i.e., a solvent produced from biological materials). For example, the C5 carbohydrate solvent can be selected from the group consisting of bioglycerol, biobutanol, bioisopropanol, bio-n-propanol, bioethanol, biomethanol, water, and mixtures thereof.

[0063] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises about 1% to about 40% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 30% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 10% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 5% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the C5 carbohydrate solvent, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0064] When the C5 carbohydrate solvent is / comprises water, the amount of water in the emulsion may be the sum of the water in the aqueous phase and the water in the C5 carbohydrate solvent as described herein.

[0065] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is a C6 monosaccharide, i.e., a carbohydrate / monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms. For example, the C6 carbohydrate can be a hexose or a hexose derivative. The C6 carbohydrate can include one or more C6 carbohydrates.

[0066] Each C6 carbohydrate can be individually in its linear form, its cyclic form, or a mixture thereof.For example, C6 carbohydrate can have six carbon atoms in its linear carbon skeleton.For example, C6 carbohydrate can have five carbon atoms in its cyclic carbon ring (i.e., C6 carbohydrate is a pyranose-based carbohydrate) and one carbon atom directly bonded to the carbon ring carbon atom (i.e., there is no intermediate atom between them).Alternatively, C6 carbohydrate can have four carbon atoms in its cyclic carbon ring (i.e., C6 carbohydrate is a furanose-based carbohydrate) and two carbon atoms directly bonded to one or more carbon atoms of the carbon ring (i.e., there is no intermediate atom between them).When C6 carbohydrate is a pyranose-based carbohydrate, the non-ring-forming carbon atom can be directly bonded to any of the five ring-forming carbon atoms.When C6 carbohydrate is a furanose-based carbohydrate, each of the two non-ring-forming carbon atoms can be directly bonded to any of the four ring-forming carbon atoms.

[0067] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, glucose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, cyclic forms thereof, and mixtures thereof, wherein each of allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, and any of their cyclic forms are individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents. The cyclic forms of allose, altose, glucose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, and tagatose are allopyranose, allofuranose, altropyranose, altrofuranose, glucopyranose, glucofuranose, mannopyranose, mannofuranose, gulopyranose, gulopyranose, idopyranose, idofuranose, galactopyranose, galactofuranose, talopyranose, talofuranose, psicopyranose, psicofuranose, fructopyranose, fructofuranose, sorbopyranose, sorbofuranose, tagatopyranose, and tagatofuranose, respectively. Each of the cyclic forms may be D or L enantiomeric. Each of the cyclic forms may have α or β stereochemistry.

[0068] C6 carbohydrates can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents.If one or more substituents contain one or more carbon atoms, the resulting C6 carbohydrate will contain more than 6 carbon atoms.In this regard, the C6 of C6 carbohydrate refers to the number of carbon atoms (6) in the unsubstituted C6 carbohydrate.For example, if a C6 carbohydrate is substituted with one methyl group as described herein, the C6 carbohydrate will contain a total of 7 carbon atoms.

[0069] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate may be substituted with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents, optionally 1, 2, or 3 substituents. Preferably, the C6 carbohydrate is substituted with 1 or 2 substituents. Preferably, the substituted C6 carbohydrate is substituted with 1 substituent.

[0070] When the C6 carbohydrate is a C6 carbohydrate substituted with one or more substituents, each of the one or more substituents may be individually selected from the group consisting of C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl (e.g., phenyl), acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano. Preferably, each of the one or more substituents is individually selected from the group consisting of C1-5 alkyl, C6-10 aryl (e.g., phenyl), acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano. Each C1-10 alkyl, C1-C5 alkyl, or C6-10 aryl may be optionally substituted with one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano.

[0071] Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C alkyl group. For example, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C alkyl group, a C alkyl group, a C alkyl group, or a C alkyl group. Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (1-propyl or 2-propyl), and acetyl.

[0072] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is substituted with one or two substituents, each of which is individually selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (1-propyl or 2-propyl), and acetyl.

[0073] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is a C6 carbohydrate substituted with one or more substituents, wherein each of the one or more substituents does not comprise an ester group.

[0074] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of methyl-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-D-glucofuranoside, and dimethyl-4-O-methyl-hexanopyroside, or a mixture thereof.

[0075] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is a C6 oligosaccharide. The C6 carbohydrate may comprise one or more C6 oligosaccharides. When the C6 carbohydrate comprises one or more C6 oligosaccharides, each C6 oligosaccharide may comprise two or more C6 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds (O-glycosidic bonds). Optionally, each C6 oligosaccharide may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 C6 monosaccharide units. Each of the one or more C6 monosaccharide units may be as individually described herein for a C6 monosaccharide. In some embodiments, each of the one or more C6 oligosaccharides is a water-soluble C6 oligosaccharide. In some embodiments, the C6 oligosaccharide comprises cellobiose.

[0076] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate comprises one or more C6 oligosaccharides and one or more C6 monosaccharides described herein.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the C6 carbohydrate comprises or consists of two or more C6 carbohydrates as described herein.For example, the C6 carbohydrate may comprise one or more (preferably one or two) C6 monosaccharides as described herein and one or more (preferably one or two) C6 oligosaccharides as described herein.Preferably, the C6 monosaccharide is selected from glucose and mannose, and the C6 oligosaccharide is a C6 dimer or trimer (preferably cellobiose).

[0078] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is an oligomer. The C6 carbohydrate may comprise one or more oligomers. When the C6 carbohydrate comprises one or more oligomers, each oligomer may individually comprise two or more C6 monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds (O-glycosidic bonds). Optionally, each oligomer may individually comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 C6 monosaccharide units. Each of the one or more C6 monosaccharide units may be as individually described herein for a C6 monosaccharide. In some embodiments, each of the one or more oligomers is a water-soluble oligomer.

[0079] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate comprises one or more oligomers and one or more C6 monosaccharides described herein.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the C6 carbohydrate comprises or consists of two or more C6 carbohydrates as described herein.For example, the C6 carbohydrate can comprise one or more (preferably one or two) C6 monosaccharides as described herein and one or more (preferably one or two) C6 oligomers as described herein.Preferably, the C6 monosaccharide is selected from glucose and mannose, and the C6 oligomer is a C6 dimer or trimer (preferably cellobiose).

[0081] Oligomers and oligosaccharides differ from polymers in that polymers have more repeating units (usually more repeating units). Those skilled in the art understand the difference between oligomers / oligosaccharides and polymers.

[0082] The emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 75% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 70% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 65% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 60% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 50% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, about 0.1% to about 40% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, or about 0.1% to about 30% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. Preferably, the emulsion contains from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, from about 0.1% to about 20% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, or from about 0.1% to about 15% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0083] In some embodiments, the emulsion contains one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives. For example, the emulsion may contain one or more compounds derived from or structurally similar to C6 carbohydrates. Optionally, each of the one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the emulsion contains 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Optionally, each of the one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of deoxy C6 carbohydrates, where C6 carbohydrates are as defined herein.

[0084] The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 70% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 40% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 35% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 30% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 20% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. The emulsion may contain about 1% to about 10% by weight of C6 carbohydrate derivatives, with the total amount of ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0085] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate or one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives are formed from an acid solvolysis process, for example, the C6 carbohydrate or one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives are formed from a process in which a lignocellulose-containing feedstock is subjected to an acid solvolysis process.

[0086] Preferably, the C6 carbohydrates are formed from an acid solvolysis process, for example, the C6 carbohydrates are formed from a process in which a lignocellulose containing feedstock is subjected to an acid solvolysis process.

[0087] The acid in the acid solvolysis process can be any acid suitable for producing a C6 carbohydrate or one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives. For example, the acid can be selected from the group consisting of organic acids, inorganic acids, and mixtures thereof.

[0088] The organic acid contains at least one C-H bond, and examples thereof include uronic acid, propionic acid, methoxylic acid, ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, and benzoic acid. Preferred organic acids include ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, or a combination thereof. For example, at least one (and sometimes all) of the acids is selected from formic acid and methanesulfonic acid.

[0089] Inorganic acids include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and nitric acid.

[0090] Preferably, the acid solvolysis process is followed by an acid hydrolysis process. For example, the acid solvolysis process produces cellulose containing a feedstock, at least a portion of which is then subjected to the acid hydrolysis process. For example, the acid in the acid hydrolysis process can be the same as or different from the acid in the acid solvolysis process. For example, the acid in the acid hydrolysis process is methanesulfonic acid or sulfuric acid. Preferably, the acid in the acid hydrolysis process is sulfuric acid.

[0091] Optionally, the acid solvolysis process is followed by an enzymatic hydrolysis process, for example, the acid solvolysis process produces a cellulose-containing feedstock, at least a portion of which is then subjected to an enzymatic hydrolysis process.

[0092] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises one or more C6 carbohydrate solvents, each of which may be individually selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and mixtures thereof. The C6 carbohydrate solvent solvates the C6 carbohydrates described herein (i.e., it is a solvent in which the C6 carbohydrates described herein dissolve to form a solution). Optionally, the C6 carbohydrate solvent is an organic solvent, and optionally a polar organic solvent. For example, the C6 carbohydrate solvent may be selected from the group consisting of acetone, acetonitrile, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropanol, n-propanol, glycerol, water, butanol, ethanol, methanol, and mixtures thereof. When the emulsion comprises a C6 carbohydrate solvent that is an inorganic solvent, the inorganic solvent may be water.

[0093] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate solvent is a biosolvent / bio-based solvent (i.e., a solvent produced from biological materials). For example, the C6 carbohydrate solvent can be selected from the group consisting of bioglycerol, biobutanol, bioisopropanol, bio-n-propanol, bioethanol, biomethanol, water, and mixtures thereof.

[0094] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 0.1% to about 95% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises about 1% to about 40% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 30% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 20% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 10% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, about 1% to about 5% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, or about 1% to about 3% by weight of the C6 carbohydrate solvent, the total of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0095] When the C6 carbohydrate solvent is / comprises water, the amount of water in the emulsion may be the sum of the water in the aqueous phase described herein and the water in the C6 carbohydrate solvent.

[0096] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, the water phase, or both the oil and water phases. In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, and the oil phase is contained in the water phase. For example, the C5 carbohydrate may form dispersed droplets in the oil phase of an oil-in-water emulsion. In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, the water phase, or both the oil and water phases. In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, and the oil phase is contained in the water phase. For example, the C6 carbohydrate may form dispersed droplets in the oil phase of an oil-in-water emulsion.

[0097] water In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises water in an amount of about 1% to about 95% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises about 1% to about 75% by weight water, about 1% to about 65% by weight water, about 1% to about 60% by weight water, about 1% to about 50% by weight water, about 1% to about 40% by weight water, about 1% to about 30% by weight water, about 1% to about 20% by weight water, or about 1% to about 10% by weight water, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0098] The water in the aqueous phase can be from a variety of sources. An example of a usable water specification is shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0099] Optionally, the water can be pre-treated, for example, by filtration and / or deionization.

[0100] oil In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount of about 1% to about 99% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount up to about 70% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount up to about 60% or about 50% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0101] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount of about 30% to about 70%, about 40% to about 70%, or about 50% to about 70% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. Optionally, the emulsion comprises oil in an amount of about 30% to about 60% or about 40% to about 50% by weight, where the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0102] In some embodiments, the oil / oil phase is (i) Hydrocarbon residues derived from one or more of the following processes: processed heavy crude oil or natural bitumen; refinery atmospheric distillation; refinery vacuum distillation; refinery visbreaking, thermal cracking, or steam cracking; refinery catalytic cracking; refinery hydroprocessing and hydrocracking; and deasphalting processes; or combinations thereof; (ii) a hydrocarbon residue selected from those having Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Numbers 8052-42-4, 64741-45-3, 64741-56-6, 64741-67-9, 64741-75-9, 64741-80-6, 64742-07-0, 64742-78-5, 64742-85-4, 68748-13-7, 68783-13-1, 70913-85-8, 91995-23-2, or 92062-05-0, or a combination thereof; (iii) heavy fuel oil, residual fuel oil, or a combination thereof; (iv) biofuels, bio-oils, or combinations thereof; and / or (v) any combination of (i), (ii), (iii), and / or (iv). It comprises or consists of:

[0103] Biofuel or bio-oil can be any fuel or oil derived from biomass. For example, biofuel or bio-oil can be derived from plant or algae material or animal waste. In some embodiments, bio-oil is derived from the thermochemical and / or thermocatalytic processing of biomass materials such as agricultural crops, algae biomass, municipal waste, agricultural and forestry by-products, and woody biomass.

[0104] In some embodiments, the biofuel / biooil can include biomass oil, seed oil, biomass pyrolysis oil, hydrotreated biomass pyrolysis oil, hydrotreated fatty acids (and methyl esters thereof), hydrotreated seed oil, hydrotreated aromatic oxygenated biooil, fatty acids, methyl esters of fatty acids, algal oil, or combinations thereof. For example, the biofuel / biooil can include used cooking oil, used cooking oil methyl esters, or combinations thereof.

[0105] The oil phase of the emulsion may comprise a hydrocarbon. Typically, oil is a source of heavy hydrocarbons and may have a density slightly lower to significantly higher than that of water (e.g., 0.95 to 1.15 kg / m at 15°C). 3 or 0.95 to 1.25 kg / m 3 ). Heavy hydrocarbons can have extremely high viscosities. For example, the viscosity can be up to 300,000 cSt at 100°C. This can be a residue or hydrocarbon source having a viscosity of 7 cSt or more at 25°C, or 10 cSt or more at 100°C. Hydrocarbon sources having a viscosity of 180 cSt or more at 25°C, preferably 250 cSt or more at 25°C, can also be utilized. The oil phase hydrocarbons can be: - processed natural heavy crude oil or natural bitumen (typically after desanding, desalting and dewatering); and - Refinery atmospheric distillation and -Refinery vacuum distillation and refining visbreaking or thermal or steam cracking; - Refinery catalytic cracking (thermal and catalytic) and - refining, hydroprocessing and hydrocracking; -The dehistory process and It can be sourced from several established processes, including

[0106] In one embodiment, the emulsion comprises an oil phase that is a hydrocarbon residue sourced from a refinery residue, for example, having a kinematic viscosity of up to 300,000 cSt at 100°C, preferably greater than 200 cSt at 100°C, more preferably greater than 1,000 cSt at 100°C.

[0107] Examples of suitable hydrocarbon residues that can be used in the emulsions of the present invention are shown in Table 2. [Table 2] JPEG2025529215000003.jpg218168

[0108] Examples of hydrocarbon residues that can be used are shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0109] Chemical Additives The emulsions of the present invention comprise a surfactant and optionally glycerol. In some embodiments, the emulsions may further comprise one or more acids. In some embodiments, the emulsions may further comprise a polymeric stabilizer. In some embodiments, the emulsions may comprise a C1-C 10 The composition may further comprise an alcohol selected from the list consisting of monohydric or dihydric alcohols of the formula:

[0110] Chemical additives are typically added to the water phase before mixing with the oil phase when preparing an emulsion. Alternatively / additionally, chemical additives may be added to the oil phase before mixing with the water phase when preparing an emulsion. Glycerol may be added to the oil phase, the water phase, or both. C1-C 10The monohydric or dihydric alcohol may be added to the oil phase or the water phase, or both. The acid may be added to the oil phase or the water phase, or both.

[0111] The chemical additives can be provided separately, or two or more additives can be provided in the form of a pre-prepared chemical additive package.

[0112] surfactants The emulsion comprises from about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of a surfactant, in some embodiments, the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant, or a mixture thereof.

[0113] In some embodiments, the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkylamines, quaternary fatty alkylamines, and combinations thereof.

[0114] Typically, surfactants are added to the aqueous phase before mixing with the oil phase when preparing an emulsion. Alternatively / additionally, surfactants can be added to the oil phase before mixing with the aqueous phase when preparing an emulsion. In some embodiments where glycerol is present in the oil phase, surfactants can also be added to the oil phase.

[0115] The surfactant is present in an amount ranging from about 0.05% to about 1% by weight of the emulsion. One purpose of the surfactant is to act as an emulsifier, stabilizing the oil phase droplets in the aqueous phase. About 0.05% to about 0.5% by weight, for example, about 0.08% to about 0.4% by weight of the surfactant may be used.

[0116] Several surfactants can be used, either one surfactant or a combination of two or more surfactants. At least one surfactant, and possibly all surfactants, can be selected from one or more of the following: Fatty alkylamines according to the formula [ka] (In the formula, R a is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), m is the number 2 or 3, p is a number between 0 and 3. Ethoxylated fatty alkylamines according to the formula [ka] (In the formula, R b is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), m is the number 2 or 3, p is a number from 1 to 3, n1, n2, and n3 are each independently a number greater than 0 and greater than 70, e.g., 2 to 70 or 3 to 70. In one embodiment, n1+n2+n3 is a number greater than 0 and greater than 210. Each of n1, n2, and n3 may or may not be an integer.

[0117] Ethoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines according to the formula [ka] (In the formula, R c is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), m1 and m2 are each a number greater than 0 and up to 70, for example, 2 to 70 or 3 to 70. In one embodiment, m1 + m2 is a number greater than 0 and up to 140. Each of m1 and m2 may or may not be an integer.

[0118] Methylated fatty alkyl monoamines according to the formula [ka] (In the formula, base R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each independently selected from aliphatic groups having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (preferably 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, or 20 to 22 carbon atoms); R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 The remaining groups are methyl. Methylated fatty alkylamines according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, base R 1 ~R 5 one or two of are independently selected from aliphatic groups having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (preferably 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, or 20 to 22 carbon atoms); R 1 ~R 5 the remaining groups are methyl; n is an integer from 1 to 5, m is 2 or 3) Alternatively, a methylated fatty alkylamine according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, base R 1~R 7 one or two of are each selected from aliphatic groups having 8 to 22 carbon atoms (preferably 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, or 20 to 22 carbon atoms); R 1 ~R 7 the remaining groups are methyl; m is 2 or 3; y and z are integers of 0 to 4, and (y+z) is an integer of 0 to 4. Alternatively, a methylated fatty alkylamine according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, base R 1 ~R 7 one or two of the groups are aliphatic groups containing 8 to 22 carbon atoms (preferably 8 to 10, 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, or 20 to 22 carbon atoms); R 1 ~R 7 the remaining groups are methyl; m is 2 or 3; t is 0 to 3, r and s are 1 to 4, and (t+r+s) is 2 to 5. and Quaternary fatty alkylamines according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, R1 is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), such as —(CH2) optionally containing a carbonyl group adjacent to a nitrogen atom. y -CH3, i.e., -C(O)-(CH2) (y-1)-CH3, and y is 10 to 22 (preferably, y is 10 to 12, 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, or 20 to 22), R 2 and R 3 is independently selected in each occurrence from H or an aliphatic group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably 1 carbon atom; R 4 is H or C 1-4 selected from aliphatic groups, m is 2 or 3; t is 0 to 4, A is an anion, n is the valence of the anion).

[0119] The aliphatic groups referred to in the above formula, including those containing a carbonyl group, include hydroxyl, C 1-3 Alkyl, C 1-3 Alkoxy or C 1-3 The aliphatic group may be optionally substituted with one or more, for example, 1 to 3, substituents independently selected from hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, there are no substituents on the aliphatic group. Each aliphatic group may be saturated or may contain double or triple carbon-carbon bonds, for example, up to six double bonds, for example, up to three double bonds.

[0120] Preferably, R 1 is the formula C 14-20 H 24-41 or C(O)C 13-19 H 22-39 More preferably, it has the formula C 14-20 H 24-41 It has.

[0121] Preferably, each R 2 and R 3 are independently selected from CH3, H, and CH2CH2OH.

[0122] Preferably, each R 4 is independently selected from CH3 and H.

[0123] Examples of fatty alkylamines include: Quaternary fatty alkyl monoamines according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, R d is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), A is an anion and Quaternary fatty alkyldiamines according to the formula: [ka] (In the formula, R d is an aliphatic group having 12 to 24 carbon atoms (preferably 12 to 14, 14 to 16, 16 to 18, 18 to 20, 20 to 22, or 22 to 24 carbon atoms), A is an anion, n is the valence of the anion) Examples include:

[0124] In the above, the anion A is preferably selected from those anions that bind more strongly to quaternary amines than to carbonates. Examples include halides, especially Cl. - , and formate (HCOO - ), acetate (CH3COO - ), and methanesulfonate (CH3SO3 - ) and other organic anions.

[0125] In the above, the group "EO" is an ethoxylate group (-CHCHO-). The ethoxylate group (or polyether group for two or more linked ethoxylate groups) is typically terminated by an H, i.e., -CHCHOH.

[0126] In embodiments, the surfactant is selected from one or more of fatty alkyl diamines, triamines, and tetraamines, ethoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines, diamines, and triamines, and quaternary fatty alkyl amines.

[0127] In a further embodiment, the surfactant is selected from one or more fatty alkyl diamines, fatty alkyl tetraamines, ethoxylated fatty alkyl diamines, and quaternary fatty alkyl amines. Examples include fatty alkyl tripropylene tetramines, such as tallow tripropylene tetramine, fatty alkyl propylene diamines, and oleyl diamine ethoxylates.

[0128] The term "fatty alkyl" refers to a saturated group (i.e., C 12 ~C 24 Alkyl groups, preferably C 12-14 , C 14-16 , C 16-18 , C 18-20 , C 20-22 , or C 22-24 ) as well as partially unsaturated C 12 ~C 24 Groups (i.e., C 12 ~C 24 Alkenyl groups, preferably C 12-14 , C 14-16 , C 16-18 , C 18-20 , C 20-22 , or C 22-24 ) are also included. Preferred fatty alkyl groups have three or fewer double bonds. Examples of fatty alkyl groups include oleyl (C18, one double bond) and other groups related to tallow, such as palmityl (C16, zero double bonds), stearyl (C18, no double bonds), myristyl (C14, no double bonds), palmitoleyl (C16, one double bond), linoleyl (C18, two double bonds), and linolenyl (C18, three double bonds). The term "fatty alkyl" includes both natural and synthetic alkyl groups, e.g., synthetic alkyl groups include C 15 or C 17Examples of suitable fatty alkyl groups include C 12 , C 13 , C 14 , C 15 , C 16 , C 17 , and C 18 groups, each of which may be fully saturated or contain one or more double bonds.

[0129] The surfactant may be selected based on the composition of the aqueous phase, oil phase, and / or the overall emulsion. For example, the surfactant may be selected to ensure that the components of the aqueous or oil phase are soluble in each other. For example, the surfactant may be selected from C1 to C6. 10 The amount of the monohydric or dihydric alcohol-containing phase may be selected to ensure that the components of the phase are soluble in each other.

[0130] alcohol In some embodiments, the emulsion includes an alcohol. If the emulsion includes an alcohol, the emulsion includes the alcohol in an amount of about 0.05% to about 70% by weight, and the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0131] In some embodiments, C1 to C 10 The emulsion may contain an alcohol selected from the list consisting of monohydric or dihydric alcohols. For example, the alcohol may be contained in the oil phase and / or the aqueous phase. For example, the alcohol may be contained in the aqueous phase. For example, the alcohol may be contained in the oil phase. For example, the alcohol may be contained in both the oil phase and the aqueous phase. Preferably, the alcohol is contained in the aqueous phase.

[0132] In some embodiments, the emulsion contains glycerol in an amount of about 0.5% to about 70% by weight, with the sum of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight. In some embodiments, the glycerol is derived from a renewable carbon source. As used herein, "renewable carbon source" or "biomass" refers to organic material carbon sources derived from plants, trees, and crops. This term can include both carbon sources from dedicated energy crops and carbon sources from residues generated in the processing of crops for food or other products. Glycerol derived from a renewable carbon source can be produced from renewable vegetable crops such as rapeseed, canola, soybean, or palm.

[0133] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 20% to about 70% glycerol by weight, and the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 30% to about 70% glycerol by weight, and the total of the ingredients in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0134] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 40% to about 70% glycerol by weight, with the total of the ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0135] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 10% to 60% glycerol by weight, with the total of the ingredients in the emulsion not exceeding 100% by weight.

[0136] In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises about 40, about 50, or about 60% glycerol by weight, and the sum of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0137] In some embodiments, the alcohol is included in a glycerol-containing phase (i.e., the glycerol-containing phase contains the alcohol). The glycerol-containing phase is a phase (e.g., an oil phase or an aqueous phase) that contains glycerol.

[0138] C1~C 10It has been found that when an alcohol selected from the list consisting of monohydric or dihydric alcohols is included in the emulsion (e.g., in the glycerol-containing phase), it is possible to obtain a glycerol-containing phase having a particularly desirable density. For example, it is possible to obtain a glycerol-containing phase having a density of about + / - 0.05 g / mL (e.g., + / - 0.05 g / mL) of the oil. Such a glycerol-containing phase has been found to increase the stability (e.g., creaming or sedimentation) of the emulsion.

[0139] When the term + / - 0.05 g / mL is used, it means that the density of the glycerol-containing phase has a value that is +0.05 g / mL of the density of the oil or -0.05 g / mL of the density of the oil, not that the glycerol-containing phase has a value within + / - 0.05 g / mL of the oil.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment, the emulsion includes an oil, and the glycerol-containing phase has a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.5 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.5 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.46 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.46 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.3 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.3 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.2 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.2 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase can have a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.1 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.1 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase can have a density of +0.05 g / mL to about +0.08 g / mL or -0.05 g / mL to about -0.08 g / mL of the oil. In these embodiments, the density is measured at the storage temperature.

[0141] In a preferred embodiment, the emulsion includes an oil, and the glycerol-containing phase has a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.5 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.46 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.3 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.2 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.1 g / mL of the oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from about +0.05 g / mL to about +0.08 g / mL of the oil. In these embodiments, the density is measured at the storage temperature.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the emulsion includes an oil, and the glycerol-containing phase has a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.5 g / mL of oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.46 g / mL of oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.3 g / mL of oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.2 g / mL of oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.1 g / mL of oil. For example, the glycerol-containing phase may have a density of from -0.05 g / mL to about -0.08 g / mL of oil. In these embodiments, the density is measured at the storage temperature. The storage temperature is 20 to 40°C. Preferably, the storage temperature is 30°C.

[0143] The emulsion according to any of the foregoing embodiments may comprise from about 0.5 to about 70% by weight of C1-C 10 The emulsion may contain an alcohol selected from the list consisting of monohydric or dihydric alcohols of C1 to C6, wherein the sum of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. For example, the emulsion may contain from about 1 to about 60%, from about 1 to about 50%, from about 1 to about 40%, from about 1 to about 30%, or from about 1 to about 25% by weight of a C1 to C6 monohydric or dihydric alcohol. 10In some embodiments, the emulsion may contain from about 2 to about 25% by weight of an alcohol selected from the list consisting of a C1-C monohydric or dihydric alcohol, wherein the sum of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. 10 The total of the components in the emulsion may not exceed 100% by weight.

[0144] For example, the emulsion may contain about 2, about 10, about 15, about 20, or about 25% by weight of C1-C 10 The total of the components in the emulsion may not exceed 100% by weight.

[0145] In some embodiments, C1 to C 10 The monohydric or dihydric alcohols are linear or branched C1-C 10 In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the list consisting of C1-C6 mono- or dihydric alcohols. In some embodiments, the C1-C6 mono- or dihydric alcohol is a straight-chain or branched C1-C6 mono- or dihydric alcohol. In some embodiments, the alcohol is selected from the list consisting of C1-C4 mono- or dihydric alcohols. In some embodiments, the C1-C4 mono- or dihydric alcohol is a straight-chain or branched C1-C4 mono- or dihydric alcohol.

[0146] In some embodiments, the alcohol is C1-C 10 The dihydric alcohol may be selected from the list consisting of a monohydric alcohol of C1 to C6, a C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol, or a C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol. The C1 to C4 monohydric alcohol may be methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol. For example, the dihydric alcohol may be ethylene glycol. For example, the alcohol may be selected from methanol, ethanol, or butanol (e.g., 1-butanol, isobutanol, sec-butanol, or tert-butanol).

[0147] In some embodiments, C1 to C 10 The monohydric or dihydric alcohols are C1 to C 10 The term "alcohol" may refer to two or more (e.g., two, three, or four) alcohols each individually selected from the list consisting of monohydric or dihydric alcohols.

[0148] In some embodiments, the emulsion according to any embodiment described herein comprises C1 to C6 in the emulsion. 10 The total amount of the monohydric or dihydric alcohols C1 to C6 is about 1 to about 70% by weight, and the total amount of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight. 10 For example, the emulsion may contain from about 0.5 to about 70% by weight of a second alcohol individually selected from the list consisting of C1 to C6 monohydric or dihydric alcohols in the emulsion. 10 The emulsion may contain a first alcohol (e.g., methanol) and a second alcohol (e.g., ethanol), provided that the total of the monohydric or dihydric alcohols is about 1 to about 70% by weight and the total of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

[0149] In some embodiments, the ratio of glycerol:alcohol in the glycerol-containing phase is about 20:1 to about 1:5, e.g., about 38:2 to about 1.5:2.5. In some embodiments, the ratio of glycerol:alcohol in the glycerol-containing phase is about 38:2, about 3:10, about 2.5:1.5, about 2:2, or about 1.5:2.5.

[0150] In some embodiments, the glycerol-containing phase has a density of 0.8 g / mL to about 1.3 g / mL (measured at 25° C. using the method described in ISO 15212-1).

[0151] polymer stabilizer In some embodiments, one or more polymeric stabilizers may be added to the aqueous phase when preparing the emulsion. In some embodiments, the emulsion contains polymeric stabilizers in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, with the total weight of the components in the emulsion not exceeding 100%. They are preferably present in an amount up to 0.25% by weight of the emulsion. In some embodiments, they are present in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 0.10% by weight.

[0152] Polymeric stabilizers and flow improvers can be used to improve static stability during storage by compensating for density differences between the retentate and the aqueous phase. They can also modify the viscosity characteristics of the emulsion.

[0153] The polymeric stabilizing additive can form a weak "gelled" structure in the aqueous additive-containing phase, which helps improve the static stability of the emulsion by holding the hydrocarbon residue droplets apart and preventing settling during static storage conditions. The weak gel structure can also impart low resistance or yield to applied stress, ensuring the emulsion's suitable low viscosity characteristics, for example, during pumping and handling. This behavior can also be recoverable, for example, allowing the emulsion fuel to regain its static stability properties once it is pumped into a tank. The polymeric additive can help achieve this by interacting with other additives in the formulation through entanglement and bonding mechanisms, forming a molecularly structured gel.

[0154] One or more polymeric stabilizers and flow improvers may be present, with at least one polymeric stabilizer and flow improver selected from polymers containing monomers including dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate quaternary salts, or dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamide or methacrylamide, and quaternary salts thereof.

[0155] Examples of such polymer stabilizers and flow improvers include dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or dialkylaminoalkyl methacrylate quaternary salts, such as dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl sulfate quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate sulfate, dimethylaminoethyl acrylate hydrochloride, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl chloride quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate methyl sulfate quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate benzyl chloride quaternary salt, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate sulfate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride, or dialkylaminoalkyl acrylamides or methacrylamides, and the like. and cationic polymers containing at least one cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of quaternary salts of acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamidomethyl sulfate quaternary salts, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamidomethyl sulfate quaternary salts, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamido sulfate, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide hydrochloride, methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide methyl sulfate quaternary salts, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide sulfate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide hydrochloride, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diallyldimethylammonium chloride, and diallyldimethylammonium chloride.

[0156] The additional polymeric stabilizer and flow improver may be selected from one or more alkylhydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers (water soluble) preferably having alkyl groups with 1 to 3 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups (e.g., hydroxyethyl or hydroxypropyl), DS alkyl is in the range of 0.1 to 2.5, MS hydroxyalkyl is in the range of 0.2 to 4.0, The weight average molecular weight is in the range of 100,000 to 2,000,000 Da (ideally 800,000 to 1,600,000 Da), For example, preferably: DS in the range of 0.3 to 1.5 methyl DS in the range of 0.1 to 0.7 ethyl MS in the range of 0.2 to 3.0 hydroxyethyl Examples include methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose ether (water-soluble) having the formula:

[0157] DS represents the degree of substitution of a particular component, and MS represents the degree of molar substitution of a particular component.

[0158] Further examples of additional polymeric stabilizers include those in which R (in the formula depicted below) is H, CH, and / or [CHCHO] n Examples include those in which H. [ka]

[0159] Other examples of additional polymeric stabilizers and flow improvers may include guar gum, starch and starch derivatives, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose.

[0160] acid In some embodiments, the emulsion comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, where the sum of the components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight, and optionally the acid is selected from the group consisting of organic acids, inorganic acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the emulsion comprises an acid in an amount of about 0.01% to about 1% by weight, or about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight.

[0161] Acid can be added at any time during the emulsification process.For example, acid can be added to the water of the aqueous phase, the aqueous solution containing water and surfactant, and / or the oil of the oil phase.Acid can also be included in the ingredients used in the emulsification process.For example, acid can be included in the mixture of surfactant and acid, the mixture of C5 carbohydrate and acid, and / or the mixture of C6 carbohydrate and acid.

[0162] Advantageously, the acid may be included in the component containing C5 carbohydrates, C6 carbohydrates, and / or a combination thereof. In such a case, the component may be produced to contain the required amount of acid in the final emulsion. Thus, less additional acid (e.g., up to no additional acid) may need to be added during the emulsification process.

[0163] In some embodiments, the emulsion and / or aqueous phase has a pH in the range of 2 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4.5, or 3 to 4.5.

[0164] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a pH of less than about 6. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a pH of about 2 to about 6. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a pH of about 4 to about 6. Preferably, the emulsion has a pH of about 4 to about 5. For example, the emulsion has a pH of about 2, about 3, about 4, or about 5.

[0165] In some embodiments, the aqueous phase has a pH of less than about 6. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase has a pH of about 2 to about 6. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase has a pH of about 4 to about 6. Preferably, the aqueous phase has a pH of about 4 to about 5. For example, the aqueous phase has a pH of about 2, about 3, about 4, or about 5.

[0166] The emulsion may include one or more organic acids containing at least one C—H bond, examples of which include uronic acid, propionic acid, methoxylic acid, ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, and benzoic acid.

[0167] At least one (and possibly all) of the organic acids is preferably selected from ferulic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, levulinic acid, methanesulfonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, paratoluenesulfonic acid, or a combination thereof. Preferably, at least one (and possibly all) of the acids is selected from formic acid and methanesulfonic acid.

[0168] emulsion In some embodiments, the oil phase is dispersed in the aqueous phase. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase.

[0169] In some embodiments, the emulsion has the following properties: -Average droplet size (D[4,3]) of 1 to 100 μm, - less than 3% by weight of the droplets have a particle size greater than 125 μm, and Viscosity measured with a Malvern Kinexus™ instrument at 50°C and 100s -1 Kinematic viscosity up to 1000mPas.

[0170] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D50) of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D50) of about 0.1 μm to about 50 μm.

[0171] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D90) of about 0.1 μm to about 200 μm. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a droplet size (D90) of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm.

[0172] In some embodiments, the emulsion has a dynamic viscosity of up to 1000 mPas at 50° C. and 100 s, where the dynamic viscosity is measured as described herein. In some embodiments, the emulsion has a dynamic viscosity of up to 500 mPas at 50° C. and 100 s, where the dynamic viscosity is measured as described herein.

[0173] The mean droplet size distribution of the oil phase is measured using light scattering techniques using commercially available equipment, such as a Malvern Mastersizer™ instrument. The mean droplet size is expressed as a volume moment average, or D[4,3] average. The mean droplet size is suitably in the range of 3 to 15 μm, but preferably in the range of 5 to 10 μm.

[0174] Similar light scattering techniques and devices can be used to determine the droplet size distribution, and therefore the weight percentage, of droplets having a size greater than 125 μm based on the volume-equivalent spherical diameter. Preferably, the percentage of particles having a size greater than 125 μm is less than 3 wt.%, preferably less than 2 wt.%, more preferably less than 1 wt.%. In embodiments, less than 0.5 wt.% can be achieved.

[0175] Dynamic viscosity is measured using standard techniques and equipment such as the Malvern Kinexus™, which measures viscosity at controlled temperature and shear rate. Values ​​are expressed in mPas (cP) and are expressed as a function of 100 s -1 The dynamic viscosity is determined at a shear rate of 100 mPas and 50°C. Suitably, the value under such conditions is up to 500 mPas, more preferably up to 300 mPas, more preferably 50-300 mPas, more preferably 100-300 mPas. The dynamic viscosity may be measured after preparation or after storage of the emulsion. The emulsions provided herein exhibit a dynamic stability of up to 500 mPas under the above conditions at at least one test point, for example, after preparation or after 3 weeks of storage at 50°C, preferably both after preparation and after 3 weeks of storage at 50°C. Preferably, the emulsion exhibits a dynamic stability of up to 500 mPas under the above conditions at 50°C and 100 mPas after preparation or after 3 weeks of storage at 50°C.-1 It exhibits dynamic stability up to 500 mPas.

[0176] Static stability is measured using the method defined in ASTM D6930-19 (Standard Test Methods for Settling and Storage Stability of Emulsified Asphalt).

[0177] The density of the glycerol-containing phase is measured using any suitable method or device, for example, using an Anton Paar DMA 35 handheld density meter, for example, using the method defined in ISO 15212-1. Alternatively, the density of the glycerol-containing phase can be calculated based on the components in the glycerol-containing phase (e.g., using the densities of the components and the volumetric shrinkage of the mixture).

[0178] In one aspect, there is provided an emulsion consisting of an emulsion described herein.

[0179] In one aspect, there is provided a fuel composition comprising or consisting of an emulsion as defined herein, optionally wherein the fuel is a diesel fuel, a marine fuel, or a fuel oil for heat and power applications.

[0180] Preparation of emulsions In one aspect, there is provided a process for preparing an emulsion, comprising: providing an oil; mixing water and a surfactant to form an aqueous solution; providing a C5 carbohydrate and / or a C6 carbohydrate; blending the oil and aqueous solution with a C5 carbohydrate and / or a C6 carbohydrate under conditions sufficient to form an emulsion; A process is provided, including:

[0181] In some embodiments, the emulsion is an emulsion described herein.

[0182] In one aspect, there is provided an emulsion obtained by / produced by / formed from a process according to the description herein.

[0183] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is mixed with water, a surfactant, and / or an oil prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is mixed with water prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is mixed with a surfactant prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is mixed with an oil prior to the blending step.

[0184] In some embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate is included in a C5-containing carbohydrate component. In such embodiments, the C5 carbohydrate-containing component is mixed with water, a surfactant, and / or an oil prior to the blending step. The C5 carbohydrate-containing component may include one or more selected from the group consisting of an acid, a C5 carbohydrate solvent, a C5 carbohydrate derivative, and / or a hemicellulose degradation or dehydration product. In this regard, each of the acid, C5 carbohydrate solvent, C5 carbohydrate derivative, and / or hemicellulose degradation or dehydration product may be as described in connection with the emulsion herein.

[0185] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is mixed with water, a surfactant, and / or an oil prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is mixed with water prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is mixed with a surfactant prior to the blending step. In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is mixed with an oil prior to the blending step.

[0186] In some embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate is included in a C6 containing carbohydrate component. In such embodiments, the C6 carbohydrate-containing component is mixed with water, surfactant, and / or oil prior to the blending step. The C6 carbohydrate-containing component may include one or more selected from the group consisting of an acid, a C6 carbohydrate solvent, a C6 carbohydrate derivative, and / or a degradation or dehydration product of hemicellulose. In this regard, each of the acid, the C6 carbohydrate solvent, the C6 carbohydrate derivative, and / or a degradation or dehydration product of hemicellulose may be present.

[0187] It is preferred that the chemical additives form an aqueous solution when mixed with water, although suspensions or emulsions are also acceptable if they are mixed sufficiently with the oil phase to ensure a stable emulsion result.

[0188] Examples of oils are provided above. The oil may be heated, preferably to a temperature sufficient to reduce its viscosity to less than 500 cSt, for example, in the range of 100-500 cSt or 200-500 cSt.

[0189] Preferably, when mixed with the aqueous phase, the temperature obtained at the oil-water interface is such that the viscosity of the oil phase is less than 10,000 cSt, which also depends on the heat capacity of the aqueous phase (incorporating the chemical additives) and the oil, and their relative concentrations.

[0190] The relationship between the temperature at the interface and the initial temperatures of the water and oil phases can be expressed by the following equation:

number

[0191] In the above formula, T i = temperature at the oil / water interface of the emulsion T oil = temperature of oil phase before mixing (℃) T aq = temperature of the aqueous phase before mixing (℃) C oil= specific heat capacity of the oil phase (kJ / kg / ℃) C aq = specific heat capacity of the aqueous phase (kJ / kg / ℃) [oil] = oil phase ratio (wt%) [aq] = percentage of aqueous phase (wt%)

[0192] The oil phase before mixing (T oil The temperature of the step (a) is preferably such that the oil viscosity is in the range of 200 to 500 cSt, which may depend on the hydrocarbon source but is typically in the range of 110 to 230°C.

[0193] The temperature of the oil / water interface after mixing (T i ) is preferably a temperature at which the viscosity of the oil is less than 10,000 cSt. This temperature is preferably below the boiling point of the aqueous phase and also at a temperature at which the thermal and phase stability of the chemical additives is preserved. Typically, this temperature is in the range of 70 to 150°C, e.g., 80 to 120°C.

[0194] The temperature of the aqueous phase before mixing (T aq ) is T i and T oil The temperature is selected according to the above requirements, and is typically in the range of 30 to 95°C, for example, 50 to 90°C, or 50 to 70°C.

[0195] Mixing to form the emulsion can be accomplished using equipment and techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as high shear mixing equipment.

[0196] In one embodiment, two separate and distinct emulsions are prepared separately and mixed to form a multiple emulsion, which allows for greater control over the desired emulsion properties to be achieved.

[0197] Non-limiting, exemplary schematic diagrams of processes for preparing emulsions are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. In each of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the box labeled "Glycerol" represents the optional addition of glycerol. In each of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the box labeled "Acid" represents the optional addition of acid. In each of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the box labeled "Polymer Additive" represents the optional addition of a polymer additive. In Figures 2 and 3, there are two boxes labeled "Polymer Additive." However, only one such box may be necessary.

[0198] The box marked "Residue Source" represents any oil source described herein.

[0199] In Figures 1, 2, and 3, the boxes labeled "glycerol" indicate that the emulsions were C1-C 10 In embodiments containing monohydric or dihydric alcohols of C1-C 10 That is, the alcohol may contain a monohydric or dihydric alcohol of C1 to C 10 The monohydric or dihydric alcohols may be mixed with glycerol.

[0200] In each of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the box marked "Carb." may contain a C5 carbohydrate and / or a C6 carbohydrate as described herein. In each of Figures 1, 2, and 3, the box marked "Carb." may contain a C5 carbohydrate-containing component and / or a C6 carbohydrate-containing component as described herein.

[0201] A non-limiting, exemplary schematic diagram of a process for preparing an emulsion is shown in Figure 1. The area designated (1) represents the source of oil utilized as the oil phase for the production of the emulsion.

[0202] The area indicated by (2) represents a suitable water source.

[0203] In designated area (3), material from oil source (1) can be cooled by a medium to a suitable temperature to achieve a viscosity of 250-500 cSt for direct introduction into emulsion preparation unit (4), for storage and further temperature control as needed. Water (2) is first heated (typically to a temperature in the range of 50°C to 90°C) in heat exchanger (5), which is also utilized to cool the final emulsion product (typically to less than 90°C) with secondary cooling (typically to less than 60°C) to allow easier handling.

[0204] In zone (6), a polymeric stabilizer is optionally mixed into the aqueous phase, followed by the addition of surfactant, (optional) acid, and (optional) glycerol in zone (7). The chemical additives can be varied as needed to achieve an emulsion fuel with the required specifications and performance criteria.

[0205] Chemical additives used (surfactants, optionally acids, optionally glycerol, optionally C1-C 10 The monohydric or dihydric alcohols and optionally polymeric stabilizers preferably do not contain any components or impurities that may adversely affect the use of the resulting emulsion as a fuel. Thus, preferably, they contribute no more than 50 ppm of halogenated compounds and no more than 100 ppm of alkali metals to the final emulsion fuel specification.

[0206] The aqueous phase passes through a tank / vessel (8), which provides sufficient residence time for the acid to fully activate the surfactant. Both the aqueous and oil phases are then introduced into a high-shear colloid mill (9), the speed of which is adjusted to intimately mix the components. Depending on the number of emulsion component streams required (i.e., one for the production of a single-component emulsion fuel, or two or more required for the production of a complex multi-component emulsion fuel), one or more colloid mills may be used within the production process (10). When multiple components are produced, the different components can be passed through an in-line blender (11) or mixed downstream in the required ratios to achieve the correct properties of the final emulsion fuel. In this way, the final required droplet size distribution characteristics, hydrocarbon / aqueous phase ratio (i.e., energy density), and viscosity / rheological properties can be effectively controlled.

[0207] After production, the emulsion fuel may be stored (12) for subsequent transportation and distribution for use as a fuel (13).

[0208] A non-limiting, exemplary schematic diagram of a process for preparing an emulsion is shown in FIG.

[0209] In zone (14), optional glycerol and surfactant are mixed with the residue source to form an oil phase. A polymeric stabilizer is optionally mixed into the aqueous phase in zone (6), followed by optional additional surfactant and optional acid in zone (7). The process then proceeds as described for Figure 1.

[0210] A non-limiting exemplary schematic diagram of a process for preparing an emulsion is shown in FIG.

[0211] In zone (14), optional glycerol and surfactant are mixed with the residue source to form an oil phase. In zone (6), an optional polymeric stabilizer is mixed with the aqueous phase, followed by the addition of optional surfactant, optional acid, and optional glycerol in zone (7). The process then proceeds as described for Figure 1. Hydrocarbon Residue Evaluation, Blending, and Emulsification Process

[0212] The emulsion formulation can be optimized depending on the nature of the oil, typically a hydrocarbon residue, such as one of those listed in Table 2.

[0213] The chemical additives and their concentrations that can be used for different hydrocarbon residues can be optimized by one skilled in the art, and preferably the components are selected to ensure compliance with any relevant operational, performance or regulatory requirements.

[0214] definition The C5 and C6 carbohydrates described herein may be monosaccharides. The term "monosaccharide" (as opposed to oligosaccharides or polysaccharides) refers to a single unit that is not glycosidically linked to other such units. It includes aldoses, dialdoses, aldoketoses, ketoses, and diketoses, as well as deoxy and amino sugars, and derivatives thereof. Monosaccharides may be in their linear form (e.g., uncyclized compounds containing a free aldehyde or ketone group) or in their cyclized form (e.g., cyclic compounds containing a hemiacetyl or hemiketal group).

[0215] As used herein, "unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents" can refer to a group / compound that is unsubstituted or substituted with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of deuterium atoms, halogen atoms, cyano groups, nitro groups, amine groups, silyl groups, oxy groups, thio groups, sulfinyl groups, sulfonyl groups, carbonyl groups, boron groups, phosphine oxide groups, phosphine sulfide groups, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, alkoxy groups, hydrocarbon ring groups, aryl groups, and heterocyclic groups. Optionally, each of the one or more substituents can be individually selected from the group consisting of C1-10 alkyl, C6-10 aryl, acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano. Each C1-10 alkyl or C6-10 aryl can be optionally substituted with one or more selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, acetyl, amino, nitro, or cyano.

[0216] Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C alkyl group. For example, each of the one or more substituents is individually a C alkyl group, a C alkyl group, a C alkyl group, or a C alkyl group. Optionally, each of the one or more substituents is individually selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (1-propyl or 2-propyl), and acetyl.

[0217] For example, when a C5 or C6 carbohydrate is substituted with one or more substituents, the one or more substituents may replace one or more hydrogen atoms in the C5 or C6 carbohydrate, i.e., the one or more substituents may replace one or more hydrogen atoms of one or more OH groups in the C5 or C6 carbohydrate.

[0218] The invention as described above can be embodied in various embodiments, non-limiting examples of which are described herein. [Example]

[0219] Preparation of C5 and C6 carbohydrates Crude liquid lignin oil (CLO) was produced by treating lignocellulosic feedstock, such as woody biomass feedstock like wood chips or sawdust, with a polar organic solvent in the presence of an inorganic acid and a compressed gas (such as nitrogen).

[0220] During this process, the lignocellulosic feedstock was fractionated with a polar organic solvent, the inorganic acid acted as a reagent to cleave the lignin-carbohydrate bonds present in the lignocellulosic matrix of the lignocellulosic feedstock, thereby improving the release of lignin from the feedstock, and the compressed gas kept the polar organic solvent in a liquid phase, thereby allowing more lignin to be extracted and dissolved in the polar organic solvent.

[0221] The lignocellulosic feedstock was provided to the reactor along with a polar organic solvent, an inorganic acid, and compressed gas and processed under autoclave conditions.

[0222] Experiments were carried out using birch hardwood or Douglas softwood fractionated in methanol at various biomass-to-solvent ratios at various temperatures ranging from 140°C to 200°C for 30 to 120 minutes using different acids at various acid concentrations and compressed nitrogen or hydrogen gas at 10 to 30 bar.

[0223] After the reaction, the reaction mixture was subjected to vacuum filtration to separate the crude liquid lignin oil from the cellulose pulp residue of the fractionated solid feedstock. The crude liquid lignin oil contains extracted low molecular weight oligomeric lignin fragments and some polysaccharides.

[0224] Efficient cleavage is necessary for lignin extraction and valerization because plant cells in woody biomass feedstock contain typical lignin-carbohydrate interconnections, such as phenylglycosides, benzyl ethers, and g-ester bonds. However, the release of sugars cannot be prevented; they may be converted to furfural, which can lead to undesirable repolymerization due to lignin-furfural condensation reactions. The use of an acid hydrolysis step also releases some of the polysaccharides from the lignocellulosic matrix present in the woody biomass feedstock.

[0225] When sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was used, the majority of hemicellulose was converted to methylated sugars, such as methyl-pentopyranoside, methyl-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-D-xylopyranoside, methyl 3-O-acetylpentopyranoside, and dimethyl-4-O-methyl-hexanopyroside, as well as water / methanol-soluble oligomeric sugars. The selectivity for various sugars depends on the process conditions used, such as the amount of solvent or the severity of the acid. The methylated sugars can be separated from the lignin fragments by liquid-liquid extraction, for example, using ethyl acetate or water. High levels of delignification are always accompanied by the release of large amounts of C5 sugars.

[0226] The amounts and conditions used in the experiment are shown in Table 4. [Table 4] JPEG2025529215000018.jpg73170

[0227] The birch sawdust and chips used in the Examples and Comparative Examples comprise approximately 23.6% by weight of lignin, while the Douglas sawdust comprises approximately 29.9% by weight of lignin. The wood residues in the Examples and Comparative Examples were air-dried at 60°C.

[0228] The resulting crude liquid lignin oil (CLO) composition sample was subjected to further isolation steps to form C5 carbohydrate-containing and lignin-containing components. CLO primarily consists of organic molecules such as sugars, such as C5 and C6 methylated sugars, lignin oligomers, and methoxyphenolic compounds, which are obtained when lignocellulosic solid feedstock is subjected to a depolymerization process. The mild depolymerization process involves the cleavage of the (relatively) weak ether bonds in the lignin-rich solid feedstock and the decomposition of lignin into lignin oligomers and sugars, primarily methylated sugars. Examples of methylated sugars are methyl-pentopyranoside, methyl-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-D-xylopyranoside, methyl 3-O-acetylpentopyranoside, dimethyl-4-O-methyl-hexanopyroside, and mixtures thereof.

[0229] The CLO was subjected to a liquid-liquid extraction step (i.e., water). CLO (40 ml) was mixed with 120 ml of demineralized water, followed by vigorous stirring to precipitate the lignin oligomers. The resulting mixture was filtered through a Gooch funnel filter. The aqueous phase was subjected to a water evaporation step to concentrate the carbohydrates (C5, C6) to the desired concentration in water.

[0230] A C6 carbohydrate-containing component was formed by dilute acid hydrolysis of a cellulose-rich feedstock. A dilute acid hydrolysis process was used to convert a cellulosic residue stream (microcrystalline MCC cellulose) derived from International Publication No. 2021064047 (incorporated herein by reference) into a crude sugar oil (CSO) composition. The cellulose-rich stream was hydrolyzed into glucose-rich CSO using sulfuric acid at low concentrations (up to 10 wt%) and a low-severity operating window (temperatures up to 200-220°C). The reaction residence time is up to 1 hour, preferably up to 30 minutes. The residence time depends on the so-called composite severity factor (CS). CS depends on pH, reaction temperature, and residence time. However, degradation cannot be prevented. Therefore, some glucose derivatives are also present in the CSO composition. Carbohydrate derivatives / degradation products can be, for example, HMF, furfural, furan, levulinic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, and ferulic acid. The reaction solution is neutralized with CaO or Ca(OH) to remove the sulfuric acid as a solid in the form of Ca(SO). Alternatively, sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide can be used. The pH after neutralization is approximately pH 6-7.

[0231] Alternatively, cellulose-rich streams / feedstocks can also be used, such as cellulose-rich waste streams (cardboard, cartons, waste paper, newspapers, etc.), residues from cellulose pulp and biorefinates, and microcrystalline MCC cellulose.

[0232] Preparation of emulsions For the preparation of the aqueous phase containing additives (surfactant, optionally acid, optionally polymeric stabilizer, optionally glycerol, optionally C5 / C6 carbohydrate solvent if present in the aqueous phase), the following procedure can be used:

[0233] Heat the volume of water used to prepare the test formulation to between 50-70°C. Add the required amount of polymeric stabilizer (if used) to the hot water and mix until completely dissolved.

[0234] When one or more acids are used, the pH of the solution is adjusted to be within the range of 2 to 6, preferably 2 to 4.5, or 3 to 4.5.

[0235] At this stage of the preparation, the amount of surfactant, C5 carbohydrate and / or C6 carbohydrate (and optionally glycerol) is added and the aqueous phase is mixed while adjusting the pH with additional acid until the required pH is achieved. This mixing is continued until all additives are dissolved and optionally activated.

[0236] The aqueous phase is then transferred to a laboratory-scale colloid mill system (such as the DENIMOTECH™ SEP-0.3R Emulsion Research Plant, which can produce emulsions at a maximum capacity of 350 l / h, see Figure 4). A certain amount of oil is then introduced into the system and heated to the required temperature (45°C) as described above.

[0237] Alternatively or additionally, amounts of surfactant, C5 carbohydrate, and / or C6 carbohydrate (and optionally glycerol) are added to and mixed with the oil before the oil is fed into the colloid mill system.

[0238] Test emulsions can then be prepared using the following procedure.

[0239] The flow of cooling water to the system outlet heat exchanger is initiated.

[0240] Pumping of the prepared aqueous phase through the system via the colloid mill is begun.

[0241] The mill is switched on and a suitable mid-range speed is selected (e.g., 9000 rpm for a SEP-0.3R system). The back pressure of the system is adjusted to approximately 2 bar.

[0242] Once a steady flow and temperature are achieved, the hydrocarbon residue pump is started at a low flow rate and steadily increased until the required flow rate is achieved (e.g., to obtain the final hydrocarbon residue content in the emulsion). The back pressure of the system is adjusted to maintain a level of approximately 2 bar. The water flow rate to the final heat exchanger is adjusted to ensure that the emulsion exits the system at a temperature below 90°C.

[0243] Once steady state operation of the system is achieved (i.e., with respect to flow rate, temperature, and pressure), a sample of the emulsion is taken for testing and analysis.

[0244] To stop the production pumping of residue through the system, the flow of the aqueous phase through the system is stopped and maintained to flush the system.

[0245] For further evaluation and optimization process, the operating procedure of the laboratory scale colloid mill system will remain the same and the necessary process and formulation variables will be adjusted accordingly.

[0246] The principles of the production procedure for large-scale emulsion fuel production using continuous in-line plants are the same as described above. Based on the results of these tests, further formulation matrix tests can be performed as needed to focus on specific aspects and variables to fine-tune and optimize the residue response to emulsification and subsequent stability testing.

[0247] Emulsions were prepared according to the procedure above using the components in Tables 5 and 6 and analyzed using a Malvern Mastersizer™ instrument. [Table 5] [Table 6] [Table 7]

[0248] In Tables 5, 6, and 7, The pH was adjusted using formic acid. HFO: Heavy fuel oil. C5: C5 carbohydrate-containing component (about 95% by weight of C5 carbohydrate in an aqueous mixture). About 5% by weight of water in the aqueous mixture is included in the total water weight % in Table 6. C6-A: C6 carbohydrate-containing component (about 3 wt.% C6 carbohydrate in an aqueous mixture). About 97 wt.% water in the aqueous mixture is included in the total water wt.% in Table 5. C6-B: C6 carbohydrate-containing component (C6 carbohydrate in about 70 wt. % aqueous mixture). The water in the aqueous mixture, about 30 wt. %, is included in the total water weight % in Table 7. AF134: Alkyldiamine ethoxylate.

[0249] The emulsions of the present invention (e.g., those in Tables 5, 6, and 7) were stable and showed no signs of creaming or sedimentation. Thus, emulsions according to the present invention are particularly useful for use as fuels.

Claims

1. An emulsion comprising an oil phase and an aqueous phase, wherein the emulsion is Approximately 0.05% to approximately 1% by weight of surfactant, Approximately 0.1% to 95% by weight of C5 carbohydrates, and / or It contains approximately 0.1% to 95% by weight of C6 carbohydrates, An emulsion in which the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

2. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the C5 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, their cyclic forms, and mixtures thereof, and each of arabinose, lyxose, ribose, xylose, ribulose, xylulose, and their cyclic forms is individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents.

3. The emulsion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives, and optionally each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

4. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more decomposition products or dehydration products of hemicellulose.

5. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more C5 carbohydrate solvents, and each of the one or more C5 carbohydrate solvents is optionally individually selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

6. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the C6 carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, glucose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, their cyclic forms, and mixtures thereof, and each of the allose, altrose, glucose, mannose, glucose, idose, galactose, talose, psicose, fructose, sorbose, tagatose, and their cyclic forms are individually unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituents.

7. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more C6 carbohydrate derivatives, and optionally each of the C6 carbohydrate derivatives is selected from the group consisting of furfural, tetrahydrofuran, methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methylfuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfuryl alcohol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

8. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion comprises one or more C6 carbohydrate solvents, and each of the one or more C6 carbohydrate solvents is optionally individually selected from the group consisting of organic solvents, inorganic solvents, and mixtures thereof.

9. The C5 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, the aqueous phase, or both the oil phase and the aqueous phase, and / or The C6 carbohydrate is contained in the oil phase, the aqueous phase, or both the oil phase and the aqueous phase. The emulsion according to claim 1.

10. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the surfactant is a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, an amphoteric surfactant, or a mixture thereof, and optionally the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkylamines, ethoxylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkyl monoamines, methylated fatty alkylamines, quaternary fatty alkylamines, and combinations thereof.

11. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion contains water in an amount of about 1% to about 95% by weight, and the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

12. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion contains an amount of oil of about 1% to about 99% by weight, and the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

13. The oil phase is (i) Processed heavy crude oil or natural bitumen; refinery atmospheric distillation; refinery vacuum distillation; refining bisbreaking, pyrolysis or vapor cracking; refinery catalytic cracking; refinery hydrofabrication and hydrocracking; and dehissing processes; or hydrocarbon residues derived from one or more of these combinations. (ii) Hydrocarbon residues selected from those having Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registration numbers 8052-42-4, 64741-45-3, 64741-56-6, 64741-67-9, 64741-75-9, 64741-80-6, 64742-07-0, 64742-78-5, 64742-85-4, 68748-13-7, 68783-13-1, 70913-85-8, 91995-23-2 or 92062-05-0, or combinations thereof. (iii) Heavy fuel oil, residual fuel oil, or a combination thereof, (iv) Biofuels, biooils, or combinations thereof, and / or (v)(i), (ii), (iii), and / or (iv) in any combination The emulsion according to claim 1, comprising or consisting of the following.

14. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion contains alcohol in an amount of about 0.05% by weight to about 70% by weight, and the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

15. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion contains a polymer stabilizer in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight, and the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight.

16. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion contains an amount of acid in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight, the total amount of components in the emulsion does not exceed 100% by weight, and optionally the acid is selected from organic acids, inorganic acids, or mixtures thereof.

17. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the oil phase is dispersed in the aqueous phase.

18. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the aqueous phase is dispersed in the oil phase.

19. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion has a droplet size (D50) of about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm.

20. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion has a droplet size (D90) of about 0.1 μm to about 200 μm.

21. The emulsion according to claim 1, wherein the emulsion has a dynamic viscosity up to 1000 mPas at 50°C and 100 s⁻¹, and the dynamic viscosity is measured as described herein.

22. A fuel composition comprising or consisting of the emulsion described in claim 1, wherein the fuel is optionally diesel fuel, marine fuel, or fuel oil for thermal and power utilization applications.

23. A process for preparing an emulsion, The step of providing oil, The steps include mixing water and a surfactant to form an aqueous solution, A step of providing C5 carbohydrates and / or C6 carbohydrates, The steps include blending the oil and aqueous solution with the C5 carbohydrate and / or C6 carbohydrate under conditions sufficient to form an emulsion, A process that includes this.

24. The process according to claim 23, wherein the emulsion is the emulsion described in claim 1.

25. An emulsion obtained by / produced by / formed from the process described in claim 23 or 24.

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