Tuscaloosa, Alabama Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
AYAS Renewables Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for a breakthrough in sustainable fuel and chemical production. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20240417350, titled “Processes for the integration of hydrolysis of renewable glycerides with the generation of paraffins and propylene glycol” transforms renewable glycerides – found in plant oils, animal fats, and waste greases – into valuable products like paraffins and propylene glycol.
The patented method integrates hydrolysis and hydroprocessing steps to efficiently convert renewable feedstocks into paraffins, suitable for transportation fuels, and propylene glycol, a key ingredient in products such as antifreeze, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. By utilizing a wide range of feedstocks, including waste streams, the process offers a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based production methods.
This technology addresses the challenges associated with the oversupply of glycerol from biodiesel production and the need for cost-effective renewable fuel alternatives. By converting all components of the feedstock – mono-, di-, and triglycerides – into useful products, the system maximizes output and minimizes waste.
AYAS Renewables’ process stands to enhance the efficiency of existing renewable diesel plants and reshape how industries approach waste management and sustainable production.