Location History:
- Hyogo, JP (2017)
- Amagasaki, JP (2010 - 2018)
Company Filing History:
3 out of 29 
2 out of 27 
Years Active: 2010-2018
Title: Nobuyuki Kuratani: Innovator in Sustainable Energy Production
Introduction:
Nobuyuki Kuratani is a prominent inventor hailing from Amagasaki, Japan, specializing in sustainable energy production through innovative methods. With a keen focus on biodiesel fuel production and ethanol extraction from lignocellulosic biomass, Kuratani has contributed significantly to the renewable energy sector. Let's delve into his latest patents, career highlights, notable collaborations, and the impact of his work.
Latest Patents:
Kuratani has successfully obtained three patents that showcase his expertise in sustainable energy production. His latest patents highlight his groundbreaking inventions in continuous production of biodiesel fuel and a cost-effective method for producing ethanol.
1. Continuous Production of Biodiesel Fuel by Enzymatic Method:
His first patent involves a method for continuously producing fatty acid esters using an enzymatic approach. By agitating oil and fat starting materials with a lower alcohol, the mixture is fed into catalyst reaction tubes containing lipase, resulting in the production of both fatty acid ester and glycerin. Kuratani's method includes automated removal of by-product glycerin and strict control of lower alcohol concentration throughout the entire process, leading to more efficient biodiesel production.
2. Method for Producing Ethanol:
Kuratani's second patent presents an innovative method for producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass using yeast. This cost-effective approach involves a series of steps, including pretreatment of the biomass, treatment of cellulose fraction with cellulose hydrolase, fermentation of saccharified biomass with yeast for ethanol production, and subsequent solid-liquid separation. Kuratani's method incorporates a cycle of repeated steps to optimize yeast utilization and enhance the efficiency of ethanol extraction.
Career Highlights:
Nobuyuki Kuratani has made significant contributions to the field of sustainable energy production throughout his career. He has worked in several notable companies in the industry, including Kansai Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. and Bio-energy Corporation. Kuratani's expertise lies in finding innovative solutions to overcome challenges in renewable energy production, with a primary focus on biofuels and ethanol extraction.
Collaborations:
Throughout his successful career, Kuratani has collaborated with esteemed professionals in the field of sustainable energy production. Notably, he has worked closely with Hideo Noda and Shinji Hama, two industry experts known for their contributions in bioenergy research. These collaborations have facilitated the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources, leading to novel inventions and advancements in the field.
Conclusion:
Nobuyuki Kuratani's dedication to sustainable energy production and his innovative approaches have made him a significant figure in the renewable energy sector. His patents for continuous biodiesel fuel production and ethanol extraction from lignocellulosic biomass highlight his remarkable contributions to the renewable energy industry. Collaborations with key industry professionals have further enriched his work, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective methods in the field. Kuratani's commitment to sustainability and his inventive mindset make him an essential figure in the ongoing quest for cleaner and greener energy solutions.