Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Maryann Maas
  • Patent number: 8246835
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant is displaced from the drier using a down-flow regenerant displacement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Bryan S. Garney, Jocelyn C. Daguio, Kurt A. Detrick, Douglas A. Becci, David J. Shecterle, John M. Krupczak, Andrew D. Mezera
  • Patent number: 8231834
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a unit for regenerating a hydrocarbon conversion catalyst for a hydrocarbon conversion zone can generally include passing the hydrocarbon conversion catalyst through, sequentially, a catalyst-disengaging zone having a first atmosphere, an adsorption zone having a second atmosphere, and a regeneration zone including a combustion zone; introducing an inert gas between the first atmosphere and the second atmosphere; and passing a flue gas from the combustion zone to the adsorption zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David M. Fecteau, Leon Yuan
  • Patent number: 8222465
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 8222463
    Abstract: A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one metal component with an oxidation state greater than or equal to 2+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal, John Q. Chen
  • Patent number: 8222464
    Abstract: A catalytic process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising cellulose is performed in a continuous manner. The process involves, contacting, continuously, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising cellulose, with a catalyst to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol, water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product. The water, hydrogen, and at least one co-product are separated from the effluent stream and recycled to the reaction zone. The polyol is recovered from the effluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, John Q. Chen, Joseph A. Kocal
  • Patent number: 8222462
    Abstract: A process for generating at least one polyol from a feedstock comprising saccharide is performed in a continuous or batch manner. The process involves, contacting, hydrogen, water, and a feedstock comprising saccharide, with a catalyst system to generate an effluent stream comprising at least one polyol and recovering the polyol from the effluent stream. The catalyst system comprises at least one unsupported component and at least one supported component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Tom N. Kalnes, Joseph A. Kocal, John Q. Chen
  • Patent number: 8198492
    Abstract: A process has been developed for producing a diesel boiling point range product and an aviation boiling point range product from renewable feedstocks such as plant and animal oils. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction which is then isomerized and selectively cracked to form the diesel boiling point range product and the aviation boiling point range product. A portion of the diesel boiling point range product, aviation boiling point range product, naphtha product, LPG, or any combination thereof can be optionally used as a rectification agent in the selective hot high pressure hydrogen stripper to decrease the amount of product carried in the stripper overhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: John P. Brady, Tom N. Kalnes, Terry L. Marker
  • Patent number: 8197250
    Abstract: Disclosed are heaters having at least one adjustable fired burner and an adjustable fired burner for use with various types of heaters. The heaters may be part of an industrial processes such as petroleum refining. The adjustable burners are configured to be adjusted and positioned in any direction and then be locked into place. The adjustable burners may be adjusted automatically or manually. The ability to quickly adjust the position of an adjustable burner results in substantially less or virtually no damage to elements in the heater and provides for a more even distribution of heat within the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Edward R. Morgan, Kenneth D. Peters, Dennis M. Clary
  • Patent number: 8193399
    Abstract: A process has been developed for producing diesel fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and greases. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating to provide a diesel fuel hydrocarbon product. If desired, the hydrocarbon product can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties. A portion of the hydrocarbon product is recycled to the treatment zone to increase the hydrogen solubility of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Christopher D. Gosling
  • Patent number: 8193400
    Abstract: A process has been developed for producing diesel fuel from renewable feedstocks such as plant oils and greases. The process involves treating a renewable feedstock by hydrogenating and deoxygenating i.e. decarboxylating and/or hydrodeoxygenating to provide a hydrocarbon fraction useful as a diesel fuel. If desired, the hydrocarbon fraction can be isomerized to improve cold flow properties. A portion of the hydrogenated and deoxygenated feedstock is selectively separated and then recycled to the treatment zone to increase the hydrogen solubility of the reaction mixture. A diesel range stream or a naphtha range stream, or a mixture of the two streams is used as a rectification agent in the selective hot high pressure hydrogen stripper to decrease the amount of product carried in the overhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: John P. Brady, Tom N. Kalnes, Terry L. Marker
  • Patent number: 8193111
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for desorbing an adsorbent bed. The process can include passing a desorbent stream through the adsorbent bed to remove at least one of a nitrile compound and an oxygenate compound. Generally, the desorbent stream after desorbing is combined with a feed stream for an alkylation zone after a selective hydrogenation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gavin P. Towler, Charles P. Luebke, David N. Myers, Steven L. Krupa
  • Patent number: 8192691
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David J. Fecteau, Paul A. Sechrist, Christopher Naunheimer
  • Patent number: 8193405
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for integrating a butene dimerization process with a metathesis process to remove isobutene from the feed stream to the metathesis reactor. The isobutene is preferentially dimerized in the dimerization process to leave n-butenes for metathesis with ethylene. An upstream selective hydrogenation process also isomerizes 1-butenes to 2-butenes which is the preferred butene reagent in the metathesis process. A common fractionator column for the dimerization and hydrogenation processes is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Krupa, Jill M. Meister
  • Patent number: 8163068
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant can pass through a fluid tapering device for regulating the flow of the regenerant to the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David J. Shecterle, Bryan S. Garney, Jocelyn C. Daguio, James M. Shawley
  • Patent number: 8163067
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant is displaced from the drier using a down-flow regenerant displacement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Bryan S. Garney, Jocelyn C. Daguio, Kurt A. Detrick, Douglas A. Becci, David J. Shecterle, John M. Krupczak, Andrew D. Mezera
  • Patent number: 8158105
    Abstract: A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the propyltrimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MWW but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jaime G. Moscoso, Deng-Yang Jan
  • Patent number: 8158103
    Abstract: A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. Mmn+Rr+Al(1?x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the propyltrimethylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to MWW but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jaime G. Moscoso, Deng-Yang Jan
  • Patent number: 8157985
    Abstract: Catalytic cracking processes such as fluidized catalytic cracking, naphtha cracking, and olefin cracking are catalyzed by the UZM-35 family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These UZM-35 zeolites are active and selective in the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P Nicholas, Deng-Yang Jan, Jaime G Moscoso
  • Patent number: 8157893
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a vessel containing a fluid including at least one reactant; a fluid transfer device receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the vessel; at least one drier receiving the fluid including at least one reactant from the fluid transfer device; and a reactor communicating with the at least one drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant. In addition, the at least one drier may communicate with the vessel at least by sending the fluid including at least one reactant or the regenerant through a fluid tapering device for at least one of regulating the flow and reducing the pressure of the regenerant to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David J. Shecterle, Bryan S. Garney, James M. Shawley, Jocelyn C. Daguio
  • Patent number: 8138385
    Abstract: Xylene and ethylbenzene isomerization process is catalyzed by the UZM-35 family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites represented by the empirical formula: Mmn+Rr+Al(1-x)ExSiyOz where M represents a combination of potassium and sodium exchangeable cations, R is a singly charged organoammonium cation such as the dimethyldipropylammonium cation and E is a framework element such as gallium. These UZM-35 zeolites are active and selective in the isomerization of xylenes and ethylbenzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paula L Bogdan, Deng-Yang Jan, Christopher P Nicholas, Jaime G Moscoso