Patents Represented by Attorney Porter Hedges LLP
-
Patent number: 7964156Abstract: Solvent extraction is used to remove wax and contaminants from an iron-based Fischer-Tropsch catalyst in a natural circulation continuous-flow system. The wax-free catalyst is then subjected to controlled oxidation to convert the iron to its initial oxidized state, Fe203. Reactivation of the oxide catalyst precursor is carried out by addition of synthesis gas.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Belma Demirel, Mark S. Bohn, Charles B. Benham, James E. Siebarth, Mark D. Ibsen
-
Patent number: 7922901Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7922907Abstract: A method for removing contaminant from feedwater by forming a dispersion comprising bubbles of a treatment gas in a continuous phase comprising feedwater, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 ?m and wherein the treatment gas is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and chlorine. A method for removing contaminants from a feedwater by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising feedwater and a treatment gas to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s?1 in a high shear device to produce a dispersion of treatment gas in a continuous phase of the feedwater. A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom is also presented, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap; and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas to the high shear mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Aziz Hassan, Gregory G. Borsinger
-
Patent number: 7922900Abstract: A system for treating feedwater to remove contaminants therefrom, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the shear gap is the minimum distance between the rotor and the stator, and wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min) and a pump configured for delivering feedwater and treatment gas selected from oxygen, air, and chlorine to the high shear mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7919645Abstract: A system and method for a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of acetic anhydride as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the process. A system for the production of acetic anhydride including the mixing of catalyst and acetic acid via a high shear device.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7919065Abstract: A gasification plant and methods for producing ammonia, Fischer-Tropsch fuels, electrical power, and/or sulfur from carbon-bearing feedstocks including coal and/or petroleum coke. Methods for production of desired relative amounts of ammonia and Fischer-Tropsch liquid hydrocarbons by adjusting the amount of synthesis gas bypassing the Fischer-Tropsch reactor. The multi-product and integrated plants may be used to reduce the amount of CO2 vented into the atmosphere during the production of these products.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Peter S. Pedersen, Dennis L. Yakobson
-
Patent number: 7919431Abstract: A composition and method for preparation of a catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a Group VIII metal and a Group IB, Group IIB, Group IIIA, and/or Group VIIB promoter on a particulate support.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Inventors: Marvin M. Johnson, Edward R. Peterson, Sean C. Gattis
-
Patent number: 7914744Abstract: Methods and systems for the preparation of chlorohydrins are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins into the chlorinating phase. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce chlorination time.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7915463Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7915193Abstract: A method of activating an iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst by introducing an inert gas into a reactor comprising a slurry of the catalyst at a first temperature, increasing the reactor temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first ramp rate, wherein the second temperature is in the range of from about 150° C. to 250° C., introducing synthesis gas having a ratio of H2:CO to the reactor at a space velocity, and increasing the reactor temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second ramp rate, wherein the third temperature is in the range of from about 270° C. to 300° C. The iron Fischer-Tropsch catalyst may be a precipitated unsupported iron catalyst, production of which is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Rentech, Inc.Inventors: Belma Demirel, Charles B. Benham, Dan Fraenkel, Richard Bley, Jesse W. Taylor, Bahman Rejai, Sara Rolfe, Harold A. Wright
-
Patent number: 7915461Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7915465Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7915464Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7915466Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7915462Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to liquid hydrocarbons comprising heating the gas through a selected range of temperature for sufficient time and/or combustion of the gas at a sufficient temperature and under suitable conditions for a reaction time sufficient to convert a portion of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbon products, primarily ethylene or acetylene. The gas containing acetylene may be separated such that acetylene is converted to ethylene. The ethylene product(s) may be reacted in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, a portion of which will be predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas or hydrogen produced in the process may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Reactive gas components are used in a catalytic liquefaction step and/or for alternate chemical processing.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Sean C. Gattis, Edward R. Peterson
-
Patent number: 7914745Abstract: Methods and systems for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and/or ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of the hydrogen-containing gas (e.g. H2 gas) in the aldehydes and/or ketones. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydrogenation time with existing catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Synfuels International, Inc.Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Azziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7910069Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7910068Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
-
Patent number: 7910758Abstract: Hydrogenated vegetable oil exhibiting superior thermal stability and containing reduced levels of saturates and trans fatty acids are produced using an activated hydrogenation catalyst and/or an improved hydrogenation process incorporating high shear. The use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into the hydrogenation process as a reactor device is shown to be capable of enabling reactions that would normally not be feasible under a given set of reaction pressure and temperature conditions. For example, the hydrogenation process described herein enables a reduction of hydrogenation time, and operation at lower temperatures than current processes. The resulting hydrogenated vegetable oil is particularly useful in frying, confectionery baking, and other applications where a product with a low trans fat content or higher thermal stability is desirable. The hydrogenated oil produced may comprise less than 10 weight % of trans fatty acids with less than 5 weight % of linolenic acid (C18:3).Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan