Patents Assigned to CALIX LTD
  • Patent number: 11701630
    Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: CALIX LTD
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Philip Hodgson, Adam Vincent, Simon Thomsen, Matthew Gill, Daniel Rennie
  • Patent number: 11695103
    Abstract: A process for producing a cathode or anode material adapted for use in the manufacture of fast rechargeable ion batteries. The process may include the steps of Selecting an precursor material that, upon heating in a gas stream, releases volatile compounds to create porous materials to generate a material compound suitable for an electrode in an ion battery. Grinding the precursor material to produce a powder of particles with a first predetermined particle size distribution to form a precursor powder. Calcining the precursor powder in a flash calciner reactor segment with a first process gas at a first temperature to produce a porous particle material suitable for an electrode in an ion battery, and having the pore properties, surface area and nanoscale structures for applications in such batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: CALIX LTD
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Philip Hodgson, Khokan Kanti Majumder
  • Patent number: 11446621
    Abstract: A method and system for producing nano-active powder materials. The method can be used with a reactor system comprising stages in which input particles flow under gravity progressively through stages of the reactor. A powder injector first stage in which ground input precursor powder is injected into the reactor. An externally heated preheater stage may be in the reactor, in which the precursor powder is heated to a temperature of calcination reaction. An externally heated calciner stage in the reactor, in which primary precursor volatile constituents can be rapidly removed calcination reactions as a high purity gas stream to produce the desired nano-active product. A post-processing reactor stage in which there is a change of the gas stream composition to produce the desired hot powder product by virtue of the nano-activity of the first powder material. A powder ejector stage in which the hot powder product is ejected from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: CALIX LTD
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Philip Hodgson, Adam Vincent, Simon Thomsen, Matthew Gill, Daniel Rennie
  • Patent number: 11401183
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of high-solids hydroxide slurries from caustic calcined carbonate powder is described, whereby the properties of the slurry are its low resistance to shear thinning to facilitate transport, a high stability for transport and storage, ease of reconstitution after long periods of storage, and, as required, a high concentration of chemically reactive species at the particle surface. The method achieves these specifications by mixing caustic calcined carbonate or hydroxide powder with water in an insulated reactor vessel, and agitating the slurry sufficiently such that the hydration reaction causes the water to spontaneously boil, such that the remaining hydration proceeds spontaneously under the fixed conditions of boiling through the water loss. The mixing process is preferably carried out by a shear pump. A viscosity modifier, such as acetic acid, is used to thin the slurry to enable the mixing system to maintain uniform mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Adam Vincent
  • Publication number: 20210289790
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacture of biocide products are described. The biocide properties arise from the caustic calcined powder, from carbonates such as such as magnesite and dolomite, and from hydroxides such as brucite. The method of manufacture is based on the production of high surface area oxide particles using an indirectly heated counterflow reactors for specifically calcining the carbonates and the hydroxides without significant sintering. The biocide products may be a powder or a hydrated slurry. A hydrated slurry is preferred for agricultural applications as a spray. For aquaculture applications, the products have a preferred particle size distribution to impact the aquatic and benthic ecosystems, and a Ca/Mg ratio that promotes the growth of the cultivates species when applied as a powder or a slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: CALIX LTD
    Inventor: Mark SCEATS
  • Patent number: 11026428
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacture of biocide products are described. The biocide properties arise from the caustic calcined powder, from carbonates such as such as magnesite and dolomite, and from hydroxides such as brucite. The method of manufacture is based on the production of high surface area oxide particles using an indirectly heated counterflow reactors for specifically calcining the carbonates and the hydroxides without significant sintering. The biocide products may be a powder or a hydrated slurry. A hydrated slurry is preferred for agricultural applications as a spray. For aquaculture applications, the products have a preferred particle size distribution to impact the aquatic and benthic ecosystems, and a Ca/Mg ratio that promotes the growth of the cultivates species when applied as a powder or a slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: CALIX LTD
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Patent number: 10829413
    Abstract: A process for producing a highly calcined and uniformly calcined product from a feedstock. The process comprising the steps of grinding the feedstock to powder, preheating the powder, and calcining the powder in a reactor plant that comprises a number of reactor segments in which a flash calciner is used in each progressive reactor segment to incrementally react the powder by raising the temperature in each segment. The last segment may be a high-temperature reactor that has a controlled residence time and temperature that may allow controlled finishing of the calcination process to achieve a desired degree of calcination and sintering of the product; and cooling of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Patent number: 10800683
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of high-solids hydroxide slurries from caustic calcined carbonate powder is described, whereby the properties of the slurry are its low resistance to shear thinning to facilitate transport, a high stability for transport and storage, ease of reconstitution after long periods of storage, and, as required, a high concentration of chemically reactive species at the particle surface. The method achieves these specifications by mixing caustic calcined carbonate or hydroxide powder with water in an insulated reactor vessel, and agitating the slurry sufficiently such that the hydration reaction causes the water to spontaneously boil, such that the remaining hydration proceeds spontaneously under the fixed conditions of boiling through the water loss. The mixing process is preferably carried out by a shear pump. A viscosity modifier, such as acetic acid, is used to thin the slurry to enable the mixing system to maintain uniform mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Adam Vincent
  • Patent number: 10570061
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of Portland cement clinker is described in a dry process that captures the carbon dioxide emitted from the calcination of carbonate minerals, principally limestone. The process uses an indirectly heated, counter-flow reactor to pre-heat and calcine the cement meal to produce a separate calcined meal and carbon dioxide gas stream, with external heat being provided by the combustion of a secondary fuel stream with pre-heated air. This calcined meal is injected into the conventional rotary kiln, where the hot flue gas from combustion of the primary fuel with pre-heated air is used to fuse, react and sinter the powders to form granules of cement clinker. The clinker and carbon dioxide streams are cooled by the air pre-heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CALIX LTD
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Patent number: 10358364
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of high-solids hydroxide slurries from caustic calcined carbonate powder is described, whereby the properties of the slurry are its low resistance to shear thinning to facilitate transport, a high stability for transport and storage, ease of reconstitution after long periods of storage, and, as required, a high concentration of chemically reactive species at the particle surface. The method achieves these specifications by mixing caustic calcined carbonate or hydroxide powder with water in an insulated reactor vessel, and agitating the slurry sufficiently such that the hydration reaction causes the water to spontaneously boil, such that the remaining hydration proceeds spontaneously under the fixed conditions of boiling through the water loss. The mixing process is preferably carried out by a shear pump. A viscosity modifier, such as acetic acid, is used to thin the slurry to enable the mixing system to maintain uniform mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Sceats, Adam Vincent
  • Patent number: 9913475
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacture of oxide products for use as biocide, chemical detoxifying, and catalytic support products, from caustic calcined carbonate powder, preferably from magnesite, dolomite, or hydromagnesite, is described. These oxide particles are characterized by high surface area, high porosity and a high degree of calcination, and the method of manufacture utilizes an indirectly heated counterflow reactor. The oxides may be used as a powder, granules, or formulated into a slurry and used as a spray, emulsion, foam or fog, or the powder product may be directly applied. Also described is the formation of particles with microstructures defined by at least one nano-crystalline structure positioned on the outer surface of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Publication number: 20170320774
    Abstract: A process for producing a highly calcined and uniformly calcined product from a feedstock. The process comprising the steps of grinding the feedstock to powder, preheating the powder, and calcining the powder in a reactor plant that comprises a number of reactor segments in which a flash calciner is used in each progressive reactor segment to incrementally react the powder by raising the temperature in each segment. The last segment may be a high-temperature reactor that has a controlled residence time and temperature that may allow controlled finishing of the calcination process to achieve a desired degree of calcination and sintering of the product; and cooling of the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: Calix Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Publication number: 20170050883
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of Portland cement clinker is described in a dry process that captures the carbon dioxide emitted from the calcination of carbonate minerals, principally limestone. The process uses an indirectly heated, counter-flow reactor to pre-heat and calcine the cement meal to produce a separate calcined meal and carbon dioxide gas stream, with external heat being provided by the combustion of a secondary fuel stream with pre-heated air. This calcined meal is injected into the conventional rotary kiln, where the hot flue gas from combustion of the primary fuel with pre-heated air is used to fuse, react and sinter the powders to form granules of cement clinker. The clinker and carbon dioxide streams are cooled by the air pre-heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Applicant: Calix Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Publication number: 20170035053
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacture of oxide products for use as biocide, chemical detoxifying, and catalytic support products, from caustic calcined carbonate powder, preferably from magnesite, dolomite, or hydromagnesite, is described. These oxide particles are characterized by high surface area, high porosity and a high degree of calcination, and the method of manufacture of utilizes an indirectly heated counterflow reactor. The oxides may be used as a powder, granules, or formulated into a slurry and used as a spray, emulsion, foam or fog, or the powder product may be directly applied. Also described is the formation of particles with microstructures defined by at least one nano-crystalline structure positioned on the outer surface of the particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicants: Calix Ltd, Calix Ltd
    Inventor: Mark Sceats
  • Patent number: 9469884
    Abstract: A system and method for the calcination of minerals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Connor James Horley, Mark Geoffrey Sceats
  • Publication number: 20160264435
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of high-solids hydroxide slurries from caustic calcined carbonate powder is described, whereby the properties of the slurry are its low resistance to shear thinning to facilitate transport, a high stability for transport and storage, ease of reconstitution after long periods of storage, and, as required, a high concentration of chemically reactive species at the particle surface. The method achieves these specifications by mixing caustic calcined carbonate or hydroxide powder with water in an insulated reactor vessel, and agitating the slurry sufficiently such that the hydration reaction causes the water to spontaneously boil, such that the remaining hydration proceeds spontaneously under the fixed conditions of boiling through the water loss. The mixing process is preferably carried out by a shear pump. A viscosity modifier, such as acetic acid, is used to thin the slurry to enable the mixing system to maintain uniform mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: Calix Ltd, Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Mark SCEATS, Adam VINCENT
  • Patent number: 8951493
    Abstract: A material compound comprising MgO. CaCO3 as a solid solution of MgO and CaCO3. and a method of fabricating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Calix Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Geoffrey Sceats, Patricia Richardson
  • Patent number: 8807993
    Abstract: A system and method for the calcination of minerals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Calix Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Geoffrey Sceats, Patricia Richardson
  • Patent number: 8603222
    Abstract: A system and method for calcination/carbonation cycle processing. The system comprises a calciner reactor for receiving partially carbonated mineral sorbent granules; a heat exchange structure for transferring heat through a wall of the calciner reactor to a granular flow of the sorbent granules for facilitating a calcination reaction of the sorbent granules to regenerate the sorbent granules; a gas extraction unit for removing gas products from the calciner, wherein the gas products comprise carbon dioxide from the calcination reaction; a carbonator reactor for receiving the regenerated sorbent granules from the calciner reactor and for receiving a cold flue gas, such that the regenerated sorbent granules are partially carbonised while the flue gas is scrubbed and the partially carbonated sorbent granules and the scrubbed flue gas exit the carbonator reactor as respective hot materials; and a riser unit for cycling the partially carbonated sorbent granules from the carbonator reactor to the calciner reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Calix Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Geoffrey Sceats, Patricia Richardson
  • Patent number: 8496751
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cement binder composition and to the use of the binder composition in construction products. The cement binder composition is based on MgO that absorbs CO2 when hardening. The binder composition of the present invention also comprises at least one magnesium carbonate (either hydrated or unhydrated) having the formula xMgCO3-yMg(OH)2-zH2O, wherein x is at least 1, and at least one of y or z is greater than 0. The binder composition may optionally comprise a hydroscopic material, for example NaCl. The MgO when mixed with water in the presence of the magnesium carbonate produces magnesium hydroxide that has a rosette-like morphology (as shown).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Calix Ltd
    Inventors: Nikolaos Vlasopoulos, Christopher Robert Cheeseman