Patents by Inventor Alain Guillard

Alain Guillard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11976878
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling an oxygen stream by heat exchange with a warming supply nitrogen stream having of a heat exchanger having at least a Zone A and a Zone B, the system having indirect heat exchange between a gaseous oxygen stream, and a high-pressure liquid nitrogen stream split into at least a first portion which passes through a Zone A, and a second portion which passes through a Zone B during a first phase of operation. And a high-pressure liquid nitrogen stream passing through Zone A, thereby producing a high-pressure nitrogen vapor stream, which passes through an expansion turbine, thereby producing an expansion turbine outlet stream which then passes through Zone B, during a second phase of operation, thereby producing a liquid oxygen stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. Turney, Alain Guillard
  • Patent number: 11952270
    Abstract: A method and system for purification of helium and CO2 from a stream containing at least Helium, CO2, nitrogen or methane uses a combination of cryogenic, membrane and adsorption technologies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude, Air Liquide Advanced Technologies U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Paul Terrien, Pierre-Philippe Guerif, Vincent Follaca, Alain Guillard, Youssef Tazi
  • Patent number: 11913718
    Abstract: A method for producing power and argon is provided by providing a residual gas stream, purifying the residual gas stream in a front-end purification unit to remove carbon dioxide, thereby forming a purified residual gas stream, and introducing the purified residual gas stream to a cold box, wherein the purified residual gas stream is cooled and expanded within the cold box to produce power and then fed to a distillation column system for separation therein, thereby forming an argon-enriched stream and optionally a nitrogen-enriched stream and/or an oxygen-enriched stream, wherein the residual gas stream is sourced from a retentate stream of a cold membrane having oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Guillard, Michael A. Turney, Abigail Bonifacio
  • Patent number: 11834333
    Abstract: A method of co-producing liquid hydrogen and ammonia, including a hydrogen generator, a nitrogen generator, and a HLU is presented. The method includes pressurizing a hydrogen stream from the hydrogen generator in a hydrogen compressor, dividing the pressurized hydrogen into at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes at least part of the flow of a first refrigeration cycle in the HLU, and the second part comprises at least part of the feed to an ammonia plant. The method also includes pressurizing a nitrogen stream from the nitrogen generator in a HP nitrogen compressor, dividing the pressurized nitrogen stream into at least a first part and a second part, wherein the first part comprises at least part of the flow of a second refrigeration cycle in the HLU, and the second part comprises at least part of the feed to the ammonia plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. Turney, Alain Guillard, Joseph T. Stroffolino, IV
  • Patent number: 11815309
    Abstract: A method including, compressing a first hydrogen stream, and expanding a portion to produce a hydrogen refrigeration stream, cooling a second hydrogen stream thereby producing a cool hydrogen stream, wherein at least a portion of the refrigeration is provided by a nitrogen refrigeration stream, further cooling at least a portion of the cool hydrogen stream thereby producing a cold hydrogen stream, and a warm hydrogen refrigeration stream wherein at least a portion of the refrigeration is provided by the hydrogen refrigeration stream, compressing the warm hydrogen refrigeration stream, mixing the balance of the compressed first hydrogen stream with a high-pressure gaseous nitrogen stream to form an ammonia synthesis gas stream, and wherein the first hydrogen stream and the warm hydrogen refrigeration stream are compressed in the same compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mike Turney, Alain Guillard, Alexander Roesch
  • Publication number: 20230314069
    Abstract: A process for the production of at least liquid oxygen and/or liquid nitrogen in cryogenic rectification. During a first period, during which electrical power prices are low, a process stream utilized by the ASU is liquefied and stored. During a second period, during which electrical prices high, at least a portion of the stored, liquefied process stream is withdrawn and introduced into the ASU. Wherein the MAC has a discharge pressure of greater than 10 bara during the first period, a first molar flowrate (LF) and a first pressure (LP) during the first period, a second molar flowrate (HF) and a second pressure (HP) during the second period. Wherein C=(LF/HF)/(LP/HP). And wherein second molar flowrate (HF) is <90% of first molar flowrate (LF) and C is between 0.9 and 1.05.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20230213272
    Abstract: A hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a primary refrigeration system of a precooling system and cooling the hydrogen stream to a first precooling temperature. From there, the precooled hydrogen stream is then introduced to a secondary refrigeration system of the precooling system and cooling the precooled hydrogen stream to a second temperature. Next, the cooled hydrogen stream is then liquefied in the liquefaction system to produce liquid hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD, Bobby Mon-Flan CHAN
  • Publication number: 20230213274
    Abstract: A hydrogen feed stream is introduced into a primary refrigeration system of a precooling system and cooling the hydrogen stream to a first precooling temperature. From there, the precooled hydrogen stream is then introduced to a secondary refrigeration system of the precooling system and cooling the precooled hydrogen stream to a second temperature. Next, the cooled hydrogen stream is then liquefied in the liquefaction system to produce liquid hydrogen. The refrigeration is provided by expansion of a pressurized gaseous nitrogen stream and vaporization of a liquid nitrogen stream that is sourced from a nearby air separation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD, Bobby CHAN
  • Publication number: 20230213278
    Abstract: An integrated industrial unit is provided, which can include: a nitrogen source comprising an air separation unit that is configured to provide pressurized gaseous nitrogen and liquid nitrogen; a hydrogen source; a hydrogen liquefaction unit, wherein the hydrogen liquefaction unit comprises a precooling system, and a liquefaction system; and a liquid hydrogen storage tank, wherein the precooling system is configured to receive the gaseous hydrogen from the hydrogen source and cool the gaseous hydrogen to a temperature between 70K and 100K, wherein the precooling system comprises a primary refrigeration system and a secondary refrigeration system, wherein the liquefaction system is in fluid communication with the precooling system and is configured to liquefy the gaseous hydrogen received from the precooling system to produce liquid hydrogen, wherein the liquid hydrogen storage tank is in fluid communication with the liquefaction system and is configured to store the liquid hydrogen received from the liquefact
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD, Bobby CHAN
  • Publication number: 20230213273
    Abstract: An integrated industrial unit is provided, which can include: a nitrogen source configured to provide liquid nitrogen; a hydrogen source; a hydrogen liquefaction unit, wherein the hydrogen liquefaction unit comprises a precooling system, and a liquefaction system; and a liquid hydrogen storage tank, wherein the precooling system is configured to receive the gaseous hydrogen from the hydrogen source and cool the gaseous hydrogen to a temperature between 75 K and 100 K, wherein the precooling system comprises a primary refrigeration system and a secondary refrigeration system, wherein the liquefaction system is in fluid communication with the precooling system and is configured to liquefy the gaseous hydrogen received from the precooling system to produce liquid hydrogen, wherein the liquid hydrogen storage tank is in fluid communication with the liquefaction system and is configured to store the liquid hydrogen received from the liquefaction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD, Bobby Mon-Flan CHAN
  • Publication number: 20230194159
    Abstract: A hydrogen liquefaction apparatus is provided. The apparatus can include: one or more precooling zones; a plurality of liquefaction zones; a precooling refrigeration cycle configured to provide refrigeration to the precooling zone; and a cold end refrigeration cycle configured to provide refrigeration to the plurality of liquefaction zones, wherein the cold end refrigeration cycle comprises a common recycle compression system, wherein there are M total one or more precooling zones and N total liquefaction zones, wherein M is less than N.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l?Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Patrick LE BOT, Alain GUILLARD, Bobby Mon-Flan CHAN, Francois FUENTES
  • Patent number: 11629050
    Abstract: A method for decreasing the SFFC of a steam reforming plant, including establishing a base operating mode. Then modifying the base operating mode by introducing the shift gas stream into a solvent based, non-cryogenic separator prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption and introducing the compressed hydrogen depleted off-gas stream in a membrane separation unit, wherein the membrane is configured to produce the hydrogen enriched permeate stream at a suitable pressure to allow the hydrogen enriched permeate stream to be combined with carbon dioxide lean shift gas stream, prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption unit without requiring additional compression. Thereby establishing a modified operating mode. Wherein said pressure swing adsorption unit has a modified overall hydrogen recovery. Wherein said modified operating mode has a modified hydrogen production, a modified hydrogen production unit firing duty, a modified SCO2e, and a modified SFFC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre-Philippe Guerif, Joseph T. Stroffolino, IV, Alain Guillard
  • Patent number: 11629051
    Abstract: A method for decreasing the SFFC of a steam reforming plant, including establishing a base operating mode. Then modifying the base operating mode by introducing the shift gas stream into a solvent based, non-cryogenic separator prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption and introducing the compressed hydrogen depleted off-gas stream in a membrane separation unit, wherein the membrane is configured to produce the hydrogen enriched permeate stream at a suitable pressure to allow the hydrogen enriched permeate stream to be combined with carbon dioxide lean shift gas stream, prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption unit without requiring additional compression. Thereby establishing a modified operating mode. Wherein said pressure swing adsorption unit has a modified overall hydrogen recovery. Wherein said modified operating mode has a modified hydrogen production, a modified hydrogen production unit firing duty, a modified SCO2e, and a modified SFFC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre-Philippe Guerif, Joseph T. Stroffolino, IV, Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20230103843
    Abstract: An air separation process having a first booster air compressor comprising a first outlet stream and a second booster air compressor comprising a second outlet stream. Wherein the first booster air compressor and the second booster air compressor are in parallel, and the second booster air compressor is driven by a nitrogen turboexpander. The first outlet stream and/or the second outlet stream may be at least partially condensed by heat exchange with a vaporizing low pressure oxygen stream, and the low-pressure gaseous oxygen pressure is in the range of 1.1 bara to 3 bara.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. Turney, Lindsey Turney, Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20230082208
    Abstract: A process for producing liquid oxygen, including, a first operating mode, and a second operating mode. During the first operating mode, the distillation column produces a first flowrate of product liquid oxygen, and a first flow rate of liquid nitrogen product. During the second operating mode, the distillation column produces a second flowrate of product liquid oxygen, and a second flow rate of liquid nitrogen product. Wherein, the second flowrate of product liquid oxygen is greater than the first flowrate of product liquid oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD
  • Publication number: 20230068126
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling an oxygen stream by heat exchange with a warming supply nitrogen stream having of a heat exchanger having at least a Zone A and a Zone B, the system having indirect heat exchange between a gaseous oxygen stream, and a high-pressure liquid nitrogen stream split into at least a first portion which passes through a Zone A, and a second portion which passes through a Zone B during a first phase of operation. And a high-pressure liquid nitrogen stream passing through Zone A, thereby producing a high-pressure nitrogen vapor stream, which passes through an expansion turbine, thereby producing an expansion turbine outlet stream which then passes through Zone B, during a second phase of operation, thereby producing a liquid oxygen stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. Turney, Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20230016390
    Abstract: A method for decreasing the SFFC of a steam reforming plant, including establishing a base operating mode. Then modifying the base operating mode by introducing the shift gas stream into a solvent based, non-cryogenic separator prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption and introducing the compressed hydrogen depleted off-gas stream in a membrane separation unit, wherein the membrane is configured to produce the hydrogen enriched permeate stream at a suitable pressure to allow the hydrogen enriched permeate stream to be combined with carbon dioxide lean shift gas stream, prior to introduction into the pressure swing adsorption unit without requiring additional compression. Thereby establishing a modified operating mode. Wherein said pressure swing adsorption unit has a modified overall hydrogen recovery. Wherein said modified operating mode has a modified hydrogen production, a modified hydrogen production unit firing duty, a modified SCO2e, and a modified SFFC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Pierre-Philippe GUERIF, Joseph T. Stroffolino, IV, Alain Guillard
  • Publication number: 20230017256
    Abstract: A process for the production of a liquid oxygen stream and a liquid hydrocarbon-rich stream by the cryogenic rectification of an inlet air stream, including dividing the inlet air stream into a first portion, and a second portion. Cooling the first portion, and the second portion against a cooled multicomponent refrigerant circuit, thereby producing a first cooled portion, and a second cooled portion. Condensing the first cooled portion, thereby producing a condensed first portion, then introducing the condensed first portion into one or more distillation columns. Expanding the second cooled portion in a turbo-expander, thereby producing an expanded second portion, then introducing the expanded second portion within the one or more distillation columns. Producing within the one or more distillation columns at least a waste nitrogen stream, a nitrogen enriched stream, and an oxygen enriched stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD
  • Publication number: 20230018749
    Abstract: A process for the production of a liquid oxygen stream by the cryogenic rectification of an inlet air stream, including dividing the inlet air stream into a first portion, and a second portion. Cooling the first portion, and the second portion against a cooled multicomponent refrigerant circuit, thereby producing a first cooled portion, and a second cooled portion. Condensing the first cooled portion, thereby producing a condensed first portion, then introducing the condensed first portion into one or more distillation columns. Expanding the second cooled portion in a turbo-expander, thereby producing an expanded second portion, then introducing the expanded second portion within the one or more distillation columns. Producing within the one or more distillation columns at least a waste nitrogen stream, a nitrogen enriched stream, and an oxygen enriched stream. Withdrawing the oxygen enriched stream from the one or more distillation columns as a liquid oxygen stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD
  • Publication number: 20230013885
    Abstract: A hybrid process of air separation and gas liquefaction, including dividing a compressed multicomponent refrigerant stream into a first portion and a second portion, introducing the first portion into a gas liquefaction system, thereby producing a first multicomponent refrigerant return stream, and introducing the second portion into an air separation system, thereby producing a second multicomponent refrigerant return stream. Wherein the first multicomponent refrigerant return stream and the second multicomponent refrigerant return are recompressed in a common compression system, thereby producing the compressed multicomponent refrigerant stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. TURNEY, Alain GUILLARD