Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Wilding
Bruce M. Wilding 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: 10655911Abstract: A method of liquefying natural gas. The method comprises cooling a gaseous natural gas process stream with a refrigerant flowing in a path isolated from the natural gas process stream. The refrigerant may differ in composition from a composition of the natural gas process stream, and the refrigerant composition may be selected to enhance efficiency of the refrigerant path with regard to a specific composition of the natural gas process stream. The refrigeration path may be operated at pressures, temperatures and flow rates differing from those of the natural gas process stream. Other methods of liquefying natural gas are described. A natural gas liquefaction plant is also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Michael G. McKellar, Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler
-
Patent number: 9574713Abstract: A vaporization chamber may include at least one conduit and a shell. The at least one conduit may have an inlet at a first end, an outlet at a second end and a flow path therebetween. The shell may surround a portion of each conduit and define a chamber surrounding the portion of each conduit. Additionally, a plurality of discrete apertures may be positioned at longitudinal intervals in a wall of each conduit, each discrete aperture of the plurality of discrete apertures sized and configured to direct a jet of fluid into each conduit from the chamber. A liquid may be vaporized by directing a first fluid comprising a liquid into the inlet at the first end of each conduit, directing jets of a second fluid into each conduit from the chamber through discrete apertures in a wall of each conduit and transferring heat from the second fluid to the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Michael G. McKellar, Lee P. Shunn
-
Patent number: 9254448Abstract: A system for vaporizing and sublimating a slurry comprising a fluid including solid particles therein. The system includes a first heat exchanger configured to receive the fluid including solid particles and vaporize the fluid and a second heat exchanger configured to receive the vaporized fluid and solid particles and sublimate the solid particles. A method for vaporizing and sublimating a fluid including solid particles therein is also disclosed. The method includes feeding the fluid including solid particles to a first heat exchanger, vaporizing the fluid, feeding the vaporized fluid and solid particles to a second heat exchanger and sublimating the solid particles. In some embodiments the fluid including solid particles is liquid natural gas or methane including solid carbon dioxide particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Michael G. McKellar, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 9216401Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. At least one structure is coupled with the downtube and extends substantially across the cross-sectional area of the interior volume taken in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of holes is formed in the structure enabling fluid flow therethrough. The structure coupled with the downtube may include a lower body portion and an upper body portion coupled with the lower body portion, wherein the plurality of holes is formed in the lower body portion adjacent to, and radially outward from, a periphery of the upper body portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Dennis N. Bingham, Bradley C. Benefiel, Kerry M. Klingler, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 9187325Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. The crucible may contain a molten salt bath. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. The downtube includes a conduit having a first end in communication with a carbon source and an outlet at a second end of the conduit for introducing the carbon material into the crucible. At least one opening is formed in the conduit between the first end and the second end to enable circulation of reaction components contained within the crucible through the conduit. An oxidizing material may be introduced through a bottom portion of the crucible in the form of gas bubbles to react with the other materials.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bradley C. Benefiel, Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klinger, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 9114984Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for upgrading a hydrocarbon material may include a black wax upgrade subsystem and a molten salt gasification (MSG) subsystem. The black wax upgrade subsystem and the MSG subsystem may be located within a common pressure boundary, such as within a pressure vessel. Gaseous materials produced by the MSG subsystem may be used in the process carried out within the black wax upgrade subsystem. For example, hydrogen may pass through a gaseous transfer interface to interact with black wax feed material to hydrogenate such material during a cracking process. In one embodiment, the gaseous transfer interface may include one or more openings in a tube or conduit which is carrying the black wax material. A pressure differential may control the flow of hydrogen within the tube or conduit. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Joseph D. Smith, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 9011725Abstract: The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Bradley C. Benefiel
-
Patent number: 8899074Abstract: A method of natural gas liquefaction may include cooling a gaseous NG process stream to form a liquid NG process stream. The method may further include directing the first tail gas stream out of a plant at a first pressure and directing a second tail gas stream out of the plant at a second pressure. An additional method of natural gas liquefaction may include separating CO2 from a liquid NG process stream and processing the CO2 to provide a CO2 product stream. Another method of natural gas liquefaction may include combining a marginal gaseous NG process stream with a secondary substantially pure NG stream to provide an improved gaseous NG process stream. Additionally, a NG liquefaction plant may include a first tail gas outlet, and at least a second tail gas outlet, the at least a second tail gas outlet separate from the first tail gas outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Bruce M. Wilding, Terry D. Turner
-
Publication number: 20140150342Abstract: The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Bradley C. Benefiel
-
Patent number: 8685281Abstract: The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Kllingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Bradley C. Benefiel
-
Publication number: 20130341244Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for upgrading a hydrocarbon material may include a black wax upgrade subsystem and a molten salt gasification (MSG) subsystem. The black wax upgrade subsystem and the MSG subsystem may be located within a common pressure boundary, such as within a pressure vessel. Gaseous materials produced by the MSG subsystem may be used in the process carried out within the black wax upgrade subsystem. For example, hydrogen may pass through a gaseous transfer interface to interact with black wax feed material to hydrogenate such material during a cracking process. In one embodiment, the gaseous transfer interface may include one or more openings in a tube or conduit which is carrying the black wax material. A pressure differential may control the flow of hydrogen within the tube or conduit. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Joseph D. Smith, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Publication number: 20130340475Abstract: A method of liquefying natural gas. The method comprises cooling a gaseous natural gas process stream with a refrigerant flowing in a path isolated from the natural gas process stream. The refrigerant may differ in composition from a composition of the natural gas process stream, and the refrigerant composition may be selected to enhance efficiency of the refrigerant path with regard to a specific composition of the natural gas process stream. The refrigeration path may be operated at pressures, temperatures and flow rates differing from those of the natural gas process stream. Other methods of liquefying natural gas are described. A natural gas liquefaction plant is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Michael G. McKellar, Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler
-
Patent number: 8574327Abstract: A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 8555672Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to provide complete gas utilization in the liquefaction operation from a source of gas without return of natural gas to the source thereof from the process and apparatus. The mass flow rate of gas input into the system and apparatus may be substantially equal to the mass flow rate of liquefied product output from the system, such as for storage or use.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 8544295Abstract: A heat exchanger and associated methods for sublimating solid particles therein, for conveying fluids therethrough, or both. The heat exchanger includes a chamber and a porous member having a porous wall having pores in communication with the chamber and with an interior of the porous member. A first fluid is conveyed into the porous member while a second fluid is conveyed into the porous member through the porous wall. The second fluid may form a positive flow boundary layer along the porous wall to reduce or eliminate substantial contact between the first fluid and the interior of the porous wall. The combined first and second fluids are conveyed out of the porous member. Additionally, the first fluid and the second fluid may each be conveyed into the porous member at different temperatures and may exit the porous member at substantially the same temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 8444846Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from sodium hydroxide and water is disclosed. The method comprises separating sodium from a first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream in a sodium ion separator, feeding the sodium produced in the sodium ion separator to a sodium reactor, reacting the sodium in the sodium reactor with water, and producing a second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream and hydrogen. The method may also comprise reusing the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream by combining the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream with the first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream. A system of producing hydrogen is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Lyman Frost
-
Publication number: 20130020232Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. The crucible may contain a molten salt bath. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. The downtube includes a conduit having a first end in communication with a carbon source and an outlet at a second end of the conduit for introducing the carbon material into the crucible. At least one opening is formed in the conduit between the first end and the second end to enable circulation of reaction components contained within the crucible through the conduit. An oxidizing material may be introduced through a bottom portion of the crucible in the form of gas bubbles to react with the other materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Bradley C. Benefiel, Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Publication number: 20130020538Abstract: The production of gasses and, more particularly, to systems and methods for the production of syngas and fuel gasses including the production of hydrogen are set forth. In one embodiment system and method includes a reactor having a molten pool of a material comprising sodium carbonate. A supply of conditioned water is in communication with the reactor. A supply of carbon containing material is also in communication with the reactor. In one particular embodiment, the carbon containing material may include vacuum residuum (VR). The water and VR may be kept at desired temperatures and pressures compatible with the process that is to take place in the reactor. When introduced into the reactor, the water, the VR and the molten pool may be homogenously mixed in an environment in which chemical reactions take place including the production of hydrogen and other gasses.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Bradley C. Benefiel
-
Publication number: 20130020236Abstract: Reactors for carrying out a chemical reaction, as well as related components, systems and methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a reactor is provided that includes a furnace and a crucible positioned for heating by the furnace. A downtube is disposed at least partially within the interior crucible along an axis. At least one structure is coupled with the downtube and extends substantially across the cross-sectional area of the interior volume taken in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. A plurality of holes is formed in the structure enabling fluid flow therethrough. The structure coupled with the downtube may include a lower body portion and an upper body portion coupled with the lower body portion, wherein the plurality of holes is formed in the lower body portion adjacent to, and radially outward from, a periphery of the upper body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Terry D. Turner, Dennis N. Bingham, Bradley C. Benefiel, Kerry M. Klingler, Bruce M. Wilding
-
Patent number: 8309049Abstract: A molten metal reactor for converting a carbon material and steam into a gas comprising hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide is disclosed. The reactor includes an interior crucible having a portion contained within an exterior crucible. The interior crucible includes an inlet and an outlet; the outlet leads to the exterior crucible and may comprise a diffuser. The exterior crucible may contain a molten alkaline metal compound. Contained between the exterior crucible and the interior crucible is at least one baffle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding