Patents by Inventor Charlene Franz

Charlene Franz 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).

  • Heavy fossil hydrocarbon conversion and upgrading using radio-frequency or microwave energy
    Patent number: 11021661
    Abstract: Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: James J. Strohm, John C. Linehan, Benjamin Q. Roberts, Douglas L. McMakin, David M. Sheen, Jeffrey W. Griffin, James A. Franz, Charlene Franz
  • Heavy Fossil Hydrocarbon Conversion And Upgrading Using Radio-Frequency or Microwave Energy
    Publication number: 20130213795
    Abstract: Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Charlene Franz