Patents by Inventor Charles L. Kibby

Charles L. Kibby 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).

  • Publication number: 20110160316
    Abstract: A process of form hydrocarbons boiling to the gasoline range and reducing or eliminating net CO2 production during isosynthesis over a ZnO—Cr2O3 plus ZSM-5 catalyst by adding from about 5% to about 15% CO2 to the synthesis gas mixture prior to contact to with catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Charles L. Kibby
  • Publication number: 20110144219
    Abstract: A method for forming a catalyst for synthesis gas conversion comprises impregnating a zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt to provide an impregnated zeolite extrudate and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan
  • Publication number: 20110124750
    Abstract: A method for performing synthesis gas conversion is disclosed which comprises contacting synthesis gas with a hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalyst formed by impregnating a ZSM-12 zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle. The method results in reduced methane yield and increased yield of liquid hydrocarbons substantially free of solid wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110118368
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a feed comprising synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons within a single reactor at essentially common reaction conditions. The synthesis gas contacts a catalyst bed comprising a mixture of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst on a support containing an acidic component and a dual functionality catalyst including a hydrogenation component and a solid acid component. The hydrocarbons produced are liquid at about 0° C., contain at least 25% by volume C10+ and are substantially free of solid wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton
  • Patent number: 7943674
    Abstract: A method for performing synthesis gas conversion is disclosed which comprises contacting synthesis gas with a hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalyst formed by impregnating a ZSM-12 zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle. The method results in reduced methane yield and increased yield of liquid hydrocarbons substantially free of solid wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7943673
    Abstract: A process is described for converting synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen to hydrocarbons via methanol as an intermediate, by contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst system containing a mixture of gallium silicate zeolite catalyst and a methanol catalyst. The process results in reduced amounts of undesirable low carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C4 and lower, undesirable high carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C10 and higher, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The process provides higher yields of useful, high octane hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Allen W. Burton, Jr., Alfred Haas, Simon Holz
  • Publication number: 20100312030
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a feed comprising synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons within a single reactor at essentially common reaction conditions. The synthesis gas contacts a first catalyst bed comprising a synthesis gas conversion catalyst, and a second catalyst bed comprising a mixture of a hydrogenation catalyst and a solid acid catalyst. A Fischer-Tropsch wax is formed over the first catalyst bed and the wax is then hydrocracked and hydroisomerized over the second catalyst bed, resulting in liquid hydrocarbons substantially free of solid wax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das
  • Patent number: 7825164
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a feed comprising synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons within a single reactor at essentially common reaction conditions. The synthesis gas contacts a catalyst bed comprising a mixture of a synthesis gas conversion catalyst on a support containing an acidic component and a dual functionality catalyst including a hydrogenation component and a solid acid component. The hydrocarbons produced are liquid at about 0° C., contain at least 25% by volume C10+ and are substantially free of solid wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das, Robert J. Saxton, Allen W. Burton
  • Publication number: 20100174002
    Abstract: A method for forming a cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst involves precipitating a cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species by turbulent mixing, during which a basic solution collides with an acidic solution comprising cobalt. The method further involves depositing the cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species onto a support material to provide a catalyst comprising cobalt and the support material. The support material comprises one or more of alumina, silica, magnesia, titania, zirconia, ceria-zirconia, and magnesium aluminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Alfred Haas
  • Publication number: 20100168258
    Abstract: A method for forming a cobalt-containing Fischer-Tropsch catalyst involves precipitating a cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species by turbulent mixing, during which a basic solution collides with an acidic solution comprising cobalt. The method further involves depositing the cobalt oxy-hydroxycarbonate species onto an acidic support to provide a catalyst comprising cobalt and the acidic support. The acidic support comprises a zeolite, a molecular sieve, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A INC.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Alfred Haas
  • Publication number: 20100160464
    Abstract: A method for forming a catalyst for synthesis gas conversion comprises impregnating a zeolite extrudate using a solution, for example, a substantially non-aqueous solution, comprising a cobalt salt to provide an impregnated zeolite extrudate and activating the impregnated zeolite extrudate by a reduction-oxidation-reduction cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das
  • Publication number: 20100144907
    Abstract: A process is described for converting synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen to hydrocarbons via methanol as an intermediate, by contacting the synthesis gas with a catalyst system containing a mixture of gallium silicate zeolite catalyst and a methanol catalyst. The process results in reduced amounts of undesirable low carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C4 and lower, undesirable high carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g., C10 and higher, and aromatic hydrocarbons. The process provides higher yields of useful, high octane hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Allen W. Burton, JR., Alfred Hass, Simon Holz
  • Publication number: 20060074134
    Abstract: CO2 emissions from Fischer-Tropsch facilities are controlled by using multiple reactors. A process for the conversion of syngas using multiple Fischer-Tropsch reactors comprises reacting at least a portion of a first syngas in a first Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a first hydrocarbonaceous product and a second syngas. The second syngas is mixed with a H2-containing stream to form an adjusted syngas. At least a portion of the adjusted syngas is reacted in a second Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a second hydrocarbonaceous product and a third syngas. At least a portion of the first and second hydrocarbonaceous products are blended to obtain a blended hydrocarbonaceous product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6992113
    Abstract: CO2 emissions from syngas conversion processes are reduced by use of a multi-stage Fischer-Tropsch reaction system. A process for the conversion of syngas using a Fischer-Tropsch reactor comprises forming a first syngas and reacting at least a portion of the first syngas in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a first hydrocarbonaceous product and a second syngas. The second syngas is mixed with a hydrogen-containing stream to provide an adjusted syngas, at least a portion of which is reacted in a dual functional syngas conversion reactor to form a second hydrocarbonaceous product and a third syngas comprising a reduced amount of CO2 than was present in the adjusted syngas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6992114
    Abstract: CO2 emissions from Fischer-Tropsch facilities are controlled by using multiple reactors. A process for the conversion of syngas using multiple Fischer-Tropsch reactors comprises reacting at least a portion of a first syngas in a first Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a first hydrocarbonaceous product and a second syngas. The second syngas is mixed with a H2-containing stream to form an adjusted syngas. At least a portion of the adjusted syngas is reacted in a second Fischer-Tropsch reactor to form a second hydrocarbonaceous product and a third syngas. At least a portion of the first and second hydrocarbonaceous products are blended to obtain a blended hydrocarbonaceous product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6822006
    Abstract: Novel methods of controlling the temperature of an exothermic reaction are disclosed. Such methods are particularly applicable to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction, and comprise removing a vapor phase product from the Fischer-Tropsch reactor, condensing at least a portion of the vapor phase product to form a volatilizable liquid, and injecting at least a portion of the volatilizable liquid into the reactor, wherein the volatilizable liquid comprises hydrocarbons that are in the highest boiling point range of the vapor phase product that is removed from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6806087
    Abstract: Methods for discovering optimum catalysts and/or reaction conditions for performing endo-or exothermic reactions, in particular gas-to-liquid reactions, are disclosed. A combinatorial approach is used to identify optimum catalysts and/or reaction conditions for performing the reactions. The reactions are performed in the channels of a microchannel reactor. These results can be used directly to optimize large scale reactions performed in a plurality of microchannel reactors, or can be correlated to useful catalysts and reaction conditions for use in large scale reactors by taking into consideration the heat transfer effects in the microchannel reactor and the large scale reactor. The method can advantageously be used to generate a database of combinations of catalyst systems and/or reaction conditions which provide various product streams, such that as market conditions vary and/or product requirements change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Dennis J. O'Rear, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 6703429
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for converting synthesis gas into hydrocarbonaceous products including the steps of: (a) subjecting a first portion of synthesis gas to a dual functional syngas conversion process to form a first effluent comprising a first hydrocarbonaceous product including aromatics and iso-paraffins; (b) subjecting a second portion of synthesis gas to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process to form a second effluent comprising a second hydrocarbonaceous product including linear paraffins and linear olefins; and (c) alkylating the linear olefins with the iso-paraffins to produce high octane gasoline range alkylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. O'Rear, Charles L. Kibby
  • Patent number: 6649662
    Abstract: Methods for converting of syngas to higher molecular weight products using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and methods for optimizing the catalyst systems in the synthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the methods use cobalt/ruthenium Fischer-Tropsch catalysts in combination with an olefin isomerization catalyst, which isomerizes double bonds in C4+ olefins as they are formed. In another embodiment, the methods use Fischer-Tropsch catalysts that may or may not be cobalt/ruthenium catalysts, in combination with olefin isomerization catalysts which are acidic enough to isomerize the C4+ olefins but not too acidic to cause rapid coking. A benefit of using the relatively less acidic zeolites is that the ratio of iso-paraffins to aromatics is increased relative to when more acidic zeolites are used. Also, the relatively less acidic zeolites do not coke as readily as the relatively more acidic zeolites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Charles L. Kibby
  • Publication number: 20020188031
    Abstract: Methods for converting of syngas to higher molecular weight products using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and methods for optimizing the catalyst systems in the synthesis, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the methods use cobalt/ruthenium Fischer-Tropsch catalysts in combination with an olefin isomerization catalyst, which isomerizes double bonds in C4+ olefins as they are formed. In another embodiment, the methods use Fischer-Tropsch catalysts that may or may not be cobalt/ruthenium catalysts, in combination with olefin isomerization catalysts which are acidic enough to isomerize the C4+ olefins but not too acidic to cause rapid coking. A benefit of using the relatively less acidic zeolites is that the ratio of iso-paraffins to aromatics is increased relative to when more acidic zeolites are used. Also, the relatively less acidic zeolites do not coke as readily as the relatively more acidic zeolites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Charles L. Kibby