Patents by Inventor Charles S. Benham

Charles S. Benham 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: 6306917
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes for producing power, liquid hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide from heavy feedstocks, using a partial oxidation reactor to produce a synthesis gas, a Fischer-Tropsch reactor to convert the synthesis gas to hydrocarbon products and tail gases containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and a combined cycle plant to produce power from steam generated by recovering heat from the reactors and from combustible tail gases. By varying operating conditions and utilizing hydrogen for recycle to the Fischer-Tropsch reactor and/or hydrocracking wax products to produce lighter hydrocarbons, the process can selectively maximize the production of power, hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide. In preferred embodiments, the Fischer-Tropsch reactor can be a slurry reactor and can employ an iron-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Bohn, Charles S. Benham