Patents by Inventor David A. Wegerer

David A. Wegerer 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: 20150224464
    Abstract: A system for radial flow contact of a reactant stream with catalyst particles includes a reactor vessel and a catalyst retainer disposed in the reactor vessel, the catalyst retainer including an inner particle retention device and an outer particle retention device, the inner particle retention device and the outer particle retention device being spaced apart to define a catalyst retaining space of the catalyst retainer, the inner particle retention device defining an axial flow path of the reactor vessel, the outer particle retention device and an inner surface of a wall of the reactor vessel defining an annular flow path of the reactor vessel. The system further includes an inlet nozzle positioned along a side of the reactor vessel and having an exit opening in fluid communication with the annular flow path of the vessel and an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the axial flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Grott, Steven M. Poklop, Hadjira Iddir, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 9079817
    Abstract: A process for the production of aromatics through the reforming of a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process utilizes the differences in properties of components within the hydrocarbon stream to increase the energy efficiency. The differences in the reactions of different hydrocarbon components in the conversion to aromatics allows for different treatments of the different components to reduce the energy used in reforming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer, Manuela Serban, Kurt M. VandenBussche
  • Publication number: 20150166426
    Abstract: To bias an oligomerization reaction toward C9 olefin production, C5 olefins are split and fed to a C4 olefin feed stream at a downstream location, so the C4 olefins are in stoichiometric excess over the C5 olefins. The result is greater oligomerization to C9 olefins. C9 olefins fed to an FCC unit have a carbon number divisible by three and thus produces a greater proportion of propylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: David A. Wegerer, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Todd M. Kruse
  • Patent number: 9035118
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and partially processing each feedstream in separate reactors. The processing includes passing the light stream to a combination hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactor. The process reduces the energy by reducing the endothermic properties of intermediate reformed process streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 9029618
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and partially processing each feedstream in separate reactors. The processing includes passing the light stream to a combination hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactor. The process reduces the energy by reducing the endothermic properties of intermediate reformed process streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 9024099
    Abstract: A process is presented for the increasing the yields of aromatics from reforming a hydrocarbon feedstream. The process includes splitting a naphtha feedstream into a light hydrocarbon stream, and a heavier stream having a relatively rich concentration of naphthenes. The heavy stream is reformed to convert the naphthenes to aromatics and the resulting product stream is further reformed with the light hydrocarbon stream to increase the aromatics yields. The catalyst is passed through the reactors in a sequential manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Moser, Kurt M. VandenBussche, David A. Wegerer, Gregory J. Gajda
  • Patent number: 9024098
    Abstract: A process for the production of aromatics through the reforming of a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process utilizes the differences in properties of components within the hydrocarbon stream to increase the energy efficiency. The differences in the reactions of different hydrocarbon components in the conversion to aromatics allows for different treatments of the different components to reduce the energy used in reforming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer, Manuela Serban, Kurt M. VandenBussche
  • Patent number: 9024097
    Abstract: A process for reforming hydrocarbons is presented. The process involves applying process controls over the reaction temperatures to preferentially convert a portion of the hydrocarbon stream to generate an intermediate stream, which will further react with reduced endothermicity. The intermediate stream is then processed at a higher temperature, where a second reforming reactor is operated under substantially isothermal conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Publication number: 20150119232
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating a chlorine-containing species from an aqueous solution of the chlorine-containing species in a catalytic hydrocarbon conversion process that includes the step of oxidizing a spent chloride-containing hydrocarbon conversion catalyst, the spent hydrocarbon conversion catalyst including a hydrocarbon residue formed thereon. The oxidizing forms a flue gas including chlorine-containing species, water, and oxides of carbon. The method further includes contacting the flue gas with a water scrubbing stream to dissolve at least a portion of the chlorine-containing species in the water scrubbing stream to form an aqueous acid solution and contacting the aqueous acid solution with a hygroscopic liquid to generate dehydrated hydrogen chloride gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Publication number: 20150098862
    Abstract: A flow connector creates a fluid connection between a port in a wall of a reactor vessel and an axial flow path of the reactor vessel. The flow connector has a wall defining a flow path of the flow connector. The flow path terminates in a first end opening and a second end opening. The first end opening is configured to connect to the axial flow path of the reactor vessel, and the second end opening is configured to connect to the port in a wall of the reactor. The flow connector includes a passageway extending through the wall of the flow connector to provide access to the flow path of the flow connector. A cover is dimensioned for sealing the passageway. The passageway may be dimensioned such that a person may traverse the passageway to access the flow path of the flow connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Ka L. Lok, David A. Wegerer, Jeffrey Grott, William Yanez
  • Publication number: 20150060034
    Abstract: A heat transfer unit includes an inlet manifold; an outlet manifold spaced from the inlet manifold; and a plurality of conduits coupling the inlet manifold to the outlet manifold, wherein at least on the conduits is coupled to the outlet manifold at an oblique angle. In one form, the conduit includes a L-Coil. In another form, the conduit includes a D-Coil. In another form, the conduit includes a coil having two or more C-shaped sections. Each conduit includes a section arranged in an interior space of a heater box, and at least one heater is arranged in the interior space of the heater box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Keyur Y. Pandya, David A. Wegerer, Michael S. Sandacz, William M. Hartman, Mark Lebrun
  • Publication number: 20150057480
    Abstract: A system for radial flow contact of a reactant stream with catalyst particles includes a reactor vessel and a catalyst retainer in the reactor vessel. The catalyst retainer includes an inner particle retention device and an outer particle retention device. The inner particle retention device and the outer particle retention device are spaced apart to define a catalyst retaining space. The inner particle retention device defines an axial flow path of the reactor vessel, and the outer particle retention device and an inner surface of a wall of the reactor vessel define an annular flow path of the reactor vessel. The system includes an inlet nozzle having an exit opening in fluid communication with the axial flow path, and an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the annular flow path. The system can further include a fluid displacement device in the axial flow path of the reactor vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Grott, David A. Wegerer, William Yanez, Ka Lok
  • Patent number: 8936727
    Abstract: The systems and processes disclosed herein relate generally to multi bed temperature controlled adsorption for use in the recovery of sorbates that are removed from process streams by adsorption. Multi bed temperature controlled adsorber systems can include three or more temperature controlled adosrbers that operate in parallel. Each temperature controlled adsorber through a series of steps including an adsorption step, a first bed to bed interchange, a regeneration step, and a second bed to bed interchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Dunne, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 8926829
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Antoine Negiz, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer, Gregory J. Gajda
  • Publication number: 20150000525
    Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for removing acid gas from sour gas are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises an absorption zone. The absorption zone is configured for contacting the sour gas with an absorbent solvent that is at a first predetermined temperature of less than about 0° C. to remove the acid gas and form a treated gas stream that includes entrained absorbent solvent. A heat exchanger or heater is configured to heat the treated gas stream to a second predetermined temperature of greater than about 0° C. to form a partially heated treated gas stream. A water wash zone is configured for contacting the partially heated treated gas stream with water to remove the entrained absorbent solvent and form a solvent-depleted treated gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Keyur Y. Pandya, David A. Wegerer, Clayton Colin Sadler
  • Publication number: 20140374312
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for producing aromatic compounds from a naphtha feed stream are provided herein. In an embodiment, a process for producing aromatic compounds includes heating the naphtha feed stream to produce a heated naphtha feed stream. The heated naphtha feed stream is reformed within a plurality of reforming stages that are arranged in series to produce a downstream product stream. The plurality of reforming stages is operated at ascending reaction temperatures. The naphtha feed stream is heated by transferring heat from the downstream product stream to the naphtha feed stream to produce the heated naphtha feed stream and a cooled downstream product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: David A. Wegerer, Keyur Y. Pandya
  • Patent number: 8906226
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Gajda, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 8882994
    Abstract: A process is presented for the increasing the yields of aromatics from reforming a hydrocarbon feedstream. The process includes splitting a naphtha feedstream into a light hydrocarbon stream, and a heavier stream having a relatively rich concentration of naphthenes. The heavy stream is reformed to convert the naphthenes to aromatics and the resulting product stream is further reformed with the light hydrocarbon stream to increase the aromatics yields. The process includes passing a catalyst stream in a counter-current flow relative to the hydrocarbon process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Manuela Serban, Mark P. Lapinski, Mary Jo Wier, Gregory J. Gajda
  • Patent number: 8845883
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Gajda, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser, David A. Wegerer
  • Patent number: 8845884
    Abstract: A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Gajda, Mary Jo Wier, Mark P. Lapinski, David A. Wegerer, Kurt M. VandenBussche, Mark D. Moser